Mountain guides, porters, and cook crew • All park fees and rescue fees • Camping equipment and meals on the mountain
Trip overview
What this safari feels like
8-Day Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Trek overview
The Northern Circuit route is the newest route up Mount Kilimanjaro and arguably the best. That’s because the combination of all of the best elements of the other routes rolled into one fantastic hike. If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, plenty of solitude, a healthy challenge, and the potential to spot wildlife, this is definitely the route for you. The Northern Circuit route follows the same route as the Lemosho route for the first few days, but rather than sticking to the south side of Kibo, it turns to the little-used northern trails instead.
This path is virtually devoid of other trekkers and as a result, the campsites are quiet, peaceful, and practically deserted. Because the Northern Circuit route is longer than the other trails, it gives trekkers a chance to take in more of the mountain. Not only do they get a chance to hike across the awe-inspiring Shira Plateau, but they’ll also catch glimpses of Kibo Peak and Uhuru Summit along the way. It also provides amazing views down onto the open plains that are found to the north of the mountain, something that is seen by only a handful of other hikers while climbing Kilimanjaro.
Itinerary
Tanview Safaris private Kilimanjaro route
8-Day Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Trek
The 8-Day Northern Circuit is Tanview’s strongest Kilimanjaro route for acclimatization, scenery and a quieter mountain experience. It approaches from the west, crosses the Shira Plateau, curves around the northern slopes and descends by Mweka after the summit.
This route is best for climbers who want more time to adjust to altitude and prefer a private, well-paced climb instead of the shortest possible itinerary.
Route Snapshot
8 mountain days
A strong length for acclimatization and a calmer summit approach.
Western start, northern traverse
Begins through the Lemosho side and moves around quieter northern terrain.
Moderate to demanding
No technical climbing, but altitude, cold and long summit night make it serious.
From USD 3,180
Final quote depends on group size, dates, hotel plan, equipment needs and extensions.
First-time climbers with enough time
Good fit for travelers who value acclimatization over the lowest total price.
Safari or Zanzibar
Add Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Serengeti or Zanzibar after recovery.
Why Choose the Northern Circuit?
More time for altitude adaptation
The route gives the body more nights on the mountain than compact climbs. That extra time can make the summit approach feel more controlled.
A quieter side of Kilimanjaro
The northern traverse is known for a less crowded feel than the busier southern routes, while still giving broad views of the mountain.
Better rhythm before summit night
An 8-day plan lets the guide protect meal timing, rest, hydration and pace before the hardest night of the climb.
8-Day Northern Circuit Itinerary
Londorossi Gate to forest camp
Register, meet the mountain crew and begin walking through the lower forest zone. The pace should be slow from the first hour.
Forest camp to Shira Plateau
The trail opens into moorland and wide mountain views. This is where hydration, layering and steady rhythm start to matter.
Shira Plateau acclimatization
The route uses the plateau for gradual altitude adaptation before moving around the quieter northern side.
Moir area and northern slopes
Hike through high alpine terrain with a deliberate pace. Guides continue checking energy, appetite and headache signs.
Buffalo or Third Cave area
The northern circuit keeps the route away from the busiest trails and protects acclimatization with a calmer walking rhythm.
School Huts approach
Move into summit staging altitude, eat early and rest before the cold night climb toward Stella Point and Uhuru Peak.
Summit to Mweka Camp
Start before dawn, reach Uhuru Peak if conditions and health allow, then descend carefully to lower altitude for sleep.
Mweka Gate and transfer
Complete the forest descent, collect certificates when issued and transfer for a shower, rest and recovery meal.
Safety and Acclimatization
Summit night requires patience
The final ascent is slow, cold and mentally demanding. Good guides manage pace and check whether each climber is still safe to continue.
Crew support keeps the route moving
A clear route plan depends on porters, cooks and guides being properly organized, fed and equipped. Responsible crew care is part of safe climbing.
Watch symptoms early
Headache, appetite change, nausea, sleep quality and unusual fatigue should be discussed with guides.
Pole pole from the start
Walking slowly on lower days helps preserve energy for higher altitude.
Drink steadily
Hydration supports comfort, but it does not replace good acclimatization time.
Safety over summit pressure
If symptoms become unsafe, descent is the right decision.
Cost, Inclusions and What Changes the Quote
The published Northern Circuit route starts from USD 3,180. Final pricing changes with private group size, hotel level before and after the climb, transfers, rental gear, travel season, park fee updates and whether you add safari or Zanzibar.
