The Northern Circuit Route is Mount Kilimanjaro’s longest and most scenic trekking trail, offering a gradual ascent, high summit success rate, and unparalleled panoramic views. Spanning 10 days, this route takes climbers around the entire northern slopes, allowing a complete perspective of Kilimanjaro’s dramatic landscapes—from lush forests to alpine moorlands and the stark, lunar-like summit zones.
Starting at Lemosho Gate, trekkers pass through dense rainforest, home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a vibrant array of tropical birds. As you ascend, the forest gives way to heath and moorland zones, dotted with giant lobelias and groundsels, before entering the alpine desert and arctic summit regions. The trail’s extended itinerary allows for excellent acclimatization, minimizing altitude sickness while offering plenty of time to enjoy Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty.
A highlight of this route is the remote Northern side, which is rarely crowded, providing solitude and an authentic wilderness experience. Trekkers also have the unique opportunity to spend a night at the spectacular Crater Camp, perched near the summit, offering dramatic sunrise views over the surrounding landscape—a once-in-a-lifetime experience reserved for a select few.
The Northern Circuit combines adventure, luxury, and raw nature, ideal for climbers seeking a challenging yet immersive Kilimanjaro journey that captures the mountain’s full grandeur from all angles.
Can start any day a Client Chooses
10 Days Kilimanjaro Trek
High Challenge Adventure
Private or Group Tour
English, Chinese, Spanish, French
Lunch, Snacks, Water and Soda
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is one of the first truly 4-stars boutique hotels in Moshi which provide great ambience and facilities. Located 4km from the Town of Moshi, 45 km away from Kilimanjaro national park, 40km away from the Kilimanjaro International airport. Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is ideally located for all those that visit Moshi Town for adventure seeking or for business travel. Click here to learn more
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is one of the first truly 4-stars boutique hotels in Moshi which provide great ambience and facilities. Located 4km from the Town of Moshi, 45 km away from Kilimanjaro national park, 40km away from the Kilimanjaro International airport. Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is ideally located for all those that visit Moshi Town for adventure seeking or for business travel. Click here to learn more
Begin your adventure with registration at Lemosho Gate before starting your trek through the lush rainforest. The trail winds gently uphill under a dense canopy filled with birdsong and the rustle of colobus monkeys. After a few hours, you’ll arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, nestled among tall trees. Relax, enjoy a hearty dinner, and spend your first night under the African stars.
Accommodation: Camping
Leave the rainforest and enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail ascends steadily through open ridges, offering views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. After crossing several small streams, you’ll reach Shira 1 Camp on the plateau—your first high-altitude campsite with sweeping views of the western slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation: Camping
Set out across the vast Shira Plateau, an otherworldly landscape of alpine meadows and volcanic rock formations. The trail gradually ascends, offering panoramic views of Mount Meru and the rugged western slopes of Kilimanjaro. You’ll reach Moir Hut, a secluded campsite at the base of the Lent Hills. In the afternoon, take an optional acclimatization hike up the hills for stunning sunset views and improved altitude adjustment.
Accommodation: Camping
Departing Moir Valley, you’ll ascend out of the hills before curving around the northern slopes. The trail offers solitude and striking panoramas of the plains below. After several gentle ups and downs, you’ll reach Buffalo Camp, set in the alpine moorland with dramatic views of the mountain’s ridges.
Accommodation: Camping
Continue eastward along the northern slopes, enjoying rolling terrain and expansive views of Kenya’s Amboseli plains. This stretch is excellent for gradual acclimatization. Arrive at Third Cave Camp by early afternoon and relax amid the serene high-altitude environment.
Accommodation: Camping
A shorter yet steeper climb brings you to School Hut, your final base before the summit attempt. Vegetation becomes sparse as you approach the arctic zone. Rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear for the summit push. Your guides will brief you in detail about the ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Accommodation: Camping
Summit day begins around midnight. Ascend slowly in the cold darkness, following switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim. From there, it’s a final gradual climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—the highest point in Africa! Celebrate your triumph with breathtaking sunrise views before descending to Barafu for a short rest and lunch. Continue down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll enjoy your final night on the mountain.
Accommodation: Camping
Your final descent winds through the lush rainforest, alive with birds and monkeys. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate—a proud reminder of your achievement. A driver will transfer you back to Moshi, where a hot shower, delicious meal, and comfortable bed await.
Accommodation: Budget, Midrange, or Luxury Hotel in Moshi Town
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is one of the first truly 4-stars boutique hotels in Moshi which provide great ambience and facilities. Located 4km from the Town of Moshi, 45 km away from Kilimanjaro national park, 40km away from the Kilimanjaro International airport. Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is ideally located for all those that visit Moshi Town for adventure seeking or for business travel. Click here to learn more
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is one of the first truly 4-stars boutique hotels in Moshi which provide great ambience and facilities. Located 4km from the Town of Moshi, 45 km away from Kilimanjaro national park, 40km away from the Kilimanjaro International airport. Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is ideally located for all those that visit Moshi Town for adventure seeking or for business travel. Click here to learn more
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