WELCOME TO KILIMANJARO

Reach Africa’s Highest Peak via its northern
Northern Circuit with Jerry Tanzania.

The Northern Circuit Route begins from the west at Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route at the beginning. After crossing the Shira Plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley.

The northern circuit is longer than other Kilimanjaro routes while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It gives you more time for acclimatization and also beautiful scenic views.

The Northern Circuit Route traverses around the entire mountain. It has the highest acclimatization profile and also the summit success rate.

The Northern Circuit route is easily one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro. It is best suited for those who enjoy backpacking for many days and want to do something that is different. The Northern Circuit is also preferred by those who want to get away from other travellers while on their Kilimanjaro Trek.

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Extended Mountain Journeys

Northern Circuit Route Detailed Itinerary

The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s longest trail, giving you more time to acclimatize and enjoy the climb. Our Northern Circuit packages are perfect for those who want a less crowded and more immersive experience. Choose from a range of packages designed to fit your style, from budget to luxury. With Jerry Tanzania Tours, you’ll enjoy every step of this scenic journey to Africa’s highest peak.

Northern Route

1
Day
Arrival
Airport Pick-Up - Drop Off At Hotel

A member of Jerry Tanzania Tours hospitality team greets you upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). He will drive you to Chanya Lodge, where you will have all the essentials for a comfortable stay after a long flight, such as: pleasant rooms with hot showers, a restaurant with delicious choices, genial service team and access to the Internet. Your briefing, in the course of which your guides will provide all the details of the forthcoming trek, takes place at the appointed time. They will answer your questions and make sure you are properly equipped for the trek, providing rental gear when necessary.

Journey time and Distance: 77 minutes’ drive, from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Chanya Lodge

Accommodation

Accommodation

Chanya Lodge

Chanya Lodge
Chanya Lodge
2
Day
Lake Manyara

Chanya Lodge – Londorosi Gate & Starting Point – Mti Mkubwa

Lake Manyara

After an early breakfast (07.00hrs), you will leave the Chanya Lodge one hour later to arrive at the Londorosi Gate to acquire climbing permits around 11.00hrs, and in time to have your cooked lunch. After having lunch, you will have a short drive to the start-point of today’s walk. Today your walk will be a distance of 7 km/4 miles, with an expected 3.5 to 4 hours of walking time.

Your starting altitude will be at 2,100 metres and you will finish at the first camp of the route: Mti Mkubwa Camp 2,650 metres. Your approach to the mountain using the Lemosho Route is from the western side that is highly considered to provide the best views of Kilimanjaro. At the start of your walk, you may be lucky enough to spy some colobus or blue monkeys, though an encounter with buffalo or elephant – while possible – would be rare nowadays. Your walk, steadily upwards, is a wonderful experience, with fantastic forest and some really colourful flowers. When you reach the camp, your mountain support crew will take care of the necessities and prepare dinner.

Hiking time and Elevation: 4 hours’ walking from Starting Point at 2,100 m to Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,650 m

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Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation

In Tents at Mti Mkubwa Camp

Tents At Mti Mkubwa Camp
Tents At Mti Mkubwa Camp
3
Day
Lake Manyara

From Mti Mkubwa Camp To Shira 1 Camp

Lake Manyara

You will soon become used to the early, 07.00hrs breakfast and your departure time today will be at 08.00hrs. Although your walking distance is only slightly longer than yesterday, today you will be ascending from 2,650 metres to the second high-altitude camp, Shira 1 Camp at 3,610 metres, and you expect a longer walking time of between 4.5 and 5 hours. Indeed, you will start climbing straightaway, to the top of a ridge as you head eastwards and upwards. Today, the trees of your first day thin out, you will eventually leave the forest environment behind as you move onto the moorland. From here, you are able to get your first view of both the Shira Plateau and mighty Kibo itself.

As ever, you should concentrate on walking pole pole (slowly) to reduce the chances of feeling unwell. Your direction is largely eastwards, picnic lunch will be taken around 13.00hrs. Walking is steep at first after lunch, but then flattens and with the snow-topped Kibo ahead of you, you will descend slightly to the camp. Arriving at around 16.00hrs, there will be some welcome resting time before dinner, which will be served at 18.30hrs.

Hiking time and Elevation: 4.5 – 5 hours’ walking, From Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,650 M To Shira 1 Camp at 3,610 M

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Shira 1 Camp

Tents At Shira 1 Camp
Tents At Shira 1 Camp
4
Day
Lake Manyara

From Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp

Lake Manyara

Today you will potentially have less climbing to do than yesterday, so you celebrate (!) with a later breakfast, at the leisurely hour of 08.00 and a departure about one hour later. We say ‘potentially’ as your guide will explain that today you have the option of ascending Cathedral Peak – 3,872 metres, one of the highest points of the extinct Shira volcano.

Besides the captivating hiking experience, reaching the summit of Cathedral Peak on a clear day offers breathtaking views down into the valley. In our decade of experience arranging Kilimanjaro expeditions, the valley below resembling a lost world is among our favourite views. This is a straightforward hike with no technical challenges. Although the peak may be shrouded in clouds at times, there's a stella providing an opportunity for a memorable photograph.

