9 Days Northern Circuit Route
Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Lava Tower, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate
*Price p.p. incl. guide, safari jeep, hotel and park entrance fees, excl. international flight (based on six persons)
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Trek Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s newest and most exciting trail — and arguably its most rewarding. It offers unmatched 360° views, fewer crowds, and the best acclimatization profile of all Kilimanjaro routes. Spanning nine days, this trek begins on the remote western side of the mountain and wraps around the rarely-traveled northern slopes before summiting from the east. It’s ideal for those looking for a more immersive and scenic experience with a very high summit success rate.
If you're seeking a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path adventure with stunning landscapes and plenty of time to adapt to the altitude, the Northern Circuit is your perfect route.
Full Itinerary
Arrival & Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation, where your guide will conduct a full briefing and equipment check to prepare you for the adventure ahead.
Lodge
Overnight Stay
Ameg Lodge
Kaliwa Lodge
Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Londorossi Gate (2,100m/6,890ft) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m/8,694ft)
- Elevation Gain: 550m / 1,804ft
- Duration: 3–4 hours
Hike through dense rainforest teeming with birdlife and monkeys. This short first day helps with acclimatization.
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Overnight Stay
Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp
- Mti Mkubwa (2,650m/8,694ft) → Shira 1 Camp (3,610m/11,844ft)
- Elevation Gain: 960m / 3,150ft
- Duration: 5-6 hours
Climb steadily out of the forest into moorland. Enjoy wide views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance.
Shira 1 Camp
Overnight Stay
Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp
- Shira 1 Camp (3,610m/11,844ft) → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,631ft)
- Elevation Gain: 240m / 787ft
- Duration: 4-5 hours
Today is a gentle walk across the high-altitude plateau. You’ll begin to feel the mountain’s vastness as you cross volcanic landscapes.
Shira 2 Camp
Overnight Stay
Shira 2 – Lava Tower – Moir Hut
- Shira 2 (3,850m/12,631ft) → Lava Tower (4,600m/15,091ft) → Moir Hut (4,200m/13,780ft)
- Elevation Gain: 750m / 2,460ft
- Elevation Loss: 400m / 1,311ft
- Duration: 6–7 hours
Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Moir Hut. This is a critical day for adjusting to altitude.
Moir Hut
Overnight Stay
Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp
- Moir Hut (4,200m/13,780ft) → Buffalo Camp (4,020m/13,188ft)
- Elevation Gain: 200m / 656ft
- 📉 Elevation Loss: 380m / 1,247ft
- Duration: 5-6 hours
Explore the unspoiled northern slopes with sweeping views of Kenya. A peaceful route with minimal foot traffic.
Buffalo Camp
Overnight Stay
Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp
- Buffalo Camp (4,020m/13,188ft) → Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,697ft)
- Elevation Gain: 150m / 492ft
- Duration: 5–6 hours
A gentle day heading east across alpine desert terrain. Fewer crowds, more tranquility.
Third Cave Camp
Overnight Stay
Third Cave Camp – School Hut
- Third Cave (3,870m/12,697ft) → School Hut (4,750m/15,584ft)
- Elevation Loss: 1880m / 2,887ft
- Duration: 4–5 hours
A steep ascent through increasingly barren landscapes. Rest early for your midnight summit push.
School Hut
Overnight Stay
Summit Day (Uhuru Peak) – Mweka Camp
- School Hut (4,750m/15,584ft) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) → Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
- 📈 Elevation Gain: 1,145m / 3,757ft
- 📉 Elevation Loss: 2,795m / 9,169ft
- Duration: 12–14 hours
Start your climb at midnight. Reach Stella Point at sunrise, then the summit of Uhuru Peak. Descend through scree and moorland to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp
Overnight Stay
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) → Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)
- Elevation Loss: 1,280m / 4,220ft
- Duration: 2-3 hours
The final descent takes you through lush rainforest, with a chance to spot playful monkeys along the way.
At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates, and from Mweka Village, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi.
Departure or Onward Travel
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, or continue your Tanzanian adventure!
Tour Outline
Interested in this Itinerary?
Turn your dream vacation into reality with a Tanzania Expert.
With Tanzania Expert, you can personalize your adventure. Our suggested itineraries can be tailored to suit your preferences. Our specialists collaborate with you to design your perfect journey!
Tour Includes
- Entrance fees/Admission fee
- Conservation Fees
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- All accommodations as stated in the itinerary
- All transportation
- All Taxes/VAT 18%
- Airport Pickup and Drop off
- All Meals as stated in the itinerary
Tour Excludes
- Any International or Local flights (from/to home)
- Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees application, etc.)
- Travel insurance and medical repatriation
- Items of a personal nature
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What Client Say About us
Climb of a lifetime! Our Kilimanjaro climb with Asili Explorer African Safaris was truly extraordinary! From start to finish, the team ensured an unforgettable experience, making our summit journey smooth, safe, and memorable.
Obazee
2023-11-28
It's no surprise that Asili Explorer African Safaris maintains a 5-star reputation. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to customer satisfaction set them apart. If you're looking for the best Kilimanjaro trekking company, look no further!
Romy H
2023-11-28
In October 2023, we completed a six-day trek to the Kilimanjaro summit with Asili Explorer African Safaris. The experience was phenomenal, and I highly recommend them for anyone planning this adventure.
Rony V
2023-12-27
Joe was a perfect guide and driver. He made us visit and discover the real wildlife of Tanzania. No trouble was too much for him. His knowledge about all the hotspots of the different animals is amazing.
Avdb
2023-11-28
Your Questions and Our Answers
Have questions about climbing Kilimanjaro with us? Explore our Northern Circuit Route FAQs below for clear, helpful answers. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—our mountain experts at Asili Climbing Kilimanjaro are here to help you plan a safe, successful, and unforgettable summit adventure.
How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route?
It’s a moderate-to-challenging route, but its long duration makes it one of the easiest in terms of acclimatization. With nine days, your body has plenty of time to adjust to the altitude.
What makes this route different from others?
The Northern Circuit is the longest and quietest route on Kilimanjaro. It wraps around the remote northern slopes, offering stunning views and a high summit success rate.
Is 9 days too long to be on the mountain?
Not at all. The extended time allows gradual elevation gain, better acclimatization, and fewer altitude-related problems, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak safely.
What’s the summit night like?
You’ll start your climb at midnight from School Hut. The goal is to reach the summit by sunrise, then descend to Mweka Camp the same day — a total of 12–14 hours of hiking.
What’s the accommodation like during the trek?
All nights are spent in mountain tents provided by Asili Climbing Kilimanjaro. The tents are warm, waterproof, and set up by our crew before you arrive at camp.
Are porters and staff treated fairly?
Absolutely. We follow KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) standards to ensure all porters and crew are paid fairly and work under safe conditions.
Do I need prior trekking experience?
Not necessarily. You need to be physically fit and mentally prepared. Our guides help pace the trek to suit your ability and ensure proper acclimatization.
What’s the best time to do the Northern Circuit?
June to October and January to early March are ideal. These months offer clear skies, lower rainfall, and better trail conditions.
Will I be climbing with a group?
We offer both private climbs and open group treks. You can choose your preferred style when booking.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
Your guide monitors your health daily. If symptoms arise, we act immediately — adjusting pace, offering oxygen support, or arranging evacuation if needed.
If your question is not listed, please CONTACT US to chat with our expert for assistance.
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