Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit — 9-Day Grand Traverse
9 Days / 8 Nights

Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit — 9-Day Grand Traverse

Experience Overview

Experience Overview

The Northern Circuit is the longest and newest route on Kilimanjaro, and the quietest. It circles most of the mountain before the summit attempt, and with nine days on the mountain it offers the best acclimatisation of any route — and with it the best chance of reaching the top.

Around the quiet side of the mountain

Starting on the Lemosho trail in the western forest, you cross the Shira Plateau and climb to Lava Tower before turning north to Moir Hut. For the next three days you traverse the remote northern slopes, a region few climbers ever see, with views of the northern ice fields, the plains of Kenya and, on clear mornings, Mount Meru far to the west.

An unhurried summit

From School Hut on the eastern side, summit night leads up to Gilman's Point on the crater rim and along the rim past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), before descending via the Mweka Route. The extra days turn the climb into an extended wilderness journey rather than a race to the top, with quiet campsites and plenty of time to adapt to the altitude.

Journey Map

Route Overview

Follow the itinerary as it moves through each destination, with grouped day ranges for consecutive stays.

1 Stops

1 Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Highlights

Why the Northern Circuit is the connoisseur's choice.

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The best acclimatisation and summit chances of any Kilimanjaro route

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A near-complete circuit of the mountain

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Remote northern slopes that few climbers see

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Views of the northern ice fields and glaciers

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Nine days for a gradual, unhurried ascent

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Quiet campsites and real wilderness solitude

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Views towards Mount Meru and the plains of Kenya

Itinerary

An editorial journey through each day of the safari, with destinations, imagery, and places you will stay.

Day 1
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (2,650 m)

Drive to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m) on the western side of Kilimanjaro to register, then continue to the Lemosho trailhead and meet your crew.

Walk through undisturbed rainforest with giant trees and hanging moss, where colobus monkeys are often seen, to Mti Mkubwa, the “Big Tree” Camp.

Distance about 6 km, walking time 3–4 hours.

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Full Board)

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (2,650 m)
Day 2
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

Leave the forest and climb through giant heather onto the Shira Ridge, then walk across the Shira Plateau, an ancient high caldera with wide views of Kibo ahead.

This is a long but gradual day, rewarded by sunset views of the summit from Shira 2 Camp.

Distance about 14 km, walking time 7–8 hours.

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (Full Board)

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
Day 3
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower (4,200 m)

Climb through alpine desert to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatisation and lunch, then leave the busy southern routes and head north to Moir Hut, a quiet camp in a valley below the Lent Group of hills.

If you still have energy, your guide can take you on a short walk above camp for views across the Shira Plateau.

Distance about 14 km, walking time 6–7 hours.

Overnight: Moir Hut Camp (Full Board)

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower (4,200 m)
Day 4
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)

Begin the traverse of the northern slopes, climbing over a ridge and following a path that undulates around the mountain. Views open to the north over the plains of Kenya and up to the northern ice fields of Kibo.

There are very few other climbers on this side of the mountain, and the silence is remarkable.

Distance about 12 km, walking time 5–7 hours.

Overnight: Buffalo Camp (Full Board)

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)
Day 5
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave (3,870 m)

Continue the traverse eastwards across ridges and valleys of old lava, with Mawenzi's jagged peaks coming into view ahead.

Third Cave Camp lies below the Saddle, the high desert between Kibo and Mawenzi, and the short day helps your body continue to adapt.

Distance about 8 km, walking time 5–6 hours.

Overnight: Third Cave Camp (Full Board)

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave (3,870 m)
Day 6
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Third Cave to School Hut (4,750 m)

Climb steadily across the Saddle to School Hut at the foot of Kibo's eastern face.

Arrive in the early afternoon to rest, drink plenty of water and prepare your summit clothing and headtorch. Your guides check your health and explain the plan before an early dinner.

Distance about 5 km, walking time 4–5 hours.

Overnight: School Hut Camp (Full Board)

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Third Cave to School Hut (4,750 m)
Day 7
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Summit Day — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)

Start around midnight and climb the steep scree by headtorch to Gilman's Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim. Walk along the rim past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, ideally around sunrise.

After photographs, descend the southern slopes via Stella Point to Barafu and on to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.

A demanding day of 12–14 hours in total.

Overnight: Millennium Camp (3,950 m, Full Board)

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Summit Day — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
Day 8
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Millennium Camp to Mweka Camp

An easier day descending through the alpine desert and heather zone to Mweka Camp at the edge of the rainforest.

