The Longest & Best Acclimatization
9 Days | Circumnavigate the Mountain • Ultimate Success Rate
Overview
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro, circling the mountain’s remote and rarely visited northern slopes. With 9 days on the mountain, it offers the best possible acclimatization and the highest success rate of any route—over 95%.
You’ll traverse the Shira Plateau, cross the alpine desert, and then head into the true wilderness of the northern side, where few trekkers ever venture. You’ll see landscapes that most Kilimanjaro climbers never witness: rolling moorlands, dramatic valleys, and views stretching across Kenya.
This route is for those who want the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience—not just the summit, but the journey itself.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival – Moshi
Jambo! Welcome to Kilimanjaro.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Your Blue Eagle representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi (approx. 45 minutes).
Afternoon: Meet your lead guide for a full briefing. We’ll check your gear, answer questions, and discuss the 9-day journey ahead. Your guide will explain the unique features of the Northern Circuit and what makes this route special.
Evening: Welcome dinner and early rest. Tomorrow, the adventure begins.
- Accommodation:Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort or similar (Moshi)
- Meals:Dinner
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
- Elevation:2,100m → 2,650m
- Distance:6 km
- Hiking Time:3-4 hours
- Habitat:Rainforest
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning: Drive to Londorossi Gate (approx. 3-4 hours from Moshi). The journey takes you through rural villages and farmlands with views of Kilimanjaro.
Registration: Complete park formalities at the gate. Your porters prepare the loads while you have lunch.
The Trail: Begin your ascent through pristine rainforest. This section is remote and less traveled—you may have the trail to yourselves. Look for:
- Colobus monkeys in the canopy
- Birdlife including turacos and hornbills
- Giant ferns and moss-draped trees
Arrival Forest Camp: Your first camp is nestled deep in the forest. The sounds of birds and monkeys surround you.
Evening: Dinner in the mess tent. Early bedtime—a long journey begins.
- Accommodation:Forest Camp (tented)
Day 3: Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation:2,650m → 3,550m
- Distance:8 km
- Hiking Time:5-6 hours
- Habitat:Moorland
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning: After breakfast, leave the forest behind and enter open moorland. The transition is dramatic—trees disappear, replaced by giant heather and groundsels.
The Trail: The path climbs steadily through rolling hills. The vegetation becomes increasingly surreal—lobelias and senecios dot the landscape.
Views: As you gain altitude, look back for stunning views of the plains below. Mount Meru may appear on the horizon.
Lunch: Picnic en route at a scenic viewpoint.
Arrival Shira 1 Camp: Shira 1 sits on the Shira Plateau—one of the highest plateaus in the world. The setting is dramatic, with wide-open spaces and views toward Kibo.
Afternoon: Rest and acclimatize. Short walk optional.
Evening: Dinner and stunning sunset views.
- Accommodation:Shira 1 Camp (tented)
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation:3,550m → 3,850m
- Distance:7 km
- Hiking Time:3-4 hours
- Habitat:Moorland
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning: A short day—designed for acclimatization. The trail traverses the Shira Plateau, offering spectacular views of Kibo Peak ahead.
The Landscape: The plateau is otherworldly—flat, expansive, and dotted with giant lobelias. On clear days, you can see the entire massif.
Lunch: Picnic en route or at camp.
Arrival Shira 2 Camp: This camp offers even better views of Kibo. The mountain seems close enough to touch.
Afternoon: Rest, hydrate, and enjoy the views. Your guide may lead a short acclimatization walk.
- Accommodation:Shira 2 Camp (tented)
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Camp
- Elevation:3,850m → 4,600m → 4,200m
- Distance:12 km
- Hiking Time:6-7 hours
- Habitat:Alpine desert
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Day You Head North
Morning: Today follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch, then instead of descending south toward Barranco, you’ll head north toward Moir Camp—entering the remote northern circuit.
The Trail: Ascend through increasingly barren landscape to Lava Tower. The altitude is noticeable—move slowly.
Lava Tower (4,600m): Lunch at this iconic rock formation. Feel the altitude, then continue.
The Northern Route: After Lava Tower, you’ll head north, leaving the crowds behind. The landscape becomes wild and remote—rolling hills, strange rock formations, and not another trekker in sight.