If you prefer to skip this ascent or encounter unfavorable weather, heading directly to Shira 2 is an option. This choice doesn't impact acclimatization since Shira 2 and Cathedral Peak stand at a similar elevation. Nevertheless, we believe the hike to Cathedral Peak is worth it and wholeheartedly recommend it.

The standard walking distance you will cover today will be about 7 km/4 miles. It is a steady climb and you should expect about 3.5 to 4 hours of walk time in total. By this standard route, you intend to reach Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 metres by 13.00hrs, in time to be served a cooked lunch. Dinner tonight will be at 18.00hrs.

Hiking time and Elevation: 3.5 – 4 hours’ walking, from Shira 1 Camp at 3,610 m to Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 m

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Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Shira 2 Camp

Tents At Shira 2 Camp
Tents At Shira 2 Camp
5
Day
Lake Manyara

From Shira 2 Camp To Moir Hut via Lava Tower

Lake Manyara

Day 5 From Shira 2 Camp To Moir Hut via Lava Tower

Today you are back to your early, 07.00hrs breakfast time, ready for 08.30hrs departure. You would expect to spend about 6.5 to 7 hours walking today, covering a distance of 14 km/9 miles. You will finish your day 350 metres higher than you started it, in between you have to climb to the base of the famous Lava Tower at 4,600 metres. This part of the route is rife with ups and downs and may bring some discomfort. You will spend one or two hours at higher altitude in order to properly acclimatize yourself, so the lunch break will take place at Lava Tower itself. The afternoon part of the route climbs slightly before descending down to Moir Hut Camp. Your guide may decide to bypass Lava Tower altogether, taking the porter trail instead, if any of the members of a party do not appear to have acclimatized properly. In this case the highest altitude you will reach, will be 4,400 metres, rather than 4,600 metres. .

Hiking time and Elevation: 6.5 – 7 hours ’walking, from Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 m to Moir Hut Camp at 4,200 m

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Moir Hut Camp

Tents At Moir Hut Camp
Tents At Moir Hut Camp
6
Day
Lake Manyara

From Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp

Lake Manyara

On this day, you will climb out of the Moir Valley (where you camped for the night) and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills at 4,375 metres. After admiring the views, you will return to the trail and head eastwards around the northern circuit trail. Here the trail passes through a field of rock slabs that clink as they are walked on. The final section of today’s walk will undulate until reaching the location of the Buffalo Camp at an altitude of 4,020 metres. At the camp, there is a huge feeling of space as the Kenyan plains stretch out far below to the north.

Hiking time and Elevation: 6.5 – 7 hours’ walking, from Moir Hut Camp at 4,200 m to Buffalo Camp at 4,020 m

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Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Buffalo Camp

Tents At Buffalo Camp
Tents At Buffalo Camp
7
Day
Lake Manyara

From Buffalo Camp To Third Cave Camp

Lake Manyara

You will finish trekking up the northern circuit trail and stop for the night in Third Cave Camp, where the route will meet up with the classic Rongai route. On this day, trekking is shorter than on the day before, and by this time your body should have already become completely acclimated to the altitude of 3,800 metres, which will contribute to your general well-being.

Hiking time and Elevation: 5.5 – 6 hours’ walking, from Buffalo Camp at 4,020 m to Third Cave Camp at 3,800 m

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Third Cave Camp

Tents At Third Cave Camp
Tents At Third Cave Camp
8
Day
Lake Manyara

From Third Cave Camp To School Hut

Lake Manyara

On this day you will be trekking to the School Hut Summit Camp 4,800 metres. The trekking itself is not very hard, but it is good to remember to choose an appropriate pace in order to keep your strength up for the final push to Uhuru Peak 5,895 metres for the climax of your adventure. You will arrive at the School Hut in about 4.5 to 5 hours and go to bed earlier after dinner as the summit calls for an early start, at approximately 23.00hrs.

Hiking time and Elevation: 4.5 – 5 hours’ walking, from Third Cave Camp at 3,800 m to School Hut at 4,800 m

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Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At School Hut

Tents At School Hut
Tents At School Hut
9
Day
Lake Manyara

Ascent To Uhuru Peak And Descent To Mweka Camp

Lake Manyara

Today is the most challenging day, but hopefully with the great sense of achievement of reaching your goal – the summit of Kilimanjaro! Your schedule for your ‘Summit Day’ is necessarily very different to your other days on the mountain. Rising at 23.00hrs, you take your tea and biscuits at 23.30hrs before a midnight departure. The day starts with the long, tough climb from School Hut Summit Camp at 4,800 metres to Gilman’s Point at an altitude of 5,685 metres for some of this you will be walking on scree, making your trek more difficult. From Gilman’s Point, there will be still another 210 metres of ascent and 1 hour’ walk to the summit. Your goal is to reach the top by around 07.00hrs then celebrate (of course!) take your precious photos and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After the summit, you descend to an altitude of 4,673 metres at Barafu Camp, where you rest for a couple of hours, take a brunch and then leave again at 13.30hrs to continue to descend to Mweka Camp 3,100 metres where you will spend the night. You would expect to arrive there at 17.00hrs and take your dinner at 19.00hrs. (In total, you cover around 17 km today with about 11-14 hours of walking – tough going, but with your objective hopefully achieved!)

