SAFARI OVERVIEW
The Northern Circuit is the newest route up Kilimanjaro and also the longest. Because of its length, the Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate. The route follows the same as the Lemosho Route for the first two days and then veers off to circle around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. Northern Circuit approaches the summit via Gilman’s Point before descending on the same route as the Machame and Lemosho.
≤ 2 PAX
2631
US$
3 PAX
2615
US$
4 PAX
2501
US$
5 PAX
2493
US$
6 PAX
2488
US$
≤ 7 PAX
2373
US$
SAFARI DETAIL
Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp
This day is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the Northern Circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.
Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13780ft
Distance: 14km/8mi
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp
Today, we encountered a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. We can do an optional hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp.
Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft
Distance: 12km/7mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
We start the day with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimated to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Climbing Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
Today involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut. After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.
Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft
Distance: 15km/8mi
Climbing Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut.
Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise.
Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).
Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up.
Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3950m/12,959ft
Distance: 6km/3.5mi up / 11km/6mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Severah Travel & Tours vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
INCLUDES
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Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Clean, purified drinking water
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs Sleeping Mattress
All meals while on the Mountain
Professional, experienced, mountain guides Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
EXCLUDED
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Tanzania Visa
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes .etc. (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities (Senior guide : $30 per day from the whole group Assistant guide : $20 per day from the whole group Cook : $15 per day from the whole group Porter : $10 per day from the whole group)
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages Hotel (available as an optional addon)
International and domestic flights
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
FAQs
🎯 What's Covered in Each Tour Package?
Every safari experience is unique, with different inclusions depending on which adventure you select. To understand exactly what your chosen tour covers, check out the detailed information on each specific tour’s page.
💳 How Can I Pay for My Safari?
We make payment convenient by accepting multiple options, including credit and debit cards.
❌ What's Your Policy on Cancellations?
We follow industry-standard cancellation policies. You can find all the details about our cancellation terms and conditions on our dedicated policy page.
♿ Can You Accommodate Special Accessibility Needs?
Absolutely! We’re committed to making safaris accessible for everyone. Whether you need wheelchair-accessible vehicles, ground-floor accommodations, or other special arrangements, just let us know your requirements when booking so we can prepare accordingly.
📱 Will My Phone Work on Safari?
Your mobile device should function, though signal strength can be spotty in remote areas – which many guests actually enjoy as a digital detox opportunity!
🍽️ What About Special Dietary Requirements?
We’re happy to accommodate all dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other special requirements. Just give us a heads-up about your preferences when you book.
💉 Are There Any Health or Vaccination Requirements?
Health requirements differ based on your destination and home country. For the most up-to-date vaccination and health information, check your specific destination page and contact your local embassy or health department.
🚗 What Should I Expect from the Roads?
Safari destinations typically feature unpaved, bumpy terrain – but don’t worry! The roads are completely manageable, and most of our guests find the journey part of the adventure. It’s all part of the authentic safari experience.
🏠 Can I Request Different Lodging Options?
Definitely! If you have specific accommodation preferences, just let us know. We work with an extensive network of lodges and camps, including both our own properties and trusted partners, which often means better rates for our guests.
⚡ Will I Have Power Throughout My Stay?
Most of our camps and lodges run generators to provide electricity around the clock. While you might experience occasional brief outages, this rarely impacts your overall experience.
👨👩👧👦 Is This Experience Suitable for Children?
Safari adventures are fantastic for kids! They’ll love seeing wildlife up close in their natural environment. Many of our accommodations feature kid-friendly amenities like play areas and swimming pools (availability varies by location). We recommend bringing along some activities to keep little ones entertained during travel times.
💰 Should I Plan to Tip?
While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s certainly appreciated by our staff and guides. The amount is entirely up to you and should reflect your satisfaction with the service you receive.
Spoiler alert!
Some photos of what you will find in this adventure:
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