Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2–9: To be spent on the mountain
Day 10: Departure day
About Northern Circuit Route:
The 8-day Northern Circuit Route is one of the most scenic and quieter ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and a true wilderness trekking experience. The route begins at Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain, following the same initial trail as the Lemosho Route before crossing the Shira Plateau and continuing around the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. From the northern side, the route gradually approaches Kibo before ascending to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) from the eastern side of the mountain. After reaching the summit, trekkers descend through the southern slopes and finish the climb at Mweka Gate. With fewer trekkers, panoramic mountain views, varied landscapes, and eight days on the mountain, the Northern Circuit is an excellent alternative to Lemosho for those looking for a scenic, less crowded, and well-paced Kilimanjaro adventure.
Quick facts: The 8 Days Northern Circuit Route takes 8 days / 7 nights, starting at Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro and ending at Mweka Gate on the southern side. The route covers approximately 90 km (56 miles) and is rated moderate to challenging. Accommodation is provided in mountain camps, with the trek reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895m (19,341ft). Trekkers can expect diverse scenery, including rainforest, the Shira Plateau, moorland, northern slopes, alpine desert, remote valleys, and summit glaciers. The route is best suited to trekkers seeking quieter trails, panoramic views, strong acclimatization, and a wilderness-style trekking experience. The best climbing seasons are generally January–March and June–October.
Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?
Excellent Acclimatization: The 8-day itinerary allows for a gradual ascent and more time for your body to adjust to the increasing altitude, creating a more balanced approach to the summit.
Panoramic Mountain Views: Enjoy spectacular views across Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, surrounding valleys, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
An Alternative to Busier Routes: The Northern Circuit is an excellent alternative for trekkers who prefer a quieter experience than the more popular Machame and Marangu routes.
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,600 |
| 2 Persons | $2,550 |
| 5 Persons | $2,400 |
| 10 Persons | $2,350 |
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing about the upcoming trek, followed by an equipment check to ensure you have all the essential gear. Any missing equipment can be rented before the climb.
In the evening, you will enjoy dinner and relax at the hotel as you prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure. Overnight at your hotel in Moshi.
Your Northern Circuit adventure begins with a drive of approximately 2 hrs from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2,100 m) on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After completing park registration and entry formalities, you will continue by vehicle to the trailhead, where the trek begins through the lush rainforest. Along the way, you may be lucky enough to spot wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, or buffaloes in the forest.
The trail gradually ascends through the peaceful rainforest toward Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m). After reaching camp, you will have time to relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the days ahead. Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Distance: 7 km | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you will continue trekking through the final section of the rainforest for about 1 hr before gradually entering the low alpine moorland zone. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes more sparse and the landscape opens up, offering wider views of the surrounding mountain scenery.
The trail continues steadily toward the Shira Plateau, with its beautiful high-altitude landscape and volcanic formations. This is a relatively short and gentle trekking day, ending at Shira I Camp (3,600 m), where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Distance: 8 km | Hiking time: About 5 hours | Habitat: Rainforest / Moorland
Today, you cross the Shira Plateau and continue toward Moir Camp, located on the northern side of the mountain. This is an important acclimatization day as you climb to a higher elevation before descending slightly to the camp.
The route offers beautiful views across the Shira Plateau and surrounding high-altitude landscapes. After reaching Moir Camp, you will have dinner and spend the night.
Distance: 8 km | Hiking time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Low Alpine Zone
Today, you will begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley before joining the trail along the northern slopes of Kibo. For those who are feeling strong, an optional short detour to Little Lent Hill (4,375 m) can be taken before rejoining the main trail.
The route then follows a series of gentle ascents and descents through the remote northern landscape, offering spectacular views across the plains toward the Kenya–Tanzania border. You will continue to Pofu (Buffalo) Camp (4,000 m), arriving around midday for lunch, followed by time to relax. Dinner and overnight at Pofu Camp.
