Northern Circuit (The Grand Traverse)
5,895m
Africa's highest peak. The world's tallest free-standing mountain. Guided by Tanzania-born experts who have stood on the summit hundreds of times.
From
$2,237
per person
9 Days / 8 Nights
Moderate
Most Kilimanjaro routes take the most direct line to the summit. The Northern Circuit takes the long way round — deliberately.
This is the longest standard route on the mountain, circling from the western Lemosho approach around Kibo's rarely-visited northern slopes before turning south to the summit. The extra days buy something few other routes can offer: time. Time to acclimatise properly, time to see terrain almost no other climbers see, and time to simply be on the mountain rather than racing across it.
Right now, the Northern Circuit remains one of Kilimanjaro's quietest routes — a genuine wilderness circumnavigation for climbers who want the best possible preparation for summit night and the most complete view of the mountain along the way.
Quick Facts
Why Choose This Route?
It is Kilimanjaro's longest — and most complete — route.
Nine days on the mountain means more time at altitude than any other standard route, translating directly into one of the highest summit success rates available.
You see sides of Kilimanjaro almost no one else does.
The route circles the rarely-visited northern slopes between Lemosho and the Kibo-Mawenzi saddle — terrain that other routes simply don't touch.
It's genuinely quiet.
The Northern Circuit remains one of the least-crowded ways up the mountain. Expect long stretches of trail with no other climbing parties in sight.
The acclimatisation profile is exceptional.
A long, gradual circumnavigation with steady altitude gain gives your body more time to adapt than any faster route — exactly what makes the extra days worth it on summit night.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
0Arrival Day
You arrive in Tanzania and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. Your lead guide meets you for a thorough pre-climb briefing — gear check, route overview, altitude safety protocol, and Q&A. The Northern Circuit is the longest route we run, so take the time to ask every question you have. Rest well — your expedition begins tomorrow.
1Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
Camp: Mti Mkubwa · Elevation: 2,780m · Distance: 6 km · Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
A 4x4 drive up the forest track to the Lemosho Glades starts the day before the trail begins on foot. This is the most vegetation- and wildlife-rich section of the route — watch the canopy for monkeys as you climb through rainforest.
What to expect: A gentle opening day. Use it to settle into the rhythm of the trail.
2Mti Mkubwa → Shira Ridge → Shira 1 Camp
Camp: Shira 1 Camp · Elevation: 3,600m · Distance: 8 km · Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
The trees thin quickly today as the trail climbs the dramatic Shira Ridge. It's a steep day, rewarded with gorgeous panoramic views across the western Shira Plateau.
What to expect: A sustained climb with real altitude gain. Mild headaches tonight are normal.
3Shira Plateau → Shira 2 Camp
Camp: Shira 2 Camp · Elevation: 3,850m · Distance: 8 km · Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
A gentler day crossing the Shira Plateau's open meadows — good for acclimatisation. Short exploratory trails around camp let you get a feel for the surrounding moorland.
What to expect: A comfortable day by comparison. Take advantage of the shorter distance to rest well.
4Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Moir Camp
Camp: Moir Camp · Elevation: 4,200m · Distance: 14 km · Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
The trail passes through the Garden of Senecios — the last of the larger vegetation — before lunch at the dramatic Lava Tower rock formation. Here the Northern Circuit splits away from the southern circuit routes, entering alpine desert and the quieter northern half of the mountain.
What to expect: A long day with a significant altitude touch at the Lava Tower. This is where the Northern Circuit begins to feel genuinely remote.
5Moir Valley → Buffalo Camp
Camp: Buffalo Camp · Elevation: 4,020m · Distance: 12 km · Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
A moderately steep trail circles Kibo's northern slopes, with gradual inclines and declines and the option to hike Little Lent Hill for extended views. Buffalo Camp itself is a highlight of the Northern Circuit — a genuinely secluded camp few climbers on other routes ever see.
What to expect: Rolling terrain rather than a single hard climb. The seclusion here is the whole point — enjoy it.
6Buffalo Ridge → Third Cave Camp
Camp: Third Cave Camp · Elevation: 3,875m · Distance: 8 km · Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
The trail climbs Buffalo Ridge before skirting the remote northern slopes toward Third Cave Camp, near where the Rongai route passes. By now your body is well adjusted to high elevation.
What to expect: A long day, but your acclimatisation advantage should be showing by this point in the trek.
