What is the Northern Circuit route, and why is it unique?

The Northern Circuit route is a less-traveled path to Kilimanjaro's summit, offering a longer itinerary for better acclimatization and remarkable wilderness experience. It provides panoramic views and encounters with diverse ecosystems, making it a truly unique adventure.

How difficult is the Northern Circuit route compared to other routes?

The Northern Circuit route is considered a moderate to challenging climb. Its longer duration allows for better acclimatization, which increases your chances of reaching the summit. However, proper physical fitness and mental preparation are still crucial.

What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit?

The best time to climb the Northern Circuit route is during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October. These months offer stable weather conditions and clearer views, enhancing your climbing experience.

How does the Northern Circuit route differ from the more popular routes like Machame or Marangu?

Unlike the more popular routes, the Northern Circuit provides a quieter and less crowded trekking experience. It also offers a longer journey, granting climbers more time to acclimatize and immerse themselves in the untouched landscapes.

Is previous climbing experience required for the Northern Circuit route?

While prior climbing experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory. However, participants should be physically fit, mentally prepared, and accustomed to hiking for several consecutive days.

Are there age restrictions for climbing Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit?

There are no strict age limits, but participants must be at least 16 years old to join the expedition. Older climbers should consult their doctor and obtain a medical clearance before embarking on the journey.

What are the accommodation options during the Northern Circuit climb?

Accommodations during the climb will be in tents at designated campsites along the route. Our experienced team will set up and take down the tents each day, ensuring your comfort during the expedition.

Are porters available to carry our gear during the climb?

Yes, porters will be provided to carry the majority of your equipment and belongings throughout the trek. You will only need to carry a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and personal items.

Is altitude sickness a concern on the Northern Circuit route?

Altitude sickness can be a concern on any Kilimanjaro route. However, the longer duration of the Northern Circuit allows for better acclimatization, reducing the risk. Our experienced guides will monitor your health throughout the climb.

How can I prepare for the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit climb?

Preparing for the climb involves a combination of physical training, mental preparation, and obtaining proper gear. Regular cardiovascular exercises, long climbers, and altitude simulation can help build your stamina and confidence for the journey.

8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing via Northern Circuit Route

Price $1885 pp

Book this tour

8 Days Kilimanjaro climbing via northern circuit route

Commence on an epic 10-day Kilimanjaro climbing expedition via the Northern Circuit route, a relatively new and less traveled path to Africa's highest peak. This exclusive journey offers an unparalleled wilderness experience, taking you through a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems.

Tour highlights

Arrival Day : Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport(JRO) – Moshi town
Day 5 : Buffalo Camp – 3rd Cave Camp
Day 4 : Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp
Day 3 : Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower Climb
Day 2 : Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Day 1 : High-Altitude Transfer and Climb to Shira 1 Camp
Day 6 : 3rd Cave Camp – School Hut
Day 7 : School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp
Day 8 : Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate
Departure Day : Moshi Town – JRO Airport or Zanzibar

Arrival Day : Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport(JRO) – Moshi town

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our experienced driver guide. After a friendly welcome and a double check of your belongings, we will transfer you to Moshi town, which is just a 45-minute drive away. At Moshi, you will be introduced to your Kilimanjaro professional guide who will brief you about the upcoming adventure. Your guide will also inspect your climbing equipment, and in case anything is missing, we can arrange rentals for you

Accommodation

Included meals and drinks

> Drinking water

Day 1 : High-Altitude Transfer and Climb to Shira 1 Camp

In the morning, you will have a chance to meet your guides and receive a final orientation at your hotel. After that, we will embark on a 3 to 4-hour drive to Kilimanjaro National Park's West gate, Londorossi (2,200 m). Our guides will take care of the park permits and registration formalities. From there, we will drive for about an hour to reach an elevation of 3,500 m, where the Climb begins. The drop-off point offers breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau. The climb to Shira 1 Camp is not very demanding and allows for gradual acclimatization to the altitude. This will be your first night at higher altitude, so it's essential to follow these guidelines: Avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption Stay well-hydrated, drinking at least 4 liters of water per day Consider taking Diamox pills each morning to alleviate altitude sickness symptoms, but consult your physician beforehand. Inform your head guide immediately if you experience any symptoms like nausea or headaches at higher altitudes

Accommodation for day 1

Shira 1 Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 2 : Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