Distance: 10 km | Hiking time: 5–7 hours | Habitat: High Alpine Zone
After breakfast, you will begin the day with a steady climb over Buffalo Ridge before continuing eastward along the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. As you progress, the landscape becomes more rugged and open, offering beautiful views across the surrounding plains. The trail gradually descends toward Rongai Third Cave (3,800 m).
This is a relatively short and less demanding trekking day, giving you more time to rest and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. You will reach Third Cave around mid-afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before dinner and overnight.
Distance: 7 km | Hiking time: About 4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Zone
After breakfast, you will begin a steady ascent across the Saddle, the high-altitude desert plateau located between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The trail continues through the rugged alpine landscape as you gradually make your way toward School Hut (4,800 m).
Upon arrival at School Hut, you will have time to settle in and prepare for the summit attempt. An early dinner will be served, followed by a short rest. You will wake up before midnight to begin the final ascent toward Uhuru Peak.
Distance: 7 km | Hiking time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: High Alpine Zone
You will wake up around 11:30 PM for hot tea and a light snack before beginning your summit ascent at around midnight. The trail climbs steadily toward the crater rim, with a short break at Hans Meyer Cave before the route becomes steeper as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 m). After about 4–5 hrs of climbing, you will reach Gilman’s Point, where you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise and spectacular views toward Mawenzi Peak.
From Gilman’s Point, you will continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After spending some time at the summit, you will descend via Stella Point (5,756 m) and continue down the scree slopes toward Barafu Camp (4,640 m) for a short rest. You will then proceed to Millennium Camp (3,790 m), where you will have dinner and spend your final night on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Distance: 16 km | Hiking time: About 12 hours | Habitat: Glacial / Alpine Zones
After breakfast, you will begin your final descent from Millennium Camp (3,790 m) through the lush montane rainforest toward Mweka Gate (1,630 m). The trail is relatively short and offers a refreshing change of scenery as you make your way down the mountain.
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will complete the final park sign-out procedures and receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Trekkers who reach Gilman’s Point receive a green certificate, while those who successfully reach Uhuru Peak receive a gold certificate. You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Distance: 14 km | Hiking time: About 5 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
After completing your Kilimanjaro adventure, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, according to your travel arrangements.
If you wish to extend your stay in Tanzania, we can arrange a cultural experience, a relaxing Zanzibar beach getaway, or an exciting wildlife safari. You can explore iconic destinations such as Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park.
Novella Safaris has been running Tanzanian journeys. Our licensed guides, modern 4×4 Land Cruisers, and 24/7 in-country support make us the trusted choice for over 4,800 travellers to date. Group size is capped so every guest gets personal attention.
All in-destination transport is included: airport pickup, park drives in custom 4×4 vehicles, inter-park transfers. International and domestic flights are not included.
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency. USD is widely accepted at parks, lodges and shops. ATMs are available in Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar and major hubs. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AMEX and bank wire.
Clothing: Layered, muted colours; light hiking pants, breathable shirts, warm fleece and waterproof shell.
Footwear: Broken-in walking shoes, sandals, warm socks.
Essentials: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, insect repellent, small day pack, binoculars, camera with spare batteries, headlamp.
Documents: Passport (6+ months validity), visa, travel insurance, printed itinerary copies.
First-aid: Personal medication, ibuprofen, malaria prophylaxis, plasters, oral rehydration salts.
Departure: Novella Safaris office, Moshi, Tanzania.
Pickup available from: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha Airport (ARK), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
Tipping is customary and appreciated. Guideline: USD 15 per day for driver-guides, USD 10 per day for cooks, USD 5 per day for camp staff. Tips are paid at the end of the trip.
Send us an enquiry — a Tanzania-based trip designer will reply within 24 hours with a tailored proposal, no obligation.
Deposit: 20% at reservation to confirm your booking.
Balance: Due 60 days before departure.
Accepted methods: Visa · Mastercard · AMEX · bank wire.
Documents required: Signed booking form, passport with 6+ months validity, valid visa, travel insurance.
30+ days before departure: 20% of the total trip cost retained.
14–29 days before departure: 50% retained.
Less than 14 days: 100% retained.
If you find a replacement 14+ days before departure, no cancellation fee applies.