Package Overview
The 10-Day Northern Circuit is the most comprehensive and rewarding way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This extended itinerary circles almost the entire Kibo massif, approaching from the west and traversing the remote northern slopes before summiting from the east. With ten days on the mountain, you have unmatched opportunities for acclimatisation, rest, and immersion in Kilimanjaro's spectacular and varied ecosystems.
The extra day included in this itinerary is typically spent at Moir Hut or Buffalo Camp for an acclimatisation hike. This additional day allows your body to adapt more fully to the altitude, pushing summit success rates to 98% or higher — the best of any route on the mountain. It also means shorter hiking days and more time to enjoy the scenery, making the trek more comfortable and enjoyable.
This route is ideal for fit hikers who want the highest possible chance of reaching Uhuru Peak, photographers seeking remote and dramatic landscapes, and anyone who prefers a quieter, less crowded experience. Winter Trails Tours and Safaris provides expert guides, high guide-to-climber ratios, and a commitment to safety and comfort throughout your journey.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 days on the mountain (9 nights) |
| Summit | Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Start | Londorossi Gate |
| End | Mweka Gate |
| Accommodation | Tents (mountain camps) |
| Group Size | 2–12 climbers |
| Best Time | June–October, January–February |
| Success Rate | 98%+ |
Highlights
- Full Circumnavigation – The only route that nearly circles the entire Kibo cone.
- Extra Acclimatisation Day – A full day at Moir Hut or Buffalo Camp for a guided acclimatisation hike.
- Remote Northern Slopes – Walk through wilderness with virtually no other climbers.
- Shira Plateau & Shira Cathedral – Trek across a vast volcanic plateau with panoramic views.
- Lava Tower – Acclimatise at 4,600 m, a key stop for altitude adaptation.
- Moir Hut & Buffalo Camp – Experience the quiet, rugged northern side of Kilimanjaro.
- School Hut – Prepare for the summit from the northern approach at 4,750 m.
- Uhuru Peak – Stand on the highest point in Africa at sunrise.
- Highest Success Rate – 98%+ due to superior acclimatisation.
Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,350 m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 m)
Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: 7 km
Elevation gain: 450 m
Habitat: Montane Forest
After a transfer from Moshi or Arusha, you'll register at Londorossi Gate and begin your trek through dense rainforest. The trail is gentle and offers your first glimpses of Kilimanjaro's western face. You'll arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp (3,550 m)
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain: 800 m
Habitat: Moorland
You'll leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone, with views of the Shira Plateau opening up before you. The trail is gradual, allowing your body to acclimatise. You'll camp at Shira 1 Camp, a beautiful spot on the edge of the plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp (3,840 m)
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain: 290 m
Habitat: Moorland
A relatively gentle day across the Shira Plateau. You'll walk through open moorland with impressive views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding volcanic landscape. In the afternoon, you can take a short acclimatisation hike toward Lava Tower to improve your altitude adaptation.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Moir Hut Camp (4,200 m) via Lava Tower (4,600 m)
Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Distance: 14 km
Elevation gain: 610 m (high point 4,600 m)
Habitat: Moorland
This is a long but rewarding day. You'll ascend gradually toward Lava Tower (4,600 m) for lunch and rest — a key acclimatisation point. After lunch, you'll descend to Moir Hut Camp (4,200 m) at the base of Lent Hills. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy is excellent for acclimatisation.
Day 5: Acclimatisation Day at Moir Hut
Hiking time: 2–3 hours (optional)
Distance: Variable
Elevation gain: Up to 300 m
Habitat: High Alpine
This is your dedicated acclimatisation day. You'll sleep in, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, and take a short guided hike to Lent Hills (up to 4,500 m) or simply rest at the camp. The goal is to let your body adjust to the altitude before continuing. Your guide will monitor your health and offer advice on hydration and rest. Overnight at Moir Hut.
Day 6: Moir Hut Camp – Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)
Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Distance: 12 km
Elevation loss: 180 m
Habitat: High Alpine
You'll begin with a short, steep climb out of Moir Valley, then enjoy a long, gentle trek around Kilimanjaro's remote northern slopes. You'll experience breathtaking views toward Kenya's Amboseli National Park and the vast plains below. Dinner and overnight at Buffalo Camp.
Day 7: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp (3,870 m)
Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Distance: 8 km
Elevation loss: 150 m
Habitat: High Alpine
Continue across the northern flank of the mountain toward Third Cave Camp. The trek is moderate and offers great views of the peaks. By this stage, your body will be well-acclimatised to the altitude.
Day 8: Third Cave Camp – School Hut (4,800 m)
Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Distance: 6 km
Elevation gain: 930 m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A shorter day, but the altitude becomes more noticeable. You'll trek to School Hut, the final camp before the summit. You'll arrive in the early afternoon, rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit push. Early dinner and sleep.
Day 9: School Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,060 m)
Hiking time: 11–15 hours
Distance: 19 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1,095 m / -2,835 m
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
You'll be woken at midnight and begin the steep ascent to Gilman's Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim. From there, a gentle walk along the rim leads to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, you'll descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (1,640 m) – Moshi/Arusha
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation loss: 1,420 m
Habitat: Forest
You'll descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you'll collect your summit certificate. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower, a soft mattress, and a celebration dinner.
Included services in itinerary
- Park entry fees
- Professional safari guide
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- All meals
- Drinking water
Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
Trip Information
PDF format with full itinerary
Request this tour
More Related Packages
Northern Circuit Package – Winter Trails Tours and Safaris
9-Day Northern Circuit Package
2-Day Ngorongoro Crater Safari Tour
2-Day Lake Manyara & Serengeti Safari Tour
