10-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit is the longest and most scenic route on Kilimanjaro, offering trekkers sweeping views and a high success rate due to its exceptional acclimatization profile. It approaches the summit from the west, following the Lemosho route initially before veering off around the quieter, less-traveled northern slopes. This extensive route offers you the rare experience of circumnavigating nearly the entire mountain before reaching the summit.

Duration: 10 Days (8 days trekking)

Route Style: Ascent via Northern Circuit, descent via Mweka

Best Time to Visit: July – August

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (Best for those who want time to acclimatize)

Success Rate: Very High

Tour Plan

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Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Arusha

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. In the evening, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed pre-climb briefing and gear check.

Accommodation: SG Resort, Arusha

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha to Londorossi Gate – Trek to Forest Camp

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Londorossi Gate (2,100m) for registration and then continue to the trailhead at Lemosho. The hike begins through a lush rainforest filled with birdsong and wildlife. You’ll reach Forest Camp in the late afternoon.

Elevation: 2,100m → 2,850m

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Forest Camp (Tents)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1

Today’s route takes you through the final stretch of forest and into the heather zone. You’ll hike up the Shira Ridge and down slightly into the Shira Plateau, where the stunning views of Kibo Peak come into view.

Elevation: 2,850m → 3,500m

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Shira Camp 1 (Tents)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

You’ll continue across the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. The terrain is gentle but the altitude gain is significant, which helps with acclimatization. Take in dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and distant plains.

Elevation: 3,500m → 3,850m

Distance: 14 km

Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Shira Camp 2 (Tents)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Shira Camp 2 to Moir Hut (via Lava Tower)

The trail ascends to the Lava Tower (4,600m), a crucial point for acclimatization. You’ll stop here for lunch and then descend slightly to Moir Hut, tucked into a scenic valley on the northern slopes.

Elevation: 3,850m → 4,200m (via 4,600m)

Distance: 14 km

Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Moir Hut (Tents)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

You’ll climb Little Lent Hill in the morning for panoramic views, then rejoin the Northern Circuit trail. Today’s path is peaceful and beautiful, with views extending into Kenya to the north.

Elevation: 4,200m → 4,020m

Distance: 12 km

Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Habitat: High Alpine Zone

Accommodation: Buffalo Camp (Tents)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Today is a shorter hike that continues along the northern slopes, rising over Buffalo Ridge and then descending gently to the Third Cave. The trail is quiet and offers some of the most remote trekking on the mountain.

Elevation: 4,020m → 3,800m

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Third Cave Camp (Tents)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Third Cave to School Hut

You’ll hike steadily uphill today through lunar-like alpine desert toward the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive early at School Hut to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the early morning summit attempt.

Elevation: 3,800m → 4,800m

Distance: 15 km

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: School Hut (Tents)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

Begin the summit attempt around midnight. Climb steep scree trails by torchlight to Gilman’s Point, then follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5,895m). After celebrating your achievement, descend to Barafu for a rest and lunch, then continue to Millennium Camp for your last night on the mountain.

Elevation: 4,800m → 5,895m (Uhuru) → 3,950m

Distance: 6 km ascent, 16 km descent

Hiking Time: 12–14 hours

Habitat: Glaciers, Ice, Scree, Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Millennium Camp (Tents)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha

After breakfast, trek down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. From here, your driver will take you back to Arusha for a celebratory evening and well-deserved rest.

Elevation: 3,950m → 1,640m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: SG Resort (Arusha)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included
  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
$3150
Duration
10 days
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