We deliver responsible, sustainable tourism
The Best Expert Guide on Kilimanjaro
We deliver responsible, sustainable tourism
The Best Expert Guide on Kilimanjaro
Challenging
The Northern Circuit Route 9 Days stands as Kilimanjaro’s longest and most scenic path to Africa’s rooftop. This epic journey circles the mountain’s remote northern slopes. Moreover, it offers climbers an unforgettable adventure through diverse landscapes and exceptional acclimatization opportunities.
Spanning approximately 90 kilometers, the 9 days Northern Circuit Route gives your body maximum time to adjust to altitude. As a result, summit success rates soar above 90%. You’ll traverse five distinct climate zones. These range from lush rainforests teeming with wildlife to the stark alpine desert near Uhuru Peak.
What makes the Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro special? Solitude. While other routes crowd with climbers, this trail takes you through Kilimanjaro’s quiet northern face. In fact, you’ll rarely encounter other trekking groups here. Additionally, you’ll witness stunning panoramic views from rarely-visited vantage points. You’ll also camp beneath star-filled skies in pristine wilderness.
The Northern Circuit Route itinerary includes strategic acclimatization days. These allow gradual altitude gain. First, you’ll hike through the Lemosho approach. Then, you’ll veer north around the mountain. Along the way, you’ll pass dramatic lava formations and cross expansive moorlands dotted with giant groundsels.
Perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts, this route offers the highest summit success rates. Furthermore, it demands good fitness but requires no technical climbing skills. Ultimately, the extra days transform your Kilimanjaro climb into a comprehensive mountain experience you’ll treasure forever.
All trekkers need to organise their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From JRO we will arrange a private transfer to your hotel. That night or early the next morning you will meet your local Hiking Kilimanjaro representative and have a full pre-climb briefing.
4WD transfer to Londorossi Park Gate for registration. Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent along the forest trail to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite at 2895m. We will stay here overnight.
Our journey continues eastwards across the Shira Plateau with spectacular views of Shira Cathedral. We cross moorland meadow to reach Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight camping at 3500m. By now we will be able to see the stunning glaciers of the Western Breach. It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.
Today we walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here, especially when the afternoon mists roll in. From our camp near Shira Hut, we take in the unforgettable views of Mt Meru.
We leave the moorland behind now and a gentle grade walk takes us across the high altitude Shira Caldera and up to Lava Tower where we have fabulous views of Arrow glacier. We then retrace our steps, decreasing elevation and make our way to Moir hut where we will camp for the night at just below 4200m.
We climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (4700m). After admiring the views we return to the trail and heads eastwards around the Northern Circuit trail. The final section of today’s walk undulates until reaching the location of Pofu Camp.
From Pofu Camp we cross numerous small valleys as the trail continues through a landscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp.
Today there is a steady ascent to reach the Saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here we continue upwards and reach School Hut in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit day.
We start the final and most demanding part of the climb around 1 am on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. We rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. We then head on to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. We retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descend down through Barafu Camp, where our porters will meet us with a packed lunch. We will then continue to descend to reach Millennium Camp.
Your final day on the trek. Departing after breakfast, we descend a further 1300m to the Mweka Park Gate to pick up your summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. We will then transfer toy our hotel for a well-earned shower and celebration.
After a much-needed night’s rest we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged airport transfers with us or a safari / Zanzibar trip, we will collect you from the hotel for your onward journey.
Our Kilimanjaro packages include all transfers as outlined in your itinerary, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience from start to finish.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by one of our professional drivers and comfortably transferred to your hotel in a spacious Toyota Alphard. These vehicles feature large luggage compartments, complimentary bottled water, Wi-Fi connectivity, and refreshing wet wipes—providing comfort right from the start of your journey. Each car is regularly serviced and maintained by our in-house team of technicians to guarantee safety and reliability.
Our team of skilled drivers is fluent in English and highly knowledgeable about the region, ensuring not only safe transportation but also an informative and welcoming experience.