Today, we will have a moderate altitude gain of 300 m as we climb from Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp. The climb is not too physically demanding, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent flora of Kilimanjaro and, if weather permits, catch a glimpse of Mount Meru, the 5th highest mountain in Africa. After lunch, we will take an acclimatization walk towards Lava Tower, gaining an additional 300 m in altitude. Climb from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp: Change in Elevation: Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) — Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) Climb distance: 7 km Climb time: 3-4 hours Acclimatization climb: Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) — Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,110 m) Climb distance: 2 km Climb time: 1 – 2 hours Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

Accommodation for day 2

Shira 2 Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 3 : Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower Climb

After breakfast, we leave Shira 2 Camp at 3,900 m and head towards Lava Tower at 4,630 m. This part of the route involves some ups and downs and may be physically challenging. We will spend some time at a higher altitude to acclimate properly, and lunch will be served at Lava Tower. The afternoon part of the climb includes a slight climb before descending to Moir Hut Camp. If needed, your guide may choose to bypass Lava Tower and take the porter trail for better acclimatization. Climb from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp: Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) — Lava Tower (4,630 m) — Moir Hut (4,200 m) Climb distance: 14 km Climb time: 5-7 hours Accommodation: Moir Hut Camp

Accommodation for day 3

Moir Hut Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 4 : Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp

Today's climb will be relatively long but not very demanding. After a short steep climb out of Moir Valley, we will go around the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. The path will have some ups and downs, but no significant gains in altitude. You will be rewarded with stunning views of the Tsavo and Amboseli Valleys, as the route passes close to the border with Kenya. Change in Elevation: Moir Hut (4,200 m) — Buffalo Camp (4,020 m) Climb distance: 12 km Climb time: 5-7 hours Accommodation: Buffalo Camp

Accommodation for day 4

Buffalo Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 5 : Buffalo Camp – 3rd Cave Camp

We will continue Climb up the northern slope of Kilimanjaro and spend the night at 3rd Cave Camp, where our route intersects with the traditional Rongai route. The climb will be shorter than the previous day, and by now, your body will have acclimated well to the altitude of 4,000 meters, contributing to your overall well-being. Change in Elevation: Buffalo Camp (4,020 m) — 3rd Cave Camp (3,870 m) Climb distance: 8 km Climb time: 4–6 hours Accommodation: 3rd Cave Camp

Accommodation for day 5

Third Cave Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 6 : 3rd Cave Camp – School Hut

Today, we will climb to School Hut Summit Camp at 4,750 m. The climb is not very difficult, so it's essential to maintain an appropriate pace to conserve your energy for the final climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) tonight. Once we reach School Hut, it's crucial to rest, stay hydrated, and prepare for the summit climb. Change in Elevation: 3rd Cave Camp (3,870 m) — School Hut (4,750 m) Climb distance: 5 km Climb time: 4–5 hours Accommodation: School Hut

Accommodation for day 6

School Hut Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 7 : School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp

Safety is our top priority during the summit attempt, and one guide will be assigned to every two climbers. The climb to Uhuru Peak starts around midnight from School Hut at 4,750 m. While the technical difficulty is not high, the challenge lies in the high altitude. After reaching Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa at 5,895 m, you can also explore the nearest glacier if the summit is successful. We will then descend to Barafu Camp for a two-hour lunch and rest break before continuing to Millennium Camp at 3,820 m. Please be cautious during the descent to avoid accidents. Change in Elevation: School Hut (4,750 m) — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — Millennium Camp (3,820 m) Climb distance: 6 km Climb time: 6-8 hours Accommodation: Millennium Camp

Accommodation for day 7

Millenium Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 8 : Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate

Millennium Camp is located in a tropical rainforest at lower altitude, providing a well-deserved rest and a sense of accomplishment after summiting. After a hot breakfast, we will begin the final descent to Mweka Gate at 1,650 m. This is where you will receive your accomplishment certificates, and it's an excellent opportunity to share the adventure with your support team. From there, you will be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) — Mweka Gate (1,650 m) Climb distance: 12 km Climb time: 4–5 hours Accommodation: Kilimanjaro white house

Accommodation for day 8

Kilimanjaro White House Hotel

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation

Departure Day : Moshi Town – JRO Airport or Zanzibar

After breakfast at your hotel, you can enjoy a short walk around Moshi town before we transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home. Alternatively, you can connect to a local flight to Zanzibar for more adventure.

