Northern Circuit

8-day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2668
The newest route on Kilimanjaro with great acclimatization and great views on the northern slopes of the Mountain.
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Northern Circuit

The longest and the newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, Northern Circuit, is known for excellent acclimatization and breathtaking views of the Kilimanjaro northern slopes. For the present moment a very limited number of travelers have set foot on this trail, and the route is hardly ever crowded.

It is recommended to those who enjoy long trekking experiences in remote wilderness with a minimal number of other trekkers around.

It takes at least eight days to climb Kilimanjaro through the Northern Circuit which is why the route boasts a very high success rate. An extended 9-day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro climb with crater camping is also available for an incredible wilderness adventure on Africa’s highest volcano.

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours via Northern Circuit

Day 1 | Arrival

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Altezza Travel representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Day 2 | High-Altitude Drop Off Destination And Trekking To Shira 1 Camp

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold another briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,200 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group continues upwards towards their drop off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,500 meters). Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.

The route from your drop off point to your first high-altitude camp Shira 1 features a small gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. Due to this, you will be able to properly begin the process of acclimatization. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents and cook dinner for you.

This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

  • Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine
  • Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently).

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Elevation
3,500 m to 3,505 m
Hiking time
1 hour
Distance
4 km
Difficulty
Low
Habitat
Meadows
Day 3 | Shira 1 to Shira 2 Trek

This day brings yet another modest altitude gain of 300 m on the way from Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp. The low physical demands of the trek will leave you with both time and energy to enjoy Kilimanjaro's flora and- when the weather is favourable- Mount Meru, which is the 5th-highest mountain on the continent.
A further acclimatisation walk towards Lava Tower will follow lunch and a 2-hour rest period. This allows you to experience a further gain of 300 m.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) — Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,110 m)
Hiking distance: 2 km
Hiking time: 1–2 hours

Elevation
3,505 m to 3,900 m
Hiking time
3-4 hours
Distance
7 km
Difficulty
Low
Habitat
Moorland
Day 4 | Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower Trek

The group leaves the altitude of 3,900 m at Shira Camp and heads towards Lava Tower’s 4,630 m after breakfast. This part of the route is rife with ups and downs and may bring some discomfort. You will need to 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 to Moir Hut Camp. Your guide may decide to bypass Lava Tower altogether, taking the porter trail instead, if any of the members of the group do not appear to have acclimatized properly. In this case the highest altitude reached will be 4,400, rather than 4,630 metres.

Elevation
3,900 m to 4,630 m
4,630 m to 4,200 m
Hiking time
5-7 hours
Distance
14 km
Difficulty
Medium
Habitat
Moorland
Day 5 | Trekking from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

On this day you will have a rather long but at the same time easy trek. After a short steep climb out of Moir Valley you will start going around the northern slope of Kilimanjaro, and just like on the way to Lava Tower the path will be full of highs and lows, without any steep gains in altitude. This route passes close to the border with Kenya, so you will be treated to amazing views of the Tsavo and Amboseli Valleys.

Elevation
4,200 m to 4,020 m
Hiking time
5-7 hours
Distance
12 km
Difficulty
Medium
Habitat
Moorland
Day 6 | Trekking from Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Camp

You will finish trekking up the northern slope of Kilimanjaro and stop for the night in 3rd Cave Camp, where the route will meet up with the traditional Rongai route. On this day the trekking will be shorter than on the day before, and by this time your body will already have become completely acclimated to an altitude of 4,000 meters, which will contribute to your general feelings of well-being.

Elevation
4,020 m to 3,870 m
Hiking time
4-6 hours
Distance
8 km
Difficulty
Low
Habitat
Moorland
Day 7 | Trekking from 3rd Cave Camp to School Hut

On this day you will be trekking to the School Hut Summit Camp (4,750 m). The actual trekking is not very hard, so remember to just choose an appropriate pace in order to keep your strength up for the trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep well, avoid strenuous activity and drink as many fluids as you can, because that very night you will complete the trekking to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

Elevation
3,870 m to 4,750 m
Hiking time
4-5 hours
Distance
5 km
Difficulty
Medium
Habitat
Alpine desert
Day 8 | Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

Safety being the primary consideration during any summiting attempt, one guide will be nominated per every two climbers. His main responsibility is the monitoring of his designated clients’ health on the trek to Uhuru Peak’s 5,895 m. The climb, which starts at School Hut’s 4,750 m around midnight, though relatively easy technically, poses a challenge due to high altitude. A walk upon the nearest glacier is an option upon successful summiting.
The group then descends to Barafu Camp for a two-hour lunch and rest break. The day ends at Millennium Camp’s 3,820 m.
Please keep in mind, that 9/10 accidents occur during descent. Mind your step to avoid potential falls, breaks and damaged toes.

Elevation
3,750 m to 5,895 m
5,895 m to 3,820 m
Hiking time
10-13 hours
Distance
16 km
Difficulty
High
Habitat
Arctic
Day 9 | Return to Mweka Gate from Millennium Camp

Millennium Camp sits amidst a tropical rainforest. The lower altitude and feelings of accomplishment from having reached the summit make for a good night’s rest there. Hot breakfast is followed by your final descent to the Park’s exit gate- Mweka, at 1,650 m. This final stop before your transfer to our offices to receive your accomplishment certificates presents a good opportunity to recap the adventure with your support team. Finally, you will be driven to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Elevation
3,820 m to 1,650 m
Hiking time
4-5 hours
Distance
12 km
Difficulty
Low
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 10 | Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. 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.

