The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s longest and most scenic route, offering an unparalleled trekking experience. It provides a full circumnavigation of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting on the remote western side and joining the Lemosho trail before branching off to the north. This route offers the best acclimatization profile, making it the route with the highest summit success rate on the mountain.
This route can be done in 6 days, but we recommend 7 days for better acclimatization and a higher summit success rate.
You’ll be greeted at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Later, meet your guide for a full briefing and gear check. Overnight at your hotel with dinner included.
Meals: Dinner | Overnight: Moshi/Arusha
After breakfast, transfer to the Londorossi Gate for registration. Then drive to the trailhead and start trekking through lush rainforest, home to monkeys and exotic birds. After 4–5 hours of hiking, arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 8 km
Today’s hike takes you from rainforest to the open moorland zone. Cross beautiful ridges and valleys before reaching the Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic caldera offering magnificent views. Camp at Shira 1, one of the most scenic sites on Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 9 km
Continue across the stunning Shira Plateau, enjoying expansive views and acclimatizing to the higher altitude. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon resting or taking a short acclimatization hike.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 3–4 hours
This is an important acclimatization day. Trek up to Lava Tower (4,630m), where you’ll have lunch before descending to Moir Hut, a remote and quiet campsite on the northern side. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy is perfect for acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 4–5 hours
Today, the trail heads northeast along the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. Enjoy solitude and expansive views as you trek to Buffalo Camp, stopping for lunch along the way. The scenery is dramatic, with rolling alpine desert landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 5–6 hours
After breakfast, continue across the northern flank of the mountain, descending slightly to Third Cave Camp. This is a relatively short and gentle trek, giving your body time to rest before the final push.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 4–5 hours
A steady climb brings you to School Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. The landscape is stark and dramatic at this altitude. After an early dinner, rest and prepare for the midnight summit push.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 4–5 hours
Summit night begins around midnight. Slowly ascend in the darkness across steep switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Witness the sunrise over the vast plains—a life-changing experience. After photos and celebration, descend back to School Hut for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 12–14 hours
Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Trek Time: 3–4 hours
$ 000/
The Machame Route is one of the most popular Kilimanjaro routes, offering beautiful views and a good balance of challenge and acclimatization. It’s known for its diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, culminating in the stunning summit of Uhuru Peak.
$000
The Marangu Route is the shortest and most straightforward route, making it a popular choice for first-time climbers. This is the only route that offers hut accommodations, meaning you don’t have to sleep in tents — perfect for those looking for a more comfortable trek.
$000
The Lemosho Route is a more remote and scenic route, perfect for trekkers who enjoy a quieter experience with stunning views. It’s a longer route, which means better acclimatization and a higher success rate. With fewer climbers and more natural beauty, it’s a truly unforgettable experience.
There are several routes, each with different characteristics. The Machame Route is the most popular and scenic, while the Marangu Route is the easiest and only one with hut accommodation. For a quieter climb, consider the Rongai Route. For experienced trekkers, Umbwe Route offers a more challenging ascent
There are several routes, each with different characteristics. The Machame Route is the most popular and scenic, while the Marangu Route is the easiest and only one with hut accommodation. For a quieter climb, consider the Rongai Route. For experienced trekkers, Umbwe Route offers a more challenging ascent
The typical duration is 5 to 9 days, depending on the route. The longer the climb, the better the chances of acclimatization and a successful summit.
Climbing Kilimanjaro requires physical stamina and mental preparation. While it’s not a technical climb, it can be challenging due to the high altitude. We recommend a moderate level of fitness and commitment. The difficulty varies depending on the route and how well you acclimatize.
No, you do not need technical climbing skills. However, the trek requires good physical fitness and the ability to handle altitude. If you’re a beginner, routes like Marangu or Rongai may be more suitable.
Depending on the route, you will either camp in tents or stay in mountain huts. The Marangu Route offers huts, while other routes like Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai require camping with tents.
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Africa and one of the highest free-standing mountains in the world.
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Africa and one of the highest free-standing mountains in the world.
Essential items include:
Warm clothes (even in the tropics, temperatures can drop below freezing)
Waterproof gear (jackets, pants)
Climbing boots
Sleeping bags
Sunscreen
Headlamp/flashlight
Daypack
Personal items like toiletries and medication
We will provide a detailed gear list to help you pack efficiently.
The summit success rate ranges from 60% to 90%, depending on the route, acclimatization, and physical preparedness. Routes like Lemosho and Machame tend to have higher success rates due to better acclimatization schedules.
We provide transfers from Moshi or Arusha to the starting gate of the trek. Our team will ensure smooth transport from your hotel to the departure point.
Lujoma Expeditions is a locally owned Tanzanian tour company specializing in custom safaris, cultural experiences, mountain treks, and beach holidays across East Africa.
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