For your transfer to the mountain trailhead, we use rugged Toyota Hiace or Coaster vehicles, specially designed for handling wilderness terrain and ensuring a safe ride to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
At the end of your adventure, we’ll arrange your return transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. With our comprehensive service, you can focus entirely on your climb and relaxation, knowing all transportation details are fully taken care of.
The night before your ascent and the night after your descent, you’ll stay in a welcoming 3-star hotel in Moshi Town. Accommodation is based on shared double occupancy by default, with the option to upgrade to a single room supplement if you prefer more privacy.
We primarily host our climbers at Kili Wonder Hotel, Dual Mountain View Lodge, both 3 star. In case they are fully booked, you’ll be placed in an alternative property of equal comfort and service. All hotels offer traveler-friendly facilities such as professional staff, comfortable rooms with mosquito nets, on-site restaurants, swimming pools, laundry service, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Kili Wonder Hotel offers comfortable accommodations in a convenient location for Kilimanjaro climbers. This welcoming 3-star property features well-appointed rooms with mosquito nets, an on-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine, a refreshing swimming pool perfect for relaxing before or after your climb, and complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected. The professional staff understands the needs of trekkers and provides excellent service to ensure you’re well-rested and prepared for your mountain adventure.
Dual Mountain View Lodge lives up to its name with stunning views of both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. This comfortable 3-star lodge provides a peaceful retreat for climbers, featuring spacious rooms equipped with mosquito nets, an inviting swimming pool for post-trek relaxation, an on-site restaurant offering delicious meals, and laundry service to refresh your gear. The knowledgeable staff creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere and ensures every detail of your stay supports your climbing goals. The lodge’s serene setting helps you mentally prepare for the challenge ahead while enjoying modern amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi.
Your package includes bed and breakfast, with the option to order lunch and dinner directly from the hotel restaurants, which feature carefully prepared à la carte dishes blending European and Tanzanian flavors.
Important to note:
Rooms are shared with your travel companion or, if traveling solo, with a same-sex traveler. A single room supplement is available on request and should be booked in advance, as rooms may fill quickly.
Extra charges apply for additional nights if you choose to descend earlier than planned.
On the evening before your climb, our managers will meet you at the hotel for an orientation briefing. The following morning, our vehicle will pick you up for the start of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
We provide all the essential equipment to make your Kilimanjaro camping experience safe and comfortable.
We use high-quality 4-season tents built to handle tough mountain conditions. These durable tents keep you warm throughout cold nights and protect you from rain and wind. Each tent includes a small vestibule area where you can remove muddy boots and store wet gear before entering your sleeping space.
Our tents accommodate up to three people, but we never place more than two climbers in each tent. This gives you plenty of room to spread out and organize your duffel bags comfortably.
Solo travelers are paired with a same-sex tent mate to share the space. If you prefer more privacy, you can request a private tent for an additional fee. This extra charge covers the meals and wages for the additional porter needed to carry your private tent up the mountain.
With this thoughtful setup, you can rest comfortably after each day’s trek, knowing we’ve taken care of your safety and comfort.
Throughout your climb, our dedicated mountain chefs and wait staff prepare and serve daily breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. We work closely with a professional dietitian to craft each menu, ensuring every meal tastes delicious while providing the energy you need to stay strong on the trail.
Our chefs understand that proper nutrition makes a real difference at high altitude. Each dish balances flavor with the calories and nutrients your body requires during strenuous trekking days.
Your Kilimanjaro adventure will be led by our exceptional team of mountain guides, supported by skilled porters, camp managers, and chefs who work together to make your climb safe, enjoyable, and memorable.
Each of our guides brings at least seven years of mountain experience and deep knowledge of Kilimanjaro’s terrain, wildlife, and plant life. They’ve led hundreds of successful expeditions and know every trail, campsite, and challenge you’ll encounter.
All our mountain guides hold Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification from the USA-based Wilderness Medical Associates. This internationally recognized training ensures they can handle medical emergencies in remote mountain environments. At Hiking Kilimanjaro, WFR certification is mandatory for every lead guide—your safety is never compromised.
