Trip Overview
The Northern Circuit is the longest and least crowded route on Kilimanjaro. It approaches the mountain from the north, circling around before the final summit push via the Barranco Wall and Mweka descent. The longer duration allows for better acclimatization, increasing the chances of a successful summit. Hikers experience diverse landscapes: rainforest, alpine desert, moorlands, and glacial valleys, with spectacular panoramic views.
Total duration: 9 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Best time: June–October, December–February
Details Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Kilimanjaro / Transfer to Moshi
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Meet your guide and transfer to your lodge in Moshi or Arusha
- Overnight: Lodge in Moshi/Arusha
- Activities: Gear check, briefing, rest
Day 2 – Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
- Drive to Londorossi Gate (1–2 hours)
- Hike through lush rainforest, following a scenic trail
- Camp at Big Tree Camp (approx. 6–7 km, 3–4 hours hiking)
- Altitude: ~2,100 m
Day 3 – Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Hike across forest edge to Shira Plateau
- Gradual ascent allows proper acclimatization
- Camp at Shira 1 (~3,500 m)
- Hiking distance: 7–9 km
Day 4 – Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Cross Shira Plateau, enjoy panoramic views of Kibo and Moir Hut
- Camp at Shira 2 (~3,850 m)
- Hiking distance: 10–12 km
Day 5 – Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
- Ascend to Lava Tower (~4,630 m) for acclimatization
- Descend to Barranco Valley
- Camp at Barranco (~3,950 m)
- Hiking distance: 12–15 km
Day 6 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Climb the Barranco Wall (classic Kili challenge)
- Hike through alpine desert to Karanga Valley
- Camp at Karanga (~4,000 m)
- Hiking distance: 5–7 km
Day 7 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Ascend to Barafu Base Camp (~4,600 m), preparing for summit night
- Rest and early dinner
- Hiking distance: 4–6 km
Day 8 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp
- Summit attempt: Barafu → Stella Point → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
- Descend via Barafu → Mweka Camp (~3,100 m)
- Hiking distance: 16–20 km (summit day)
Day 9 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Departure
- Hike through rainforest to Mweka Gate (~10 km)
- Receive summit certificates
- Transfer to Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport
