Best Ultimate 10 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

KILIMANJARO CLIMBING TOUR

Duration

10 Days

Destination

Kilimanjaro

Travellers

Trip Overview
Trip Itinerary
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10 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route The 10 Days Northern Circuit Route offers one of the most scenic, remote, and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the western Lemosho Gate, this trail gradually ascends through lush rainforest and alpine moorland before curving around the rarely visited northern slopes of the mountain. Designed for...

What's included

Destination

Kilimanjaro Discover Kilimanjaro

Departure Location

Moshi, Kilimanjaro - Tanzania

Return Location

Moshi, Kilimanjaro - Tanzania

Tour Start Date & Time

Everyday at 07:00

Price includes

Unlimited bottled water

Price does not include

Visa arrangements

10 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

The 10 Days Northern Circuit Route offers one of the most scenic, remote, and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the western Lemosho Gate, this trail gradually ascends through lush rainforest and alpine moorland before curving around the rarely visited northern slopes of the mountain.

Designed for superior acclimatization, this route provides a high summit success rate and a more relaxed pace than many shorter routes. Although it’s one day shorter than the full 11-day version, it still maintains a solid acclimatization profile by combining some trekking days. It’s an excellent choice for climbers who want a quieter, more immersive experience and breathtaking 360-degree views of Kilimanjaro.

Tour Highlights

Most panoramic route with views from all sides of the mountain
Remote and less-traveled trail, offering solitude and a peaceful climb
Excellent acclimatization profile with a high summit success rate
Rich variety of landscapes, from rainforest to alpine desert
Full circuit around Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes
Possibility of wildlife sightings on the lower slopes
Finishes via the Mweka Route for a safe descent
Ideal for trekkers with slightly limited time who still want a comprehensive experience

10 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

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Book Cheap Kilimanjaro Climb Northern circuit Route With KILINGE ADVENTURES

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10

Day 1

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)

Start elevation: 2,100 m (6,890 ft) End elevation: 2,650 m (8,690 ft) Distance: ~6 km Hiking time: 3–4 hours Habitat: Rainforest Description: After registration at Londorossi Gate, drive to Lemosho Trailhead and begin hiking through lush rainforest. Spotting colobus monkeys is common.

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira One Camp

Start elevation: 2,650 m (8,690 ft) End elevation: 3,610 m (11,840 ft) Distance: ~8 km Hiking time: 5–6 hours Habitat: Moorland Description: Trek steadily uphill as the forest thins out, entering the moorland zone. Enjoy scenic views of Shira Ridge and Kibo.

Day 3

Shira One to Shira Two Camp

Start elevation: 3,610 m (11,840 ft) End elevation: 3,850 m (12,630 ft) Distance: ~7 km Hiking time: 3–4 hours Habitat: Moorland Description: A short and relatively easy day across the Shira Plateau. You arrive early at Shira Two for acclimatization.

Day 4

Acclimatization Hike to Lava Tower, Return to Shira Two

Start elevation: 3,850 m (12,630 ft) Max elevation: 4,630 m (15,190 ft) — Lava Tower End elevation: 3,850 m (12,630 ft) Distance: ~12 km Hiking time: 6–7 hours Habitat: Alpine desert Description: This is a key acclimatization day. Hike to Lava Tower for altitude exposure and return to Shira Two to sleep low. “Climb high, sleep low” improves your chances of summiting.

Day 5

Shira Two to Moir Hut

Start elevation: 3,850 m (12,630 ft) End elevation: 4,200 m (13,780 ft) Distance: ~10 km Hiking time: 5–6 hours Habitat: Alpine desert Description: Hike around the northern slopes with fewer crowds. Moir Hut is tucked below Lent Hills—optional acclimatization hike available.

Day 6

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Start elevation: 4,200 m (13,780 ft) End elevation: 4,020 m (13,190 ft) Distance: ~12 km Hiking time: 5–7 hours Habitat: Alpine desert and heath Description: A scenic traverse of the northern circuit. Great views of Kenya’s plains to the north.

Day 7

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Start elevation: 4,020 m (13,190 ft) End elevation: 3,870 m (12,700 ft) Distance: ~8 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Habitat: Alpine desert Description: Continue circling the mountain with gentle ups and downs. Arrive early to rest and prepare for the higher altitude days ahead.

Day 8

Third Cave to School Hut (Base Camp)

Start elevation: 3,870 m (12,700 ft) End elevation: 4,800 m (15,750 ft) Distance: ~5 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Habitat: Alpine desert Description: A short but steep climb to the final camp. Early dinner and sleep before your summit push at midnight.

Day 9

Summit Day – School Hut to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp

Start elevation: 4,800 m (15,750 ft) Peak elevation: 5,895 m (19,341 ft) End elevation: 3,100 m (10,170 ft) Distance: ~6 km ascent + 12 km descent Hiking time: 12–15 hours Habitat: Arctic at the summit, then rainforest Description: Begin before midnight. Trek past Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. Celebrate briefly, then descend to Barafu for brunch and continue down to Mweka Camp for rest.

Day 10

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Start elevation: 3,100 m (10,170 ft) End elevation: 1,640 m (5,380 ft) Distance: ~10 km Hiking time: 3–4 hours Habitat: Rainforest Description: Final descent through lush rainforest. At the gate, receive your summit certificates, then transfer to your hotel.