Prices for Northern Circuit

All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in other currencies are given for comparison only.
All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in other currencies are given for comparison only.

Our classic adventures are what the majority of climbers are looking for. The combination of great comfort and high safety standards makes our classic Kilimanjaro hikes enjoyable and memorable. This is the most popular option among our clients.

This climbing package includes everything that a climber may need for the hike - our experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, nutritionist-designed meals. Our safety protocols, though, are the same for all our hiking adventures - only the guides with Wilderness First Responder certification are assigned to lead a party. Other safety measures include a supply of oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

The progress of each trekking party is tracked with GPS device. You may share the link with your family and friends, who will be able to monitor your progress in a real-time mode.

Before and after the adventure you will stay in a good hotel with caring staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool.

8-day climb + 2 days in a hotel
1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6 pax 7 pax 8+ pax
Northern Circuit
Northern Circuit
$4 343 $3 394 $3 033 $2 930 $2 867 $2 778 $2 729 $2 668 Compare prices
8-day climb + 2 days in a hotel
Northern Circuit
Northern Circuit
1 pax
$4 343
2 pax
$3 394
3 pax
$3 033
4 pax
$2 930
5 pax
$2 867
6 pax
$2 778
7 pax
$2 729
8 pax
$2 668
Compare prices
The climb cost includes:

Transfers:

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

Entry fees:

  • Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others). 

Accommodation:

  • Accommodation at 3* hotel (Aishi Machame Hotel or Altezza Lodge) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season North Face VE-25 tents);

Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement is available upon request.

Meals:

  • Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
  • All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted 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 hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:

  • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
  • All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
  • GPS-tracking service;
  • Complete medical kits.

Climbing crew:

  • Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

We are proud to be the members of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project). It is an unbiased evaluation of our commitment to fair treatment of our mountain crews. Of all operators Altezza is paying the highest wages to the porters, guides, cooks and other Kilimanjaro teammates. You may read more about our Kilimanjaro crews here.

Taxes:

  • 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Altezza Travel is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The climb cost excludes:
  • International flights;
  • Tips (250-300 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
  • Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
  • Personal gear rentals;
  • Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
  • Portable toilets (if required - 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3 people);
  • Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.
All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in other currencies are given for comparison only.

Our premium Kilimanjaro adventures include extra features such as spacious walk-in tents, advanced meal plan on the hike, portable toilet, camping cots, satellite phone to stay in touch with your family and friends and some other upgrades on Kilimanjaro. It is the highest quality service a luxury-focused climber can get here!

Safety protocols for the premium adventures include mandatory Wilderness First Responder Certification of all our guides, oxygen cylinders, medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

Before and after your trip you will be staying in a 5* hotel in Arusha (breakfast and dinner included).

8-day climb + 2 days in a hotel
1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6 pax 7 pax 8+ pax
Northern Circuit
Northern Circuit
$8 843 $6 042 $5 370 $5 253 $5 088 $4 975 $4 715 $4 587 Compare prices
8-day climb + 2 days in a hotel
Northern Circuit
Northern Circuit
1 pax
$8 843
2 pax
$6 042
3 pax
$5 370
4 pax
$5 253
5 pax
$5 088
6 pax
$4 975
7 pax
$4 715
8 pax
$4 587
Compare prices
The climb cost includes:

Transfers:

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

Accommodation:

  • Accommodation at 5* Legendary Lodge (Arusha) one night before and one night after the expedition. Legendary Lodge is the ultimate premium retreat with the highest service standards to be found in northern Tanzania;
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (spacious, custom-designed, 4-season walk-in tents).

Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. Single occupancy is available upon request.

Park Fees:

  • All park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Meals:

  • Breakfast and dinner at the hotel before and after the climb, including soft drinks from the minibar in your room;
  • All meals on the hike. Our premium Kilimanjaro packages feature enhanced meals with a wider variety of cheeses, nuts, desserts, snacks, yoghurts, local and imported fresh fruit and berries. We guarantee top-notch catering in camping conditions. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
  • All drinks on the hike (juices, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water);
  • Bottled water for the whole climb.

Hiking and Safety Equipment:

  • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
  • Camping cots;
  • All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
  • Sleeping bag Mountain Hardwear Lamina (Comfort -29°C/-20F);
  • Portable toilet;
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
  • GPS-tracking service;
  • Complete medical kits;
  • Satellite phone (20 min credit included, 3 USD per every extra min);
  • Complete medical kits.

Climbing Crew:

  • Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

We are proud to be the members of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project). It is an unbiased evaluation of our commitment to fair treatment of our mountain crews. Of all operators Altezza is paying the highest wages to the porters, guides, cooks and other Kilimanjaro teammates. You may read more about our Kilimanjaro crews here.

Taxes:

  • 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Altezza Travel is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The climb cost excludes:
  • International flights;
  • Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
  • Personal gear rentals;
  • Tips (450–600 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
  • Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.
SUPERB ACCLIMATIZATION
SUPERB ACCLIMATIZATION
Our climbing itineraries are crafted in a way that ensures the smoothest acclimatization transition.
STUNNING SCENERIES
STUNNING SCENERIES
Mesmerizing scenic vistas of Mt Kilimanjaro await you. Visual euphoria and amazing photos guaranteed.
HIGH-ALTITUDE DROP-OFF
HIGH-ALTITUDE DROP-OFF
We will take you to 3,500 m point by car, improving your adaptation to the high altitude.

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Stephan Siegrist
Professional Mountaineer and Basejumper
Thomas Senf
Thomas Senf
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Thomas Huber
Thomas Huber
Professional mountaineer
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