Northern Circuit Route

7 Days
Duration
5,895 m
Uhuru Peak
$2,499
Per person sharing
The Route

The Scenic Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s longest and most scenic path, offering a quiet, immersive trek. Starting at Londorossi Gate, it follows the Lemosho Route before looping around the remote northern slopes.
Its extended 8–9 day itinerary allows gradual altitude adjustment, giving the Northern Circuit one of Kilimanjaro’s highest summit success rates. Trekkers enjoy panoramic views and diverse landscapes—from rainforest and heath to alpine desert and dramatic high-altitude vistas over Kenya.
The route eventually joins the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. While summit day is long and challenging—especially from School Hut—climbers benefit from fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience than on other routes.
The Northern Circuit is perfect for those seeking a longer, quieter journey with excellent acclimatization, stunning scenery, and a high chance of reaching the “Roof of Africa.”

Day By Day

Day Route Altitude (Start – End) Habitat Accommodation Distance / Time
1 Trekking from Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp 2,250m / 7,800 ft - 2,650m / 8,694 ft Montane Forest Forest Camp (3 Meals) 6 km / 3–4 hrs
2 Trekking from Forest Camp. To Shira 1 2,650m / 8,694ft - 3,610m / 11,843ft Moorland Shira 1 Camp (3 meals) 5 km / 5–6 hrs
3 Trekking to Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp via Cathedral Point 3,610m / 11,843ft - 3,850m / 12,795 ft Moorland Shira 2 Camp (3 meals) 7 km / 3–4 hrs
4 Trekking to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower 3,850m / 12,795 ft - 3,900m / 12,960 ft Moorland Moir Camp (3 meals) 12 km / 7-8 hrs
5 Trekking to Buffalo Camp 4,200m / 13,779 ft - 4,020m / 13,188 ft Moorland Buffalo Camp (3 meals) 7 km / 5–6 hrs
6 Trekking to Rongai Third Cave 4,020m / 13,188 ft - 3,800m / 12,467 ft Moorland Rongai Third Cave (3 meals) 9 km / 6–7 hrs
6 Trek to School Hut Camp 3,800m / 12,467 ft - 4800m / 15,748 ft Alpine Desert School Hut Camp (3 meals) 8 km / 5–6 hrs
7 Summit Day! 4800m / 15,748 ft- 5,895m / 19,340 ft Ice Cap Horombo Hut (3 meals) 19 km / 9 hrs up & 3-4 hrs down
8 Descent to Marangu Gate 3,720m / 12,204 ft - 1,800m / 5,906 ft Montane Forest — 18 km / 5-6 hrs
2026 & 2027 Package Price · Jan–Dec
$3,499
/ per person sharing
From 2 Climbers and more
View Route
Price Inclusions
  • Transfer to / from the mountain
  • Meru National Park Permits, camping / hut fees & rescue fees
  • Service of professional & qualified mountain guides
  • Cook and adequate porters to carry both trip provisions & passenger private bags
  • First Aid Kit and oxygen systems and pulse oximeters
  • Free walking poles
  • 3 square meals daily. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request
  • Camping equipment (spacious tent, mats dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, and cutlery)
  • International certificate for a successful ascent
Price Does not include
  • International airfare and related costs such as personal international travel insurance, visas, and vaccination
  • Any increase in government taxes that are yet to be implemented or occur prior to the start of your trip
  • Any expenses of a personal nature such as extra beverages, laundry, etc.
  • Tips & gratuities for your mountain crew
  • Personal mountain gear
  • Any excess luggage more than 15Kg per client while trekking
  • Cost of any client-requested itinerary modifications while the trekking is in progress
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