All year
9 Days / 8 Nights
Kilimanjaro international Airport
Moshi, Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira 1 Camp, Shira 2 Camp, Moir Camp, Buffalo Camp, Rongai Third Cave, School Hut, Uhuru Peak, Millennium Camp, Mweka Gate
The 9-day Northern Circuit Route is one of the newest and most scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers climbers an extended journey around the less-crowded northern slopes of the mountain, providing breathtaking views and a higher chance of summit success due to its longer acclimatization period.
The 9-day trek allows more time for your body to adjust to the altitude, increasing the likelihood of reaching the summit without experiencing altitude sickness.
The route offers diverse landscapes, including views of Kenya's plains, alpine deserts, and the stunning beauty of Kilimanjaro’s northern face.
Unlike the more popular routes, the Northern Circuit is quieter, giving you a more peaceful and personal trekking experience.
Due to the longer duration and gradual ascent, this route boasts one of the highest success rates for reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
After arriving at the Airport, you will be picked up by a Nafika tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later on, you will enjoy dinner with your group before being briefed on the trek followed by an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. We can organize the rental of any missing equipment should it be needed.
After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel around 8:00 am and driven to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
Around 08:00am we will start our second day hiking to Saddle Hut. We will pass through the steep path along the ridge of saddle. We will experience amazing views of the Meru crater; both the ash cone and little Meru can be seen. On the way, we will continue to see some of the best wildlife and flowers in the forest. After arriving at Saddle Hut, we will have a hot lunch and a short rest, in the afternoon we will hike to before little Meru to help with acclimatization before returning back to the hut for dinner and an overnight stay.
As the new day starts you will be awoken at midnight with some light tea and breakfast. After final preparations, we will begin a steep climb to Rhino Point (3800m) and then will continue to Cobra Point (4350m). As the sun rises we will reach the summit of Meru (4566m) where we will be able to see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds, maybe your next adventure.
After taking some pictures that will make all of your friends jealous we will start the descent to Saddle Hut for a hot lunch and a short rest before continuing down to Miriakamba and then to Momella Gate. Once at the gate we will sign out at park gate and drive back to your hotel.
Departure / other destination in Tanzania
Later in the evening or the next day you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to board your home-bound flight. Nafika Tours can also organize an affordable safari trip to one of the best wildlife parks in Tanzania such as Tangerine National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park if you want to stay just a little while longer.
Your final descent will pass through the tropical rain forest with plenty of wildlife species to see on the way. It will take us 5 hours until we reach at the park gate. After we sign out and collect your certificate a private vehicle will be ready to take you to your hotel in Moshi for a warm shower and a celebratory dinner.
Departure / other destination in Tanzania
Later in the evening or the next day you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to board your home bound flight. Nafika Tours can also organize an affordable safari trip to one of the best wildlife parks in Tanzania such as Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park if you wanted to stay just a little while longer.
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Continuing through the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, we will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a private car will then take you back to your hotel where you can enjoy the warm shower you have been craving. It’s definitely time to celebrate!
The route ascends gradually over the Saddle, a broad, barren valley between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks, before reaching School Hut. After dinner, you’ll rest in preparation for your midnight summit attempt.
Summit day begins at midnight with a climb to Gilman’s Point and continues to Uhuru Peak. After sunrise at the summit, you’ll descend via Stella Point, reaching Barafu Camp and then Millennium Camp for your final night.
After breakfast, the descent continues through the forest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest. This comprehensive Northern Circuit itinerary offers both adventure and stunning views while ensuring proper acclimatization for a successful summit experience with Nafika Tours!
Prices (quoted in USD/per person)
No of Pax | Price Per Person |
---|---|
1 Person | $2800 USD |
2-4 People | $2200 USD |
5-9 People | $2050 USD |
10+ People | $1980 USD |
At Nafika Tours, we bring your dream trip to life! Our sample itineraries are fully customizable to suit your unique preferences. Whether you seek for Kilimanjaro adventure, Safari, culture, or relaxation, our dedicated specialists will collaborate closely with you to design a one-of-a-kind journey tailored just for you. With expert guidance and unparalleled flexibility, we ensure every moment of your trip reflects your vision, making your African adventure truly unforgettable.
Discover what our happy clients have to say about their adventures with us. Their stories and experiences highlight our commitment to unforgettable journeys!
