Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route 11-Day Itinerary, Prices & Dates

The Northern Circuit route on Mount Kilimanjaro is renowned for being the longest, most scenic, and offering the highest success rates due to its extended acclimatization profile. This 11-day itinerary provides a detailed narrative, along with important information regarding reviews, maps, success rates, photos, prices, and optimal dates. The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s newest and arguably most rewarding route. Approaching from the west, it begins along the Lemosho trail. Then uniquely traverses the less-visited northern slopes of the mountain for several days before joining the Rongai route for the final ascent to the summit. This extended duration not only offers unparalleled panoramic views from nearly every side of Kilimanjaro. But also provides the best acclimatization profile, significantly enhancing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. This journey is for those who seek a profound connection with the mountain, valuing solitude and scenery as much as the summit itself.

Route Overview:

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights (including arrival and departure days)
Starting Point: Londorossi Gate (West)
Summit Approach: Eastern side (via Rongai route)
Descent: Mweka Route (South)
Accommodation: Mountain Tents (fully supported camping)

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Gateway to the Roof of Africa

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your dedicated safari and trekking team. The fresh air and excitement of being at the foot of Africa’s highest peak will be palpable. You’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel in Arusha, the Mount Meru Hotel. Where you can settle in, relax, and prepare for the incredible journey ahead. Your lead guide will conduct a thorough pre-trek briefing, an equipment check, and answer any last-minute questions, ensuring you are fully prepared for the challenge.

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha to Londorossi Gate (2,360m/7,742ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m/9,250ft)

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll depart Arusha for a scenic drive to the Londorossi Gate (approx. 2-3 hours). Here, your climbing permits will be finalized, and your team of guides, porters, and cooks will be introduced. Following registration, a short drive takes you to the Lemosho trailhead. Your trek begins through lush rainforest, a gentle ascent that allows your body to start acclimatizing. Keep an eye out for black and white colobus monkeys and various bird species. You’ll arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in the late afternoon, where your tents will be set up and a warm meal awaits.

Elevation: 2,360m/7,742ft to 2,820m/9,250ft
Distance: ~6 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m/9,250ft) to Shira Camp 1 (3,500m/11,480ft)

Today’s trek continues through the enchanting rainforest, gradually transitioning into the heath and moorland zone. The path becomes steeper in sections as you ascend onto the Shira Ridge. As you emerge from the forest, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s majestic summit. The diverse flora of the moorland provides excellent photographic opportunities. You’ll reach Shira Camp 1, nestled on the edge of the expansive Shira Plateau, a truly unique high-altitude desert.

 Elevation: 2,820m/9,250ft to 3,500m/11,480ft
Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath/Moorland
Meals: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,500m/11,480ft) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850m/12,630ft)

Today is a relatively shorter and gentler day, allowing for further acclimatization and exploration of the vast Shira Plateau. You’ll trek across this ancient caldera, admiring the unique volcanic formations and perhaps a detour to the impressive Shira Cathedral. The views of Kibo and the surrounding plains become increasingly dramatic. This day’s less strenuous hike helps your body adapt to the altitude. You’ll spend the night at Shira Camp 2, with stunning panoramic views as the sun sets.

Elevation: 3,500m/11,480ft to 3,850m/12,630ft
Distance: ~7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland/Alpine Desert
Meals: Full Board

Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,850m/12,630ft) to Moir Hut (4,200m/13,780ft)

This marks a pivotal day as you leave the more frequented trails and begin to traverse the less-crowded Northern Circuit. The trek involves ascending to the iconic Lava Tower (4,600m/15,090ft) – an important “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization exercise. Here, you’ll have lunch amidst the stark, lunar landscape. After lunch, you’ll descend to Moir Hut, situated in a beautiful valley on the northern side of Kibo. This day’s varied terrain and altitude changes are excellent for strengthening your acclimatization.