In the evening, celebrate your climb with your crew around dinner — a traditional moment of songs and thanks on many Kilimanjaro climbs.

Distance about 8 km, walking time 3–4 hours.

Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100 m, Full Board)

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Millennium Camp to Mweka Camp
Day 9
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), sign out of the park and receive your summit certificate. Say farewell to your mountain team.

Distance about 10 km, walking time 3–4 hours. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

End of trek.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

What's Included & Excluded

A clear view of what is covered and what to plan for separately.

Included

All KINAPA park fees
KINAPA-licensed lead guide and assistants
Porters and private camp chef
Premium camping equipment (4-season tents, thick sleeping mats)
All meals on the mountain
Purified drinking water
Daily pulse oximetry and health monitoring
Summit certificate
Airport transfers
Pre-trek hotel night in Moshi

Excluded

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal climbing gear
Gratuities for mountain crew
Personal snacks and extras

Ready to Plan Your Journey?

Download the full itinerary to share with your travel companions, or start customising this safari to match your dates, group size, and preferences.

Guest Reviews

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E

elisa s

Super Safari, inoubliable avec un super guide nommé Bonaventura qui a su nous faire découvrir la faune et la flore de son pays avec générosité et passion. Nous avons pu voir les big Five. Nous le recommandons fortement! Ce fut une expérience riche en couleurs, aussi, bien d'un point de vue humain, que d'un point de vue découverte des animaux et des paysages. Elisa, Regis, Livio et Vasco dit Monsieur oiseau

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written November 1, 2025

L

Luc D

Nous avons vécu un moment inoubliable en famille lors de notre safari ! Nos guides ont rendu ce voyage exceptionnel du début à la fin grâce a leur générosité de partage et nous faire découvrir leur terre et nature ! D'u e grande connaissance de la faune et de la nature, toujours gentils et attentifs, Euge se missionnait pour trouver tous les animaux que nous désirions voir et Erick nous commentait toutes les lois de la nature ! Ce sont eux qui ont donné un véritable sens à ces jeux avec les animaux ! Avec grand respect ! Chaque moment était remplis d'émotions et les big five tous cochés ! Un immense merci pour cette expérience magique que nous n'oublierons jamais. Nous recommandons à 100 % cette agence et surtout nos guides Euge et Erick

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 27, 2025

K

Katty S

Flemalle, Belgium

Nous avons été ma fille et moi prisent en charge par Hussein et Francis. Ce guide était juste parfait, il nous a donné des explications très intéressantes et surtout les deux ont fait découvrir la vraie nature. Le parc TARANGIRE et tous ces éléphants. Le parc du lac MANYARA et ses singes, et la visite du village MTO WA MBU. Et le dernier parc, le NGORONGORO où il y avait des animaux à voir de tous les côtés. Nous avons grâce à valider 4 animaux du big five : lions, éléphants, rhinocéros et les buffles. Nous avons vu des troupeaux d'éléphants, de gnous, de zèbres, de lionnes, de buffles, de gazelles et bien d'autres animaux. C'était magnifique, magique, incroyable, époustouflant. Merci à vous deux

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 27, 2025

E

Enri000

We were fortunate to be accompanied for 7 days by Jones, our French-speaking guide, on safari through Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire. Traveling as a family spanning three generations, we were all amazed by his exceptional knowledge of wildlife, perseverance, and infectious enthusiasm. Thanks to him, we were able to observe all the iconic animals in perfect conditions, often feeling as if we were alone in spectacular landscapes. A special thank you also to Georges, who accompanied us in another vehicle for the luggage and brought good humor and positivity every day. Thanks to Jones and Georges, this safari will remain a magical, authentic, and emotional experience. We highly recommend them to anyone dreaming of an unforgettable safari in Tanzania. Hakuna Matata!

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 24, 2025

M

Mylene P

Super. David est à l écoute de nos demandes. Il connaît son métier par coeur. Il est dévoué. Et surtout il est au top. Il prépare les pic nique et non des box et il est même équipé de une nappe. Il est attachant, on a pas envie de le quitter.

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 20, 2025

Traveled Couples

C

Camille M

Incroyable safari en compagnie de notre super guide Boni qui parle français ! Merci pour ses explications détaillées. Au-delà d'avoir été notre guide, Boni est une très bonne personne ! Au programme du safari : Parc de Manyara, Ngorongoro et Tarangire et rencontre avec les tribus Datoga et Hadzabes avec de très bons plats à chaque pique-nique du midi. Merci à Boni, Lomo Tanzania Safari et Terra Africa pour l'organisation. Asante sana

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 17, 2025

Traveled Couples

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