Hiking time and Elevation: 11-14 hours’ walking, from 4,800 m at School Hut to the summit at 5,895 m, then down to 3,100 m at Mweka Camp

Accommodation

Accommodation

In Tents At Mweka Camp

In Tents At Mweka Camp
In Tents At Mweka Camp
10
Day
Lake Manyara

Descent From Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate – Chanya Lodge

Lake Manyara

Still thrilled by your achievement, breakfast is taken at 07.00hrs and at 08.00hrs you can take the chance to reward your trekking team at the ‘Tipping Celebration.’

Although you will still have 10 km/6 miles to walk, departure is at a leisurely 09.00hrs and you will descend down to the Mweka Gate which sits at an altitude of 1,640 metres. There, you will be served a cooked lunch at midday and be presented with your hard-earned certificate. Your driver will be waiting to bring you back to Chanya Lodge, where you can choose to relax – or, if you have any energy left, to celebrate!

chat To An Expert

Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation

In Tents At Mweka Camp

Chanya Lodge
Chanya Lodge
11
Day
Arrival
Departure - Kilimanjaro International Airport

After a good night’s rest at Chanya Lodge, you will take breakfast ready for the scheduled check-out by 10.00hrs. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

8 Days Northern Circuit Route

Price per person

Book A Tour
1 pax
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
7 pax
8 pax
8 Days Northern Circuit Route
$4,681
$4,681
$3,255
$3,110
$3,065
$2,966
$2,904
$2,838
8 Days Northern Circuit Route

$4,681

8 Days Northern Circuit Route

$4,681

8 Days Northern Circuit Route

$3,255

8 Days Northern Circuit Route

$3,110

8 Days Northern Circuit Route

$3,065

8 Days Northern Circuit Route

$2,966

8 Days Northern Circuit Route

$2,904

8 Days Northern Circuit Route

$2,838

1
Day
Arrival
Airport Pick-Up - Drop Off At Hotel

A member of Jerry Tanzania Tours hospitality team greets you upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. He will drive you to Panama Garden Resort, where you will have all the essentials for a comfortable stay after a long flight, such as: pleasant rooms with hot showers, a restaurant with delicious choices, genial service team and access to the Internet. Your briefing, in the course of which your guides will provide all the details of the forthcoming trek, takes place at the appointed time. They will answer your questions and make sure you are properly equipped for the trek, providing rental gear when necessary.

Journey time and Distance: 1 hour’s drive, 40 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi

Accommodation

Accommodation

Panama Garden Resort

Panama Garden Resort
Panama Garden Resort
2
Day
Lake Manyara

Moshi – Londorosi Gate & Starting Point – Mti Mkubwa

Lake Manyara

After an early breakfast (07.00hrs), you leave the hotel one hour later to arrive at the Londorosi Gate to complete formalities around 11.00hrs, and in time to have your picnic lunch. After Londorosi, you have a short drive to the start-point of today’s walk. Today your walk is a distance of 7 km/4 miles, with an expected 3.5 to 4 hours of walking time.

Your starting altitude is some 2,100 metres and you finish at 2,650 metres. Your approach to the mountain using the Northern Circuit Route is from the west and some people say this provides the best views of Kilimanjaro. At the start of your walk, you may be lucky enough to spy some colobus or blue monkeys, though an encounter with buffalo, elephant or leopard – while possible – would be rare nowadays. Your walk, steadily upwards, is a wonderful experience, with fantastic forest and some really colourful flowers. Mti Mkubwa Camp (‘Big Tree Camp’) is normally reached by 18.00hrs and dinner is served at 19.30hrs.

Hiking time and Elevation: 4 hours, from Starting Point (2,100 m) to Mti Mkubwa (2,650 m)

chat To An Expert

Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Mti Mkubwa Camp

Tents At Mti Mkubwa Camp
Tents At Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meal Plan:Breakfast will be provided by the Panama Garden Resort. Lunch will be a nutritious and balanced meal, also provided by the hotel for you to take out on safari. Your evening meal will be a full, cooked dinner created by the chef and his team at the Tents At Mti Mkubwa Camp.
3
Day
Lake Manyara

From Mti Mkubwa To Shira 1 Camp

Lake Manyara

You will soon become used to the early, 07.00hrs breakfast and your departure time today is at 08.00hrs. Although your walking distance is only slightly longer than yesterday, today you will be ascending from 2,650 metres to 3,610 metres and you expect a longer walking time of between 4.5 and 5 hours. Indeed, you start climbing straightaway, to the top of a ridge as you head eastwards and upwards. Today, the trees of your first day thin out, you eventually leave the forest environment behind as you move onto the moorland. From here, you are able to get your first view of both the Shira Plateau and mighty Kibo itself.

As ever, you should concentrate on walking pole pole (slowly) to reduce the chances of feeling unwell. Your direction is largely eastwards, picnic lunch is taken around 13.00hrs. Walking is steep at first after lunch, but then flattens and with the snow-topped Kibo ahead of you, you descend slightly to the Shira 1 Camp. Arriving at around 16.00hrs, there will be some welcome resting time before dinner, which will be served at 18.30hrs.

