Near-perfect summit success rate (95%+)
Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit — 9-Day Grand Traverse
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 Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Highlights
The standout moments built into this safari.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Millennium Camp to Mweka Camp
Descent through alpine desert and heather zones to Mweka Camp in the upper rainforest. Celebration dinner with crew.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Final trek through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer to Arusha for celebration.
Inclusions & Exclusions
A clear view of what is covered and what to plan for separately.
Included
Excluded
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
5.0
Excellent
(6)
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
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
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
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
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
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
Speak to an Expert
Tell us what you have in mind and our team will shape a journey around this safari.
We have your request
A safari specialist will review your plans and come back with tailored guidance shortly.