11-day trip wander up Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Northern Circuit Route
safari Duration
- 11 Days
- 10 Nights
Tour Type
- Private Safari
- $ 2,775
Price per Person - Based on 2 Pax
Trip Overview
Experience the most scenic and least-crowded trail on Mount Kilimanjaro with Kiliclimb Africa Safaris
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day Kilimanjaro expedition via the Northern Circuit Route with Kiliclimb Africa Safaris the most scenic, remote, and rewarding path to the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain. This extraordinary route circles the entire mountain, offering breathtaking landscapes, exceptional acclimatization via Lava Tower, and an impressive 95% summit success rate.
From lush rainforests and sweeping moorlands to the silent alpine desert, every step reveals a new face of Kilimanjaro’s wild beauty. Guided by our experienced mountain team, you’ll enjoy a safe, comfortable, and awe-inspiring journey that culminates at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the Roof of Africa.
This is more than a climb; it’s an adventure of endurance, discovery, and triumph with Kiliclimb Africa Safaris.
Route: Northern Circuit Route
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Climbing Days: 8 Days
Best Season: June – October / December – March
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Success Rate: 95%
From: $ 2,775 USD per person (based on six climbers sharing)
Full Itinerary
Day 0: Pre-Climb Briefing (Arusha or Moshi)
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a detailed pre-climb briefing by your lead guide at your hotel.
We’ll check your climbing gear, explain safety measures, review the itinerary, and discuss altitude acclimatization.
This is also your opportunity to ask any questions and meet your mountain crew who will accompany you throughout the trek.Overnight at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Upon arrival, our friendly Kiliclimb Africa Safaris representative will meet you at the airport with a warm welcome.
You’ll be transferred to your lodge where you can relax, recover from your flight, and prepare mentally for the climb ahead.
Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Moshi town or enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Moshi/Arusha Hotel
Day 2: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) → Big Tree Camp (2,780 m)
Trekking time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 6 km
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, drive from Moshi/Arusha to Londorossi Gate for registration and briefing by the park rangers.
The journey passes through local villages and coffee plantations before reaching the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.
Lunch is served at the trailhead before beginning your trek through lush rainforest, where you may spot blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and colorful birds.
The trail ascends gently to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa), your first overnight stop.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Big Tree Camp
Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2,780 m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m)
Trekking time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
After breakfast, you leave the forest zone behind and enter moorland vegetation.
The trail climbs steadily through open hillsides and rolling ridges, with breathtaking views of Mount Meru on clear days.
As you approach Shira Plateau, the landscape opens dramatically into volcanic rock formations and grassy plains.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp by mid-afternoon, where you’ll rest, enjoy hot drinks, and admire the first clear views of Kibo Peak.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m) → Moir Hut (4,200 m)
Trekking time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Moorland and Alpine Desert
Today’s trail is one of the most beautiful on Kilimanjaro.
You’ll trek across the vast Shira Plateau — one of the highest plateaus in the world — with the possibility to detour to the Shira Cathedral, a dramatic volcanic rock tower.
Lunch is served along the trail, followed by a gradual climb toward Moir Hut, a quiet and scenic campsite tucked beneath the slopes of Lent Hills.
The evening offers perfect conditions for acclimatization hikes and spectacular sunset photography.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Moir Hut Camp
Day 5: Moir Hut (4,200 m) → Buffalo Camp (3,995 m)
Trekking time: 6–8 hours | Distance: 12 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert and Heath
After breakfast, you begin a steep climb out of Moir Valley, optionally summiting Little Lent Hill (4,375 m) for acclimatization before rejoining the main trail.
The path then undulates along the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, far away from the crowds.
You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Kenya’s vast savannah and the feeling of complete wilderness. Arrive at Buffalo Camp in the afternoon to rest and refuel with a hearty mountain dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
Day 6: Buffalo Camp (3,995 m) → Third Cave Camp (3,930 m)
Trekking time: 5–7 hours | Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trek is relatively gentle, giving your body more time to acclimatize.
The route crosses several valleys and ridges along the northern flank of Kilimanjaro with stunning views throughout.
Lunch is enjoyed en route before a steady descent to Third Cave Camp, known for its peace and tranquility.
As night falls, the skies above are often crystal clear — a perfect spot for stargazing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Day 7: hird Cave Camp (3,930 m) → School Hut (4,710 m)
Trekking time: 4–6 hours | Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today you trek toward School Hut Camp, the final base before your summit push.
The trail ascends gradually to the Saddle, a barren, moon-like landscape stretching between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks.
Arrive at School Hut early in the afternoon, giving you time to rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the night’s climb.
Your guide will brief you on summit procedures and check your gear and clothing for the cold conditions ahead.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: School Hut Camp
Day 8: School Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
Summit Attempt: 6–8 hours ascent | 5–6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
Around midnight, your final ascent begins.
You’ll trek slowly but steadily in the dark, guided by your headlamp and your experienced guides.
After reaching Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa!
Celebrate your achievement with unforgettable sunrise views above the clouds, then descend carefully to Millennium Camp via Kibo Huts.
Here you’ll enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned night’s rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Millennium Camp
Day 9: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) → Mweka Gate (1,640 m) → Arusha/Moshi
Trekking time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Montane Forest
A relaxed descent through lush rainforest leads you to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
Your driver will transfer you back to your hotel for a hot shower, celebration dinner, and a comfortable bed.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Day 10: Departure / Optional Safari or Zanzibar Extension
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.
If you wish, we can easily extend your adventure with a wildlife safari in Serengeti or a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast
Book This Trip
- Professional, licensed mountain guides
- Porters and English-speaking cook
- All park fees and camping fees
- Rescue service fees
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- All meals on the mountain (freshly prepared daily)
- High-quality tents, tables, chairs, and dining tent
- Portable toilet
- Clean drinking water
- Pulse oximeter and daily health checks
- International flights
- Tanzanian visa
- Travel insurance
- Accommodation before and after the climb (can be arranged)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
Why Choose Kiliclimb Africa Safaris
- Certified and experienced mountain guides
- Excellent summit success rate
- Responsible trekking ethics (KRTO affiliated)
- Nutritious meals and clean water every day
- Personalized service from airport to summit
Let’ Begin Your Journey
At KiliClimb Africa Safaris, every journey is tailor-crafted. Whether you wish to add nights, elevate your lodge experience, or extend to Zanzibar—we’re here to shape your dream Tanzania escape.
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