Northern Circuit Route Mt. Kilimanjaro
11 Days Tanzania Safari

Northern Circuit Route Mt. Kilimanjaro

Safari Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, a nine day trip initially ascending Lemosho route on the western side of the mountain up onto the Shira Plateau before reaching the Lava Tower, then heading north and circumnavigating the main summit massif in a clockwise direction and joining up with the Rongai route. The summit is then climbed from the eastern side of the mountain and the descent is straight down via the southern Mweka route. Understandably this is also known as the Grand Traverse or the 360 Route and offers the complete Kilimanjaro experience in terms of all the habitats and the views of the mountain from all sides. The longer journey has excellent acclimatization and stunning scenery with views across the southern flanks, western forests, the northern plains to the Kenyan border and the arid eastern slopes. The paths are comparatively quiet and less used. Also the altitude gain each day is less than on other routes, with a gentle gradient until reaching Kikelewa or Third Caves camp, therefore over nine days the likelihood of altitude sickness is significantly less. Yet the overall length of the route is 96 kilometres, not much more than the other routes. An alternate route which summits directly up the northern slopes from School Hut is about 79 kilometres.

Being more expensive, the Northern Circuit is the least visited but in many respects it's the best option for climbing Kilimanjaro without the crowds. The incredible 11 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro journey is the newest, longest, and most visually stunning trek available. The length of the climb lets you undergo gradual and complete acclimatization before reaching the summit. This unique feature gives the Northern Circuit the highest climb success rate out of all the routes up Kilimanjaro. On the way, you’ll survey spectacular scenery and glimpse untouched wildlife and wilderness. You’ll venture where few have gone before via secluded trails on this newly unlocked mountain route. The Northern Circuit is still a well-kept secret—hurry for the chance to be among its first pioneers! Check out our tour itinerary to see what to expect on your unforgettable Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro adventure: 


11 Days / 10 Nights

Tanzania
Safari in Tanzania


Walking Safari

DAY 1

PRE DAY: Arriving in Tanzania

DAY 2

Moshi(900m) - Londorossi Gate(2385m) - Mti Mkubwa Camp(2780)

DAY 3

Mti Mkubwa (2780m) to Shira I Camp (3500m)

DAY 4

Shira I Camp (3500m) to Shira II Camp (3840m)

DAY 5

Shira 2 Camp (3840m) - Lava Tower (4600m) - Moir Camp (4200

DAY 6

Moir Camp (4200m) - Buffalo Camp (4000m)

DAY 7

Buffalo Camp (4000m) - Rongai Third Cave Camp (3800m)

DAY 8

Third Cave (3800m) - School Camp (4800m)

DAY 9

School Camp (4800m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Millennium Camp

DAY 10

Millenium Camp (3850m) to Mweka Gate (1640m) to Arusha Hotel

DAY 11

Drop off at Arusha or JRO Airport for onward journey.

The Tour Price Includes


  • Filtered water throughout the trek.
  • 3 meals daily while on the mountain.
  • Transportation to & from the mountain gate.
  • Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit.
  • Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters.
  • Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
  • Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.
  • Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture.
  • Accommodation and meals per the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
  • Dinner on day 1, breakfast, lunch and dinner on day 2-10 and breakfast on day 11 of your trip.
  • 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
  • All Park fees, Rescue fees, Camping fees, and 18% VAT on tour fees and service which cost nearly 60% of the total cost.
  • Pre and after trek accommodation at the hotel, 2 nights at mid range hotel/lodge/resort in Moshi/Arusha with bed & breakfast (BB) Meal.
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
  • Luggage allowance for your main bag, that will be carried by a porter, up to max. 15 kg. To make the porter’s life easier, we however strongly recommend to limit the weight of your main bag to 12 kg. For all bags exceeding 15 kg, you will need to pay for an extra porter

The Tour Price Excludes


  • International and domestic flights and departure taxes (Quoted separately where applicable)
  • Meals not listed above. eg Breakfast & lunch on the first day, lunch & dinner on the last day.
  • Tanzania Visa cost which is 50% except for Canadian and USA passport holders which is US$100.
  • Post Accommodation in Arusha / Moshi The next day after trek (Can be arranged upon request at an extra cost ).
  • Optional Tours (short safari/tour after your climb can be arranged  upon request at an extra cost).
  • Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)
  • Mountain gears + Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking).
  • Inoculations and personal insurance (e.g. Tanzania Visa, Travel, Medical and Baggage insurance, A doctor for the group, Laundry, Souvenirs, Telephone, Beverages (available to purchase) and all other services that are not mentioned as included.
  • Tips for the crew, which are mandatory on Kilimanjaro. The minimum amount is 15 USD per day per guide, 10 USD per cook per day and 10 USD per porter per day. We however strongly recommend a more correct tip of 25 USD per guide per day, 15 USD per cook per day and 15 USD per porter per day. All these amounts are to be divided by all group members.
  • Holiday Surcharge : A supplement of US $ 40.00 per person per day will apply to all bookings on the 24th, 25th, 26th and 31 December and 1st January
  • A supplement of US $ 35.00 per person will apply to all bookings between Friday 3rd and Monday 6th April (for all 4 days) as Easter holiday surcharge.