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Offered languages
- English
The Northern Circuit Route offers trekkers a unique opportunity to explore the scenic western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro over 8 days. This less-traveled route features diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, ensuring an immersive trekking experience with fewer crowds. With an emphasis on gradual ascent and acclimatization, this trek boasts stunning 360-degree views and maximizes your chances of summiting. Enjoy the tranquility of the northern face of Kilimanjaro while being guided by experienced locals who provide insight into the mountain's beauty and ecology.
8-day trek with acclimatization days for higher summit success
Journey through varied habitats: rainforest, moorland, and alpine deserts
Professional guides ensure safety and provide expert knowledge
All meals, transfers, and camping fees included, with hotel stays in Moshi
What's Included
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
Guests are picked up either:
From Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to their hotel for an overnight stay and pre-climb briefing, or
Directly from the airport to the pre-climb briefing, followed by transfer to the mountain departure point, depending on arrival time and itinerary.
Itinerary
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1Kilimanjaro Region
Upon your arrival, the driver from Kilimanjaro Select will be waiting to meet you. You will be escorted to the vehicle, where your luggage will be loaded, and then driven to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After checking in, you will receive a detailed briefing about your trek. Your mountain guide will also conduct an inspection of your equipment. If any items are missing, you will have the opportunity to rent them on this day.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Kilimanjaro National Park
Elevation: 2389m – 2785m Distance: 5km Hours:3-4 hours Habitat: Rain forest. The driver will get you up from the hotel in the morning and take you to the Londorossi gate. You will be registered at the gate and have to sign a few documents. Following registration, you will be driven to the start of your journey, which is a rocky road that leads into the thick rainforest. To get to Mkubwa Camp, you will travel a somewhat steep path through a breathtaking, pristine natural forest. During the first two days of your journey, you will be followed by an armed ranger because this area is also home to wild game.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
3Kilimanjaro National Park
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Distance: 8 km | 5 miles Habitat: Heath We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch the first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
4Kilimanjaro National Park
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Distance: 11 km | 7 miles Habitat: Heath We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
5Kilimanjaro National Park
Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft Distance: 12km/7mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: High Alpine Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Today, we encountered a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. We can do an optional hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
6Kilimanjaro National Park
Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft Distance: 8km/5mi Climbing Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: High Alpine Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner We start the day with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimated to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
7Kilimanjaro National Park
Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft Distance: 15km/8mi Climbing Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Today involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut. After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
8Kilimanjaro National Park
Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3950m/12,959ft Distance: 6km/3.5mi up / 11km/6mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. On day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up.
18 hours • Admission ticket free -
9Kilimanjaro National Park
Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). The vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Arrival Day
Londorossi Gate To Mti Mkubwa
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp Elevation
Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
Third Cave to School Hut
School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp Elevation
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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