English
French9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route
Offered by - World Compass Adventures
Tour Features
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the West at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. The Northern Circuit is longer than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, taking a minimum of eight or nine days to complete. The eight-day trek skips the additional acclimatization day that is usually spent at Shira Camp 2 and continues straight on to Moir Camp.
| Mid-Range tour | This mid-range tour includes comfortable lodges and tented camps. |
| Can be customized | You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour. |
| Private tour | This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others. |
| Solo travel available | Solo travelers can book this tour. |
| Can start any day | If availability permits, this tour can start on any day. |
| Minimum age required | The minimum age for this tour is 5 years. |
| Transportation | This tour uses: Pop-up roof 4x4. |
Route & Activities
Tanzania
Start Point
Moshi
Day 1
Day 10-11
End Point
Moshi
Activities Included
Accommodation & Meals
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
| Day | Accommodation | Meals |
| 1-10 | Mid-Range Accommodation No images available | All Meals Included |
| 11 | kili wonders No images available | All Meals Included |
Arrival (See Getting There for more details)
- A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
- Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
- Day 1 - Arrive in TanzaniaYou will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Main Destination: Moshi
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 2 - Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – Start Point 2,360 meters toThe Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp. Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles Trekking time: 3-4 hours Zone: Rainforest
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 3 - Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 metersThe Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp. Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles Trekking time: 3-4 hours Zone: Rainforest
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 4 - Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. Nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: Trekkers on an eight day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters). Distance: ~7km / 4 miles Trekking time: 3-4 hours Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 5 - Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)Day four 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 (see map above). 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. Distance: ~14km / 8 miles Trekking time: 5-7 hours Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 6 - Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb 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 (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking. Distance: ~12km / 7 miles Trekking time: 5-7 hours Zone: High alpine zone
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 7 - Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meteDay six starts 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 at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatised to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon. Distance: ~8km / 5 miles Trekking time: 5-7 hours Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 8 - 3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)Day seven 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 (4,800 meters). 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. Distance: ~15km / 8 miles Trekking time: 4-5 hours Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 9 - School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to MillenniuYou 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. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route. Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 10 - Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi. Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles Trekking time: 3-4 hours Zone: Rainforest zone
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
- Day 11 - Depart TanzaniaThe day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. *Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Accommodation: kili wonders
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included
End of tour (See Getting There for more details)
- Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
- A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
Includes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Excludes
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline of $6 per person per day for the guide and crew
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
Rates Per Person
Feb 14, 2025 - Jan 1, 1970
Traveler Information
Per person
Solo traveler (1 room)
$3,200
2 people (1 room)
$2,700
3 people (2 rooms)
$2,620
4 people (2 rooms)
$2,500
5+ people
*n/a = not available. This tour is unavailable for solo travelers.
Includes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Excludes
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline of $6 per person per day for the guide and crew
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
Getting There
Tanzania is a beautiful East African country with neighbours Kenya to the north and Mozambique to the south and the Indian Ocean to the east. It is known for its vibrant culture, wonderful national parks, diverse fauna and flora and of course the great wildebeest migration. If you are planning a safari trip to Tanzania then you should find out all about flights to Tanzania, passport and visa requirements.
Tanzania’s main airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) located 13km/8mi southwest of Dar es Salaam. The latter is the entry point for visitors to the southern parks.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is situated 46km/29mi east of Arusha, the gateway of Tanzania’s most popular Northern safari circuit.
This tour starts in Moshi and ends in Moshi, Tanzania
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Travel Requirements
- All foreign visitors need a passport that is valid for at least six months
- Passports must have a clean and a full visa page for endorsement.
- When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
- Citizens of most countries require a visa. A list of countries that don't need a visa is available.
- Visas are best obtained in advance through an official online visa-application portal (https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/), but they can also be obtained through your local Tanzania Embassy or High Commission.
- Visas can also be obtained on arrival but this is a lengthy process that can take one to two hours.
Getting There
Tanzania is a beautiful East African country with neighbours Kenya to the north and Mozambique to the south and the Indian Ocean to the east. It is known for its vibrant culture, wonderful national parks, diverse fauna and flora and of course the great wildebeest migration. If you are planning a safari trip to Tanzania then you should find out all about flights to Tanzania, passport and visa requirements.
Tanzania’s main airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) located 13km/8mi southwest of Dar es Salaam. The latter is the entry point for visitors to the southern parks.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is situated 46km/29mi east of Arusha, the gateway of Tanzania’s most popular Northern safari circuit.
This tour starts in Moshi and ends in Moshi, Tanzania
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Travel Requirements
- All foreign visitors need a passport that is valid for at least six months
- Passports must have a clean and a full visa page for endorsement.
- When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
- Citizens of most countries require a visa. A list of countries that don't need a visa is available.
- Visas are best obtained in advance through an official online visa-application portal (https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/), but they can also be obtained through your local Tanzania Embassy or High Commission.
- Visas can also be obtained on arrival but this is a lengthy process that can take one to two hours.
Offered By
World Compass Adventures
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Offices In
Moshi-Kilimanjaro-Tanzania
Size
8
Tour Types
Specialized in Tanzania Wildlife safaris, Mountain Kilimanjaro and Meru treks, Cultural tours, and Zanzibar holidays
Destinations
Kenya
Tanzania
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