Our guides are more than mountain experts—they’re captivating storytellers. They’ll share fascinating Kilimanjaro legends, point out unique wildlife and plants, and offer insights into local history and culture. If you’re curious about Tanzanian traditions, they’re happy to share their knowledge. They also understand when you need quiet moments to absorb the mountain’s beauty and will give you space to enjoy the serenity.
Behind every successful climb stands our hardworking support team. Porters carry your gear and supplies up the mountain, camp managers set up your tent before you arrive, and chefs fetch fresh water from mountain streams and prepare nutritious meals to keep you energized. This dedicated crew works tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly so you can focus on reaching the summit.
We’re proud to lead the industry in how we treat our staff. Hiking Kilimanjaro pays the highest salaries to mountain crews in Tanzanian tourism. We ensure complete transparency by opening individual bank accounts for every team member, so they receive their wages directly. Their well-being sits at the heart of our philosophy—because a happy, respected crew creates the best possible trekking experience for you.
Every Hiking Kilimanjaro is equipped with bottled oxygen to support safe acclimatization at high altitude and reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Our guides are trained to administer oxygen at the very first signs of AMS, helping stabilize oxygen levels and allowing climbers to continue their ascent with greater comfort and confidence.
Reliable Oxygen Supply
We never run short of oxygen on Kilimanjaro. As the mountain’s largest operator—responsible for around 15% of all expeditions—we always have multiple teams across different camps. In the rare case a climber needs extra oxygen, nearby Hiking Kilimanjaro crews can quickly share supplies. Additionally, we can arrange a rapid delivery from our base, usually within six hours.
Prevention, Not Just Reaction
While many operators carry oxygen bottles, they often use them only in severe AMS cases, when evacuation is unavoidable. At Hiking Kilimanjaro, we stand out by using bottled oxygen proactively—as a preventive measure during acclimatization. This approach results in fewer AMS incidents, less stress for climbers, and higher summit success rates.
The Most Oxygen-Conscious Operator
Hiking Kilimanjaro Travel takes oxygen management seriously. We employ a dedicated staff member responsible for overseeing storage, refilling bottles, and ensuring all systems function perfectly before each climb. Today, we maintain more than 350 portable expedition oxygen systems, giving us the largest and most reliable supply on Kilimanjaro.
Every expedition is equipped with a reliable GPS tracking device, ensuring that our Kilimanjaro teams can be monitored in real time. This system is first and foremost a safety measure, but it also gives your family and friends peace of mind as they follow your progress from home.
On the morning of your climb, your adventure consultant will provide you with a QR code that generates a live GPS link. You’ll also be able to access this link anytime through your personal account on the Hiking Kilimanjaro Personal Trip Board.
To ensure your safety on Kilimanjaro, our WFR-certified guides conduct thorough medical check-ups every morning and evening for both climbers and crew members, including porters, camp managers, and chefs. These routine assessments help monitor how everyone is adapting to the altitude.
During each check-up, guides will ask a few simple questions about your well-being, measure your oxygen saturation, and, when necessary, check blood pressure or listen to your lungs with a stethoscope.
Participation in these check-ups is mandatory for all hikers—even those feeling perfectly fine—because they allow our team to detect the earliest signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). With early diagnosis and preventive measures, we help ensure proper acclimatization and a safer, more enjoyable climbing experience.
Every expedition is equipped with a satellite phone carried by your guide, ensuring constant communication even in areas without mobile coverage. In case of an emergency, the guide can immediately contact our 24/7 safety monitoring team at the Aishi Machame climbing base, guaranteeing a rapid response and support whenever needed.
Please note: The expedition satellite phone is reserved for emergency use. If you’d like to stay connected with family, friends, or colleagues during your climb, you can rent a personal satellite phone for private communication. Our travel experts will be happy to assist you with the arrangements.
At Hiking Kilimanjaro, your health and safety come first. That’s why every expedition team carries multiple medical kits, carefully stocked to handle a wide range of mountain-related conditions. Our large “camp” medical kits contain 49 different types of medicines and supplies, making them some of the most complete emergency kits available in Tanzania.
