Tour Details
About the Northern Circuit Route (9 Days)
The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. This budget tour includes mountain huts and camping, providing the longest and most comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience.
This 9-day route offers excellent acclimatization opportunities and the highest success rates of all Kilimanjaro routes. The extended duration allows climbers to fully adapt to the altitude while enjoying spectacular views from all sides of the mountain, making it ideal for those seeking the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure.
Route Highlights:
- Nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery
- Quiet, rarely visited northern slopes
- Mountain huts and camping combination
- Highest success rates of all routes
- Longest and most comprehensive experience
- Excellent acclimatization opportunities
Difficulty Level:
Easy to ModerateDay-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Elevation: 1,400m (4,593ft)
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you'll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Briefing with your guide about the climb and equipment check. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,860m to 2,700m (6,102ft to 8,858ft)
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate for registration and briefing. Begin your climb through the lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and various bird species. Arrive at Mandara Hut for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m (8,858ft to 12,205ft)
Distance: 12km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Continue through the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The vegetation changes dramatically as you gain altitude. Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft)
This is a crucial acclimatization day. Take a day hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000m) to help your body adjust to the altitude. Return to Horombo Hut for lunch and rest. This extra day significantly improves your chances of reaching the summit.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m to 4,703m (12,205ft to 15,430ft)
Distance: 10km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Cross the alpine desert zone with its unique vegetation. The landscape becomes more barren as you approach Kibo Hut. Rest and prepare for the summit attempt. Early dinner and rest before the midnight start.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Summit Day - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m to 3,720m (15,430ft to 19,341ft to 12,205ft)
Distance: 22km (13.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
Start the summit attempt at midnight. Climb through the darkness to Gilman's Point (5,681m) at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the highest point in Africa. Descend to Horombo Hut for rest and celebration.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Arusha
Elevation: 3,720m to 1,860m (12,205ft to 6,102ft)
Distance: 20km (12.4 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Final descent through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Arusha for celebration dinner and hotel accommodation.
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Price Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
- Professional mountain guide and assistant guides
- Porters (1 porter per 2 clients)
- Mountain huts and camping accommodation
- All meals during the climb
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Transportation to/from the mountain
- Airport transfers
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- Summit certificate
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- Hotel accommodation in Arusha (2 nights)
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal climbing equipment
- Tips for guides and porters
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Visa fees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate for the 6-day Marangu Route?
The 6-day Marangu Route has a success rate of approximately 85-90%, significantly higher than the 5-day version due to the extra acclimatization day.
What should I pack for the climb?
Essential items include warm clothing, good hiking boots, sleeping bag, headlamp, water bottles, and personal toiletries. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking.
Is altitude sickness common?
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Our 6-day itinerary includes an acclimatization day to help minimize the risk. Our guides are trained to recognize and manage altitude-related issues.
What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
The best times are during the dry seasons: January-March and June-October. These periods offer the clearest skies and most stable weather conditions.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be in good physical condition and able to walk 6-8 hours per day. Regular cardiovascular exercise and hiking practice are recommended before the climb.
Route Map
The Marangu Route follows a well-established path through diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforest to alpine desert, culminating at Uhuru Peak.