EXCELLENT Based on 232 reviews Palak S2025-02-11Verified Highly Recommended Professional Operator for your Kilimanjaro Climb We had an amazing experience with the Nafika tours team. Our group of 5 inexperienced climbers took on the Lemosho route to successfully summit Mount Kilimanjaro. I had contacted the owner Elias a few months ago as we planned the trip. He was patient and answered numerous questions prior to the trip.I can’t say enough about the team we climbed with. They were fun, experienced, thoughtful, positive and professional. If it weren’t for their help and words of encouragement, I don’t think we would have had such a successful trip. We sang, ate well, slept comfortably and danced our way up the mountain.Some considerations as you plan your trip. Book early, reach out to Elias with any questions, consider portable toilets if you can, also we stayed at Kosovo base camp over Barafu camp which was quite helpful in reducing your summit climb (special permit and added cost). Our guides Eli and Benson were great and the chef Arnold made great veggie and non-veg food for our different dietary needs. All in all Nafika tours was excellent and we all would highly recommend them. M P2025-02-09Verified Review of Nafika Tours Lemosho Route Jan 2025 Our tour with Nafika was absolutely incredible. I can't say enough positive things about the company and the team. Elias was incredibly professional and organized during the planning process. Our team of guides (Eli, Benson, Frank) were skilled, enthusiastic, supportive and kind. Our team of porters and all the associated staff were committed, enthusiastic, took pride in their work, and there were incredibly supportive. All of this made our experience exceptional. The climb was hard and I don't know if we would have made it to summit without such a wonderful team. I would definitely recommend the Nafika group. They are local with extensive ties to the community. It felt great to go with this team! Thank you Elias and all members of Nafika. Emily V2025-01-30Verified Once in a lifetime experience with the best guides & team!! We just completed the 6day Machame route, and we couldn’t thank our guides Karrimor & Mr. Dixon enough for being the reason we made it to the summit! (along with the best of the best team!!)We chose to hike Kilimanjaro with Nafika tours due to their amazing reviews and being a local company, and they did not disappoint. From the start, everything was very well organised, we had so much detail about the trek itself, packing list, food menu and a meeting with the guides to check out gear before the trip.Once on the mountain, the team kept us motivated through the harder parts of the trek, even through the torrential rain/hail/snow, they kept us going! Our porters rushed past us everyday to make sure our tent was ready and there was hot tea and snacks waiting for us to arrive, they are absolutely amazing and couldn’t have asked for a better team! A special thanks to our waiter David & Chef who made sure we had tasty food, full water bottles and comfortable nights in the tent. Everyone was so friendly and always smiling/singing/laughing!Summit day was very challenging but SO rewarding and emotional once you get to the top, Karrimor & Mr Dixon, thank you again for being the best guides!! I would highly recommend booking with Nafika for your Kilimanjaro trek, we had an amazing experience and it wouldn’t have been possible without them! Thank you all SO MUCH for being the reason we made it to the summit! mariejoseph12092025-01-11Verified An experience of a lifetime!! I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro with 2 other solo travellers in a joining group and it was one of the most special experiences I have ever had! From the start, Nafika was always very organised and had excellent communication. I had no trouble at all booking the tour and they quickly answered all my questions. During the hike itself, the mountain crew provided the utmost support and encouragement. They were prepared for every scenario, with detailed briefing before each segment of the hike given by the guides. Each meal was cooked with fresh ingredients and delicious to taste!! Overall, the entire crew was so kind and generous, and their encouragement throughout the 7 day hike made the biggest difference in my success to the top at Uhuru Peak!! I highly, HIGHLY recommend climbing Mt Kilimanjaro with Nafika Tours. It was truly an experience of a lifetime!! The team - Innocent (lead guide), Daniel (assistant guide), Priva (chef), Frank (waiter), Jumanne (tent crew), and the porters Erick, Amedeus, Pamphil, Oscar, Johana and Elnami. Dacha L2024-12-30Verified Nafika Tours was our best choice as a local tour operator in Moshi. It was truly unforgettable. We embarked on 5 days Kilimanjaro Climb via the Marangu Route Nafika team. Godchance, our guide, was exceptional, along with Chef and Waiter who kept us well-fed and comfortable throughout the trek. We couldn't have asked for a better team. Highly recommend this local tour operator in incredible Kilimanjanjaro Trekking adventure! We want to gain more experience. We are planning to go on an adventure with them again next year. Absolutely fantastic experience. Jan T2024-12-30Verified Kilimanjaro Hike 2024 I just returned from Tanzania, where I had the incredible experience of climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route. What a truly unforgettable trip! Words can hardly express how amazing Nafika Tours was.Our group of five was the perfect size, and every detail was planned out so thoughtfully. The porters race ahead to secure the best spots at the camps, and the food was absolutely amazing. The team went above and beyond to support each of us with our individual challenges, whether it was altitude sickness or sore knees.The equipment provided was top-notch tents, sleeping mattresses, and sleeping bags were all of excellent quality.A huge thank you to Nafika Tours for making this adventure such a success for all of us. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough! Mollaik Royan M2024-12-26Verified We want to cherish mountaining achievement memory forever. Our 7 days Kilimanjaro hike with Nafika Tours was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our life. