The Northern Circuit — Kilimanjaro's Finest Full Traverse

Overview

Daily summary

Day-by-day itinerary

Prices

FAQs

What is our nine-day camp sequence?

Mti Mkubwa, Shira 1, Shira 2, Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, Third Cave, School Hut and Millennium Camp — eight mountain nights — before the descent to Mweka Gate on Day 9 and the transfer to Moshi.

Where does the Northern Circuit differ from Lemosho?

Both begin from the Lemosho trailhead and cross the Shira Plateau. The Northern Circuit then diverges north after Moir Hut, traversing the rarely visited northern face via Buffalo Camp and Third Cave to School Hut. Lemosho instead continues south through Lava Tower, Barranco, Karanga and Barafu.

Why is the summit stage still demanding?

Despite nine days on the mountain, the summit attempt climbs from School Hut to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, followed by a long descent to Millennium Camp. The later stages remain demanding: the ascent to altitude and the long descent require fitness and care regardless of the acclimatisation time built into the itinerary.

How many mountain and hotel nights are included?

Eight mountain nights in tents, plus two hotel nights in Moshi (one before and one after the climb). Additional hotel nights can be arranged at extra cost.

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Lemosho Trailhead to Mti Mkubwa Camp

The Northern Circuit begins on the remote western face of Kilimanjaro, entering pristine montane rainforest at the Lemosho trailhead. The forest is undisturbed and rich in wildlife — colobus and blue monkeys are commonly seen. A gradual climb through tall canopy reaches Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp for a comfortable first overnight.

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Leaving the forest, the trail climbs through moorland and heather into an open volcanic landscape. Crossing Shira Ridge, views of the Shira Plateau and distant Kibo emerge. The route descends gently to Shira 1 Camp at the plateau edge — a beautiful and airy campsite with panoramic views to the west.

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

We cross the Shira Plateau with Kibo's snow-capped dome dominating the horizon. The trail winds through volcanic heathland, passing the Cathedral Rocks before arriving at Shira 2, a well-used camp at the eastern end of the plateau. An afternoon acclimatisation walk to the nearby Shira Plateau viewpoint is offered.

Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

Continuing east across the plateau, the route climbs steadily to Moir Hut, a quieter campsite nestled beneath the Lent Hills. From here the views north are extraordinary, and the sense of remoteness increases. An optional acclimatisation walk towards Lent Hill summit is available for the energetic.

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

This is where the Northern Circuit diverges from all other routes. Turning north, we begin a traverse of the mountain's rarely visited northern face. The landscape is stark and volcanic, with dramatic views of the arid northern slopes. Buffalo Camp, named for the buffalo that sometimes roam at these elevations, is remote and peaceful.

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Continuing east on the northern traverse, the trail crosses open moorland and volcanic scrub with views all the way to Kenya on clear days. Third Cave Camp marks the northeastern section of the circuit and is one of the least-trafficked camps on the mountain — an extraordinary sense of solitude at this altitude.

Third Cave Camp to School Hut

Turning south and climbing sharply, we pass Outward Bound Hut and ascend to School Hut on the northeastern face of Kibo, close to the Rongai Route. School Hut provides a high-altitude camp for the summit attempt, with commanding views of Mawenzi Peak. An early dinner and careful gear preparation precede the summit departure.

School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

Around midnight we begin the summit ascent via the northeastern approach to Gillman's Point on the crater rim, then push west along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at the summit, we descend the Mweka trail to Millennium Camp.

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

A leisurely final morning descent through moorland and rainforest to Mweka Gate. Crew farewells and park formalities are completed at the gate, where summit certificates are issued. Our vehicle meets the group for transfer back to the hotel in Moshi — marking the end of an extraordinary nine-day journey along the western approach, northern traverse, northeastern summit approach and southern descent.

Northern Circuit

Moderate

Exceptional

Very Low

Very High

Lemosho

Medium

High

Rongai

Very Good

Low

Good

Machame

Moderate–Challenging

Excellent

Shira

Challenging

Marangu

Umbwe

Very Challenging

Dramatic

Lower on short itineraries

Northern Circuit Route — Kilimanjaro Climb | Exuberant Kilimanjaro

Climb Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit — a 9-day route combining a western approach, a northern traverse, a northeastern summit approach and a southern descent, with exceptional scenery and near-total solitude.

Kilimanjaro Climb Routes

A western approach via the Lemosho trailhead, a traverse of the rarely visited northern face, a northeastern summit approach and a southern descent — 9 days of near-total solitude and exceptional scenery across every face of Kilimanjaro.

Exuberant Kilimanjaro

Route Overview

Why choose the Northern Circuit?

The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest, most remote and most rewarding route. Beginning on the western face via the Lemosho trailhead, it crosses the Shira Plateau, traverses the rarely visited northern face, and reaches the northeastern slopes before the summit attempt and the southern descent via the Mweka trail. The result is nine days of extraordinary variety: pristine rainforest, volcanic moorland, arctic desert, dramatic cloud inversions and views of both Mawenzi and Kibo from many angles. Traffic on the northern face is exceptionally low, offering a genuinely remote mountain experience. The nine-day schedule spreads the ascent across several days on the mountain before the summit attempt.

Important Notes

Duration

Summit Elevation

Difficulty

Mountain nights

How the altitude builds

The northern traverse provides several days on the mountain before the summit attempt. The later stages remain demanding: the itinerary climbs from Third Cave to School Hut, followed by the ascent to Uhuru Peak and a long descent. The day-by-day itinerary below gives the altitude of each camp.

Route Map

Northern Circuit Route Map — 9 Days / 8 Nights

Northern Circuit 9-day Kilimanjaro route map showing eight overnight stays, the School Hut summit approach and descent via Barafu and Mweka.

View full-size Northern Circuit map

Day by Day at a Glance

9 Days Northern Circuit Itinerary

Standard Northern Circuit 9 Days

Northern Circuit Pricing

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How does the Northern Circuit compare?

Route

Minimum Days

Recommended Days

Scenery

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Northern Circuit FAQs

Route-specific questions

Northern Circuit pricing

2026–2027 standard trek rates · USD per person, based on the number of climbers travelling together.

An obligatory crew tip of at least US$600 per participant is payable in addition to the trek price. Other exclusions and applicable supplements also apply.

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