9 Days
Northern Route
First-time trekkers, budget-conscious climbers, those who prefer huts over tents
Overview
Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu is the oldest, most established, and only route on Kilimanjaro that uses hut accommodation instead of tents. It approaches from the southeast and follows a gentle, steady gradient, making it the most comfortable and affordable option. The trade-off is a shorter acclimatisation period, so summit success rates are lower than on the longer routes. It is also the busiest route, so expect company on the trail.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
The Northern Circuit is the longest, newest, and quietest route on Kilimanjaro. It approaches from the west at Londorossi Gate, crosses the Shira Plateau, then circles almost the entire mountain through the remote northern slopes before summiting from the east. Because it spends so many days at altitude with minimal elevation gain, it offers the best acclimatisation and the highest summit success rates of any route — over 95% on the 9-day version. The trade-off is time and cost: it is the most expensive route and requires the longest commitment.
Accommodation: Tents (camping)
Start: Londorossi Gate
End: Mweka Gate
Best For: Trekkers with time and budget who want maximum acclimatisation, minimal crowds, and the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast and a briefing in Moshi or Arusha, take a long drive (3–4 hours) to Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain. Complete registration and permits, then begin trekking through pristine, untouched rainforest. This is the only route where you may spot buffalo, elephants, and colobus monkeys on the first day. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 8 km
Zone: Moorland / Heath
Leave the forest behind and enter open moorland dotted with giant heather and lobelias. The trail climbs steadily, and you are soon rewarded with your first views of Kibo ahead and Mount Meru behind. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the mid-afternoon, on the edge of the vast Shira Plateau.
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,610m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 7 km
Zone: Moorland / Alpine Desert
A relatively short and gentle day across the Shira Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail offers panoramic views in every direction. In the afternoon, take an optional acclimatisation hike to Shira Cathedral (3,872m) — a natural rock formation with stunning views of the Western Breach. Return to Shira 2 Camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) → Lava Tower (4,600m) → Moir Hut (4,200m)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 10 km
Zone: Alpine Desert
This is the first key acclimatisation day. Climb gradually to Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch, then descend slightly to Moir Hut (4,200m) on the northern flank. Unlike the Machame and Lemosho routes, which drop down to Barranco, you stay high on the northern side — this is what builds the superior acclimatisation the Northern Circuit is famous for. The landscape is stark and beautiful.
Accommodation: Moir Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Moir Hut (4,200m) → Pofu Camp (4,030m)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: 9 km
Zone: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, take an optional acclimatisation hike up the Lent Hills (4,700m) for spectacular views across the northern slopes and into Kenya. Then continue east along the remote northern flank to Pofu Camp (4,030m) . This is the quietest section of the entire mountain — you may go an entire day without seeing another trekker.
Accommodation: Pofu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Pofu Camp (4,030m) → Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 9 km
Zone: Alpine Desert
Continue your circuit of the mountain, traversing the northern slopes with sweeping views of the plains far below. The trail is gentle and undulating, passing through a stark, otherworldly landscape. Arrive at Third Cave Camp (3,870m) — the same campsite used by the Rongai Route — in the mid-afternoon.
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3,870m) → School Hut (4,750m)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 6 km
Zone: Alpine Desert
A steady climb to School Hut (4,750m) , your base for the summit attempt. Arrive by early afternoon, rest, eat an early dinner, and prepare your gear. Sleep is difficult at this altitude, but try to rest as much as possible. Your guide will brief you on the summit plan and the route ahead.
Accommodation: School Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: School Hut (4,750m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Distance: 17 km
Zone: Arctic / Summit
Summit Day. Wake around midnight, have a light snack, and begin the ascent by headlamp. You approach the summit from the east, reaching Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. From there, follow the crater rim west to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) , the highest point in Africa. Celebrate briefly, take photos, then begin the long descent via Stella Point and Barafu Camp. Stop for lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp for dinner and a well-earned rest.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Moshi/Arusha
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast, descend through moorland and lush rainforest back to Mweka Gate. Collect your summit certificates, say goodbye to your mountain crew, and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
INCLUDES
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Two (2) nights’ accommodation in Arusha
- All park transfers and Park fees
- Quality mountain camping equipment (tents & sleeping mats)
- Certified professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
- Three hot meals daily on the mountain with treated drinking water
- Safety equipment (oxygen, pulse oximeter, first-aid kit)
- Portable flush toilet for groups of 4+ (USD 95 extra for smaller groups)
EXCLUDES
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, souvenirs, etc.)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Tips for guides, porters, and mountain crew
- Additional accommodation outside the stated itinerary
- Online payment surcharge of 5% on the remaining balance
Book a Northern route climb
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