TOUR

Northern Circuit Route

Duration

9 DAYS

This route starts on the western side of the mountain, the same as Lemosho Route, then deviates as it winds around the north side before ascending up to Uhuru Peak from the east. The descent is down the Mweka Route. This is a newer route so it is not yet very busy but we look for this route to become increasingly popular. This route is a good choice for people wanting more solitude. It is also a good route choice during wetter times of the year. This route offers a good variety of scenery, as you will be seeing the western, northern, and eastern sides of Kilimanjaro. We offer the Northern Circuit Route as either an 8 days or a 9 days itinerary.

01 Day by Day

Arrival Day – Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

Distance

50 km (driving)

Elevation

1,000m - 1,200m

Trekking Time

1 hour (driving)

Zone Type

Town

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins the moment you land. A Best Tanzania Safari driver will be waiting just outside the arrivals area, holding a sign with your name — no stress, no searching. Even if your flight is delayed or immigration takes longer than expected, they’ll be there. Once settled into your hotel in Moshi, you’ll meet your guide for an equipment check and a pre-climb briefing. This is your chance to ask every question on your mind, go over the route, and make sure everything is dialled in before the mountain begins. Gear rentals are available locally and are of excellent quality if you need anything. Tonight, rest well. Tomorrow, the adventure starts.

Day 1 – Moshi to Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Campsite

Distance

9 km

Elevation

1,200m - 2,850m

Trekking Time

3-4 hours

Zone Type

Montane Forest

After breakfast, your driver will collect you from the hotel and head to Londorossi Gate for park registration. From there it’s back in the vehicle for the drive to Lemosho Glade, where your feet hit the trail for the first time. The trek enters an undisturbed montane forest immediately — ancient trees, hanging moss, and black and white colobus monkeys swinging through the canopy above. It’s a gentle introduction and a beautiful one. By the time you reach camp, you’ll already feel the mountain’s magic. Dinner and overnight at Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite.

Day 2 – Big Tree Campsite to Shira One Campsite

Distance

13 km

Elevation

2,850m - 3,500m

Trekking Time

8 hours

Zone Type

Moorland and Heather

Leaving the forest behind, today the trail opens out onto the high moorland and the scale of Kilimanjaro begins to reveal itself. You’ll gain over 650 metres as you cross a sweeping valley toward Shira’s ancient caldera rim at 3,600m. Shira is one of the volcano’s three original peaks — its summit long since collapsed and filled with lava from Kibo, leaving a vast, hauntingly beautiful plateau. The rim is eroded and dramatic, and the views from camp are extraordinary. A key acclimatization day. Take it steady. Dinner and overnight at Shira One Campsite at 3,500m.

Day 3 – Shira One Campsite to Shira Two Campsite

Distance

7 km

Elevation

3,500m - 3,850m

Trekking Time

4 hours

Zone Type

Moorland

Today the trek crosses the full breadth of the Shira Plateau from west to east. It’s a relatively short day, but the landscape is spectacular — wide, windswept, and dominated by the looming bulk of Kibo straight ahead. At Shira Camp 2, it’s worth pushing a little higher up the plateau to take in the stunning view across the valley and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed, so be ready for temperatures to drop well below freezing after dark. Dinner and overnight at Shira Two Campsite at 3,850m.

Day 4 – Shira Two Campsite to Lava Tower to Moir Hut Campsite

Distance

14 km

Elevation

3,850m - 4,600m - 4,200m

Trekking Time

5-7 hours

Zone Type

Low Alpine - High Alpine

One of the most dramatic days of the entire route. The morning takes you east through the otherworldly Garden of the Senecios — giant groundsels towering overhead like something from a prehistoric landscape — before entering the high alpine desert zone and climbing to Lava Tower (4,600m) and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation, where you’ll stop for lunch. After lunch, the Northern Circuit diverges north into rarely trodden terrain, descending to Moir Hut at 4,200m. This is where the route truly separates itself from the crowd — from here, you’ll have the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro almost entirely to yourself. Dinner and overnight at Moir Hut Campsite.

Day 5 – Moir Hut Campsite to Buffalo Campsite

Distance

6 km

Elevation

4,155m - 4,145m

Trekking Time

4 hours

Zone Type

Moorland

Heading out of the Moir Valley, today takes you into the most remote and least-travelled section of Kilimanjaro. You’ll climb to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail and continuing east through a broad, boulder-strewn rock field. The silence up here is remarkable. No crowds, no noise — just you, the mountain, and the vast open sky of the northern slopes. By afternoon you’ll arrive at Buffalo (Pofu) Camp, tucked into the landscape at 4,145m. Dinner and overnight at Buffalo Campsite.

