Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit

10-Day Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit

$2595-2895 USD

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Safari summary

Enhance your East African adventure with our diverse Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit 10 Days. Dive deeper into the Kilimanjaro region’s rich heritage and natural beauty with carefully crafted experiences that showcase local traditions, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re interested in exploring traditional villages, discovering historical sites, or enjoying guided nature walks, our tours offer an immersive glimpse into the authentic spirit of East Africa.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking
Primate trekking
Wildlife sanctuaries

What’s included?

Meals
Park fees

What’s not included?

Accommodation
Alcoholic beverages
All drinks
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Private vehicle and driver
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Arrival

Kilimanjaro

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to Panama garden resort or similar for an overnight stay. You will meet with your guide for briefing and to assist you in renting the right equipment for climbing. You'll enjoy your day at Panama garden resort while swimming under the African sun.

Londorossi Mti mkubwa

Kilimanjaro

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site. Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, Distance: 6 km/4 miles, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest.

Mti Mkubwa to Shira

Kilimanjaro

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, Distance: 8 km/5 miles, Hiking Time 5-6 hours. Habitat: Heath.

Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

Kilimanjaro

We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees. Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft, Distance: 7 km/4 miles, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Heath.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

Kilimanjaro

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Moir Hut To Buffalo Camp

Kilimanjaro

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft, Distance: 12 km/7 miles, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Kilimanjaro

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave. Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft, Distance: 8 km/5 miles, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Heath.

Third Cave to School Hut

Kilimanjaro

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft, Distance: 5 km/3 miles, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert

School Hut to Uhuru Peak

Kilimanjaro

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft, Distance: 10 km/6 miles, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest.

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