Hiking time and Elevation: 4.5 – 5 hours’ walking, from Mti Mkubwa at 2,650 m to Shira 1 Camp at 3,610 m

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Shira 1 Camp

Tents At Shira 1 Camp
Tents At Shira 1 Camp
4
Day
Lake Manyara

From Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp

Lake Manyara

Today you potentially have less climbing to do than yesterday, so you celebrate (!) with a later breakfast, at the leisurely hour of 08.00 and a departure about one hour later. We say ‘potentially’ as your guide will explain that today you have the option of trekking via the Shira Cathedral, depending on how you are feeling (see below).

The standard walking distance you cover today will be about 7 km/4 miles. It is a steady, uphill climb and you should expect about 3.5 to 4 hours of walk time in total. You set off first in a south-eastern direction across the moor and heathland of the Shira Plateau. Buffalo, dik-dik and klipspringer graze here and can occasionally be seen. By this standard route, you intend to reach Shira 2 Camp 3,850 metres – which is also known as Shira Huts – by 13.00hrs, in time to be served a cooked lunch. Dinner tonight will be at 18.00hrs.

(As we mentioned above, you will be given the option today of diverting via the Shira Cathedral (3,872 metres, or 12703 feet). This involves more walking, but your extra hours of trekking will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the plateau and beyond. Your guide will discuss this option with you in detail).

Hiking time and Elevation: 3.5 – 4 hours’ walking, from Shira 1 Camp at 3,610 m to Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 m

chat To An Expert

Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Shira 2 Camp

Tents At Shira 2 Camp
Tents At Shira 2 Camp
5
Day
Lake Manyara

From Shira 2 Camp To Moir Hut Camp Via Lava Tower

Lake Manyara

Today you are back to your early, 07.00hrs breakfast time, ready for 08.30hrs departure. You would expect to spend about 6.5 to 7 hours walking today, covering a distance of 14 km/9 miles. You will finish your day 350 metres higher than you started it, in between you have to climb to the base of the famous Lava Tower at 4,600 metres. This part of the route is rife with ups and downs and may bring some discomfort. You will spend one or two hours at higher altitude in order to properly acclimatize yourself, so the lunch break will take place at Lava Tower itself. The afternoon part of the route climbs slightly before descending down to Moir Hut Camp. Your guide may decide to bypass Lava Tower altogether, taking the porter trail instead, if any of the members of a party do not appear to have acclimatized properly. In this case the highest altitude you will reach, will be 4,400 metres, rather than 4,600 metres.

Hiking time and Elevation: 6.5 – 7 hours ’walking, from Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 m to Moir Hut Camp at 4,200 m

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Moir Hut Camp

Tents At Moir Hut Camp
Tents At Moir Hut Camp
6
Day
Lake Manyara

From Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp

Lake Manyara

You climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (4,375 m). After admiring the views, you return to the trail and head eastwards around the northern circuit trail. Here the trail passes through a field of rock slabs that clink as they are walked on. The final section of today’s walk undulates until reaching the location of Buffalo Camp (4,020 m). At the camp, there is a huge feeling of space as the Kenyan plains stretch out far below to the north.

Hiking time and Elevation: 6.5 – 7 hours’ walking, from Moir Hut Camp at 4,200 m to Buffalo Camp at 4,020 m

chat To An Expert

Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Buffalo Camp

Tents At Buffalo Camp
Tents At Buffalo Camp
7
Day
Lake Manyara

From Buffalo Camp To Third Cave Camp

Lake Manyara

From Buffalo Camp, you climb to the top of ‘Buffalo Ridge’ and cross numerous ridges and gullies. The trail continues eastwards through a landscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp’s 3,800 metres.

Hiking time and Elevation: 5.5 – 6 hours’ walking, from Buffalo Camp at 4,020 m to Third Cave Camp at 3,800 m

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Third Cave Camp

Tents At Third Cave Camp
Tents At Third Cave Camp
8
Day
Lake Manyara

From Third Cave Camp To School Hut

Lake Manyara

On a relatively easy path, today’s leg takes you over the so called “saddle”. This piece of rock is actually a lava-flow formed when Kili was still young. It has now solidified and connects two of Mount Kilimanjaro’s three peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo. You will arrive at the School Hut in about 4.5 to 5 hours and go to bed straight after dinner as the summit calls for an early start, at approximately 23.00hrs.

Hiking time and Elevation: 4.5 – 5 hours’ walking, from Third Cave Camp at 3,800 m to School Hut at 4,800 m

chat To An Expert

Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At School Hut

Tents At School Hut
Tents At School Hut
9
Day
Lake Manyara

Ascent To Uhuru Peak And Descent To Mweka Camp

Lake Manyara

After a good night’s rest at your hotel, you will take breakfast ready for the scheduled check-out by 10.00hrs.(If you wish to remain in the hotel during the day, please advise us of this when you book your trip and we will inform you of the cost for a ‘day room’ which allows you to stay until 18:00hrs, and then make the booking on your behalf.)

