Kilimanjaro route
Northern Circuit
The 10-day itinerary from Londorossi Gate to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m. Every day's distance, walking time and habitat, gate to summit.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Price from
- On request
- Difficulty
- Moderate to challenging
- Starting point
- Londorossi Gate
About the Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit is the longest and most comprehensive route on Kilimanjaro, offering the best acclimatization profile and one of the highest summit success rates. It begins on the western side, crosses the Shira Plateau, and circles the remote northern slopes before summiting from the east.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Best for: Maximum acclimatization, full mountain circuit, fewer crowds
Prices
Prices are per person and vary slightly based on group size and season. Contact us for an exact quote.
| Duration | Itinerary | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| 10 days | Day by day below | On request |
10-day Northern Circuit itinerary
Ten days on the mountain, crossing the Shira Plateau and circling the remote northern slopes before the summit push from School Hut in the east.
Arrive in Arusha
- about 1,400 m / 4,590 ft
- Rainforest
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you are met after clearing customs. Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for a full briefing and equipment check with your guide team. This is an important preparation day before the trek begins.
Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa — Forest Camp
- 2,360 m / 7,742 ft → 2,895 m / 9,498 ft
- 6 km / 4 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Rainforest
After breakfast, depart Arusha for the western side of Kilimanjaro. Complete park registration at Londorossi Gate, then drive to the trailhead at Lemosho Glades. Begin trekking through dense rainforest, which can be wet and muddy. Reach Mti Mkubwa, or Big Tree Camp, in the afternoon.
Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- 2,895 m / 9,498 ft → 3,505 m / 11,500 ft
- 8 km / 5 miles
- 5–6 hours
- Rainforest to Moorland
Climb steadily out of the forest through podocarpus and juniper woodland before emerging onto the Shira Plateau. The terrain opens into heather and volcanic rock, with expansive views of Kibo. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- 3,505 m / 11,500 ft → 3,810 m / 12,500 ft
- 7 km / 4 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Moorland
Continue across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing for gradual acclimatization. The plateau is exposed, and temperatures can drop significantly at night. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut Camp
- 3,810 m / 12,500 ft → about 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- 9 km / 5.5 miles
- 4–6 hours
- Moorland to Alpine Desert
After breakfast, continue across the high-altitude caldera with wide, open views. As the route begins to diverge from the main southern trails, the environment becomes quieter and more remote. Camp near Moir Hut in a rugged alpine setting with views toward the upper slopes of Kibo and surrounding volcanic features.
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp — Pofu Camp
- about 4,200 m / 13,780 ft → about 4,020 m / 13,200 ft
- 12 km / 7 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Alpine Desert
Climb out of the Moir Valley and, if conditions allow, take a short acclimatization detour toward the Lent Hills. Continue east along the Northern Circuit through a remote and rarely traveled section of the mountain. The landscape is vast and open, with views stretching across the plains to the north. Overnight at Buffalo Camp.
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
- about 4,020 m / 13,200 ft → about 3,870 m / 12,700 ft
- 8 km / 5 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Alpine Desert
Continue traversing the northern slopes across a series of valleys and ridges. The terrain remains dry and sparsely vegetated, emphasizing the remote nature of this route. As you move closer to the eastern side of the mountain, views of Mawenzi Peak become more prominent. Overnight at Third Cave Camp.
Third Cave to School Hut Camp
- about 3,870 m / 12,700 ft → 4,800 m / 15,600 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles
- 4–5 hours
- Alpine Desert
Ascend steadily to School Hut, located in the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. This is your final camp before the summit attempt. Arrive in the early afternoon, rest, hydrate, and prepare summit gear. Early dinner and sleep before the midnight ascent.
School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- 4,800 m / 15,600 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,070 m / 10,065 ft
- 6 km / 4 miles up; 12 km / 7 miles down
- 6–8 hours up; 4–6 hours down
- Arctic to Rainforest
Begin the summit climb around midnight. Ascend steep switchbacks of loose volcanic scree to Gilman's Point at the crater rim. Pause briefly before continuing along the rim to Uhuru Peak, passing glaciers and ice formations along the way. After celebrating at the summit, begin the descent via Stella Point and Barafu Camp, continuing down to Mweka Camp for your final overnight on the mountain.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
- 3,070 m / 10,065 ft → 1,640 m / 5,380 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Rainforest
Enjoy a final breakfast on the mountain before descending through lush forest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be muddy, requiring careful footing. Upon arrival, receive your summit certificate, say farewell to your crew, and transfer back to Arusha.
Departure
- about 1,400 m / 4,590 ft
- Rainforest
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure, or continue onward to a safari or Zanzibar extension depending on your travel plans.
Climb the Northern Circuit with Baraka
Send your dates and group size and you'll get the detailed itinerary and a quote back.
Other Kilimanjaro routes
- Lemosho Route · 8 and 9 days
- Machame Route · 6 and 7 days
- Marangu Route · 5 and 6 days
- Rongai Route · 6 and 7 days
- Umbwe Route · 6 and 7 days
- Shira Route · 6 and 7 days
