11-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route Trekking Itinerary
Explore the Ultimate 11-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route – Tanzania’s Most Scenic and Least Crowded Trek
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route offers the longest and most beautiful route to the summit – with the highest success rate. This 11-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit trek includes 9 days on the mountain, allowing for excellent acclimatization and panoramic views of all sides of Kilimanjaro. Ideal for trekkers looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.
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Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Pre-Trek Briefing
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. You’ll meet your mountain guide for a full trek briefing, gear check, and Q&A session.
Overnight: Mount Meru Hotel or similar
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Hike Duration: 3–4 hours
Altitude: 2,100m to 2,650m
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for permits and registration. Begin trekking through the lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), where you may spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Hike Duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 2,650m to 3,610m
Today the trail rises out of the rainforest into the moorland zone. Enjoy sweeping views across the Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic caldera.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
Hike Duration: 4–5 hours
Altitude: 3,610m to 3,850m
A gentle trek across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp, offering incredible views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru. This is an excellent acclimatization day.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Shira 2 to Moir Hut
Hike Duration: 5–7 hours
Altitude: 3,850m to 4,200m
The trail leads north to Moir Hut, tucked away at the base of Lent Hills. Optional hike up Lent Hills (4,375m) for even better acclimatization.
Overnight: Moir Hut
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Hike Duration: 5–7 hours
Altitude: 4,200m to 4,020m
Cross the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro with fewer crowds and unspoiled views. Arrive at Buffalo Camp, where the scenery feels completely untouched.
Overnight: Buffalo Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Hike Duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 4,020m to 3,870m
Enjoy a gentle walk through high alpine terrain to Third Cave Camp. This route provides some of the best acclimatization on the mountain.
Overnight: Third Cave Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Third Cave to School Hut
Hike Duration: 4–5 hours
Altitude: 3,870m to 4,750m
Climb steadily to School Hut, your base camp for the final summit push. Early dinner and rest before midnight summit attempt.
Overnight: School Hut
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Descend to Mweka Camp
Hike Duration: 12–15 hours
Altitude: 4,750m to 5,895m (summit), then down to 3,100m
Start your ascent around midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, by sunrise. After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp for rest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 10: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha
Hike Duration: 3–4 hours
Altitude: 3,100m to 1,640m
A gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Drive back to Arusha for a celebratory dinner.
Overnight: Mount Meru Hotel or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 11: Departure Day or Optional Safari Extension
Depending on your flight schedule, relax at the hotel or begin your next adventure with one of our Tanzania safari packages or Zanzibar beach holidays.
✅ Why Choose the 11-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route?
Highest success rate due to gradual acclimatization
Stunning views of the mountain from all angles
Peaceful trekking route with fewer crowds
Perfect combination for post-trek safari or beach holiday
Package Includes
- Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
- Pre and post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
- Park, camping & rescue fees
- Mountain tent & mattress
- Professional English speaking guide(s), porters & chef
- 10 breakfasts; 9 lunches; 8 dinners
- Water; tea and coffee with meals
Not Included
- Flights
- Lunch & dinner in Moshi
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Tips for guide(s), porters & cook
- Soda and Alcoholic beverages
