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The longest and quietest route, circling the mountain for the best acclimatisation of all
The Northern Circuit starts like Lemosho in the western rainforest and crosses the Shira Plateau, but at Lava Tower it turns north and circles the mountain's remote northern slopes, which very few climbers see. Nine days on the mountain give your body the most time of any route to adjust, and you summit from School Hut via Gillman's Point. Private climb with hotel nights in Moshi, all park fees, four-season tents, a mess tent, cooked meals and twice-daily health checks.
Warm and mostly dry, clear summit mornings
Long rains: quiet trails and our lowest prices
Cool and dry, the most popular climbing months
Short rains, mostly afternoon showers
We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive about 45 minutes to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening your lead guide runs the briefing and checks every item of gear with you, so anything missing can be hired before the climb. The Northern Circuit starts at Londorossi Gate, about 3 hours from Moshi.
Drive to Londorossi Gate, register and walk through rainforest to the first camp. Hike about 3 to 4 hours, roughly 6 km, from 2,250 m to 2,780 m.
Climb through giant heather onto the Shira Plateau. Hike about 6 to 7 hours, roughly 8 km, from 2,780 m to 3,610 m.
Cross the plateau eastwards, with Kibo ahead. Hike about 4 to 5 hours, roughly 9 km, from 3,610 m to 3,850 m.
Private transfer between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport and your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, one way, for up to 4 people with luggage.
One more night in a mid-range Moshi hotel with breakfast, per person sharing. Useful before the climb to rest after a long flight.
Four-season sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles, gaiters, waterproof trousers and a head torch, ready at your gear check in Moshi or Arusha.
A portable flush toilet in its own tent for your group, carried and cleaned by a dedicated porter for the whole climb. Price per group.
One more night on the mountain to help your body adjust, including park fees, crew and meals. Raises your chance of reaching the summit.
Tell us your dates and party size — we'll confirm availability and send a clear quote.
Climb to Lava Tower for lunch, then turn north to the sheltered valley of Moir Hut. Hike about 5 to 6 hours, roughly 11 km, from 3,850 m to 4,200 m.
Follow the northern circuit across ridges and valleys with wide views north over the plains of Kenya. Hike about 5 to 7 hours, roughly 12 km, from 4,200 m to 4,020 m.
Continue east round the mountain to Third Cave, below the Saddle. Hike about 5 to 6 hours, roughly 8 km, from 4,020 m to 3,870 m.
A short, steady climb to School Hut. Early dinner and rest before the summit. Hike about 4 to 5 hours, roughly 5 km, from 3,870 m to 4,750 m.
Wake around 23:00 for tea and biscuits, then climb slowly by head torch from School Hut. Most climbers reach Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim around sunrise, then walk 45 minutes more to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After photos you descend to School Hut for a rest and hot lunch, then continue down to Millennium Camp (3,820 m). Summit push about 6 to 8 hours, descent 5 to 6 hours, roughly 17 km in total. The longest and hardest day of the climb.
A last descent through the rainforest, watching for colobus monkeys, to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), where you sign out and collect your summit certificate. Say goodbye to the crew, then drive back to Moshi for a hot shower and a celebration dinner. Hike about 5 to 6 hours, roughly 12 km.
Breakfast, then a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, or onward to Arusha to start a safari or fly to Zanzibar.
Flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar, transfers, three nights in a Nungwi beach hotel on half board and Zanzibar visitor insurance. Per person sharing.