Elevation: 3,850m/12,630ft to 4,200m/13,780ft (via Lava Tower at 4,600m)
Distance: ~14 km (8.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Full Board

Day 6: Moir Hut (4,200m/13,780ft) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m/13,190ft)

Continuing your circumnavigation of the mountain, today’s trek is moderately challenging with some ups and downs as you navigate the rugged terrain of the northern slopes. You’ll pass through several valleys and ridges. Each offering distinct views of Kibo and the vast plains stretching out towards Kenya to the north. This section of the route is incredibly remote and offers a profound sense of solitude. You’ll reach Buffalo Camp, known for its expansive views and quiet atmosphere.

Elevation: 4,200m/13,780ft to 4,020m/13,190ft
Distance: ~12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Full Board

Day 7: Buffalo Camp (4,020m/13,190ft) to Rongai Third Cave (3,870m/12,700ft)

Today’s trek is shorter, allowing for further rest and acclimatization. You’ll continue along the northern slopes, traversing a relatively gentle path with some gradual ascents and descents. The landscape remains largely alpine desert, but the views continue to be expansive and awe-inspiring. You’ll arrive at Rongai Third Cave Camp (sometimes just “Third Cave”). Which provides a sense of shelter in this high-altitude environment. You should feel well-acclimatized by this point, readying yourselves for the summit push.

Elevation: 4,020m/13,190ft to 3,870m/12,700ft
Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert/Moorland
Meals: Full Board

Day 8: Rongai Third Cave (3,870m/12,700ft) to School Hut (4,750m/15,580ft)

After breakfast, you’ll begin a steady ascent towards The Saddle, a barren, lunar-like plain situated between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. This is a challenging but relatively shorter day, designed to get you to high altitude early in the afternoon, allowing for maximum rest before the summit attempt. You’ll arrive at School Hut, your final camp before the summit. The rest of the day is dedicated to resting, hydrating, and preparing your gear for the demanding summit push that will begin around midnight.

Elevation: 3,870m/12,700ft to 4,750m/15,580ft
Distance: ~15 km (9.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Full Board

Day 9: Summit Day! School Hut (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) to Millennium Camp (3,800m/12,470ft)

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of your climb. You’ll wake up around midnight, have a light snack and hot tea, and begin your ascent under the starry African sky. The climb is steep and relentless, moving slowly in the dark, with the glow of headlamps illuminating the path. You’ll aim to reach Gilman’s Point (5,681m/18,638ft) on the crater rim just before or at sunrise. A truly magical moment as the sun illuminates the glaciers and the plains below. From Gilman’s, you’ll traverse the crater rim for another 1-2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft). The highest point in Africa! Celebrate your incredible achievement, take your summit photos, and soak in the panoramic views.

After a brief time at the summit, you’ll begin your descent, first back to the School Hut for a short rest and brunch. Then, you continue a long descent down the Mweka route, through the alpine desert and moorland, all the way to Millennium Camp. This long descent requires strong knees but offers incredible views of the lower slopes.

Elevation: 4,750m/15,580ft to 5,895m/19,341ft (summit), then descend to 3,800m/12,470ft
Distance: ~6 km (3.7 miles) ascent, ~11 km (6.8 miles) descent
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 5-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic, Alpine Desert, Moorland
Meals: Full Board

Day 10: Millennium Camp (3,800m/12,470ft) to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft) & Return to Arusha

Your final day on the mountain is a joyful descent through the lush rainforest. After breakfast, you’ll continue hiking down to the Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your well-deserved summit certificates. This is a time for celebration and appreciation for your incredible achievement and the hard work of your dedicated mountain crew. After saying farewell to your support team, you’ll be transferred back to the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and a comfortable bed – a welcome luxury after days on the mountain.

Elevation: 3,800m/12,470ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
Distance: ~10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Farewell in Tanzania – Departure Home

Enjoy a final, relaxed breakfast at your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have some free time to relax, perhaps do some souvenir shopping, or simply reflect on your monumental achievement. Your private transfer will then take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your international departure. You depart with a profound sense of accomplishment and unforgettable memories of conquering Africa’s highest peak.

Meals: Breakfast