Crew, route and mountain logistics
Guide team, camp movement, meals, tents, park arrangements and route timing are planned together.
Hotel and arrival transfer
Arrival timing and pre-climb briefing should be confirmed before the mountain begins.
Recovery night
Most climbers need rest, a shower and a slow evening before safari or beach travel.
Safari, Zanzibar and rentals
Extensions and rental gear should be quoted clearly before deposit.
What to Pack for This Route
Prepare for cold upper slopes
Summit night can feel far colder than the lower camps. Warm gloves, hat, insulated layers and a waterproof shell matter.
Broken-in waterproof hiking boots
Test boots and socks before travel to reduce blister risk.
Warm sleeping bag
Choose a bag suitable for cold mountain nights, not only the lower forest camps.
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Weather can shift quickly between sun, cloud, rain and wind.
Water, snacks and layers
Carry daily essentials while the crew transports main luggage.
Good Safari and Beach Pairings
Short safari after the descent
Tarangire and Ngorongoro can make a strong 2-3 day recovery safari after Kilimanjaro without adding too many long transfers.
Zanzibar beach finish
Zanzibar works best when the climb and safari are complete. Keep enough buffer before the international flight.
Northern Circuit Route FAQs
Is the Northern Circuit good for beginners?
Yes, it can be a very good beginner route when the climber has general fitness and enough time for an 8-day itinerary.
Is this route quieter than Machame?
Usually yes. The northern traverse often feels quieter than the most popular southern routes, though conditions vary by season.
Can I add safari after this climb?
Yes. Tanview can add Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti or Zanzibar after the route depending on time and budget.
What makes the quote change?
Group size, season, hotel level, rental gear, park fee updates and extensions can change the final quote.
Next Step
Send your travel month, number of climbers, hiking experience, preferred comfort level and whether you want safari or Zanzibar after the climb. Tanview will adjust the Northern Circuit plan around your real travel window.
Request a Northern Circuit quote Read the full Kilimanjaro guide
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
Lemosho Glades:
Lemosho Glades:
Day highlights
From your lodge, we will make our way to the Londorosi gate on the Western side…
From your lodge, we will make our way to the Londorosi gate on the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro (a few hours drive from Arusha). We will begin our hike at the Lemosho trail head. Please note that in rainy/muddy conditions, sometimes the vehicles can’t make it to the true trailhead so there can be some extra hiking – but Tanview Safaris vehicles usually make it farther than any other company due to our great drivers and vehicles. After a picnic lunch, we will hike for about 4 hours to the forest camp. In the forest, exotic moss and flowers delight the eye while bird calls entertain the ear. You may see Black and White Colobus monkeys as well as signs of the elephants that travel in this area. We will overnight at Forest Camp. Overnight Altitude ~9,498’
Accommodation
Forest Camp
Shira Plateau:
Shira Plateau:
Day highlights
As we leave the Montane Forest and enter the Hagenia zone, our views open and we…
As we leave the Montane Forest and enter the Hagenia zone, our views open and we will catch our first views of the Kibo peak. This is a good acclimatization hike, as we go up and down several ridges along the way to our highest point of the day at 11,500’ before descending to camp. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp. Overnight Altitude 11,500’ This stage is also planned with careful attention to walking rhythm, altitude awareness, hydration, rest stops, and communication with the mountain crew. Your guide keeps the pace steady and explains how the terrain, weather, and overnight elevation affect the following day. Accommodation is planned at Shira 1 Camp. Meals for the day are listed as Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Expected movement or activity timing: 6-9 hours. Before the next day begins, there is time to ask questions, confirm the plan, and settle into the route with confidence.
Accommodation
Shira 1 Camp
Moir Camp:
Moir Camp:
Day highlights
We will traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western slope…
We will traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Along the way, we will enjoy a picnic lunch at Scott Fisher’ memorial camp (the well-known Mt. Everest guide). We will continue on to the upper heath zone and Moir camp. Depending on the weather, acclimatization hikes can be arranged in the late afternoon This stage is also planned with careful attention to walking rhythm, altitude awareness, hydration, rest stops, and communication with the mountain crew. Your guide keeps the pace steady and explains how the terrain, weather, and overnight elevation affect the following day. Accommodation is planned at Moir Camp. Meals for the day are listed as Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Expected movement or activity timing: 5-6 hours. Before the next day begins, there is time to ask questions, confirm the plan, and settle into the route with confidence.