7Kibo-Mawenzi Saddle → School Hut Camp
Camp: School Hut Camp · Elevation: 4,800m · Distance: 15 km · Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
A steeper climb today, crossing the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks with unique views of both. An early dinner and early night follow — the wake-up call is midnight.
What to expect: Nerves and altitude-related restlessness are normal tonight. Rest even if you can't sleep.
8Summit Night → Uhuru Peak → Millennium Camp
Camp: Millennium Camp · Elevation: 3,950m · Ascent: 5 km · Descent: 12 km · Total Time: 10–15 hours
Midnight departure for the steep ascent to Gilman's Point, where you join climbers from other routes for the final push. The crater rim walk passes striking views of Mawenzi Peak before the last scramble through snow to Uhuru Peak. The long descent continues down to Millennium Camp.
What to expect: The hardest and most extraordinary day of the expedition. The descent afterward is long — pace yourself.
9Millennium Camp → Mweka Gate → Hotel
End of Expedition · Elevation: 1,640m · Distance: 10 km · Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Breathing gets easier with every step down as the trail returns to rainforest. At Mweka Gate, your summit certificate is presented before the transfer back to your hotel in Moshi.
What to expect: Rest. Celebrate. You've completed Kilimanjaro's longest route.
Kilimanjaro Trekking
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What's Included
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, conservation levy, and TANAPA rescue fee
- Professional KINAPA-certified lead guide — English-speaking
- Assistant guides (1 per 3 climbers)
- Personal porter (1 per climber, max 15 kg duffel)
- Mountain chef — hot full-board meals at every camp
- 4-season camping tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, kitchen tent, private toilet tent
- Emergency supplemental oxygen cylinder
- Pulse oximeter — twice-daily health monitoring at every camp
- Wilderness first response-trained guide
- Hotel/airport transfers — Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport to hotel and gate
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- 18% VAT and all applicable Tanzanian taxes
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal gear
- Tips
Pricing
Solo (1 Person)
$2,237
per person
Small Group (2–4 Persons)
$2,237
per person
Group (5+ Persons)
$2,237
per person
Northern Circuit Map
Explore the terrain, camps, and elevation profile along this route.
Northern Circuit
The Grand Traverse
Most Kilimanjaro routes take the most direct line to the summit. The Northern Circuit takes the long way round — deliberately.
What to Pack
12 essentials your porters won't carry for you — everything else is handled.
Clothing & Warmth
Layering System
Thermal base layers, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell jacket & trousers
Sleeping Bag
Rated to -10°C / 14°F. Warmth is critical above 4,000m at night
Trekking Boots
Waterproof, ankle-supporting, well broken-in before the climb
Gaiters
Keep debris and water out of boots on volcanic scree sections
Essential Gear
Trekking Poles
Collapsible poles reduce knee strain significantly on descent
Headlamp + Batteries
Essential for summit night (3am start). Bring spare batteries
Waterproof Bag
Keep electronics and sleeping bag dry — rain is unpredictable
Health & Safety
Altitude Medicine
Diamox (acetazolamide) — consult your doctor before the climb
First Aid Kit
Blister treatment, ibuprofen, anti-nausea tablets, bandages
Sun Protection
SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, wide-brim hat
Fuel & Hydration
Hydration System
2–3 litre water bladder or bottles. Water freezes at summit
Snacks & Energy
High-calorie snacks: nuts, chocolate, energy gels for summit push
Pro tip from our guides
The single biggest mistake climbers make is packing too heavy. Every extra kilogram will slow your summit attempt. Our porters carry your main bag (max 15 kg) — keep your day pack to 5–7 kg with just the essentials.
When to Summit
Kilimanjaro never closes — but the mountain rewards those who choose their window wisely.
Prime Season
June → October
Cold, dry and clear. Every route fully open. Your best chance of standing on Uhuru Peak.
- Clear summit skies on most days
- All 6 routes fully operational
- Dry underfoot — trails at their best
- Peak porter & guide availability
Shoulder Season
Dec · Jan · Feb
Warm and generally dry. Wildlife-rich around the mountain. Fewer crowds, still great summit odds.
- Good visibility & milder temperatures
- Calving season — exceptional wildlife
- Quieter trails than peak months
Rain Season
Mar · Apr · May · Nov
Long and short rains bring muddy trails, reduced summit visibility, and lower success rates.
- Heavy rainfall — trails become difficult
- Poor summit-day visibility common
- Some high camps partially inaccessible
We still run climbs on request — conditions vary significantly year to year.
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