Mount Kilimanjaro
8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb · Northern Circuit
The mountain's most secluded trail, with the highest summit success rate.
What this journey holds.
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's newest and quietest route, curving around the rarely visited northern slopes for a completely different perspective of the mountain. Shorter daily hikes and a longer itinerary give it one of the best acclimatisation profiles on Kilimanjaro, and one of the highest summit success rates, while the trails stay peaceful and pristine throughout.
- Group size
- Private departure, 2–6 guests
- Vehicle
- Custom 4×4 Land Cruiser, pop-up roof
- Guide
- Licensed English-speaking driver-guide
- Pace
- Moderate, early starts, unhurried sightings
- Fitness
- Easy; no walking required
- Start / end
- Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK)
Three that we build the days around.
Nº 01
Camping beneath the cliffs of Lava Tower
Nº 02
The remote northern traverse with views toward Kenya
Nº 03
School Huts high camp, quieter than Barafu
A rhythm, not a rigid schedule.
Every day bends around the animals, the light, and how you like to travel. This is our starting shape.
- 01Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Transfer to your lodge, evening briefing, gear check and acclimatisation discussion. Overnight Lastanza Safari Lodge.
- 02Lemosho Trailhead → Big Tree Camp
2,000 m → 2,780 m, 3–4 hours through quiet western rainforest with colobus monkeys.
- 03Big Tree → Shira 1 Camp
2,780 m → 3,510 m, 5–6 hours into heather and moorland with wide plateau views.
- 04Shira 1 → Lava Tower Camp
3,510 m → 4,630 m, 5–6 hours. Your first time above 4,600 m, camping beneath the tower.
- 05Lava Tower → Buffalo Camp
4,630 m → 3,995 m, 6–7 hours. Traverse the remote northern slopes rarely seen by other climbers.
- 06Buffalo → Third Cave Camp
3,995 m → 3,930 m, 4–5 hours. A gentle, scenic day across the northern flank, ideal for acclimatisation.
- 07Third Cave → School Huts Camp
3,930 m → 4,710 m, 4–6 hours to your high camp on the northern side. Early dinner and summit briefing.
- 08Summit day → Uhuru Peak → Millennium Camp
Midnight start for Gilman's Point and Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, then down to Millennium Camp; final morning to Mweka Gate for certificates and transfer.
Nothing on the day of the shoot but the shoot itself.
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Private English-speaking mountain guide
- Porter support for carrying mountain luggage
- Private mountain cook and fresh, energy-rich meals
- Dining tent, tables and chairs for every meal
- Airport pickup and transfer
- Rescue fee coverage as per park regulations
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities (balloon safari, walking safari, cultural visits)
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Personal items, laundry and telephone charges
Tanzania, month by month.
This journey runs jan – mar · jun – oct. Here is how the year reads across the northern circuit.
Calving season in Ndutu
Peak calving, predator action
Green season, fewer vehicles
Long rains, lush and quiet
Rains ease, low season value
Dry season opens, herds move north
River crossings begin
Peak crossings, prime game viewing
Dry, concentrated wildlife
Excellent predator sightings
Short rains, dramatic skies
Herds return south to Ndutu
Photos from this trip.
Luxury Lodge
Private, tailor-made itineraries staying in Tanzania's finest lodges and camps, from around US$300 per person per day.
Explore this styleOur luxury safaris pair the most sought-after lodges and camps in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire with the personal attention of a family-run operator. Every departure is private and shaped entirely around you.
- Premium lodges and luxury tented camps
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and fridge
- Senior driver-guide chosen for your interests
- Full board, wines and soft drinks at camp
- Optional balloon safari, fly-in legs and Zanzibar extension
- All park and conservation fees, 24/7 concierge support
“Traveling to Africa for the first time felt overwhelming, but Collin made the entire planning process seamless. Ilmaasai is a family-owned business, which made the experience even more special, Christian and Loth no longer felt like tour guides, they felt like family.”
Angel S. · TripAdvisor · February 2026
From first note to first game drive.
Four steps, no pressure, and a human on the other end of every message.
01
Tell us your dates
Share travel dates, group size and what you most want to see. We reply within 24 hours.
02
We shape the route
A tailored itinerary with camp options at three price points, and honest advice on season and pacing.
03
Confirm and prepare
A 30% deposit secures camps and park permits. We send packing, camera and health notes.
04
Arrive and travel
Met at the airport, driven by your own guide, supported on the ground for the whole journey.
Before you ask.
- How many people share a vehicle?
- Every departure is private. Your party has the whole 4×4 to itself with a guaranteed window seat and pop-up roof for each guest.
- Can this itinerary be customised?
- Yes, every route here is a starting shape. We regularly extend nights, swap camps, add Zanzibar or restructure days around photography light.
- What does the price depend on?
- Season, group size and camp category. The quoted rate is a per-person guide for two travellers sharing in mid-season; we confirm exact pricing with your dates.
- What is the payment schedule?
- A 30% deposit confirms the booking, with the balance due 45 days before arrival. Bank transfer and card payments are both accepted.
- Is it suitable for children or older travellers?
- Yes. We adjust drive lengths, road transfers and lodge choices to suit families and to keep travel comfortable at any age.
- What should I pack for photography?
- A long lens (400mm+), a wide zoom, spare cards and batteries. We supply bean bags in every vehicle and can arrange charging in the field.