Arrival Moir Camp: Moir Camp sits at 4,200m in a sheltered valley. This is true wilderness—few trekkers ever see this place.
Afternoon: Rest and marvel at the solitude. You may have the entire valley to yourselves.
- Accommodation:Moir Camp (tented)
Day 6: Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp
- Elevation:4,200m → 4,000m
- Distance:8 km
- Hiking Time:4-5 hours
- Habitat:Alpine desert
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exploring the Northern Slopes
Morning: Today you’ll explore the remote northern side of Kilimanjaro. The trail undulates, offering ever-changing views of the mountain and the Kenyan plains beyond.
The Landscape: This area is characterized by rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and sparse vegetation. The silence is profound—just wind and your own breathing.
Views: Look north across Kenya—on clear days, the plains stretch endlessly. The mountain’s northern glaciers are visible above.
Arrival Buffalo Camp: Buffalo Camp sits at 4,000m in a broad valley. The name comes from the buffalo that occasionally wander this high (though sightings are rare).
Afternoon: Rest and enjoy the solitude. This is what the Northern Circuit is all about.
- Accommodation:Buffalo Camp (tented)
Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave Camp
- Elevation:4,000m → 3,800m
- Distance:8 km
- Hiking Time:4-5 hours
- Habitat:Alpine desert
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continuing the Circuit
Morning: Continue your circuit of the mountain, heading east across the northern slopes. The terrain remains remote and wild.
The Trail: The path continues through rolling alpine desert. You’re now on the side of the mountain that most trekkers never see.
Views: Mawenzi Peak comes into view—jagged, dramatic, and closer than ever.
Arrival Rongai Third Cave Camp: This camp is used by the Rongai route but you’ll have it to yourselves. The caves nearby were used by porters in decades past.
Afternoon: Rest and prepare for the coming days. You’re now well-acclimatized and ready for the summit.
- Accommodation:Rongai Third Cave Camp (tented)
Day 8: Rongai Third Cave Camp to School Hut
- Elevation:3,800m → 4,800m
- Distance:5 km
- Hiking Time:4-5 hours
- Habitat:Alpine desert
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approaching the Summit Zone
Morning: A steady climb toward School Hut, your final camp before the summit. The altitude increases significantly—move slowly.
The Trail: The path climbs through increasingly barren terrain. Vegetation disappears completely.
Arrival School Hut: School Hut sits at 4,800m, similar in function to Kibo Hut but less crowded. The views of Mawenzi and the eastern glaciers are spectacular.
Afternoon: Rest is essential. Your guide will brief you on summit night:
- What to wear (layers—thermal base, mid-layer, insulated jacket, waterproof shell)
- What to pack in your daypack (headlamp with fresh batteries, 2-3 liters of water, snacks, camera)
- What to expect (cold, dark, slow going, possible nausea)
Early Dinner: Eat by 5 PM. Try to sleep by 6 PM. Summit night begins at midnight.
- Accommodation:School Hut (tented)
Day 9: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation:4,800m → 5,895m → 3,100m
- Distance:20 km total
- Hiking Time:14-18 hours
- Habitat:Arctic to rainforest
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Summit Day – The Moment You’ve Waited For
11:30 PM – Wake Up: Tea and biscuits are served. Dress quickly—it’s freezing cold.
Midnight – Departure: Headlamps on, you begin the final ascent. The path is steep switchbacks up loose volcanic scree. Move slowly—”pole pole.” Your guide sets a rhythm.
The Ascent (6-8 hours): Because of your excellent acclimatization from 9 days on the mountain, you may find this easier than expected—though still the hardest thing you’ve ever done.
6:00 AM: Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim. The sunrise paints the clouds below.
7:30 AM (approx): Uhuru Peak – 5,895 meters. You’ve reached the roof of Africa. Celebrate, take photos, breathe. Your 9-day journey has brought you here.
Descent: Back to School Hut for rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
- Accommodation:Mweka Camp (tented)
Day 10: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
- Elevation:3,100m → 1,650m
- Distance:10 km
- Hiking Time:3-4 hours
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Final Descent: Through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate. Transfer to Moshi for celebration.
- Accommodation:Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort (Moshi)
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Meals:Breakfast