As the transfer services have been already included in this package, you will be collected from your hotel and dropped off at the airport. For those travellers who have booked to go on safari, our Jerry Tanzania Tours guide will be meeting you in the afternoon to provide you with a pre-safari briefing.

Hiking time and Elevation: 11-14 hours’ walking, from 4,800 m at School Hut to the summit at 5,895 m, then down to 3,100 m at Mweka Camp

Accommodation

Accommodation

Mweka Camp

Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp
Meal Plan:Breakfast is enjoyed at the Tents At Shira 1 Camp. Lunch will be a nutritious and balanced meal, also provided by the tented resort for you to take out on safari. Your dinner will be a delicious meal at the Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp.
10
Day
Lake Manyara

Descent From Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate – Moshi

Lake Manyara

Still thrilled by your achievement, breakfast is taken at 07.00hrs and at 08.00hrs you can take the chance to reward your trekking team at the ‘Tipping Celebration.’

Although you still have 10 km/6 miles to walk, departure is at a leisurely 09.00hrs and you descend down to the Mweka Gate which sits at an altitude of 1,640 metres. There, you will be served a cooked lunch at midday and be presented with your hard-earned certificate. Your transport will be waiting to bring you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can choose to relax – or, if you have any energy left, to celebrate!

Hiking time and Elevation: 3 hours’ walking, from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, descending from 3,100 m to 1,640 m, then return by vehicle from Mweka Gate to your hotel 0.8 hours’ drive.

chat To An Expert

Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Panama Garden Resort

Panama Garden Resort
Panama Garden Resort
11
Day
Arrival
Departure - Kilimanjaro International Airport

After a good night’s rest at your hotel, you will take breakfast ready for the scheduled check-out by 11.00hrs.(If you wish to remain in the hotel during the day, please advise us of this when you book your trip and we will inform you of the cost for a ‘day room’ which allows you to stay until 18:00hrs, and then make the booking on your behalf.)

Northern Circuit Route

Price per person

Book A Tour
1 pax
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
7 pax
8 pax
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
$4681
$3616
$3255
$3110
$3065
$2966
$2904
$2838
9 Days Northern Circuit Route

$4681

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

$3616

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

$3255

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

$3110

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

$3065

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

$2966

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

$2904

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

$2838

1
Day
Arrival
Airport Pick-Up - Drop Off At Hotel

A member of Jerry Tanzania Tours hospitality team greets you upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). He will drive you to Chanya Lodge, where you will have all the essentials for a comfortable stay after a long flight, such as: pleasant rooms with hot showers, a restaurant with delicious choices, genial service team and access to the Internet. Your briefing, in the course of which your guides will provide all the details of the forthcoming trek, takes place at the appointed time. They will answer your questions and make sure you are properly equipped for the trek, providing rental gear when necessary.

Journey time and Distance: from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Chanya Lodge

Accommodation

Accommodation

Chanya Lodge

Chanya Lodge
Chanya Lodge
2
Day
Lake Manyara

Chanya Lodge – Londorosi Gate & Starting Point – Mti Mkubwa

Lake Manyara

After an early breakfast (07.00hrs), you will leave the Chanya Lodge one hour later to arrive at the Londorosi Gate to acquire climbing permits around 11.00hrs, and in time to have your cooked lunch. After having lunch, you will have a short drive to the start-point of today’s walk. Today your walk will be a distance of 7 km/4 miles, with an expected 3.5 to 4 hours of walking time.

Your starting altitude will be at 2,100 metres and you will finish at the first camp of the route: Mti Mkubwa Camp 2,650 metres. Your approach to the mountain using the Lemosho Route is from the western side that is highly considered to provide the best views of Kilimanjaro. At the start of your walk, you may be lucky enough to spy some colobus or blue monkeys, though an encounter with buffalo or elephant – while possible – would be rare nowadays. Your walk, steadily upwards, is a wonderful experience, with fantastic forest and some really colourful flowers. When you reach the camp, your mountain support crew will take care of the necessities and prepare dinner.

Hiking time and Elevation: 4 hours’ walking from Starting Point at 2,100 m to Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,650 m

chat To An Expert

Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation

In Tents at Mti Mkubwa Camp

Tents At Mti Mkubwa Camp
Tents At Mti Mkubwa Camp
3
Day
Lake Manyara

From Mti Mkubwa Camp To Shira 1 Camp

Lake Manyara

You will soon become used to the early, 07.00hrs breakfast and your departure time today will be at 08.00hrs. Although your walking distance is only slightly longer than yesterday, today you will be ascending from 2,650 metres to the second high-altitude camp, Shira 1 Camp at 3,610 metres, and you expect a longer walking time of between 4.5 and 5 hours. Indeed, you will start climbing straightaway, to the top of a ridge as you head eastwards and upwards. Today, the trees of your first day thin out, you will eventually leave the forest environment behind as you move onto the moorland. From here, you are able to get your first view of both the Shira Plateau and mighty Kibo itself.

As ever, you should concentrate on walking pole pole (slowly) to reduce the chances of feeling unwell. Your direction is largely eastwards, picnic lunch will be taken around 13.00hrs. Walking is steep at first after lunch, but then flattens and with the snow-topped Kibo ahead of you, you will descend slightly to the camp. Arriving at around 16.00hrs, there will be some welcome resting time before dinner, which will be served at 18.30hrs.

