Embark on an immersive 10-day adventure on the secluded Northern Circuit route of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy excellent acclimatization, breathtaking views, and a minimal number of fellow trekkers.
Embark on an immersive 10-day adventure on the secluded Northern Circuit route of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy excellent acclimatization, breathtaking views, and a minimal number of fellow trekkers.
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi
Kilimanjaro National Park - Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Shiri Adventures representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Moshi town. Depending on your arrival time, a pre-trek briefing with your Kilimanjaro guide will be scheduled for…
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi
Kilimanjaro National Park - Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Shiri Adventures representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Moshi town. Depending on your arrival time, a pre-trek briefing with your Kilimanjaro guide will be scheduled for either this afternoon/evening or the following morning.
Day 2: Moshi – Lemosho Glades – Big Tree Camp
Lemosho Route - The day starts with a three-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate for registration. After completing the formalities, you will return to the vehicle, pass through village communities, and arrive at the trailhead at Lemosho Glades to begin your hike. You will spend this day in some of the most beautiful forests on the mountain, with potential wildlife sightings. After a short 2-3 hour hike, you will reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite. Here, as on all days, you’ll enjoy an afternoon snack and a delicious hot dinner.
Trekking Time: 2-3 hours • Distance: 5 km / 3.1 mi • Altitude Change: +396 m / +1,299 ft
Day 3: Big Tree Camp – Shira Hut 1
Kilimanjaro National Park - Departing the forest early in the day, the trail becomes steeper as it enters the grasses and wildflowers of the heath and moorland zone towards the valley. A gentle grade walk takes you across the high-altitude Shira Caldera past Shira Cave (with views of Arrow glacier) and then gently descends to Shira Hut 1, located near a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Trekking Time: 3 hours • Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi • Altitude Change: +719 m / +2,359 ft
Day 4: Shira Hut 1 – Moir Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro - This day involves a long yet easy trek. After a short steep climb out of Moir Valley, you will begin circling the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Similar to the route to Lava Tower, the path features highs and lows without steep altitude gains. This route runs close to the border with Kenya, offering stunning views of the Tsavo and Amboseli Valleys.
Change in Elevation: Moir Hut (4,200 m) — Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)
Hiking distance: 12 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Day 5: Moir Hut To Buffalo Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - This day involves a long yet easy trek. After a short steep climb out of Moir Valley, you will begin circling the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Similar to the route to Lava Tower, the path features highs and lows without steep altitude gains. This route runs close to the border with Kenya, offering stunning views of the Tsavo and Amboseli Valleys.
Change in Elevation: Moir Hut (4,200 m) — Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)
Hiking distance: 12 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Day 6: Trekking From Buffalo Camp To 3rd Cave Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - You will complete the trek up the northern slope of Kilimanjaro and stop for the night at 3rd Cave Camp, where the route joins the traditional Rongai route. This day’s trek is shorter than the previous day, and by now your body will have fully acclimated to an altitude of 4,000 meters, enhancing your overall well-being.
Change in Elevation: Buffalo Camp (4,020 m) — 3rd Cave Camp (3,870 m)
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Day 7: 3rd Cave Camp To School Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro - On this day, you will trek to the School Hut Summit Camp (4,750 m). The trek itself is not very challenging, so it’s important to maintain a suitable pace to conserve energy for the ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit. Upon reaching the camp, it’s recommended to rest well, avoid strenuous activities, and stay hydrated, as you will complete the trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) that night.
Change in Elevation: 3rd Cave Camp (3,870 m) — School Hut (4,750 m)
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Day 8: Trekking To Uhuru Peak And Descent To Millennium Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Depart from School Hut (4,750 m) at night to begin your trek to Kilimanjaro’s summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The climb is technically straightforward; however, the high altitude presents the greatest challenge. Each pair of climbers will have a personal guide throughout the ascent to monitor physical and mental conditions. After successfully reaching Uhuru Peak, you may descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then, descend to Barafu Camp on Kilimanjaro’s south side. After a two-hour rest and lunch, continue trekking down to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).
Note:
Remember that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Change in Elevation: School Hut (4,750 m) — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
Hiking distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Day 9: Descent From Millennium Camp To Mweka Gate
Mount Kilimanjaro - The camp is located in a tropical rainforest. Upon waking, you will feel relieved by the reduced altitude and satisfied with reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, head to the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m). After your descent, the entire group will gather to congratulate you, followed by an opportunity to share your thoughts on the climb in the guestbook. Finally, you will receive your commemorative certificates at our office and be transferred back to the hotel.
Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) — Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
Hiking distance: 12 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Day 10: Continuation of Your Journey or Departure
Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, you will embark on the next part of your journey, either continuing on a wildlife safari or being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Thank you for trekking with Shiri Adventures!
Transfer Time: 1 hour to airport Meals: Breakfast

- Group equipment including spacious dining tent, camping table and chairs, and full dinnerware set
- Complimentary drinks: coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water
- Hiking and safety equipment provided
- Private transportation to and from the hiking location
- Experienced guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Daily breakfast included
- All fees…
- Group equipment including spacious dining tent, camping table and chairs, and full dinnerware set
- Complimentary drinks: coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water
- Hiking and safety equipment provided
- Private transportation to and from the hiking location
- Experienced guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Daily breakfast included
- All fees and taxes covered
- Tented accommodations on Mount Kilimanjaro with 4-Season tents
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters available for safety
- Comprehensive medical kits on hand
- Visa fee
- Personal gear rentals; mountaineering insurance.
- Visa fee
- Personal gear rentals; mountaineering insurance.
Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit is the longest and most recent route on Mount Kilimanjaro, celebrated for its superb acclimatization and stunning views of the mountain’s northern slopes. Currently, only a small number of adventurers have explored this path, ensuring it remains uncrowded.
This route is ideal for those who appreciate extended…
Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit is the longest and most recent route on Mount Kilimanjaro, celebrated for its superb acclimatization and stunning views of the mountain’s northern slopes. Currently, only a small number of adventurers have explored this path, ensuring it remains uncrowded.
This route is ideal for those who appreciate extended trekking experiences in secluded wilderness with few other hikers. Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit requires a minimum of eight days, contributing to its impressive success rate. Additionally, a 9-day extended version with crater camping is available, offering an extraordinary wilderness adventure on Africa’s tallest volcano.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.