Northern Circuit Route
The Longest Kilimanjaro Route — and the Most Complete View of the Mountain
- 8 Days
- From $2977
The Northern Circuit is the longest established route on Mount Kilimanjaro and one of the quietest. What makes it special is simple: it’s the only itinerary that takes you around the mountain far enough to see Kilimanjaro from all four sides.
Because the journey is longer (typically 8 days on the mountain, excluding arrival/departure), the pace can feel more relaxed and the acclimatization profile is generally strong. That said, “easier” doesn’t always mean “less demanding.” The Northern Circuit involves more total trekking days, so it can feel tiring if you’re not used to multi-day hiking.
For climbers who want space on the trail, big views, and time to settle into the altitude, the Northern Circuit is one of the most rewarding choices we offer at Beyond Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Route Overview
The Northern Circuit usually starts on the western side, reaching the Shira Plateau early in the climb. After acclimatization days near Shira and Lava Tower, the route swings around the remote northern slopes, where traffic is noticeably lighter than the southern routes.
You’ll pass through wide open volcanic landscapes, with long views toward Kenya on clear days, before joining the Rongai trail near the Third Cave area. Summit night typically begins from School Hut, with the ascent to Uhuru Peak followed by descent via the southern side and exit at Mweka Gate.
Optional upgrades on private climbs can include an extra day for additional acclimatization or, for experienced and well-prepared climbers, a night in the crater (subject to park rules and conditions).
Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?
Full “Round the Mountain” Experience
The only route that gives views from all four sides of Kilimanjaro.Low Trail Traffic
Often the least crowded of the established routes.Excellent Acclimatization Potential
More days on the mountain means more time to adapt to altitude.Big, Open Landscapes
Long-distance views across the northern plains on clear days.Ideal for Climbers Who Want Time
Best suited for trekkers who prefer a steady rhythm rather than a fast itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and meet the Beyond Kilimanjaro Safaris team for transfer to your hotel. In the evening, we hold a detailed briefing, including route guidance, safety procedures, and equipment checks.
Accommodation: Standard hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: High-Altitude Drop-Off to Shira 1 Camp
Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue by vehicle to the Shira Plateau drop-off point. A short trek takes you to Shira 1 Camp—an easy first day designed to begin acclimatization without heavy exertion.
Trekking Time: ~1 hour
Distance: ~4 km
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
A moderate trek across the plateau with wide views and distinctive high-altitude vegetation. After settling into camp, an optional acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower helps your body adjust further.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: ~7 km
Acclimatization Hike: 1–2 hours
Day 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower
Today includes a climb toward Lava Tower (approx. 4,600 m), followed by a descent into a quieter camp near Moir Hut. This is an important acclimatization day and can feel more demanding than the previous days.
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: ~14 km
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
After a short climb out of the Moir area, you continue across the northern side of the mountain. The day is longer but not steep, with expansive views toward Kenya when skies are clear.
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: ~12 km
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
You continue along the northern slopes and overnight at Third Cave Camp, where the route begins to connect with the Rongai trail. The day is shorter, and by now many climbers feel more comfortable at this altitude.
Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
Distance: ~8 km
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
A steady trek to School Hut (summit camp). This is a preparation day: hydrate well, eat properly, and rest early before the midnight summit attempt.
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~5 km
Day 8: Summit Night – Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Around midnight, the summit push begins from School Hut. After reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), you descend to Barafu for a short break before continuing down to Millennium Camp for the night.
Trekking Time: 10–13 hours
Distance: ~16 km
Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
A final descent through rainforest leads to Mweka Gate. You complete park formalities, receive summit certificates, and transfer back to your hotel.
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~12 km
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Late check-out can be arranged if needed.
All Transfers: Private airport pick-up and drop-off (JRO) and all transportation to and from the mountain gates.
Hotel Accommodation: Two nights’ stay at a high-standard hotel in Moshi (one night before and one night after the trek) on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Expert Guiding: Professional, English-speaking mountain guides certified as Wilderness First Responders (WFR).
Mountain Crew: A dedicated support team including professional chefs and porters managed under strict KPAP ethical standards.
Safety Monitoring: Twice-daily medical health checks for all climbers, including oxygen saturation and heart rate monitoring.
Emergency Equipment: Medical oxygen systems, pulse oximeters, and comprehensive high-altitude medical kits on every climb.
GPS & Communication: Real-time GPS tracking of your expedition and satellite phones for emergency backup.
Full Board Meals: Three fresh, high-calorie meals daily, prepared by mountain chefs to support high-altitude exertion.
Dietary Flexibility: Customized meal plans (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) at no additional cost.
Purified Water: Unlimited filtered and treated drinking water provided throughout the trek.
High-Quality Gear: Weather-tested 4-season mountain tents and thick, insulated sleeping mats.
Camp Comfort: Spacious mess tents for dining and socializing, equipped with comfortable tables and chairs.
Park Fees: All mandatory Kilimanjaro National Park conservation, camping, and rescue fees.
Government Taxes: All inclusive of 18% VAT and relevant Tanzanian government levies.
Luggage Storage: Secure, locked storage for your non-climbing bags and valuables at our office.
Logistical Support: 24/7 emergency response and expedition monitoring from our base in Moshi.
- International Airfare: Flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) are not included.
- Entry Visas: Standard tourist visa fees (typically $50 for most nationalities and $100 for US citizens) are the traveler’s responsibility.
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory insurance covering high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and emergency helicopter evacuation is required.
- Crew Gratuities: Tips for your mountain guides, chefs, and porters are not included. While voluntary, they are a significant part of the local trekking culture (suggested range: 250–350 per climber).
- Personal Trekking Gear: Items such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, and technical clothing are not included but are available for rent at our gear hub.
- Private Room/Tent Upgrade: Our standard rates are based on shared occupancy. A “Single Supplement” fee applies for those requesting a private hotel room or tent.
- Additional Hotel Meals: Accommodation in Moshi is on a Bed & Breakfast basis. Lunches and dinners at the hotel or in town are excluded.
- Personal Expenses: Costs for laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks are not covered.
- Early Descent Costs: Should you descend the mountain earlier than the scheduled itinerary, any extra hotel nights and associated costs are excluded.
- Medical Requirements: Costs for vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis, or personal medications are not included.
What is the Northern Circuit Route on Kilimanjaro?
It’s a long route that starts on the western side (via Shira) and traverses the remote northern slopes before summiting and descending on the southern side.
How long is the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit is approximately 88 km (about 53 miles).
How many days does it take?
The classic itinerary is 8 days on the mountain, plus arrival and departure days. Private climbs can be extended to 9 days for extra acclimatization.
What is the summit success rate?
Success depends on fitness, acclimatization, and pacing. As a general guide, many operators report a range of roughly 80–90% on standard itineraries, with better outcomes typically associated with longer, well-paced climbs.
How much does the Northern Circuit cost?
Pricing varies by season, group size, and service level. As a general benchmark, Northern Circuit climbs often start from around the mid-to-high $2,000s per person and increase depending on the package and inclusions.