Hiking time and Elevation: 4.5 – 5 hours’ walking, From Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,650 M To Shira 1 Camp at 3,610 M

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Shira 1 Camp

Tents At Shira 1 Camp
Tents At Shira 1 Camp
4
Day
Lake Manyara

From Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp

Lake Manyara

Today you will potentially have less climbing to do than yesterday, so you celebrate (!) with a later breakfast, at the leisurely hour of 08.00 and a departure about one hour later. We say ‘potentially’ as your guide will explain that today you have the option of ascending Cathedral Peak – 3,872 metres, one of the highest points of the extinct Shira volcano.

Besides the captivating hiking experience, reaching the summit of Cathedral Peak on a clear day offers breathtaking views down into the valley. In our decade of experience arranging Kilimanjaro expeditions, the valley below resembling a lost world is among our favourite views. This is a straightforward hike with no technical challenges. Although the peak may be shrouded in clouds at times, there's a stella providing an opportunity for a memorable photograph.

If you prefer to skip this ascent or encounter unfavorable weather, heading directly to Shira 2 is an option. This choice doesn't impact acclimatization since Shira 2 and Cathedral Peak stand at a similar elevation. Nevertheless, we believe the hike to Cathedral Peak is worth it and wholeheartedly recommend it.

The standard walking distance you will cover today will be about 7 km/4 miles. It is a steady climb and you should expect about 3.5 to 4 hours of walk time in total. By this standard route, you intend to reach Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 metres by 13.00hrs, in time to be served a cooked lunch. Dinner tonight will be at 18.00hrs.

Hiking time and Elevation: 3.5 – 4 hours’ walking, from Shira 1 Camp at 3,610 m to Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 m

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Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Shira 2 Camp

Tents At Shira 2 Camp
Tents At Shira 2 Camp
5
Day
Lake Manyara

From Shira 2 Camp To Moir Hut via Lava Tower

Lake Manyara

Day 5 From Shira 2 Camp To Moir Hut via Lava Tower

Today you are back to your early, 07.00hrs breakfast time, ready for 08.30hrs departure. You would expect to spend about 6.5 to 7 hours walking today, covering a distance of 14 km/9 miles. You will finish your day 350 metres higher than you started it, in between you have to climb to the base of the famous Lava Tower at 4,600 metres. This part of the route is rife with ups and downs and may bring some discomfort. You will spend one or two hours at higher altitude in order to properly acclimatize yourself, so the lunch break will take place at Lava Tower itself. The afternoon part of the route climbs slightly before descending down to Moir Hut Camp. Your guide may decide to bypass Lava Tower altogether, taking the porter trail instead, if any of the members of a party do not appear to have acclimatized properly. In this case the highest altitude you will reach, will be 4,400 metres, rather than 4,600 metres. .

Hiking time and Elevation: 6.5 – 7 hours ’walking, from Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 m to Moir Hut Camp at 4,200 m

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Moir Hut Camp

Tents At Moir Hut Camp
Tents At Moir Hut Camp
6
Day
Lake Manyara

From Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp

Lake Manyara

On this day, you will climb out of the Moir Valley (where you camped for the night) and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills at 4,375 metres. After admiring the views, you will return to the trail and head eastwards around the northern circuit trail. Here the trail passes through a field of rock slabs that clink as they are walked on. The final section of today’s walk will undulate until reaching the location of the Buffalo Camp at an altitude of 4,020 metres. At the camp, there is a huge feeling of space as the Kenyan plains stretch out far below to the north.

Hiking time and Elevation: 6.5 – 7 hours’ walking, from Moir Hut Camp at 4,200 m to Buffalo Camp at 4,020 m

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Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Buffalo Camp

Tents At Buffalo Camp
Tents At Buffalo Camp
7
Day
Lake Manyara

From Buffalo Camp To Third Cave Camp

Lake Manyara

You will finish trekking up the northern circuit trail and stop for the night in Third Cave Camp, where the route will meet up with the classic Rongai route. On this day, trekking is shorter than on the day before, and by this time your body should have already become completely acclimated to the altitude of 3,800 metres, which will contribute to your general well-being.

Hiking time and Elevation: 5.5 – 6 hours’ walking, from Buffalo Camp at 4,020 m to Third Cave Camp at 3,800 m

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At Third Cave Camp

Tents At Third Cave Camp
Tents At Third Cave Camp
8
Day
Lake Manyara

From Third Cave Camp To School Hut

Lake Manyara

On this day you will be trekking to the School Hut Summit Camp 4,800 metres. The trekking itself is not very hard, but it is good to remember to choose an appropriate pace in order to keep your strength up for the final push to Uhuru Peak 5,895 metres for the climax of your adventure. You will arrive at the School Hut in about 4.5 to 5 hours and go to bed earlier after dinner as the summit calls for an early start, at approximately 23.00hrs.