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for our group made the entire journey seamless and enjoyable. We contact with Nafika's Representative Agnes, And he offered a detailed packing list, advice on altitude preparation, and answered all our questions promptly. Our Guide (Elisafi) just a awesome man he always try to so that we smile and porters (Daniel & Ben) were amazing, carrying heavy loads with ease and always greeting us with smiles. Their hard work and dedication were inspiring. The Nafika team ensured we acclimatized properly, with strategic rest stops and daily health checks to monitor our well-being. When we reached Uhuru Peak just as the sun rose, it was an emotional and life-affirming moment. After descending, the Nafika Tours team organized a celebratory ceremony to mark our achievement. They turn Our dream into a reality while making the journey as enriching as the destination. Pranam Kaia2024-12-25Verified Kilimanjaro hike with Nafika Toure 2024 We chose Nafika Tours for our 7-day Lemosho Route climb of Kilimanjaro, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.Everything was so well-organized, with an amazing crew of 16 people (porters, helping porters, a cook, guide, and assistant guide) taking care of the four of us. The team was incredibly kind and supportive, always making sure we had everything we needed.A special thank you to Ben and Innocent, our fantastic guides, who shared helpful, friendly advice and motivated us every step of the way to reach the summit. Efata brought so much positivity with his cheerful mood and excellent service. The cook was not only friendly but also incredibly talented, and we’ll always appreciate Anold for ensuring our comfort and Thomas for his wonderful songs that lifted our spirits. Of course, we are deeply grateful to our personal porters as well.The climb was both a challenging and deeply rewarding experience. The landscapes were breathtaking seas of clouds, stunning glaciers, and views that left us in awe. It truly was an incredible journey.Thank you, Nafika Tours, for making this such a memorable adventure! Canonlee2024-12-16Verified Once in a life experience with Nafika Tour Climbing Kilimanjaro: A Life-Changing Experience with Nafika ToursClimbing Kilimanjaro is one of the greatest achievements of our lives. Without a doubt, conquering this massive mountain would not have been possible without the incredible support of Nafika Tours.1. Pre-Departure PreparationsWe arrived late at night after a long immigration process and were warmly welcomed by our tour guide, Innocent. During the comfortable ride to our hotel, he gave us an overview of what to expect and checked our equipment upon arrival. By the next day, everything we needed and missing equipment was in place and ready for the journey, including grabbing a local internet SIM card along the way.2. Tour Guide ExperienceInnocent was the key to our success from start to finish. Every day, he would brief us on the challenges ahead, provide tips on what to pack, check our equipment, and recommend appropriate clothing based on the weather. These insights proved invaluable.During the hike, he frequently shared his personal experiences and offered advice to help us overcome physical and mental challenges. His assistance, whether offering a helping hand or encouraging us with positive energy, was crucial. This was especially true on summit day, where his optimism and support inspired us to push through every obstacle. We laughed, talked, and stayed motivated, all thanks to his patience.3. Porter CrewThe porter crew was friendly, incredibly strong, and kind. Over the days, we grew closer to them and were always greeted warmly at the end of each leg of the hike. Watching them help us with our bags and welcoming us during the finally stretch of the day was humbling, especially when we were exhausted or feeling unwell due to the altitude.When we reached each campsite, everything was already set up: tents pitched, hot tea ready, and all essentials in place. Their service allowed us to rest and recover quickly while providing much-needed comfort in the harsh mountain environment.4. FoodThe chef tailored meals to meet our needs. Although we had prepared some of our own food, the meals provided far exceeded our expectations.Each day, the menu was slightly different. On colder days, we were served warm soups, and after longer hikes, meals were packed with protein and carbs. Every meal included fresh fruit, and the variety, portions, nutrition, and temperature were consistently perfect.5. Summit DayOn summit day, the crew prepared everything we needed, including emergency oxygen. Our guide, Innocent, also suggested an extra porter, which proved to be a great decision.The weather conditions became extremely harsh, and I’ll never forget the moment they served us hot sweet ginger tea along the way. That warmth and energy boost were a true luxury in such tough conditions. The crew stayed close to us the entire time, ensuring our safety and giving physical, emotional support. we reached the summit after an exhausting 8-hour trek. The return trip was equally exhausting, please be prepared as we were totally burn out and required a lot of the help from the porter and our guide. They helped us massively to reach back to the base camp safe and sound. ConclusionFor those comparing different tours, we can confidently say that Nafika Tours is one of the best and most trustworthy teams you’ll find. Their effort, expertise, and encouragement put us in the perfect position to conquer this mountain.Thanks to their exceptional service and support, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the experience and enjoy every moment on this amazing mountain. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and we couldn’t have done it without Nafika Tours.Tips1.If possible pay for the extra toilet might to save you some trips to the public one during cold rainy nights 2. Bring extra portable charging as battery usage in cold weather decrease our devices performances3. Make sure your tips reflect your appreciation to the crew as they are really a part of your success