Your journey at a glance
Sample journey
This itinerary is adapted from the reference collection as travel inspiration. Confirm accommodation, activities, inclusions and availability with Darba Tanzania Safaris before booking.
Overview
The longest and quietest route on Kilimanjaro: nine days circling the mountain's remote northern slopes from the Shira Plateau to School Hut, with the best acclimatization and summit success...
Experience Overview
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro. It starts like Lemosho, through western rainforest and across the Shira Plateau, but at the Lava Tower it turns north and circles the rarely visited northern slopes – Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, Third Cave and School Hut – with views across to Kenya and very few other climbers.
Nine days on the mountain give the most gradual ascent of any route and consistently the highest summit success rates. You make the final climb to Gillman's Point and along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak from School Hut, then descend the southern side on the Mweka route, having walked almost all the way around Africa's highest mountain.
Highlights
The standout moments built into this safari.
The longest, quietest route on Kilimanjaro
Remote northern slopes with views over Kenya
The best acclimatization and summit success of any route
Summit via Gillman's Point and the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
Itinerary
These are sample itineraries designed to inspire your journey. Each trip can be fully customized to match your travel style, preferences, and schedule. Use them as a starting point to craft your perfect safari experience.
Day 1 · Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp (2,650m)
Drive to Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain to register, then on to the Lemosho trailhead. Walk three to four hours through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa ('Big Tree') Camp.
Day 2 · Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
Climb out of the forest through giant heather onto the Shira Ridge and down to Shira 1 Camp on the plateau, six to seven hours.
Day 3 · Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
A gentle day across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp, with an optional side walk to Shira Cathedral for panoramic views.
Day 4 · Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower (4,640m) to Moir Hut (4,200m)
Climb to the Lava Tower for acclimatization, then leave the southern circuit and head north to Moir Hut, a quiet camp beneath the Lent Hills. About six to seven hours.
Day 5 · Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Traverse the remote northern slopes, climbing and descending across ridges with views over the Kenyan plains, to Buffalo Camp, five to seven hours.
Day 6 · Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
Continue east around the mountain, past the Pofu area, to Third Cave Camp, five to six hours, sleeping slightly lower to help acclimatization.
Day 7 · Third Cave Camp to School Hut (4,800m)
Climb across the Saddle to School Hut at the base of the northern summit slopes, four to five hours. Early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.
Day 8 · Summit Day – School Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Start around midnight and climb to Gillman's Point on the crater rim, then along the rim past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. Descend the southern side via Barafu to Mweka Camp.
Day 9 · Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificate and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
