The Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a remarkable trek known for its scenic diversity and extended time on the mountain. This route is one of the less popular paths, allowing trekkers to experience a quieter ascent, as well as stunning views of Kilimanjaro's various ecosystems. The trek typically lasts about 9 days, providing ample time for acclimatisation and enjoying the varied landscapes. Longer durations also enhance the chances of reaching the summit successfully. The Northern Circuit takes climbers through lush rainforests, heath and moorland, alpine deserts, and glacial landscapes. This variety showcases the unique ecological zones of the mountain. Key points along the route include the stunning views from Lemosho and the breathtaking vistas at the Northern Icefields. The trek also passes through various camps, with well-defined paths suitable for trekkers of various skill levels.
This route is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience, balancing a manageable pace with the opportunity to truly savour the wilderness and unique beauty of Africa’s highest peak.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by an Omura representative who will transfer you to your hotel. There, you will be given time to settle in before a meet and greet with your guides. In this meeting, we will brief you on what to expect on Mount Kilimanjaro and answer any last-minute questions you may have. After the briefing, we recommend an early night for an early pick-up the following day.
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel around 8:00 am and you will be driven to Lemosho Gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process, you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho Glades to reach Big Tree Camp where you will be spending the night. During dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 2,360m (7,742ft) to 2,895m (9,498ft)
Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Your climb continues as you trek across the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude today and parts of the route are fairly steep. Our destination for today is Shira 1 Camp where there are often views of Kibo Peak.
Elevation: 2,850m (9,350ft) to 3,810m (12,500ft)
Distance: 5.4km (3.4 miles)
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest and Low Alpine Zone
Today we continue east which passes through the Garden of the Senecios. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where we will have lunch. After lunch, we join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp. This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatization process. During dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 3,505m (11,500ft) to 4,200m (13,580ft)
Distance: 15km (8 miles)
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Low Alpine and High Alpine
Today involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. We have the option to take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here climbers can see the plains that lie north of Mount Kilimanjaro that stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. During dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 4,200m (13,580ft) to 4,020m (13,200ft)
Distance: 12km (7 miles)
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: High Alpine
Today's trek starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where we will stop for lunch. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Third Cave where we will be spending the night. The trek is shorter than the previous day so we arrive at camp around mid-afternoon. During dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 4,020m (13,200ft) to 3,870m (12,700ft)
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: High Alpine
Today we leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ that sits between Mawenzi and Kibo. Once we reach School Hut you will have an early dinner. We recommend resting and sleeping before being awoken at 11 pm to prepare for the summit climb. During dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 3,870m (12,700ft) to 4,750m (15,600ft)
Distance: 5km (3 miles)
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation Zone: High Alpine and Glacial
We start the summit climb at dawn and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) in the early afternoon when a few groups are around. A short descent brings you to Crater Camp, set in soft sands near the famed Furtwangler Glacier. After a short rest, we will continue to descend to Mweka Camp for a long well-earned rest. During dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 4,750m (15,600ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) to 3,068m (10,065ft)
Distance: 16.5km (9.5 miles)
Trekking Time: 12-14 hours
Vegetation Zone: Glacial, High Alpine, Low Alpine, Rainforest
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and present you with a certificate confirming you summited Mount Kilimanjaro. We are then met by our vehicles and transferred back to the hotel for a well-earned rest and celebration with your guides.
Elevation: 3,068m (10,065ft to 1,640m (5,380ft)
Distance: 10km (6.5 miles)
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast, a vehicle will transfer you to your next destination. If you have additional time we recommend you extend your stay. Omura offers safari packages to see nature at its finest or maybe a relaxing beach trip to Zanzibar.
Northern Circuit Climb (inc. 2 nights hotel stay)
Price Per Person ($USD)
1 Pers
2 Pers
3 Pers
4 Pers
5 Pers
6 Pers
7+ Pers
Northern Circuit Route 8-days
$4,510
$3,550
$3,260
$3,210
$3,160
$3,020
$2,970
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to lodge (return).
Half-board lodge accommodation 1 night before the Mount Kilimanjaro climb begins and 1 night after the Mount Kilimanjaro climb (this includes meals and taxes as required).
Transfer fees from the lodge to the Mount Kilimanjaro entry gate (day 1) and transfer from the Mount Kilimanjaro exit gate back to the lodge (day 7).
All Mount Kilimanjaro park fees (as required by Tanzanian law).
All salaries for Guides, Chefs, and Porters on the mountain climb.
Equipment costs, including tents (twin share), camping mattresses, dining tent, kitchen tent, chairs, table, and dining utensils.
Private toilet hire (recommended. Public toilets are provided on the mountain, however, they are used by everyone and are your standard camping drop toilets).
Food on the mountain (3 meals per person per day, excluding breakfast on day 1, which is provided by the lodge, and dinner on day 7, which is again provided by the lodge).
Exclusions
International airfare tickets from your origin to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Visa entry requirement fees as required by Tanzanian law (You can apply for a visa at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, however, we suggest getting pre-approval as it is quicker upon arrival).
Travel insurance: Please ensure your insurance covers mountain climbing up to 6,000 meters.
Any pre-medical requirements (including any required Covid tests).
Tips for guides, chefs, and porters. We recommend tipping the guides $20 per day each, the chef $15 per day, and the porters $10 per day; however, please feel free to tip how you see fit.
If you are interested in eating outside of your lodge during your stay in Arusha city, you will be required to cover this cost.
Any spending money. We will stop at several places to give you the opportunity to buy souvenirs.
If you are interested in drinking during your stay, alcohol is an additional cost as is any drink ordered at the lounge bar.
Omura’s Suggested Packing List
Having the correct gear for climbing a mountain is essential for ensuring safety and enhancing the overall experience. Proper footwear, such as sturdy hiking boots, provides necessary support and traction on varied terrain, while weather-appropriate clothing protects against the elements, keeping climbers warm and dry. Essential equipment, including a helmet, harness, and climbing ropes, can prevent accidents and injuries. Additionally, the right navigation tools and first aid supplies are crucial for responding to unexpected situations in remote environments. Investing in quality gear not only contributes to a successful ascent but also fosters a sense of confidence and preparedness for climbers venturing into challenging landscapes.
