The 9-day Northern Circuit Route is the longest and one of the most scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers excellent acclimatization by taking a gradual path around the quieter northern slopes of the mountain. The route passes through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and high-altitude terrain before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). With more time for acclimatization and shorter hiking stages, it provides a strong option for trekkers looking for a more gradual and scenic Kilimanjaro experience.
Elevation: 2,100 m to 2,780 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
After breakfast, drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration and preparation. Begin the trek through the lush montane rainforest, with opportunities to see birds and other forest wildlife. Continue along a peaceful trail to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you will have dinner and overnight.
Elevation: 2,780 m to 3,505 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
The trail gradually leaves the rainforest and enters the moorland zone. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes shorter and the views become more expansive.
Continue toward the Shira Plateau and arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you can relax and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape.
Elevation: 3,505 m to 3,840 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Today you cross the scenic Shira Plateau. The walk is relatively gentle, allowing your body to continue acclimatizing. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo and the surrounding volcanic landscape before reaching Shira 2 Camp for dinner and overnight.
Elevation: 3,840 m to 4,200 m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Leave Shira 2 and continue toward the quieter northern side of Kilimanjaro. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged as you approach Moir Valley. This remote section provides excellent scenery and a peaceful trekking experience. Arrive at Moir Hut Camp in the afternoon and rest.
Elevation: 4,200 m to 4,020 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
After breakfast, continue along the Northern Circuit. Today's trail includes gradual ascents and descents around the northern slopes of the mountain. The route offers impressive views toward the Kenyan plains and Kibo. Arrive at Pofu Camp for dinner and overnight.
Elevation: 4,020 m to 3,930 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Continue eastward along the northern slopes toward Third Cave Camp. The day's relatively moderate distance gives you time to enjoy the unique scenery and continue acclimatizing. Arrive at camp in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day resting.
Elevation: 3,930 m to 4,703 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Leave Third Cave Camp and cross the high-altitude Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The vegetation becomes very sparse as you enter the alpine desert zone. Arrive at Kibo Camp, the final camp before the summit. Rest during the afternoon, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Elevation: 4,703 m to 5,895 m to 3,720 m
Distance: 16–18 km Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Wake around midnight and begin the challenging ascent toward Uhuru Peak. Climb slowly through steep volcanic terrain toward Gilman's Point and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photographs at the summit, begin the descent to Kibo Camp for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Camp for dinner and overnight.
Elevation: 3,720 m to 1,860 m
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
After breakfast, begin the final descent through the moorland and lush montane forest. Continue to Marangu Gate, where you will complete the park exit procedures and receive your summit certificate. Meet your vehicle and transfer back to Moshi, marking the end of your Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro adventure.