Day 6 – Buffalo Campsite to Third Cave Campsite

Distance

8 km

Elevation

4,145m - 3,936m

Trekking Time

5 hours

Zone Type

Alpine Desert

Today the trail crosses Buffalo Ridge and pushes east into the barren, Mars-like terrain of the alpine desert. You’ll cross numerous gullies as the path winds through one of the most desolate and awe-inspiring stretches of the entire route — in fact, you’ll actually lose a little altitude today (209m) as the trail descends toward Third Cave Camp. It’s a quiet, meditative day on the mountain — an ideal opportunity to absorb the enormity of where you are before the push toward the summit begins. Dinner and overnight at Third Cave Campsite at 3,936m.

Day 7 – Third Cave Campsite to School Hut Campsite

Distance

8 km

Elevation

3,936m - 4,717m

Trekking Time

5 hours

Zone Type

Alpine Desert

Retracing yesterday’s trail briefly to the dry riverbed, you then turn west and begin a long, steady climb toward Kibo. The landscape becomes increasingly stark as you gain altitude — scree, rock, and sky. School Hut sits at 4,717m on the eastern slopes of Kibo, just minutes from the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. By early afternoon you’ll be in camp. Eat well, rest fully, and prepare your gear. The summit push begins at midnight.

Day 8 – School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millenium Campsite

Distance

15 km

Elevation

4,717m - 5,895m - 3,950m

Trekking Time

10-12 hours

Zone Type

Desert and Ice

The summit push on the Northern Circuit approaches Uhuru Peak from the east via Gilman’s Point — a steep, demanding ascent that rewards every step with increasingly staggering views. You’ll leave School Hut around midnight, climbing in darkness through altitude that will test your body and your determination. Snacking regularly and keeping a slow, steady pace are essential. At Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, the worst is behind you — from here, a further 1.5 hours along the crater rim brings you to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate, take your photos, and begin the long descent — back through Barafu Camp for rest and brunch, then down through moorland to Millenium Camp, arriving before sunset.

Day 9 – Millenium Campsite to Mweka Gate

Distance

10 km

Elevation

3,950m - 1,700m

Trekking Time

6 hours

Zone Type

Montane Forest

The final morning on the mountain. A satisfying descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you sign out and receive your summit certificate — hard-earned and well deserved. Your vehicle brings you back to Moshi, where a hot shower, a proper meal, and a celebration are waiting. An extraordinary journey. Well done.

Departure Day – Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport

Distance

50 km (driving)

Elevation

1,200m - 1,000m

Trekking Time

1 hour (driving)

Zone Type

Town

Your Best Tanzania Safari driver will be ready at your hotel to transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport in plenty of time for your flight home — or your next adventure. Zanzibar? A safari in the Serengeti? The rest of Tanzania is waiting.

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02 Know Before You Go

Several routes are available on Kilimanjaro, each offering a different experience. We generally recommend choosing the longest itinerary your time and budget allow, as slower ascents improve acclimatization and summit success rates. The Marangu Route is unique for its dormitory-style huts with solar lighting, while all other routes are camping routes. Climbs are possible year-round, though March to May and November to early December are typically the wettest months. During these periods, the drier northern routes such as Rongai and the Northern Circuit are often good options.

What to Pack

Packing efficiently and bringing proper gear is vital as you will pass through several climate zones..

All items can be rented locally of good quality. There will be an equipment check before your trek starts to insure you are properly prepared.

Bags/Packs

80-90L Waterproof duffle bag
20-30L Day Pack
Day Pack Rain-cover

Clothing

4-5 Pairs of underwear
Top and bottom base layer
3-4 Short sleeve and 1-2 long sleeve trekking shirts
1-2 Pairs of hiking trousers
1 Fleece jacket
1 Insulated winter jacket
1 Insulated trekking trousers
1 Hard-shell jacket
Lightweight rain-gear

Headgear

Sun hat, ideally with a neck cover
Warm knit/fleece cap
Bandanna or neck gaiter
Headlamp (with extra batteries)
Sunglasses – Polarized (Glacier Glasses are ideal)

Hands and Walking

Lightweight inner gloves
Warm outer gloves/mitts
Adjustable trekking poles

Footwear

Mid-weight hiking boots
Sandals/Trainers (for use at the camps)
4-5 Pairs of trekking socks
1 Pair of warm/thick trekking socks
Gaiters

Sleeping Accessories

4-Season Sleeping Bag (temperature rating of 0°C or lower)
Sleeping Bag Liner

General Accessories

Water Bottles (enough to carry 3L) – note if bringing a camelbak instead, it is a good idea to have at least 1 water bottle since at times the camelbak tubes can freeze shut.
Water Purification Tablets- optional since we will treat all water for you
Baby Wipes
Sweat-Resistant Sunblock
Blister Plasters (Band-aids)
Insect Repellent
General medications (Paracetamol, Imodium)
Diamox (optional – see Mountain Safety Article for advice)
Pee bottle (optional)

Electronics

Camera (optional) – Note: Drones are not allowed
Solar Backpack Charger (optional)
Power Bank (optional)
Spare Memory Card (optional)

Misc.

