KILIMANJARO TREKKING - NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE

Kilimanjaro

10 days • 1 person and above • From $ 3,250 • Tanzania

Overview

The Northern Circuit Route, often referred to as the "Grand Traverse," is the longest and newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, typically completed over nine days. Starting on the western side at Londorossi Gate, it initially follows the popular Lemosho trail through the rainforest before heading north and uniquely circumnavigating the main Kibo peak in a clockwise direction. This extended duration provides exceptional acclimatization and, consequently, the highest summit success rate of all routes. Trekkers enjoy diverse, 360-degree views, experiencing the lush western slopes, the quiet, remote northern face (with views over the plains of Kenya), and the harsh alpine desert of The Saddle. The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is made from the east, and the descent is via the Mweka trail. It is highly recommended for those seeking the most comprehensive, scenic, and uncrowded climbing experience.

Itinerary Details

Day 0: Arrival and Transfer

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be transferred to your accommodation in Moshi or Arusha, where you will attend a critical pre-climb briefing with your Head Guide to review equipment and logistics before resting for the strenuous journey ahead.

🍴 Meals: b, L, D
🏨 Moshi

Day 1:Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,895m):

Following a drive to the gate for registration, the trek begins on the western side, following the Lemosho trail through lush rainforest to the Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.

🍴 Meals: b, L, D
🏨 Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m):

We leave the forest and ascend onto the Shira Ridge, crossing the expansive moorland and offering views of the Kibo peak and the Shira Cathedral.

🍴 Meals: b, L, D
🏨 Shira 1

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut (4,200m):

We trek across the Shira Plateau, then ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) for an acclimatization boost before descending slightly to the quiet Moir Hut, where the main northern circuit traverse begins.

🍴 Meals: b, L, D
🏨 Moir Hut

Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,000m):

This day features an optional climb of Lent Hills before the route fully turns onto the remote northern slopes of Kibo, offering spectacular views of the Kenyan plains as we undulate through rocky fields to reach Buffalo Camp.

🍴 Meals: b, L, D
🏨 Buffalo Camp

Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp (3,960m):

We continue the scenic, uncrowded traverse across the northern ridges, crossing numerous valleys and gradually losing a small amount of altitude, which aids acclimatization, before settling at Third Cave Camp.

🍴 Meals: b, L, D
🏨 Third Cave Camp

Day 6: Third Cave Camp to School Hut (4,700m):

The trail ascends steadily to cross the vast, barren lunar desert of The Saddle between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, concluding at School Hut, where we immediately rest and prepare for the midnight summit push.

🍴 Meals: b, L, D
🏨 School Hut

Day 7: Summit Day - School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (3,100m):

Starting around midnight, the long and difficult ascent takes us to Gilman's Point on the crater rim for sunrise, followed by the final traverse to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the roof of Africa, before a very long descent all the way down to Mweka Camp.

🍴 Meals: B, L, D
🏨 Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m):

The final day is a long, straightforward descent through the dense montane forest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your official summit certificates and are transferred back to your hotel for a well-earned celebration.

🍴 Meals: B, L, D
🏨 Moshi