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!