Hiking time and Elevation: 4.5 – 5 hours’ walking, from Third Cave Camp at 3,800 m to School Hut at 4,800 m

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Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Tents At School Hut

Tents At School Hut
Tents At School Hut
9
Day
Lake Manyara

From School Hut To Crater Camp

Lake Manyara

Today will be one of the toughest on your route. When you awake, you will find a hot breakfast prepared for you to help keep up your energy.

Reaching the crater rim requires much dedication, but it is well worth it! When you arrive, you will be astonished by the ancient glaciers and snow. If you want, you may further climb to the Ash Pit (it takes approximately 90 minutes), or leave this exploit for the next day. It is very cold at the campsite, and the possibility of snow during the night is high. If you are in the crater, you are among an elite few who have conquered the crater and spent the night on the roof of Africa. Hot lunch and dinner will energize you, but trying to reduce your physical activity is important, too.

Hiking time and Elevation: 4-6 hours’ walking, from School Hut at 4,800 m to Crater Camp at 5,750 m

Accommodation

Accommodation

In Tents at Crater Camp

In Tents at Crater Camp
In Tents at Crater Camp
10
Day
Lake Manyara

Ascend from Crater Camp To Uhuru Peak And Descent To Mweka Camp

Lake Manyara

You will wake very early this morning - at around 5:30 am and have a rich breakfast before dawn.

There is a good chance of snow, so be prepared to trudge through with warm layers. Technically speaking, this portion of the climb is not difficult. However, the high altitude is a challenge, making even normal activity seem strenuous.

A guide will accompany climbers in groups of 2 and monitor your stamina and health. Within two hours you will reach Uhuru Peak, where you will see one of the most amazing sunrises from the highest point in Africa. Summit time depends on the weather conditions, but do not stay there for long – starting again may be very difficult because of the cold and your body's fatigue.

After that, you will start descending to Mweka Camp through Barafu.

Hiking time and Elevation: 10-14 hours’ walking, from 5,750 m at Crater Camp to the summit at 5,895 m, then down to 3,100 m at Mweka Camp

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Accommodation

Accommodation

In Tents At Mweka Camp

In Tents At Mweka Camp
In Tents At Mweka Camp
11
Day
Lake Manyara

Descent From Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate – Chanya Lodge

Lake Manyara

Still thrilled by your achievement, breakfast is taken at 07.00hrs and at 08.00hrs you can take the chance to reward your trekking team at the ‘Tipping Celebration.’

Although you will still have 10 km/6 miles to walk, departure is at a leisurely 09.00hrs and you will descend down to the Mweka Gate which sits at an altitude of 1,640 metres. There, you will be served a cooked lunch at midday and be presented with your hard-earned certificate. Your driver will be waiting to bring you back to Chanya Lodge, where you can choose to relax – or, if you have any energy left, to celebrate!

Hiking time and Elevation: 3 hours’ walking, from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, descending from 3,100 m to 1,640 m

Accommodation

Accommodation

Chanya Lodge

Chanya Lodge
Chanya Lodge
12
Day
Arrival
Departure - Kilimanjaro International Airport

After a good night’s rest at Chanya Lodge, you will take breakfast ready for the scheduled check-out by 10.00hrs. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

10 Days Northern Circuit Route With Crater Camping

Price per person

Book A Tour
1 pax
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
7 pax
8 pax
10 Days Northern Circuit Route
With Crater Camping
$8,003
$5,817
$5,073
$4,693
$4,565
$4,362
$4,251
$4,120
10 Days Northern Circuit Route

$8,003

10 Days Northern Circuit Route

$5,817

10 Days Northern Circuit Route

$5,073

10 Days Northern Circuit Route

$4,693

10 Days Northern Circuit Route

$4,565

10 Days Northern Circuit Route

$4,362

10 Days Northern Circuit Route

$4,251

10 Days Northern Circuit Route

$4,120

Northern Circuit Route Include

Discover the essentials arranged
for enjoyable journey.

  • Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi;
  • Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

A helicopter rescue service will be provided to air transfer you (during daylight hours only) in an emergency from the mountain to hospital in Moshi. Note that this service will only be applicable if you have medical insurance which covers high altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters, and this service is always subject to weather conditions.

  • Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are well-equipped to handle medical emergencies as they have undergone various High-Altitude Medical Emergency Training to save the lives of climbers who fall sick on the mountain.
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

  • Breakfast in the hotel before and after the trek.
  • All meals on the trek. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks. In our menu you will find different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost.
  • All drinks on the trek (juices, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
  • We send a resupply of fresh food from our office to your camp on Day 5.

One night at 3* hotel (Chanya Lodge or Altezza Lodge) before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool).

Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Jerry Kilimanjaro Tents).

Please Note: All hotel accommodation is based on a sharing basis (i.e. you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single occupancy in a hotel is available upon request and extra chargers apply.

All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, rescue fees and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).

  • 2-inches thick and comfortable sleeping mattresses.
  • All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery).
  • Dry bag (to protect your duffel bag).
  • Portable toilets (one unit can be comfortably shared between up to 3 people).
  • Bottled oxygen and pulse oximeter.
  • GPS-tracking service.
  • Complete medical kits including Diamox.

Of course, we have a high success rate and your trip includes a Certificate of Achievement if you make it to the summit at Uhuru (5,895 metres). But your trip includes a Certificate of Achievement even if you only reach Gilman’s Point (5,685 metres).

