Safety First: costs for rescue services are covered.

Northern Circuit

Duration: 9 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km / 9 - 12 mi per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m / 1640 - 3281 ft ascent per day
> Most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro in 9 days
> See more of Kilimanjaro
> Guaranteed departure for every date in the calendar

If you want to be more or less certain that you will climb Kilimanjaro, you should know that the Northern Circuit Route has the absolute highest success rates. About 95% of all Northern Circuit climbers make it to Uhuru Peak. Pretty impressive, but that's not all. The Northern Circuit Route is the newest route and takes a less trodden path. Like the Lemosho Route, it starts at Londorossi Gate and follows the southern trails all the way to Lava Tower, where Lemosho climbers continue; Northern Circuit hikers turn around and head north. They bypass Kibo and follow less visited trails. This part of the mountain is mainly frequented by Northern Circuit hikers, a relatively small group, resulting in quiet and almost deserted camping areas.

If you're looking for peace and quiet, the Northern Circuit is a good idea. The 9-day Northern Circuit route is by far the most authentic Kilimanjaro experience. We can vouch for that. As with all Bookatrekking.com offerings, the 9-day Northern Circuit route includes transfers to and from the airport, guide(s), porters, meals and accommodation in tents. A detailed list of included services can be found below.

Why choose Bookatrekking.com?
At Bookatrekking.com we care for our staff, we think and act local, and we make sure that everyone makes it home safe. We only make use of certified local guides and porters, we don't do nonsense, we eat well, and we don't like hidden costs. Uhuru is Swahili for Freedom. We like Freedom.


Itinerary

Day
1

Moshi – Starting Point – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m)

Duration: 02:25 h
Distance: 4.7 km / 2.9 mi
Ascent: 400 m / 1312 ft

At the break of dawn, our driver will collect you and transport you to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m), an approximately two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Upon gate registration, you'll ascend along a rugged track that winds through the dense rainforest to your trek's starting point. This moderately steep path guides you through a captivating and pristine natural forest, leading to Mkubwa Camp (2,800 m).

Because this region hosts a variety of wildlife, an armed ranger will accompany you during the initial two days of your journey.

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Info
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day
2

Mount Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)

Duration: 06:40 h
Distance: 6.35 km / 3.9 mi
Ascent: 490 m / 1608 ft
Descent: 50 m / 164 ft

The trail leading to Shira Camp 1 unveils a striking shift from the lush rainforest to the arid heather moorland, marking Mount Kilimanjaro's third climate zone.

The landscape transforms into a dry expanse adorned with towering lobelias amidst delicate white flora that contrasts the dusty sand dunes. Ascending steep ridges, we arrive at the expansive Shira Plateau, offering sweeping views of Kilimanjaro's grandeur and the sun's descent behind Mount Meru in the west.

Amid the journey, we gracefully cross tranquil streams, while progressing over Shira Ridge (3,600m) and descending to the welcoming embrace of Shira Camp 1.

Shira 1 Camp

Info
Shira 1 Camp
Day
3

Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)

Duration: 03:20 h
Distance: 7.7 km / 4.8 mi
Ascent: 320 m / 1050 ft
Descent: 60 m / 197 ft

Your day commences with a delightful breakfast, followed by a trek through an open expanse. This less-traveled path grants tranquility and an unspoiled experience. As you ascend to Shira Plateau, the panoramic vistas of Uhuru Peak unfold, providing an exhilarating and almost magical sensation of witnessing the summit's grandeur.

A satisfying hot lunch awaits you at Shira Camp 2 (3,810m). Your guide will arrange a brief break for acclimatization, after which you're welcome to unwind and relax at your leisure.

Shira 2 Camp

Info
Shira 2 Camp
See entire itinerary

Included

  • Private transport to and from airport to your hotel

    Your trekking company is able to pick you up from the airport and bring your to your hotel. A transfer back to the airport is also included in the package.

  • Transportation to and from the start/end point

    The transport from your accommodation to the start point is taken care of. This also applies to the way back.

  • Four Season Mountain tents

    On Mount Kilimanjaro you're staying in our strong and well maintained four season mountain tents. Every time you arrive at your camp the tent has already been set up.

  • Double Layered Sleeping Mats

    Double layered mats provided by your trekking company will put you to sleep in no time.

  • Hot meals daily while on the mountain

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared during the trek. Your trekking company is bringing their own cook. Don't be surprised when you see an exclusive three course dinner on your plate.

  • Treated and filtered water

    During the trek you won't have a shortage on drinking water.

  • Hot water for washing

    Don't expect an extensive shower, but there will be the possibility to use hot water for a decent wash.

  • Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit

    The guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse rate, oxygen saturation and heart rate twice a day (very useful for monitoring the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS) at altitude). Also emergency portable oxygen is carried along. On top of that the guides are qualified Wilderness First Responders.

  • KINAPA Rescue Fee

    The fees for the Kilimanjaro Rescue Team are covered. This is managed by KINAPA, Kilimanjaro National Parks. Interesting fact: Kinapa means “We carry each other” in Swahili.

  • Park fee, camping fee, VAT and other taxes

    The park entry fees, the crater fee, camping fee and value added tax are included in the price.

  • Fair salary, food, insurance and accommodation for guide and porter(s)

    The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.

  • Your own team of porters and guides

    Per person you generally have a team of 1 guide, 1 cook and 8 porters who will support you in your climb. If you are part of a group of four, you will be able to enjoy 2 guides, 1 cook and 12 porters. Although there will always be enough hands on deck, the exact amount of support staff varies per route.

Excluded

  • Visa for Tanzania

    Visas are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. For most nationalities it is possible to get a visa upon arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Check with your local Tanzanian embassy or consulate to see what the requirements are.

  • Flights to and from Moshi

    The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Tanzania. To get an idea of which airlines are visiting Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), it is best to have a look at their website.

  • Personal expenses

    All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.

  • Travel Insurance Including Repatriation

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Tanzania.

  • Tipping

    Tips for guides and porters are excluded. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous and read about tipping when you are planning to go trekking in Tanzania.

  • Portable flush toilet

    Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for USD 70 for the entire trek.

  • Accommodation before and after the trek

    Whether you stay in Moshi, Arusha or anywhere else, before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation and meals.

FAQ

  • What Makes the Northern Circuit Route So Special?

  • How Hard is the Northern Circuit? 

  • Best Season for The Northern Circuit Route

How to Book

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  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

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Sierd van der Bij
Sierd van der Bij
This trek is operated by
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