Accommodation
Moir Camp
Pofu/Buffalo Camp:
Pofu/Buffalo Camp:
Day highlights
Hike about 4-7 hours, depending on stops along the way. You have quite a ridge to…
Hike about 4-7 hours, depending on stops along the way. You have quite a ridge to climb up as you depart Moir camp, so it’s best to start out very slowly until you crest the ridge. This is a great acclimatization day. This stage is also planned with careful attention to walking rhythm, altitude awareness, hydration, rest stops, and communication with the mountain crew. Your guide keeps the pace steady and explains how the terrain, weather, and overnight elevation affect the following day. Accommodation is planned at Buffalo Camp. Meals for the day are listed as Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Expected movement or activity timing: 5-7 hours. Before the next day begins, there is time to ask questions, confirm the plan, and settle into the route with confidence.
Accommodation
Buffalo Camp
Third Cave Camp:
Third Cave Camp:
Day highlights
Continue your traverse around the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, with expansive views, as you find…
Continue your traverse around the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, with expansive views, as you find your way to Third Cave Camp. This stage is also planned with careful attention to walking rhythm, altitude awareness, hydration, rest stops, and communication with the mountain crew. Your guide keeps the pace steady and explains how the terrain, weather, and overnight elevation affect the following day. Accommodation is planned at Third Cave Camp. Meals for the day are listed as Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Expected movement or activity timing: 5-7 hours. Before the next day begins, there is time to ask questions, confirm the plan, and settle into the route with confidence.
Accommodation
Third Cave Camp
School Huts Camp:
School Huts Camp:
Day highlights
We get into our highest elevation camp today. Try to get to bed early for some…
We get into our highest elevation camp today. Try to get to bed early for some rest before you start your night-time summit ascent (usually starting around midnight) to Gilman’s Point, through Stella Point, and for the final push up to the summit. This stage is also planned with careful attention to walking rhythm, altitude awareness, hydration, rest stops, and communication with the mountain crew. Your guide keeps the pace steady and explains how the terrain, weather, and overnight elevation affect the following day. Accommodation is planned at School Huts Camp. Meals for the day are listed as Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Expected movement or activity timing: 4-5 hours. Before the next day begins, there is time to ask questions, confirm the plan, and settle into the route with confidence.
Accommodation
School Huts Camp
Summit and Mweka Camp (or Millenium Camp by request):
Summit and Mweka Camp (or Millenium Camp by request):
Day highlights
Summit day. We will start our ascent to the summit (19,340ft – 5,896m) around 11:00 PM…
Summit day. We will start our ascent to the summit (19,340ft – 5,896m) around 11:00 PM or midnight the night prior. The goal for you – and numerous other climbers – is to reach the peak right at sunrise. In reality, due to differences in hiking speed, energy, and altitude acclimatization, there is a several hour span where most climbers reach the summit. Using headlamps (bring extra lithium batteries, which last much better in cold dark conditions!) you will ascend 6-7 hours to Gilman’s point, traverse the Crater Rim to Stella Point and then up another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the summit. After a summit celebration and photo, descend to Barafu camp for lunch and then to Mweka camp to sleep overnight. By advance request we can sleep at Millenium camp instead; this is at ~12,000’ so less descent today, but means more descent tomorrow. Summit 19,341’
Accommodation
Mweka Camp
Mweka Park Gate:
Mweka Park Gate:
Day highlights
o We make the final descent to the trailhead today, about 3-5 hours hiking. Here we…
o We make the final descent to the trailhead today, about 3-5 hours hiking. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to town. Arrive at your lodge usually between 3-5 PM. This stage is also planned with careful attention to walking rhythm, altitude awareness, hydration, rest stops, and communication with the mountain crew. Your guide keeps the pace steady and explains how the terrain, weather, and overnight elevation affect the following day. Accommodation is planned at End of trek. Meals for the day are listed as Breakfast, Lunch. Expected movement or activity timing: 3-5 hours. Before the next day begins, there is time to ask questions, confirm the plan, and settle into the route with confidence.
Accommodation
End of trek
What is covered
Included and excluded
Included
- Mountain guides, porters, and cook crew
- All park fees and rescue fees
- Camping equipment and meals on the mountain
- Transfers to and from the route gates
- Accommodation in Arusha before and after the climb
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal trekking gear
- Travel insurance and evacuation cover
- Crew tips
Route map
See how the safari flows
Guest reviews
What travelers say
Safari FAQs
Questions travelers ask before booking
Why choose the Northern Circuit?
It offers extra acclimatization time, broad scenery, and a quieter climbing experience than many other routes.
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