The Northern Circuit Route
Itinerary
The Circle Route
Our recommended option, the Northern Circuit climb circles the mountain, and is the least traveled route on Kili. Start in the west, circle around to the north, ascend via the east, finally descending via the south. You get a glimpse of every route on Kilimanjaro - Lemosho on the first three days, Machame on days three and four, and Rongai and Marangu on days seven and eight. This route provides the most comprehensive views of the mountain and also overnights at Kilimanjaro’s least crowded campsite - Buffalo Camp.
Duration: 8 | 9 Days
Season Range: January — December
Price Guide: Starting from $2,999 USD per person
Highlights:
Kilimanjaro from all sides, Less crowded, High summit success rates, Remote route
Explore The Northern Circuit Route
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira I Camp
Day 3: Shira I Camp to Moir Hut Camp
Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Day 6: Third Cave Camp to School Hut
Day 7: Summit night - School Hut to Millenium Camp
Day 8: Millenium Camp to Mweka Gate
Detailed Itinerary
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RAINFOREST
The Northern Circuit Route circles the mountain, starting with the Lemosho trail in the west.
On the first day, arrive at Londorossi Gate and wait while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations.
Drive to the trailhead and begin your climb. Pass through the rainforests of Kilimanjaro viewing trees, birds and monkeys along the way. Arrive at the campsite in the late afternoon and relax for the rest of the day.
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SAVANNAH, VOLCANIC ROCKS
* Continue on the Lemosho trail as you hike through the forest on day two to Kilimanjaro’s moorland. This is the day that you will enjoy the greatest variety of Kilimanjaro's wildflowers.
* When the trail flattens out, you will have your first views of Kibo peak. After lunch, you will climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s lava flows filled up the Shira crater.
* Stop at Shira 1 Camp, where you will relax for the rest of the day.
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ALPINE DESERT
Continue your hike through the grassy moorland. Pass many volcanic rock formations and Shira Cathedral, a collection of rock formations.
View Mount Meru's summit to the west.
Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
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MOORLAND/ALPINE DESERT
This is the day you will break off to the north, leaving the more crowded Lemosho and Machame trails.
Follow the trail to Lava Tower (ascending to 4,542 meters). This day allows you to climb high and sleep low and is critical for acclimatization. Stronger hikes may continue to the ruined camp at Arrow Glacier (4,871 meters).
Continue hiking from Lava Tower to Moir Hut.
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ALPINE DESERT
Start the hike by hiking out of the Moir Valley. Hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail.
Continue east through rock fields. Finally reach Buffalo Camp at the end of the day. The vast expense of Kenya lies to your north.
Buffalo Camp is the least crowded campsite on Kilimanjaro.
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MOORLAND
Climb to the top of Buffalo Ridge before continuing on through the barren landscape to Third Cave Camp. Cross many gullies during this day.
Enjoy Kilimanjaro in relative solitude during these days as this is the least-visited side of the mountain.
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ALPINE DESERT
Climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Make your way to camp, and rest for summit day. Enjoy an early dinner followed by a rest of a few hours.
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ALPINE DESERT, ARCTIC, MOORLAND, RAIN FOREST
Due to the steep ascent at high altitude, this is the most challenging day of the ascent. Leave School Hut early in the morning to begin your hike to the top of Kibo Crater.
It is important to remember to snack during the ascent to keep your energy up. You will likely lose your appetite during this day and begin to feel new effects of altitude sickness.
Reach Stella Point shortly before or at sunrise. Continue on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The hike to the summit is slow, and will take approximately 1 hour from Stella Point.
After reaching the summit, descend to School Hut for a rest and brunch. Around 1pm, descend to Mweka Camp. Reach Mweka Camp at approximately 6pm.
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RAIN FOREST
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent as the trail can be slippery.
An Alika Africa vehicl will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts, souvenirs and sodas at the gate. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the gate before departing the mountain.
Duma Client Experiences
“I would give more stars if I could! Go with Duma!!”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“We did a 7-day trek up Kilimanjaro and a two-day safari with a family of teenagers and a 10-year-old. We have never done anything like this before, so we weren't sure how it was going to go. All of the guides were AMAZING!!! They even helped us organize and pick up our COVID tests before our return flight. The camping gear they provided was top-notch as well. I cannot stress enough how much I would recommend this company for your adventures in Tanzania.…” Kaleb, January 2021 Read more
Duma Kilimanjaro Itineraries
Lemosho Shira Route Itinerary
The Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
Machame Route Itinerary
Rongai Route Itinerary
Lemosho Shira via Crater Route Itinerary
Marangu Route Itinerary
Umbwe Route Itinerary
Duma Blog
How to prepare for your Kilimanjaro climb
“High-end gear and our experienced guides’ leadership skills will help you reach the snows of Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
At 19,341 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s largest free-standing mountain and Africa’s highest peak. A climb to Kilimanjaro’s summit involves a multi-day adventure through the mountain’s five climate zones. A walk-up peak, Kilimanjaro does not require any technical climbing skills or specialized gear.
That said, a successful summit requires preparation.….”