Northern Circuit – 9 Days
Northern Circuit Route

Northern Circuit – 9 Days

The longest route circling the entire mountain. Best acclimatization, diverse scenery, and 95% summit success rate. The ultimate Kilimanjaro experience.

9 Days Duration
5,895m Summit
$3,200 From / person
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Tour Overview

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Northern Circuit Gate to Simba Camp

Transfer from Moshi to Northern Circuit Gate (1,950m). Begin trek through lush rainforest on the most remote and longest route. Excellent for acclimatization with gradual ascent through diverse ecosystems. Arrive at Simba Camp (2,620m) for lunch. Dinner at 6:30pm.

Distance8km
Hiking Time5-6 hours
Elevation+670m
Start1,950m
End2,620m
ZoneRainforest
AccommodationTents at Simba Camp
MealsLunch, Dinner
HighlightsRemote trail, rainforest, diverse ecosystems
Day 2

Simba Camp to Third Cave Camp

Exit rainforest into heath and moorland. Stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi. Giant lobelias and groundsels. Arrive at Third Cave Camp (3,870m) for lunch. Afternoon acclimatization walk. Dinner at 6:30pm.

Distance10km
Hiking Time6-7 hours
Elevation+1,250m
Start2,620m
End3,870m
ZoneHeath and Moorland
AccommodationTents at Third Cave Camp
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsGiant lobelias, Kibo views, moorland
Day 3

Third Cave Camp to School Hut

Trek through alpine desert zone. Vegetation becomes sparse. Arrive at School Hut (4,750m) for lunch. Rest and prepare for summit attempt. Early dinner at 5pm. Sleep by 7pm.

Distance8km
Hiking Time5-6 hours
Elevation+880m
Start3,870m
End4,750m
ZoneAlpine Desert
AccommodationTents at School Hut
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsAlpine desert landscape, Mawenzi views
Day 4

School Hut to Kibo Hut

Short trek to Kibo Hut (4,700m). Rest and prepare for summit. Early dinner at 5pm. Sleep by 7pm.

Distance3km
Hiking Time2 hours
Start4,750m
End4,700m
ZoneAlpine Desert
AccommodationTents at Kibo Hut
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsKibo base camp
Day 5

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

SUMMIT DAY! Wake at 11:30pm. Begin climbing at midnight. Steep zigzag ascent to Gillmans Point (5,681m). Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Watch sunrise at the top of Africa. Quick descent to Horombo Hut. Celebration lunch.

Distance20km
Hiking Time12-15 hours
Elevation+1,195m / Loss: -2,175m
Start4,700m
End3,720m
ZoneArctic Summit to Moorland
AccommodationTents at Horombo Hut
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsUhuru Peak 5,895m, sunrise, glaciers
Day 6

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Final descent through changing vegetation zones. Arrive at Marangu Gate. Receive Kilimanjaro Certificate. Transfer to hotel.

Distance20km
Hiking Time5-6 hours
Start3,720m
End1,800m
ZoneMoorland to Rainforest
AccommodationHotel in Moshi
MealsBreakfast, Lunch
HighlightsKilimanjaro Certificate
Day 7

Rest Day in Moshi

Free day in Moshi. Visit hot springs, explore town, or relax at hotel. Optional cultural tour.

Distance0km
Hiking TimeRest day
ElevationN/A
StartN/A
EndN/A
ZoneTown
AccommodationHotel in Moshi
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsMoshi town, hot springs, local culture
Day 8

Moshi to Arusha

Transfer to Arusha. Optional visit to Cultural Heritage Centre or Arusha National Park.

Distance0km
Hiking TimeTransfer day
ElevationN/A
StartN/A
EndN/A
ZoneTransfer
AccommodationHotel in Arusha
MealsBreakfast
HighlightsArusha, Cultural Heritage Centre
Day 9

Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure. End of tour.

Distance0km
Hiking TimeTransfer day
ElevationN/A
StartN/A
EndN/A
ZoneTransfer
AccommodationNone
MealsBreakfast
HighlightsDeparture

What's Included

  • Professional English-speaking mountain guide
  • Experienced porters (carrying equipment and luggage)
  • Cook for meal preparation
  • All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and taxes
  • All hut fees (Marangu) or camping fees (other routes)
  • All meals during the climb (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Drinking water (3+ liters per person per day)
  • Transfer from Moshi hotel to gate and back
  • Summit certificate (Green for Uhuru, Red for other peaks)
  • Sleeping mats and sleeping bags
  • Dining tent with chairs and tables
  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinders
  • Portable toilets (on request)
  • Staff salaries, wages, and allowances
  • Airport transfer (arrival/departure)
  • Welcome dinner and farewell dinner
  • Trip briefing the evening before climb
  • Excess luggage storage at hotel
  • All government taxes and levies

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal trekking gear (boots, clothing, rain gear)
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook (recommended $250-300 total)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Hot showers (available at some camps for extra fee)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Laundry services
  • Medical expenses and evacuation (covered by insurance)
  • Mountain bike hire
  • Extra activities not in itinerary

Group Size & Price

1 Person $4,160
2 People $3,200 pp
3+ People $2,880 pp

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