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Kilimanjaro Tours
Moderate 8–9 days

Northern Circuit

The Grand Traverse

Starting from Price on request

Overview

The Northern Circuit begins on the Lemosho trail, then traverses the northern side of Kibo via Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp and Third Cave before the summit from School Hut.

Max altitude5,895 m
Total distance90 km
Scenery

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

    2,100 m → 2,750 m 6 km Montane rainforest

    Forest walk to the first camp.

  2. Day 2

    Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

    2,750 m → 3,500 m 8 km Moorland

    Onto the Shira Plateau.

  3. Day 3

    Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

    3,500 m → 3,850 m 7 km Moorland

    Plateau crossing.

  4. Day 4

    Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower

    3,850 m → 4,200 m (high point 4,600 m) 14 km Alpine desert

    Acclimatisation via Lava Tower, then north to Moir Hut.

  5. Day 5

    Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

    4,200 m → 4,020 m (high point 4,400 m) 12 km Alpine desert

    Traverse the northern slopes.

  6. Day 6

    Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

    4,020 m → 3,800 m 8 km Alpine desert

    Continue around the mountain to Third Cave.

  7. Day 7

    Third Cave to School Hut

    3,800 m → 4,750 m 5 km Alpine desert

    Climb to the high camp on the Saddle.

  8. Day 8

    School Hut to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp

    4,750 m → 3,100 m (high point 5,895 m) 18 km Arctic to rainforest

    Summit via Gilman's Point and descend the southern side.

  9. Day 9

    Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

    3,100 m → 1,640 m 10 km Montane rainforest

    Final descent and transfer to Moshi.

Included

  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees (conservation, camping, rescue)
  • Professional mountain guide and support crew
  • Mountain tents and dining tent
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Transfers between Moshi and the park gates

Not included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel and evacuation insurance
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Tips for the mountain crew
Gallery

On the Northern Circuit

Northern slopes of Kilimanjaro
View towards Kenya from the Northern Circuit
Summit night
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Plan your trip

Climb the Northern Circuit with a local team

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