Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit — 9-Day Grand Traverse
9 Days / 8 Nights

Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit — 9-Day Grand Traverse

Experience Overview

Experience Overview

The Northern Circuit is the longest and most immersive route on Kilimanjaro — a grand traverse that circumnavigates the entire mountain before the summit push. At nine days, it provides the best acclimatisation of any route, resulting in a near-perfect summit success rate exceeding 95%. Beginning on the Lemosho approach from the west, the route traverses the Shira Plateau before breaking north — entering terrain that fewer than 5% of Kilimanjaro climbers ever see. The Northern Circuit passes through pristine alpine desert with views of the northern glaciers, the imposing Northern Icefields, and on clear mornings, both Mount Meru and Kenya's expanse visible simultaneously. The extra days allow your body to acclimatise naturally and thoroughly, turning the mountain into an extended wilderness retreat rather than a race to the top. Camp sites are virtually private, the silence is profound, and the connection to the mountain is deeply personal. Converging with the traditional routes at Barafu Camp, the summit attempt follows the proven midnight approach to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak. This is the definitive Kilimanjaro experience for those who want to savour every step.

Journey Map

Route Overview

Follow the itinerary as it moves through each destination, with grouped day ranges for consecutive stays.

1 Stops

1 Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Highlights

The standout moments built into this safari.

Near-perfect summit success rate (95%+)

Complete circumnavigation of Kilimanjaro

Terrain seen by fewer than 5% of climbers

Northern Icefields and glaciers up close

Best natural acclimatisation of any route

Virtually private campsites and profound wilderness solitude

Simultaneous views of Mount Meru and Kenya

Itinerary

An editorial journey through each day of the safari, with destinations, imagery, and places you will stay.

Day 1
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (2,895 m)

Register at Londorossi Gate and trek through ancient forest to Big Tree Camp. The Lemosho starting point offers the most pristine wilderness approach.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (2,895 m)
Day 2
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp (3,840 m)

Long but gentle climb through heather onto the expansive Shira Plateau. Camp with sunset views of the summit.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp (3,840 m)
Day 3
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Shira 2 to Lava Tower & Moir Hut (4,200 m)

Acclimatisation hike to Lava Tower (4,630 m). Descend to camp at Moir Hut in a remote valley on Kilimanjaro's northern face.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Shira 2 to Lava Tower & Moir Hut (4,200 m)
Day 4
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)

Traverse the rarely-trekked northern circuit with views into Kenya and the Northern Ice Field. Few other trekkers — pure wilderness.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)
Day 5
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave (3,870 m)

Continue the northern traverse across lava ridges. Camp at Third Cave with views of Mawenzi's pinnacles and the Saddle.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave (3,870 m)
Day 6
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Third Cave to School Hut (4,750 m)

Cross the Saddle — a high-altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive at School Hut for final preparations.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Third Cave to School Hut (4,750 m)
Day 7
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Summit Day — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)

Midnight summit push via Gilman's Point and Stella Point to Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Descend to Millennium Camp to rest.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Summit Day — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
Day 8
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Millennium Camp to Mweka Camp

Descent through alpine desert and heather zones to Mweka Camp in the upper rainforest. Celebration dinner with crew.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Millennium Camp to Mweka Camp
Day 9
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Final trek through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer to Arusha for celebration.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Inclusions & Exclusions

A clear view of what is covered and what to plan for separately.

Included

All KINAPA park fees
KINAPA-licensed lead guide and assistants
Porters and private camp chef
Premium camping equipment (4-season tents, thick sleeping mats)
All meals on the mountain
Purified drinking water
Daily pulse oximetry and health monitoring
Summit certificate
Airport transfers
Pre-trek hotel night in Moshi

Excluded

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal climbing gear
Gratuities for mountain crew
Personal snacks and extras

Ready to Plan Your Journey?

Download the full itinerary to share with your travel companions, or start customising this safari to match your dates, group size, and preferences.

Guest Reviews

See What Travellers Are Saying

Learn more →

5.0

Excellent

(6)

Excellent
6
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
E

elisa s

Super Safari, inoubliable avec un super guide nommé Bonaventura qui a su nous faire découvrir la faune et la flore de son pays avec générosité et passion. Nous avons pu voir les big Five. Nous le recommandons fortement! Ce fut une expérience riche en couleurs, aussi, bien d'un point de vue humain, que d'un point de vue découverte des animaux et des paysages. Elisa, Regis, Livio et Vasco dit Monsieur oiseau

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written November 1, 2025

L

Luc D

Nous avons vécu un moment inoubliable en famille lors de notre safari ! Nos guides ont rendu ce voyage exceptionnel du début à la fin grâce a leur générosité de partage et nous faire découvrir leur terre et nature ! D'u e grande connaissance de la faune et de la nature, toujours gentils et attentifs, Euge se missionnait pour trouver tous les animaux que nous désirions voir et Erick nous commentait toutes les lois de la nature ! Ce sont eux qui ont donné un véritable sens à ces jeux avec les animaux ! Avec grand respect ! Chaque moment était remplis d'émotions et les big five tous cochés ! Un immense merci pour cette expérience magique que nous n'oublierons jamais. Nous recommandons à 100 % cette agence et surtout nos guides Euge et Erick

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 27, 2025

K

Katty S

Flemalle, Belgium

Nous avons été ma fille et moi prisent en charge par Hussein et Francis. Ce guide était juste parfait, il nous a donné des explications très intéressantes et surtout les deux ont fait découvrir la vraie nature. Le parc TARANGIRE et tous ces éléphants. Le parc du lac MANYARA et ses singes, et la visite du village MTO WA MBU. Et le dernier parc, le NGORONGORO où il y avait des animaux à voir de tous les côtés. Nous avons grâce à valider 4 animaux du big five : lions, éléphants, rhinocéros et les buffles. Nous avons vu des troupeaux d'éléphants, de gnous, de zèbres, de lionnes, de buffles, de gazelles et bien d'autres animaux. C'était magnifique, magique, incroyable, époustouflant. Merci à vous deux

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 27, 2025

E

Enri000

We were fortunate to be accompanied for 7 days by Jones, our French-speaking guide, on safari through Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire. Traveling as a family spanning three generations, we were all amazed by his exceptional knowledge of wildlife, perseverance, and infectious enthusiasm. Thanks to him, we were able to observe all the iconic animals in perfect conditions, often feeling as if we were alone in spectacular landscapes. A special thank you also to Georges, who accompanied us in another vehicle for the luggage and brought good humor and positivity every day. Thanks to Jones and Georges, this safari will remain a magical, authentic, and emotional experience. We highly recommend them to anyone dreaming of an unforgettable safari in Tanzania. Hakuna Matata!

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 24, 2025

M

Mylene P

Super. David est à l écoute de nos demandes. Il connaît son métier par coeur. Il est dévoué. Et surtout il est au top. Il prépare les pic nique et non des box et il est même équipé de une nappe. Il est attachant, on a pas envie de le quitter.

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 20, 2025

Traveled Couples

C

Camille M

Incroyable safari en compagnie de notre super guide Boni qui parle français ! Merci pour ses explications détaillées. Au-delà d'avoir été notre guide, Boni est une très bonne personne ! Au programme du safari : Parc de Manyara, Ngorongoro et Tarangire et rencontre avec les tribus Datoga et Hadzabes avec de très bons plats à chaque pique-nique du midi. Merci à Boni, Lomo Tanzania Safari et Terra Africa pour l'organisation. Asante sana

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 17, 2025

Traveled Couples

Chat on WhatsApp