Duration
9 NIGHTSBest For
Active travelers ready for high-altitude trekking with full guide and porter support.Group Size
Private treks for 2-10 climbersAccommodation
Tented mountain camps along the Lemosho and Northern CircuitSafari Overview
Why the Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest route, circling the mountain via the Lemosho approach and the rarely traveled north slopes for the strongest acclimatization profile available.
The longer profile means higher summit success rates, quieter camps, and exceptional scenic variety from Mti Mkubwa rainforest to the Buffalo Camp wilderness above 4,000 m.
Transfers: Road transfers from Moshi/Arusha with full guide and porter support
Safari Snapshot
The longest, most scenic Kilimanjaro itinerary via the Northern Circuit and Lemosho approach for maximum acclimatization and summit success.
Safari Style
Mountain Trekking
Designed for quality sightings and unrushed pacing across key landscapes.
Trip Rhythm
7-9 Nights
Balanced travel days, golden-hour game drives, and restorative lodge downtime.
Destinations
Tanzania
Route sequencing built around wildlife windows and smooth overland transitions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A clear route plan with flexible pacing and private-guide support.
Day 1 · Tanzania
Arrive in Moshi
Settle into your hotel in Moshi for dinner and rest before the trek begins the following morning.
- Trek briefing
- Gear check
Day 2 · Lemosho trailhead
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Two-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2,100 m) for permits, then transfer to the trailhead 12 km away. Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and overnight.
- Permit registration
- Rainforest trek
Day 3 · Mti Mkubwa (2,820 m) to Shira 1 (3,500 m)
Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1
Gradual climb through the final rainforest stretch, transitioning into low alpine moorland. A short 9 km day to Shira Camp 1.
- 9 km hike
- Moorland views
Day 4 · Shira Camp 2 (3,850 m) to Moir Hut
Shira Plateau to Moir Hut
Cross the Shira plateau to Shira Camp 2, joining the Machame route briefly with views of Kilimanjaro's western breach. Continue across the Shira caldera to the off-the-beaten-path Moir Hut.
- Shira plateau crossing
- Western breach views
Day 5 · Moir Hut (4,200 m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Climb out of moorland into stark alpine desert on a steep ridge, beginning the Northern Circuit. Excellent views over the plains north of Kilimanjaro.
- Northern Circuit start
- Alpine desert terrain
Day 6 · Buffalo Camp (4,020 m) to Third Cave (3,800 m)
Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
Trek up Buffalo Ridge through rarely traveled, sparsely vegetated valleys on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro to the Third Cave.
- Wilderness solitude
- Northern slopes traverse
Day 7 · Third Cave (3,800 m) to School Hut (4,800 m)
Third Cave to School Hut
Steady ascent over the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi to School Hut. Early dinner and rest in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
- 6 km hike
- Pre-summit positioning
Day 8 · Summit day
School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa's highest point. Descend to Millennium Camp for a hard-earned dinner and rest.
- Uhuru Peak summit
- Long descent to Millennium Camp
Day 9 · Final descent
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Short hike through dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate, where summit certificates are issued.
- Rainforest descent
- Summit certificates
Day 10 · Mweka to Arusha
Mweka Gate to Arusha
Transfer to your hotel or onward to Kilimanjaro International Airport, completing one of Kilimanjaro's most rewarding routes.
- Airport drop-off
- Trek debrief
Route Map & Safari Points
Track the journey stop-by-stop. Mapbox static route rendering is enabled when your public token is set.
- 1
Day 1
Moshi
Arrival, gear check, and trek briefing.
- 2
Day 2
Londorossi Gate
Lemosho trailhead on Kilimanjaro's far west side at 2,100 m.
- 3
Day 3-4
Shira Plateau
Open plateau with dramatic views to the western breach.
- 4
Day 5
Buffalo Camp
Quiet northern circuit camp at 4,020 m with views over Kenya plains.
- 5
Day 8
Uhuru Peak
Summit push via School Hut to Africa's highest point.
What's Included
- Transport in a 4WD safari jeep
- Pick up on day one in Nairobi and drop off on the final day
- Park entry fees and conservancy charges
- All activities unless listed as optional
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Drinking water during safari days
- Services of a professional guide/driver
- Taxes and VAT
Exclusions
- Hot-air balloon rides
- Maasai village and similar optional visits
- Boat rides unless specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Best Travel Window
Seasonality
Jan - MarJun - Oct
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more clarity before you book? Start here.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. We tailor pacing, lodge standards, and activities to your travel style, dates, and priorities.
Do I need special fitness for this safari?
Most game-drive itineraries are moderate. Gorilla/chimp treks require stronger mobility and we can advise accordingly.
How far in advance should I book?
For prime season travel, we recommend securing your trip 4-8 months in advance to guarantee preferred camps.
Planning Guides for This Route
Editorial notes and practical planning content relevant to this safari itinerary.
Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking: Routes and Success Strategy
Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing peak in the world and is ascended without technical climbing. Route choice, day count, acclimatisation pace, and team composition are the four decisions that most determine a successful summit.
Read GuidePlan Your Tanzania Safari
Share your dates, pace and preferred accommodation style. We will tailor this trip to fit your exact vision.
Hear what our clients have to say
Genuine stories from travelers who experienced East Africa with Simba Paka Safaris.
Our Affiliations
