Overview
The Northern Circuit begins exactly like the standard Lemosho Route — remote western wilderness, pristine rainforest, and the ancient Shira Plateau, climbing to Moir Hut for the most powerful acclimatization night available on the mountain. But instead of descending to Lava Tower and Barranco, this itinerary turns north on Day 4, leaving the crowded Southern Circuit behind for the wide, dramatic, and almost entirely empty northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The continuous ridge-crossing on the northern traverse — climbing high and descending lower throughout each day — gives an acclimatization profile that rivals any route on the mountain, while the near-total absence of other groups makes it one of the most genuinely quiet experiences Kilimanjaro has to offer. Summit day is unlike any other route: you ascend from the north through Kibo Hut and Gilman's Point, summit at Uhuru Peak, then descend on the south side through Stella Point to Barafu Camp — crossing the entire mountain from north to south in one extraordinary day. "After guiding on Kilimanjaro for more than 14 years and leading over 350 groups to the summit, the Northern Circuit is the route I recommend to any climber who wants something genuinely different," says Priscus Peter Mtui, our lead guide and owner. "It offers the best combination of acclimatization, scenery, quiet trails, and an unforgettable mountain experience. If you have already climbed Lemosho or Machame and want to know this mountain from a completely different angle, this is the route I recommend." Pricing depends on group size: $2,475 per person solo, $2,179 for two, $2,079 for three to four, and $1,979 per person for groups of five or more — all figures include park fees and are all-inclusive on the mountain. Pulse oximeter health checks are carried out twice daily from Day 0 at the hotel. Tipping isn't mandatory but is customary and appreciated: roughly $6–10 per porter per day, $15–20 per day for the cook and assistant guides, and $20–25 per day for the lead guide.
Kilimanjaro highlights
Detailed itinerary
Airport pickup and transfer to your Moshi hotel, followed by an evening pre-climb briefing and first health check — measuring blood oxygen and resting heart rate to establish your baseline.
Registration at Londorossi Gate, then a walk through rainforest alive with blue monkeys and colobus to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa).
A steep climb through rainforest into moorland, with the first dramatic view of Kibo from Shira Ridge.
A long traverse of the Shira Plateau followed by a steeper climb to Moir Hut — the highest camp on Kilimanjaro outside the summit zone — with a short acclimatization walk to ~4,350m before dinner.
The Northern Circuit reveals itself: heading north away from the Southern Circuit crowds, crossing a series of ridges up to ~4,400m before descending to Buffalo Camp, an exposed viewpoint over the northern plains toward Kenya.
A shorter, deliberately gentler day with sweeping sunrise views of Mawenzi Peak, descending gradually across rolling northern terrain to Third Cave Camp.
Leaving the northern traverse to climb steadily onto the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi, arriving at Kibo Hut — the final camp before the summit — for an early dinner and final gear check.
Midnight start up the northern approach to Gilman's Point (5,681m) around sunrise, then along the crater rim via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Descend the southern scree to Barafu for a short rest, then continue all the way down to Mweka Camp for the tipping ceremony — crossing the entire mountain north to south in one day.
A final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate for your summit certificate, then back to Moshi to celebrate.
Where you'll stay
Crew moves ahead each day and has camp standing before you arrive. Sleeping mats provided; bring your own bag.
Kilimanjaro gallery
Complete pricing
| Group size | Total per person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,475 |
| 2 people | $2,179 |
| 3–4 people | $2,079 |
| 5+ people | $1,979 |
What's included
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, conservation fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotel accommodation in Moshi (bed and breakfast) — one night before and one night after the climb
- Camping equipment including tents, chairs and tables
- Professional guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain
- Transport to the climbing gate and back to the hotel
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- Pulse oximeter health checks — twice daily from Day 0
- Company taxes and annual fees
What's not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa fees
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- Food and drinks at the hotel except breakfast
- Travel insurance (mandatory, must cover emergency evacuation)
- Tips for guides, cook, and porters
- Medical vaccinations and medication including Diamox
Why book with Perfect Kilimanjaro
Tailor-made, not off the shelf
Every itinerary is adjusted to your dates, pace and budget — this page is a starting point, not a fixed package.
Tanzanian guides, on staff
Local guides who have worked these parks and routes for years, employed by us rather than subcontracted per trip.
Private departures
Your vehicle and your group. We never add strangers to fill seats or combine bookings to cut our costs.
Stays we've slept in
Camps and lodges chosen from first-hand stays, not booked blind off a wholesale list.
One thread, start to finish
The same WhatsApp conversation from your first question to the day you fly home — usually answered within the hour.
Tell us your dates and group size
We'll confirm availability, send an exact per-person quote and a day-by-day plan within one business day. No deposit needed to get a quote.