Alongside these, each guide carries a compact tactical kit equipped with essentials such as hemostatic plasters, tourniquets, painkillers, and other first-response items. This allows them to treat injuries like twisted ankles, sprains, or strained muscles immediately, even while on the move between camps.
In nearly ten years of operation, none of our kits have ever been used to their fullest extent—a testament to both our preventive measures and the preparedness of our teams. Still, we believe that being fully equipped is one of the key reasons Hiking Kilimanjaro is recognized as the safest company to climb Kilimanjaro with.
VIP Medical Support
For added peace of mind, Hiking Kilimanjaro maintains a VIP ward for our clients at KCMC Hospital, one of the leading medical facilities in the region. Should evacuation ever be required, our clients receive priority admission, personal nurse attention, and bypass standard emergency queues. In the rare case of hospitalization, hikers are cared for with daily fresh food deliveries from restaurant in Moshi, reliable Wi-Fi access, and the assistance of a dedicated company manager.
With these systems in place, you can focus fully on your climb, knowing that we are prepared for every scenario.
Every Hiking Kilimanjaro covers all mandatory park fees and charges required for hikers. These include camping and conservation fees, rescue fees, crew fees, forest fees (for certain routes), and other official payments. Together, these fees account for nearly half of the total cost of a Kilimanjaro climb, which is one reason the mountain is more expensive than other destinations.
As a transparent and law-abiding company, Hiking Kilimanjaro pays all applicable taxes in Tanzania. This includes VAT (18%), corporate income tax (30%), labor-related levies, licensing fees, and social security contributions for our fully employed team. We are proud to be among the few travel companies in Tanzania that operate with full compliance.
Importantly, these taxes directly support the local economy and community development.
When you book with Hiking Kilimanjaro, your journey is supported by a team of 200 professionals dedicated to making your adventure exceptional. Our specialists cover every detail—from reservations, transfer planning, and expeditions to customer care, logistics, and beyond. Behind the scenes, our hotel, storekeeping, and transfer teams play an equally vital role, working together seamlessly to ensure every aspect of your trip runs smoothly.
Our travel consultants are available 24/7. You can reach your manager anytime via messenger, email, phone, or whichever method you prefer. With team members working across different time zones, we’re always ready to answer your questions and provide assistance whenever you need it.
Hiking Kilimanjaro is the first adventure operator in Tanzania to develop its own travel planning software. With this system, there’s no need to send long email lists of information. Instead, you can simply complete your Personal Trip Board in the Hiking Kilimanjaro travel portal.
This easy-to-use platform allows you to share all essential details—gear rental requests, arrival and departure information, dietary preferences, insurance and passport details for permits and summit certificates. You can also use it to let us know about allergies or important medical information in advance.
Protecting your personal information is a top priority. The system is fully secured with SSL encryption provided by Cloudflare Inc, a global leader in cloud security. All transmitted data is encrypted and accessible only to authorized Hiking Kilimanjaro staff.
Unlike many other companies where communication goes through a sales manager, our system delivers your information directly to the operations team member responsible. This streamlined process minimizes the chance of errors and ensures smoother coordination for your climb.
We understand that many items you bring to Tanzania—such as suitcases, safari clothes, laptops, gadgets, and documents—won’t be needed for your Kilimanjaro climb. We recommend taking only the essentials for your expedition and leaving fragile or valuable belongings in our secure storage or safe room, completely free of charge.
Our storage facility is dry, well-ventilated, and accessible only to Hiking Kilimanjaro staff, providing a safe place for suitcases, handbags, and other non-valuable items.
For valuables such as cash, jewelry, passports, and electronics, we provide a dedicated safe room under 24/7 video surveillance and protected by armed guards. It features a fire-proof door with a 120-minute fire-resistance rating, 10-inch brick walls, and a highly sensitive alarm system.
You won’t need cash on Kilimanjaro itself, as there are no shops, vending machines, or commercial facilities within the park. The only nearby option is the small souvenir shop at Mweka Gate, where local artisans sell handicrafts. We recommend bringing no more than $100 for souvenirs on the mountain; larger selections and better prices are available in Arusha.
