Northern Circuit
Overview of the Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit is the longest standard trekking route on Kilimanjaro. It shares the Lemosho high start, then traverses remote northern slopes with very low traffic before joining the summit path via School Hut.
It offers excellent acclimatization and a full traverse around Kibo, at the cost of more days trekking and a higher budget.
Safety first: Age band typically 12–70 years.
Expert recommendation
Ideal for hikers who enjoy longer days on the trail and want to avoid crowds. Fitness and endurance matter more than on shorter routes.
This package with Serengeti Nexus
Itinerary: 8-day mountain / 10-day tour (arrival, eight trekking segments including summit and descent, departure).
Is this tour for me?
Private group — flexible dates and pace
15+ — families and groups welcome
Adventure
Parks & destinations in this program:
Safari Route Map
Explore your journey through Tanzania's wilderness
Itinerary
Explore the detailed day-by-day plan
Arrival at JRO; hotel transfer; briefing with Serengeti Nexus. Please note: Check-in often from 2:00 PM.
Morning briefing, then drive ~3–4 hours to Londorossi Gate, register, and continue by vehicle toward the high drop-off (~3,414 m / 11,200 ft). Short trek to Shira 1 — gentle start with time to acclimatize.
Please note: Hydrate well from day one; report symptoms early.
Trekking time: ~1 hour | Distance: ~4 km (2.4 mi)
Accommodation
Kilimanjaro mountain camp (tented)
Easy day to Shira 2 with modest altitude gain; enjoy views and endemic plants. After lunch, optional acclimatization walk toward Lava Tower (~260 m extra gain) to sleep lower afterward.
Acclimatization hike: Shira 2 (~3,850 m) toward ~4,110 m — ~2 km, 1–2 hours.
Trekking time (main): 3–4 hours | Distance: ~7 km (4.3 mi)
Accommodation
Kilimanjaro mountain camp (tented)
From Shira 2, hike to Lava Tower (~4,600 m) for lunch — a demanding segment for many. After lunch and rest, continue to Moir Hut on the quiet northern side of the mountain.
Trekking time: 5–7 hours | Distance: ~14 km (8.7 mi)
Accommodation
Kilimanjaro mountain camp (tented)
Exit Moir Valley with a short steep pull, then traverse northern slopes with views toward Kenya on clear days. Rolling ups and downs without extreme jumps.
Trekking time: 5–7 hours | Distance: ~12 km (7.4 mi)
Accommodation
Kilimanjaro mountain camp (tented)
Shorter day as the trail approaches the line used by Rongai. By now you should feel comfortable near 3,800 m.
Trekking time: 4–6 hours | Distance: ~8 km (4.9 mi)
Accommodation
Kilimanjaro mountain camp (tented)
Trek to School Hut summit camp (~4,800 m / 15,744 ft). Sleep early; avoid heavy exertion; drink heavily. Summit night begins around midnight.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours | Distance: ~5 km (3.1 mi)
Accommodation
Kilimanjaro mountain camp (tented)
From School Hut, night ascent to Uhuru Peak. One guide typically supports two climbers. After sunrise at the summit, descend to Barafu for lunch and rest, then continue to Millennium Camp in the forest.
Please note: Roughly nine in ten mountain injuries happen on descent — watch every step.
Trekking time: 10–13 hours | Distance: ~16 km (9.9 mi)
Accommodation
Kilimanjaro mountain camp (tented)
Rainforest descent to Mweka Gate; certificates; celebratory handshakes with crew; hotel transfer.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours | Distance: ~12 km (7.4 mi)
Hotel rest and airport transfer. Please note: Check-out often 11:00 AM.
What's included
All transfers in Tanzania as per programme (airport pick-up and drop-off, hotel ↔ park gate / trailhead)
Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (typically bed & breakfast; shared twin unless single supplement)
Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping or hut fees, and rescue fee contributions as applicable
Professional mountain guides, assistant guides, cook(s), and porter crew
All meals on the mountain; mess / kitchen tent and group dining equipment
Four-season mountain tents (shared, two per tent by default), group sleeping mat, group camping furniture
Safety: emergency oxygen, comprehensive group medical kit, daily health monitoring with guides
Summit certificates after a successful climb
International flights to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Tanzania visa fees (confirm current rate before travel)
Travel and high-altitude evacuation insurance (mandatory — confirm coverage for trekking to 6,000 m)
Tips for guides, cooks, and porters (budget per consultant advice)
Personal trekking clothing, boots, and sleeping bag (rental may be available)
Lunch and dinner at the hotel before/after the climb unless stated otherwise
Single room or single tent supplements; optional portable toilet hire; optional private tent surcharge
Personal expenses, drinks, laundry, and phone/data charges
Why Book This Trip
- Kilimanjaro's longest route delivers a 360-degree panoramic experience of the entire mountain
- Superior acclimatization: 10 days on the mountain means the highest possible summit success rate
- Explore remote, rarely-visited northern and western flanks that other routes never reach
- Extended time at altitude allows your body to fully adjust before the summit push
- The ultimate Kilimanjaro achievement – the complete circuit reserved for committed adventurers
Best Time to Visit
- January – March: Clear, cold and stable summit weather – the year's best Uhuru Peak visibility
- June – October: Dry season – firm trail surfaces across the full circuit length
- September – October: Wildflowers on the alpine desert are spectacular before the summit night
- December: Excellent festive-season summit conditions on the upper mountain
- Note: 10+ days on the mountain requires full physical commitment – every season demands proper gear
Pricing
High Season - June + July + August + September + 20 Dec - 10 Jan
Price per person
| Solo | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6+ PAX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-day | $5,094 | $3,959 | $3,577 | $3,419 | $3,375 | $3,268 |
Group Discount: The more travelers, the lower the price per person. Perfect for families and groups!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this 10-day hiking adventure
This package includes: All transfers in Tanzania as per programme (airport pick-up and drop-off, hotel ↔ park gate / trailhead), Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (typically bed & breakfast; shared twin unless single supplement), Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping or hut fees, and rescue fee contributions as applicable All transportation, expert guides, and most activities are included in the price.
The best time for hiking in Kilimanjaro National Park is during the dry season (June to October) when animals gather around water sources. However, this 10-day adventure is available year-round, with each season offering unique experiences.
This is a private adventure that can accommodate 1-6 travelers. The price per person decreases with more travelers, making it perfect for families and groups.
Essential items include: comfortable clothing in neutral colors, sturdy walking shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera with extra batteries, binoculars, and a light jacket for early mornings. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking confirmation.
Cancellation policies vary by season and timing. Generally, cancellations made 30+ days before departure receive a full refund minus processing fees. Please contact us for specific cancellation terms for your travel dates.
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