If you've arranged an airport transfer with us, we'll pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive you to the lodge. Here you meet your mountain crew and fellow trekkers. Relax and bond over dinner, followed by a briefing from your lead guide.
Today you drive to Londorossi Park Gate, where you’re recorded in the Kilimanjaro National Park records. You then start the trek from Lemosho Gate, hiking through mountain rainforest for three to four hours to reach Mkubwa Camp (2,895 m), where you stay the night.
Today you trek through the last of the rainforest, before entering moorland terrain. The trail leads towards Shira Plateau and Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m), where you stay the night. All in all today’s hike takes about five to six hours.
Today you make your way across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp (3,810 m) on a trek that lasts four to six hours. Temperatures start to change rather dramatically at this point of the trek, with the nights sometimes plummeting below freezing.
On this day you can expect a trek of two to three hours through the high alpine desert. You climb to Shark’s Tooth rock formation. You then head back down Moir Camp (4,206 m). This is an important acclimatisation day.
Today you hike for four to five hours. The trek begins with a steep incline as you journey around Kibo’s north face. You then walk through the alpine desert to reach Pofu Camp (4,033 m), where you spend the night.
Much like the past couple of days, the journey today is lengthy but can be very rewarding. Buffaloes are sometimes spotted here. You cross valleys on this trek of four to six hours and end at Third Cave (3,870 m), where you stay the night.
Today you undertake a steady climb over the Saddle, a stretch of barren land connecting the two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The terrain is pretty inhospitable, being high-altitude desert. You climb for four to five hours to arrive at Kibo Hut (4,750 m), where you get some rest before the big day!
It’s all been leading to this. So it's time to dig deep. Your guide wakes you at midnight to get ready. The route ascends northwest into the dark night. In about six to seven hours you reach Stella Point, and then, after another hour of walking, you're at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa! You did it!! You then hike down for six to eight hours to Mweka Camp (3,068 m). All in all, you hike for 12 to 16 hours today!
Today you do the last bit of hiking (three hours) down to the foot of the mountain through a beautiful section of rainforest. At Mweka Gate (1,640 m) you meet your driver, who takes you back to the lodge. Time for high-fives and a celebratory drink! Followed – trust us – by an epically long sleep.
We salute mighty Mt Kilimanjaro and take you to the airport, where we part ways. Unless, that is, you're heading on safari with us, in which case the adventure continues!
Dedicated trip manager
In-depth preparation documents
Pre-climb Zoom consult
2 overnight stays at Lindrin Lodge in Moshi (incl. breakfasts and dinners)
In-depth pre-climb safety briefing at Lindrin Lodge
Transport to and from trailheads
Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fee
Qualified, experienced, English-speaking guides
Porters
Experienced cook
All meals on the mountain
Snacks and hot drinks
Purified drinking water
Daily bowl of water for ‘washy washy’
High-quality, four-season sleeping bag
High-quality, four-season sleeping tent
Sleeping mat
Private Follow Alice toilet (1 per 8 climbers)
Organisation of any rental equipment, if required
Medical equipment (incl. pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen)
Climb certificate
Tanzanian visa
Airfares
Airport transfers (US$40 per person per transfer)
Traveller's insurance
Tip for mountain crew
Single supplement ($200) if required
Lindrin Lodge in the town of Moshi offers chalet accommodation in a pretty and well-maintained garden setting.
We’re one of the only travel companies worldwide with perfect 5* reviews
Our dedicated travel consultants make adventuring easy for you by taking away all of the admin. Your only jobs are to train for the adventure if necessary and then pack your bags!
Our local guides look after you in every way. Our goal is to give every traveller the feeling you get when a friend is showing you their country.
On average, over 70% of your trip price stays in the local economy. It's important to us that the visited communities benefit the most since they're the ones hosting travellers.
The Northern Circuit route offers some of the most spectacular and varied scenery on Mount Kilimanjaro. As you trek the longest route, you’ll pass through lush rainforest, cross the Shira Plateau, navigate the rugged and remote Northern Wilderness, and take in views of glaciers and the summit from different angles. It’s less travelled, you’ll also enjoy a quieter, more pristine environment, with opportunities to spot unique wildlife and stunning landscapes along the way.
No Kilimanjaro climb is easy, but the Northern Circuit is often considered the best for acclimatisation — which can make it feel easier despite being the longest route. It covers about 90 kilometres (56 miles), making it 25 km longer than any other route on the mountain.
Due to the distance, it usually takes 8 to 9 days to complete, giving you plenty of time to adjust to the altitude and boosting your chances of reaching the summit safely.
The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven Kilimanjaro routes. It's one of the best Kilimanjaro routes because it lets you acclimatise well, and so most of its hikers make it to the summit.
It also offers stunning views and varied views, has a comparatively relaxed pace, and takes you away from the crowds even in peak seasons.
No, the Northern Circuit doesn't lead you up Barranco Wall. The Barranco Wall is on the southern slope of Kilimanjaro, while the Northern Circuit leads you across the northern slope. If you're fearful of heights, the Northern Circuit is a very good option for you.
Follow Alice Tours (T) LTD is registered in Tanzania and holds all the necessary licences to run Kilimanjaro climbs and safaris.