Accommodation

Included meals and drinks

> Drinking water

Costs for 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing via Northern Circuit Route

1 pax	2 pax	3 pax	4 pax	5 pax	6 pax	7 pax	8 pax	9 pax	10 pax	11 pax	12 pax	13 pax	14 pax	15 pax
$ 1960	$ 1935	$ 1935	$ 1935	$ 1910	$ 1910	$ 1910	$ 1910	$ 1910	$ 1885	$ 1885	$ 1885	$ 1885	$ 1885	$ 1885

Tour activities

Game drive tours

Getting around/Walking

Hotel resting

Photographs

Tour features and style

Private tour
You can do safari privately for solo, couple, family, or in group.

Group tour
Join a group with your fellow tourists through this tour.

Budget tour
You can compute the price for budget for the whole tour

Customizable
You can customize the itinerary, price inclusions, accommodations, and also the price.

First aid/Rescue
First aid and rescue during the tour is assured.

Price inclusions

Sleeping bag or bed linen

Porterage

Rescue fee

Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)

All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)

Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)

All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)

All Taxes/VAT

Price exclusions

Bath towels

Climbing gear

Roundtrip airport transfer

All flights during the tour

International flights to/from the start/end of the tour

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips: tipping guideline

Personal items

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

FOOT OF AFRICA EXPEDITION

1032 reviews | Moshi, Tanzania |

Website https://www.footofafricaexpedition.com

FOOT OF AFRICAN EXPEDITION CO L.T.D As a Tour Operator dedicated to offer tours travel services of Safaris and hiking Kilimanjaro Mountain. We are strategically located in all African Countries including Tanzania. We are your one source for Tanzania travel advice, tourist news and new tourism trends and inspirations that motivates you to travel or even better dream about your next trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us in case of more information for Africa Safari

Tour offered

1 Day Materuni Waterfall and Local Coffee Making Tour

Discover the beauty of Tanzania's nature and culture with the Materuni waterfall and coffee tour. Your journey begins with a visit to a local coffee farm, where...

7 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Climbing

Begin on the 7-Day Lemosho Route, the ultimate Kilimanjaro climbing challenge. Led by experienced guides, traverse diverse landscapes from rainforests to moorla...

7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trekking

Begin on Kilimanjaro trekking adventure via the Lemosho Route Over 7 days, Expert guides ensure safety and acclimatization, maximizing your summit success. The ...

7 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Hiking Adenture

Go to Kilimanjaro climbing adventure Lemosho Trail Over 7 days. Led by expert guides, traverse breathtaking landscapes, from lush rainforests to rugged moorland...

7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure Lemosho Route

Set up on the ultimate Kilimanjaro trekking adventure with the 7 Days Lemosho Route. Conquer Africa\'s highest peak, Kilimanjaro, led by expert guides. Trek thr...

6 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route Hiking Tour

There are six established routes to hike Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. For those who only have six days to hike Kilimanj...

6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour via Marangu Route

Begin on the Peak of Africa 6-Day Kilimanjaro Hiking Adventure via the iconic Marangu route. This thrilling journey takes you to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro...

8 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Adventure Lemosho Route

Conquer Kilimanjaro via 8-day Lemosho Route. Expert guides, gradual ascent for summit success. From rainforests to desert, a testament to human resilience. Join...

6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour via Rongai Route

Trek to Mount Kilimanjaro through rongai route for 6 days, where along the way you will experience the rich flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro and interact with loc...

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a specific guide for the Camping Group Join Safari?

Some operators allow guide requests, but availability might vary.

What happens if a Camping Group Join Safari is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances?

In such cases, the tour operator usually offers rescheduling or refunds as per their policies.

Are there restrictions on using mobile phones during the Camping Group Join Safari?

While you can use mobile phones, be mindful of your surroundings and follow guidelines set by your guide.

Can I interact with other travelers on the Camping Group Join Safari?

Yes, Camping Group Join Safari s provide opportunities to meet and interact with fellow travelers from around the world.

Are camping sites secure from dangerous wildlife?

Campsites are designed to keep wildlife out, but follow safety protocols to prevent any unwanted encounters.

How does the landscape change between the parks?

Tarangire features open savannahs and baobab trees, Ngorongoro has a stunning crater, and Lake Manyara offers a diverse ecosystem.

Can I bring my prescription medications into the country?

Yes, but carry prescriptions and ensure you're complying with customs regulations.

Are there vegetarian meal options available?

Most tour operators can accommodate dietary preferences, including vegetarian meals.

How early do we start the game drives?

Game drives often start early in the morning to catch wildlife during their most active hours.

Can I charge my devices in the Camping Group Join Safari vehicles?

Some Camping Group Join Safari vehicles might have charging ports, but it's recommended to bring power banks.