10 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Ditch the crowded trails and embrace the full majesty of the unrivalled Mt. Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route. This extended adventure isn’t just the longest Kilimanjaro climb, it boasts the highest summit success rate thanks to its gradual ascent and unparalleled acclimatization time.

Uncrowded Exploration and Diverse Landscapes: Unlike the busier southern routes, the Mt. Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route takes you on a less crowded journey around the entire mountain base. This allows for a more immersive experience, where you can truly appreciate the vastness and diverse landscapes of Kilimanjaro. Trek through lush rainforests teeming with life, traverse vast plains dotted with volcanic features, and witness the dramatic Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert unlike any other.

Gradual Ascent for Increased Summit Success: The Mt. Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is known for its gradual ascent profile, a major advantage for acclimatization. This route takes you on a longer journey with several days spent trekking at moderate altitudes before reaching higher camps. This approach gives your body ample time to adjust to the thinning air, significantly increasing your chances of reaching the summit. Choose an 8-day or longer itinerary for the optimal experience on the Northern Circuit Route.

Witness Kilimanjaro from Every Angle: The beauty of the Mt. Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route lies in its ability to showcase the mountain from various perspectives. Unlike routes that ascend and descend the same path, the Northern Circuit takes you on a full loop around Kilimanjaro’s base. This allows you to witness the dramatic change in landscapes – from the lush slopes to the snow-capped peak – offering a truly comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience.

Wild Excursions & Safaris caters to your Kilimanjaro dreams. Choose a 9-day group climb or a private adventure for a more personalized experience. Feeling truly adventurous? Opt for the exclusive 10-day variation with an unforgettable overnight stay at Crater Camp. The Northern Circuit Route awaits – are you ready to experience Kilimanjaro like never before?

Wild Excursions driver will pick you up and take you to the hotel in Arusha. Orientation will take place at the hotel. Our guides will highlight all the important details regarding your trek and an inspection of your trekking gear will take place.

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft; Hiking Time: 3-4 hours; Distance: 6 km

Our adventure begins with a scenic 4-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. There, we’ll tackle park entry formalities before heading to the Lemosho trailhead. Get ready to lace up your boots – our hike starts right there, winding through untouched forest all the way to our first campsite!

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft; Hiking Time: 5-6 hours; Distance: 8 km

Brace yourself for a dramatic shift in scenery! The dense rainforest gives way to a breathtaking vista as our trail emerges into a savannah. Imagine tall grasses swaying in the breeze, vibrant heather blooming amongst volcanic rock draped in wispy lichen beards. The path winds its way through lush, rolling hills, where we’ll cross refreshing streams before reaching the majestic Shira Ridge. But the best is yet to come! From this vantage point, prepare to be awestruck by your first glimpse of the mighty Kibo, its peak dominating the vast Shira Plateau. Finally, a gentle descent leads us to our first campsite, Shira 1 Camp, where we can rest under the watchful gaze of Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft; Hiking Time: 3-4 hours; Distance: 7 km

Let’s explore the wonders of the Shira Plateau! Imagine a gentle eastward stroll across vast moorland meadows, our path leading towards Shira 2 Camp. This unique heath zone explodes with vibrant wildflowers, and the otherworldly Senecio trees stand like silent sentinels on the landscape. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of this high-altitude paradise!

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft; Hiking Time: 3-4 hours; Distance: 7 km

Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft; Hiking Time: 2-3 hours; Distance: 7 km

Our journey continues eastward! We’ll conquer a scenic ridge before taking a southeastern turn towards the mighty Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation towering an impressive 300 feet. This natural wonder will leave you speechless! But that’s not all – we’ll then veer off the main trail for a hidden gem: Moir Hut, a secluded haven nestled at the base of the Lent Hills. This lesser-known spot offers a variety of walking trails, perfect for acclimatization and taking in the breathtaking views. And speaking of breathtaking, remember the Shira Plateau we crossed earlier? Fun fact – it’s one of the highest plateaus on Earth, making this entire trek an unforgettable adventure!

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft; Hiking Time: 5-7 hours; Distance: 12 km | 7 miles

Get ready to flex those legs! We’ll bid farewell to Moir Valley with a moderately challenging climb, taking us to the summit of the Lent Hills. The panoramic views from the top are simply unbeatable! After soaking in the scenery, we’ll retrace our steps and rejoin the main trail. Our path will then weave through a fascinating rock field before gently rolling towards Buffalo Camp. Keep your camera handy – this section boasts stunning vistas across the vast plains stretching north towards the Kenyan border. Prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty of Africa unfolding before you!

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft; Hiking Time: 5-7 hours; Distance: 8 km

Buckle up for an adventure off the beaten path! As we ascend Buffalo Ridge, the landscape transforms into a rugged wilderness, rarely trodden by fellow trekkers. This is where the true beauty of Kilimanjaro unfolds – a raw, untamed paradise. Our journey takes us through remote valleys nestled on the mountain’s northern slopes, and finally, to our destination – the intriguing Third Cave. Imagine settling into camp for the night, surrounded by the mystique of this unique location!

Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft; Hiking Time: 4-5 hours; Distance: 5 km

The moment you’ve been training for is almost here! We’ll tackle a steady climb up and over the aptly named “Saddle,” a dramatic col nestled between the towering peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. This high-altitude pass offers breathtaking panoramic views before we descend to our final camp before the summit push – School Hut. Here, it’s all about rest and preparation. Enjoy an early dinner and a good night’s sleep – tomorrow, we conquer the “Roof of Africa!”

School Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft; Hiking Time: 6-8 hours; Distance: 6 km

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft; Hiking Time: 4-6 hours; Distance: 12 km

The grand finale awaits! Under the cloak of darkness (around midnight), we’ll embark on our summit push – the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek. Prepare for extreme wind and cold at this high altitude, but also for an incredible adventure. Our ascent will be a series of steady climbs punctuated by short breaks, all while navigating the darkness. But the reward is more than worth it! As we reach Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), the first rays of dawn will paint the sky with a magnificent sunrise over the majestic Mawenzi Peak – a sight you’ll never forget. Finally, we conquer the ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and all of Africa!

The celebration doesn’t stop there. We’ll descend from the summit along a rocky path, taking a well-deserved lunch break at Barafu Camp. Trekking poles will be your best friend as we navigate this sometimes challenging terrain. Our final camp for the night awaits at Mweka Camp, nestled in the upper forest. Don’t be surprised by afternoon mist or rain, but embrace it as part of the mountain’s magic. Later that evening, we’ll enjoy a celebratory last dinner on the mountain,reminiscing about our incredible journey before a well-earned night’s sleep.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft; Hiking Time: 3-4 hours; Distance: 10 km

Our final day arrives! We’ll conquer the descent, trekking down to Mweka Gate where you’ll receive your well-deserved summit certificates – a tangible reminder of your incredible achievement. Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions as we descend to lower elevations. From the gate, it’s a short journey to Mweka Village, where a waiting vehicle will whisk you back to your hotel in Moshi, ready to celebrate your triumph over the “Roof of Africa!”