Energy Bars
Energy Drink Supplement
Zip-lock Bags (note: single use plastic bags are not allowed in the country)
Trekking towel
Toiletries, including one roll of toilet paper
Small lock for your duffle bag (optional)

Mountain Sample Diet

It takes a lot of energy to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. Your success may depend on the meals that are prepared for you.

This is one area where budget companies cut corners, but Best Tanzania Safari knows that this is unwise to make reaching the summit even harder just to save a few dollars. Unfortunately, one of the effects of high altitude is loss of appetite and nausea. That means the your meals need to be easy to digest and appealing. Best Tanzania Safari can accommodate nearly any special diet if we are informed in advance of the trek.

What is typically served is:

Breakfasts

pancakes/chapati,
porridge,
fruits,
eggs,
sausages,
bread with jam/honey,
coffee/tea/hot chocolate.

Lunches

sandwiches,
soup,
chicken,
fried bananas,
peanuts,
fruit,
boiled eggs,
chocolate bar,
coffee/tea/hot chocolate.

Dinners

Peanuts/popcorn,
stew/soup,
pasta/potatoes/rice,
vegetables,
beef/chicken,
coffee/tea/hot chocolate.

Tipping Etiquette

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is very much a team effort, and many clients come away with great respect for the mountain crew after seeing the hard work involved in helping trekkers safely reach the summit — and, when needed, assisting climbers back down the mountain safely.

Tipping is always optional and entirely at your discretion. Best Tanzania Safari pays its staff wages at the higher end of local industry standards, but tips still provide meaningful support for guides, cooks, and porters and their families. The suggested amounts below are based on the cost of living in Tanzania and feedback from past climbers.

We also maintain a strict no-pressure tipping policy. Our staff are not permitted to ask for tips directly or share personal hardship stories in hopes of receiving larger tips. If you experience this, or if any aspect of the service does not meet expectations, please let us know.

Tips can be given in any currency accepted by local banks. Please note that we cannot accept tips by credit or debit card, as card payments would be subject to company taxation. Useful trekking equipment that you no longer need is also appreciated.

The final number of porters depends on the total expedition weight, including client gear, camping equipment, food, staff supplies, and optional items such as portable toilets.

Suggested Tip Amounts (Per Group / Per Day)

Head Guide: $25 USD/day

Assistant Guides: $20 USD/day

Cook: $15 USD/day

Porters: $10 USD/day

These amounts are per group, not per person. For example, on an 8-day trek, the suggested tip for the head guide would total $200 USD. In a group of 4 trekkers, each person would contribute $50 USD toward that amount.

03 Other Routes

Machame

The Whiskey Route

Duration

6-7

Difficulty

Moderate

The most popular route and for good reasons. Five vegetation zones in five days, the dramatic Barranco Wall, and a steady acclimatisation profile. Crowded in high season but the scenery earns its reputation.

Lemosho

The Scenic Route

Duration

7-8

Difficulty

Moderate

Our pick if budget allows the extra night. Western-side approach through the rainforest of Londorossi, longer climb-high-sleep-low profile, and you join the Machame route only on day three.

Northern Circuit

The Long Way Round

Duration

8-9

Difficulty

Moderate

The newest and longest route. Loops around the mountain’s quieter northern slopes before the summit push. The single best acclimatisation profile on Kilimanjaro — and the highest summit success rate.

Rongai

The Northern Approach

Duration

6-7

Difficulty

Moderate

The only route from the north, near the Kenyan border. Drier than the southern routes, often a chance of wildlife in the lower forest, and quieter trails through to Kibo Hut.

Marangu

The Coca-Cola Route

Duration

6-7

Difficulty

Easy-Moderate

The shortest and only route with hut accommodation rather than tents. Same path up and down, often cited as the hardest on the body because of the limited acclimatisation time.

Umbwe

The Steep One

Duration

Difficulty

Hard

The most direct, steepest line up the mountain. We only run this route for fit, experienced trekkers who have spent time at altitude before. Quietest trails on Kilimanjaro.