To deposit valuables, you will itemize your items and complete a special form. Cash is counted with a cash-counter machine, and you will receive a receipt listing everything left in our care. The process is recorded with a high-resolution camera to ensure transparency, and all records are deleted 30 days after your departure from Tanzania.
Our safe room is insured for up to $600,000. In nearly ten years of operation, we have never had an insurance claim—demonstrating the safety and reliability of our facilities.
At Hiking Kilimanjaro, we are committed to environmentally responsible trekking. Our goal is to leave Kilimanjaro cleaner than we found it after every expedition. To achieve this, we assign a dedicated team to ensure that both our climbing crew and hikers leave no waste on the mountain. This team also collects any litter left by other groups, helping maintain the mountain’s pristine condition, just as it was during the times of Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, the first Europeans to reach the summit.
We actively minimize the use of plastics during our expeditions. For example, the packaging for the first day’s lunchbox is fully compostable, while hot lunches on subsequent days use sustainable packaging sourced from Vegware, a leading UK-based provider with a strong environmental focus.
When you choose Hiking Kilimanjaro for your trip, you are directly contributing to the development of local communities around Mount Kilimanjaro. We are committed to sustainability and allocate a portion of our profits to meaningful social responsibility initiatives. Some examples include:
Firefighting on Kilimanjaro: Our guides regularly assist in controlling bushfires on the mountain slopes. With climate change increasing the risk of fires, our expedition teams were among the first responders during large fires in 2020 and 2022. Our team of 150 porters proved larger and more effective than all other crews combined.
Fair Treatment of Porters: Hiking Kilimanjaro is a member of the Tanzania Porters Organizations (TPO), which promotes fair wages, nutritious meals, and proper care for porters. Our certification reflects our commitment to these high standards.
Reforestation Efforts: In response to deforestation, we have planted trees on the foothills of Kilimanjaro and in surrounding areas, with additional reforestation projects planned for the future.
Supporting Education: We are improving the lives of students in the remote Materuni area by renovating schools, providing essential educational materials, and supplying sports equipment. This ensures a brighter future for children in the region.
Supporting Local Suppliers: We prioritize working with small, local farmers and suppliers over large agricultural companies, ensuring that our operations benefit the surrounding communities.
Hiking Kilimanjaro supports only projects that bring real, measurable impact. Each application from local NGOs or eco-activists is carefully reviewed by our board before funding is allocated.
By participating in our climbs, you are helping drive positive change in the communities around Mount Kilimanjaro. Learn more about the social responsibility initiatives you support on our website.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires personal gear such as hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking pants, thermals, and trekking poles. You can view the full list of recommended items here.
Hiking Kilimanjaro operates the only fully equipped gear rental shop on Kilimanjaro, offering everything you need for your adventure. All rental equipment comes from top brands, including The North Face, Black Diamond, RedFox, Columbia, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and more.
If you plan to rent gear, simply provide a list of the items you need through your Hiking Kilimanjaro Personal Trip Board, and we will have everything ready for you before your arrival in Tanzania.
Our group expeditions include shared accommodation, meaning you will share a hotel room and a tent with either your travel companion or a same-sex member of your group. If you prefer a private room or tent, single supplements are available for an additional charge.
Please note: single supplements are not available on the Marangu route, where overnight stays are in huts accommodating up to 20 hikers.
Travel insurance is not included in our climbing packages. All participants on Kilimanjaro and Meru hiking adventures are required to have insurance that covers trekking at altitudes up to 6,000 meters and includes helicopter evacuation.
Insurance requirements and costs vary by country, so please check with your provider to ensure coverage meets these specifications and to confirm the exact cost.
The cost of portable toilets is not included in the tour package to help reduce trip expenses. Public restrooms are available at camps along the route. However, for those who prioritize comfort, renting a portable toilet is highly recommended. Please contact our travel consultants for more details.
Note: Portable toilets are not available on the Marangu route due to Kilimanjaro National Park regulations.