Northern Circuit Route Exclude

Personalize your adventure
with optional experiences.

We advise you to purchase Travel insurance for your Kilimanjaro trek as it protects you from accidents and unforeseen circumstances, you’d never dream of happening on your once-in-a-lifetime trek.

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for:

  • Emergency Rescues
  • Overseas Medical expenses
  • Delays in flights and other delays, etc.

$100 per person for USA Citizens and $50 per person for All Other Nationalities. You can find out more about Kilimanjaro Visa

  • Locks for bags
  • Money belt
  • Sewing kit
  • Wet wipes
  • Antibacterial gel
  • Prescription medication

We would like to suggest an amount of $375 - $415 per person which is shared with the entire trekking team. It is perfectly acceptable to give more or less than that amount.

  • Though all group camping equipment is included in our Kilimanjaro packages, your personal outfit (mostly clothes for climbing) is not. Thus, you should bring all personal gear for your Kilimanjaro adventure. Our consultants will let you know what you will need for the expedition.
  • If you do not have certain gear, you may hire everything necessary from us. All equipment is new (we renew our stock every six months). However, remember that personal gear hire is not included in your tour price and extra fees apply.

Ready To Climb?

If you’re thinking about conquering Kilimanjaro but confused about the logistics, our team is here to clear all your doubts! Reach out to Team Jerry, and we’ll help you climb with confidence. Let’s get you to the Rooftop of Africa!

Contact Team Jerry

Northern Circuit Route FACTS

The Northern Circuit Route is known for a unique, less crowded experience with great acclimatization, abundant wildlife, and an impressive success rate.

Height

Reaches the summit at Uhuru Peak, 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).

Duration

9 days

Trekking Distance

98 km / 60.8 miles

Trail Conditions

Well-maintained, featuring varied landscapes from rainforests to alpine desert.

Height

Summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters.

Difficulty

difficulty

Success Rate

90% to 95%

Descent

Uses the Mweka Route for a different return journey down the mountain.

Ready To Climb?

If you’re thinking about conquering Kilimanjaro but confused about the logistics, our team is here to clear all your doubts! Reach out to Team Jerry, and we’ll help you climb with confidence. Let’s get you to the Rooftop of Africa!

Contact Team Jerry

Watch Our Northern Circuit Route Video

See why the Northern Circuit is perfect for those seeking extra acclimatization and the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience in this video.

Get Northern Circuit Insights

1Northern Circuit Overview

Discover why the Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s longest and most rewarding route with stunning landscapes and fewer crowds.

2Climbing Itinerary

A complete day-by-day itinerary to help you plan your ascent, including acclimatization strategies and camp details.

Northern Circuit
PDF Now!

Grab our comprehensive Northern Circuit guide to make your Kilimanjaro climb smooth and successful!

Join Northern Circuit Group Tours

Take Kilimanjaro’s most extended route in a group for extra acclimatization and unbeatable views.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rongai Route on your mind? We’ve got the Details You Need.

The main approach via Northern Circuit Route will take you through the rich Lemosho forest and across the Shira Plateau. Then as the climber traverses around to the remote and rarely-visited north side of Kilimanjaro, the scenery becomes more arid and austere. It is so remote here that the shy eland are often seen as well as the occasional buffalo that come to lick minerals from the natural caves on the high slopes of Kilimanjaro.

July-September is the Best Time To Climb The Northern Circuit Route, as the weather is most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. That said, since it is close to the equator it is possible to climb the mountain at any time of the year. April and May is the rainy season so this period is best avoided.

The Northern Circuit Route has a lowest difficulty level on all the Kilimanjaro Routes. Although it is the longest route, the longer itinerary means that it has the best acclimatization profile which makes the trek less difficult. The physical trek over nine days is excellent for altitude acclimatization and generally easy under foot. Good level of fitness is highly recommended.

The average Northern Circuit Route Success Rate across all operators is 90%. The Northern Circuit is the longest route up Kilimanjaro which gives the best chance for acclimatization. However, we have a summit success rate of over 98% for the Northern Circuit Route!

Northern Cirvuit Route Preparation includes any physical activity you can participate before your ascent. It depends upon how hard you train before the climbing, whether you're aiming for the Uhuru Peak or embarking on a shorter journey and this will be different for everyone.

The Northern Circuit Route can be completed in a minimum of eight days, but we recommend the nine-day itinerary. This extra day gives you more time to acclimatise. In our experience, most people who have completed the right Kilimanjaro preparation complete the Northern Circuit route with no real problems.

The Northern Circuit Route is the least frequented of the Kilimanjaro routes. The route circles around the quieter northern slope to the east side of the mountain. You get to enjoy remotes slopes and seldom-used camps. It's the perfect option if you're looking for a quieter, more relaxed Kilimanjaro Climb.

The Northern Circuit Route only offers camping accommodation. If you climb Kilimanjaro with us, then all of your camping equipment is provided for you: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and pillow. Further, all tents are pitched and then taken down by our dedicated mountain crew throughout the Kilimanjaro Climb.

Epic Climbing Moments

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