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Kilimanjaro Climb
Northern Circuit
The Most Remote and Scenic Kilimanjaro Route
About
The Lemosho Northern Circuit is widely regarded as one of the most remote and scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers excellent acclimatisation, sweeping panoramic views, and one of the highest summit success rates on the mountain.
Starting in the lush rainforest on the western slopes, the trail crosses the Shira Plateau before turning north — away from the busier southern routes — to explore the quieter, more remote side of the mountain. With more time for altitude adjustment and fewer trekkers along the way, this route provides a more immersive experience and optimal conditions for reaching the summit.
Key Information
Duration
7 or 8 days
Best Season
January – March, June – October
Starts At
Moshi, Tanzania
Success Rate
96%
Group Size
1–8 people
Itinerary
Day 1 of 8
Day 1: Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)
Your journey begins after breakfast, when your guide collects you from your hotel for the drive (approximately 113 km / 70.5 miles) to Lemosho Gate on the western side of the mountain.
After completing registration and enjoying lunch at the gate, the trek begins through dense rainforest. This section is rich in wildlife - keep an eye out for colobus monkeys moving through the canopy.
This is a relatively short and gentle walk, bringing you to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp), where your tents will already be set up and dinner prepared. After a hot meal, you will settle in for your first night on the mountain.
2,389m to 2,785m
4.8km
3-4 hours
Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Day 2: Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa) to Shira 1 Camp
The day begins with another scenic walk beneath the forest canopy, though this section is shorter as you soon transition into the heath and moorland zone.
A steady climb through the forest leads you onto the northern slopes of the Shira Plateau. As you emerge above the treeline, the landscape opens dramatically, offering expansive views of the mountain.
Upon arrival at Shira 1 Camp, your tents will be ready and lunch will be waiting.
2,785m to 3,504m
7.19km
5-6 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut Camp
Today you cross the Shira Plateau, enjoying wide, open views toward Kibo Peak. The trail is gradual but steadily gains altitude.
You will pass Fischer\'s Camp, named after Scott Fischer, one of the pioneers of this route. The landscape here is vast and quiet, adding to the remote feel of the Northern Circuit.
Moir Hut Camp is set beneath Moir Ridge, offering a peaceful and less crowded overnight location. In the afternoon, optional acclimatisation hikes toward Moir Ridge are available, depending on weather conditions and how you are feeling.
3,504m to 4,161m
10km
5-6 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Day 4: Moir Hut to Third Cave Camp
The day begins with a moderately steep ascent out of Moir Valley, including a 30-45 minute climb to Moir Ridge, providing an excellent start and rewarding views.
The trail then crosses a rocky landscape, reaching the highest point of the day at approximately 4,402m. From here, the route gently traverses a series of valleys toward Pofu Camp, located on exposed ridges with expansive views across northern Kilimanjaro and toward Kenya.
Continuing onward, the trail leads across remote valleys on the northern slopes, eventually arriving at Third Cave Camp - a quiet, open site with views toward the eastern crater rim.
4,161m to 3,963m
16km
8-10 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Day 5: Third Cave to School Hut
Today's trek ascends steadily across the "Saddle" - the wide, barren plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks - leading to School Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt.
As you gain altitude, the terrain becomes increasingly dry and lunar in appearance. Although the distance is short, the climb is steep and involves significant elevation gain.
After arriving at camp, dinner is served early. Rest is essential as you prepare for the midnight summit ascent.
3,936m to 4,717m
4.9km
4-5 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Night 5: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit)
Your summit attempt begins around midnight. You will climb steadily in the dark, taking frequent but short breaks to manage energy and altitude.
After approximately 5-6 hours, you reach Gilman\'s Point on the crater rim. If conditions allow, you will witness a spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi Peak.
The ascent continues to Stella Point (5,745m), followed by the final stretch to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the highest point in Africa.
4,717m to 5,895m
6km
7-8 hours
Day 6: Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
After celebrating at the summit and taking a short rest, you descend to Barafu Camp - a challenging section after the long ascent.
At Barafu, you will have breakfast and rest briefly before continuing down the Mweka Trail toward Mweka Camp. Depending on your condition, your guide may adjust the final stopping point between Millennium Camp and Mweka Camp.
5,895m to 3,106m
11.5km
6-7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final day is a gentle descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Upon arrival, you will receive your summit certificates and enjoy a well-deserved rest. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you for a celebratory lunch before returning to your hotel - marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
3,106m to 1,633m
9.1km
3-4 hours
Breakfast & Lunch
Pricing
Per person in USD.
| Group Size | 7 Days |
|---|---|
| 1 person | USD 3,783 |
| 2 people | USD 2,899 |
| 3 people | USD 2,583 |
| 4 people | USD 2,346 |
| 5 people | USD 2,291 |
| 6 people | USD 2,262 |
| 7 people | USD 2,234 |
| 8+ people | USD 2,212 |
| Group Size | 8 Days |
|---|---|
| 1 person | USD 4,127 |
| 2 people | USD 3,197 |
| 3 people | USD 2,857 |
| 4 people | USD 2,605 |
| 5 people | USD 2,548 |
| 6 people | USD 2,511 |
| 7 people | USD 2,485 |
| 8+ people | USD 2,459 |
Prices include all services listed under "What's Included". International flights and personal equipment are not included.
What's Included
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Two nights accommodation on a bed & break fast basis (one night before the trek and one night after the climb)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
- Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro National Park gate
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and permits
- Camping or hut accommodation fees (depending on the route selected)
- Crater camping fees (where applicable)
- Emergency rescue service Premium-quality four season mountain tents
- Comfortable high-density sleeping mattresses
- Experienced, professional and friendly mountain crew, including certified Wilderness First Responder guides, cooks and porters
- Three freshly prepared and nutritious meals per day during the trek
- Safe, filtered, and treated drinking water throughout the climb
- Hot water for basic washing during the expedition
- Fair wages and Ethical treatment of all mountain staff in accordance with KINAPA & KIPAP standards
- All government taxes and statutory charges
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Certified English-speaking mountain guide (other language available upon request)
- Pulse Oximeter and first aid kit
- Private portable toilet with privacy tent
- Mountain communication radio for safety and emergency support
- Official Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate
Not Included
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania visa fee (approx. $50–100 depending on nationality)
- Travel insurance (altitude coverage required)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment rentals
- Tips for guides and porters (recommended $300–450 per participant)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Photos
FAQ
What makes the Northern Circuit different from the Southern Circuit?
Instead of heading southeast after the Shira Plateau, the Northern Circuit turns north and circumnavigates the mountain almost completely before ascending from the east. This adds 1–2 days, covers far more remote terrain, and provides the best acclimatisation profile of any Kilimanjaro route.
Is the Northern Circuit worth the extra days and cost?
If you want the highest summit success rate, the most remote experience, and the most spectacular scenery on Kilimanjaro, yes. The Northern Circuit is the premium option — fewer crowds, more time at altitude, and breathtaking views of northern Kilimanjaro that no other route offers.
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Quick Facts
- Duration7 or 8 days
- Best SeasonJanuary – March, June – October
- Starts AtMoshi, Tanzania
- Success Rate96%
- Group Size1–8 people