Mount Kilimanjaro – Remote Northern Circuit Climbing Route is a 11 Days trekking itinerary on Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit route. It is designed for travelers who want a serious mountain experience with a clear day-by-day structure, sensible altitude gain, and support from an experienced crew rather than a rushed ascent.
What makes this route effective is how the terrain changes as you climb. Forest gives way to moorland, alpine desert, and finally the upper summit zone, so the trek feels progressive both physically and visually. Each stage has its own rhythm, and that steady progression is a major part of the experience.
The itinerary is paced to balance walking effort, rest, and acclimatization. Camp or hut stops are not simply overnight points; they are part of how the route prepares you for the summit push, especially on the longest climbing days and the final ascent window.
This route suits trekkers who value preparation, patience, and a realistic mountain plan. You do not need technical climbing skills for these climbs, but you do need endurance, a calm pace at altitude, and the discipline to treat acclimatization as seriously as the summit itself.
Mount Kilimanjaro – Remote Northern Circuit Climbing Route leads you up the mountain stage by stage — each day a new altitude, a new ecological zone, and a measured step toward the summit.
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Day 1:
Join Arusha, trip briefing Today is an arrival day. If you choose to fly into Kilimanjaro Airport we recommend a private transfer to Arusha where the rest of the day is at your leisure.
(With prior arrangement, airport pick up and private transfers to the hotel are available from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or simply make your own way by taxi. Note that taxis are scarce after about 18:00hrs.
We stay at Moivaro Coffee Plantation which has spacious rooms, a pool, and restaurant. This afternoon at 16:30, you will meet the rest of the group and your guide for a trip briefing.
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2
Day 2:
Drive to Lemosho Gate, commence climb to Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2,650 m) After completing the necessary registration formalities, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho Gate roadhead. The last section of the road is of poor quality and difficult to drive after rain, sometimes we start walking a kilometre or two below the roadhead.
We often have our lunch at the roadhead before starting to walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest.
We camp at Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2,650 m); [2-3 hours walking] Meals: B,L,D
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3
Day 3:
To Shira One camp (3550m) We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau.
There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in! We camp in the centre of the plateau at “Shira One” (3,550 m).
[6-7 hours walking] Meals: B,L,D
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4
Day 4:
To Shira Hut camp (3840m) We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut (3,840 m). This campsite has stunning views, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau.
The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable.
[5-7 hours walking] Meals: B,L,D
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5
Day 5:
To Moir Hut (4200m) In the morning we follow the main trail up to Lava Tower, and for those feeling strong there is a possibility to climb up to the ruined hut at Arrow Glacier around 4,800m. We then continue from Lava Tower to reach our campsite at Moir Hut (4,200m).
[5-7 hours walking] Meals: B,L,D
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6
Day 6:
To Buffalo Camp (4,150m) We climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Little Lent hill at 4,375 metres. After admiring the views we 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 (4,150m).
At the camp there is a huge feeling of space as the Kenyan plains stretch out far below to the north. [4-7 hours walking] Meals: B,L,D
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Day 7:
To Third Cave Camp (3,900m) From Buffalo Camp we climb up to the top of ‘Buffalo Ridge’ and drop down the other side to reach Pofu, nearby the is a small spring and some vegetation. The trail continues eastwards through a landscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp (3,900m).
[5-7 hours walking] Meals: B,L,D
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8
Day 8:
To School Hut Campsite (4,700m) There is a steady ascent to reach The Saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here we continue upwards and reach School Hut Campsite (4,700m) in the early afternoon.
The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit day. [4-5 hours walking] Meals: B,L,D
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9
Day 9:
Summit day (5,896 m) to Millenium Camp (3,800 m) We will start our ascent by torchlight at about midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. On selected Non-Exclusive departure dates each month, the climb will be particularly beautiful as we ascend in the light of the Full Moon.
The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Gilmans Point (5,685 m) in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi.
The trail leads west along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. We retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descends down through Barafu Camp to reach Millenium Camp (3,800 m).
[11-15 hours walking] Meals: B,L,D
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10
Day 10:
Descend to Mweka, then to Arusha A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m).
Here we sign out from the national park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalizingly close!
[4-6 hours walking] Overnight: Moivaro Coffee Plantation Meals: B,L,D
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11
Day 11:
In Arusha, trip concludes In Arusha, after breakfast at your hotel, the trip arrangements end. Meals: B Kilimanjaro Accommodation and Meals Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro Our camping equipment is of proven quality and specifically designed for use on Kilimanjaro.
We provide quality Vango mountain tents on a twin share basis, however they are rated as 3 person tents which allows plenty of personal space and ample luggage storage area in the two porches. A limited number of these tents are available as single tents at a supplementary charge (reserve in advance).
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and mat (or hire locally – reserve in advance). Fresh, Local & Organic Cuisine Breakfast and dinner are served in our communal mess tent with folding chairs, tables and a solar light.
This tent is also available for communal use in the afternoon and evening. We supply a private toilet tent on all camping routes as we have found that the long drop toilets maintained by the national park are of a sub-standard quality.
[trustindex no-registration=tripadvisor] Kilimanjaro Activities To Enjoy During The Climb Among the many Kilimanjaro Hiking Package that we offer, understandi
All prices are per person. Final rates vary with route length, group size, and any safari or hotel extensions you add before or after the climb.
- – All park, conservation, camping, and rescue fees required for the route
- – Professional mountain guide, assistant guides, cook, and porter support
- – Private transfers between your hotel and the trek gate as listed in the itinerary
- – All meals on the mountain plus safe drinking water during the climb
- – Mountain tents, dining tent, table, chairs, and standard camping equipment
- – Emergency oxygen, basic first-aid kit, and daily health monitoring on the mountain
Are You Ready for the Climb?
This 11 days reaches high altitude and should be approached with steady pacing, hydration, and realistic fitness preparation. The route climbs to 5,895 m · Uhuru Peak, so altitude response matters more than speed. A longer, calmer ascent usually improves comfort and summit chances, especially when you listen closely to your mountain crew and allow time for acclimatization. Trekkers do not need technical climbing skills for Kilimanjaro, but they do need endurance for long walking days and summit night effort.
Recommended Gear Checklist
- Waterproof hiking boots · Essential
- Layered warm clothing for summit night · Essential
- Waterproof jacket and rain trousers · Essential
- Daypack and duffel bag · Essential
- Headlamp with spare batteries · Essential
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen · Essential
- Trekking poles
- Refillable water bottles or hydration bladder · Essential
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How difficult is the Northern Circuit?
This route is best described as challenging. The main challenge is sustained trekking at altitude rather than technical climbing.
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How many days should I allow for this trek?
This itinerary is planned over 11 Days, giving a clear stage-by-stage progression through the mountain route shown in the itinerary.
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Do I sleep in huts or tents on this route?
This route uses mountain huts according to the imported itinerary and overnight camp references.
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When is the best season to climb?
The usual best climbing windows are Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct, when trail conditions are generally more favorable and mountain visibility is often better.
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What helps summit success on this route?
This route is known for very high with extra acclimatization. The biggest factors remain pacing, hydration, rest, and allowing the body time to adapt to altitude.
Photo gallery will be added soon.
