Tanzania Climb Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route Trekking Tour

Our exceptional trek offers an immersive, expert-led journey up the longest and most remote route on Kilimanjaro—the only one that allows you to see all four sides of the mountain. Circling the mountain's quiet northern slopes, this expedition provides unparalleled acclimatization and an incredibly high summit success rate. From pristine cloud forests to a rare high-altitude overnight at Crater Camp, every detail supports your mountain victory.

Unrivaled Summit Success: We have been guiding treks on Kilimanjaro since 1974 and maintain a 98% summit success rate, which is the highest on the mountain.

The Grand Traverse: This 12-day itinerary includes nine days on the mountain, circling the untouched northern and eastern slopes where crowd levels remain exceptionally low.

Optimal Acclimatization Structure: Our route features two extra nights of acclimatization at our private camp at 6,440 feet on Mount Meru's slopes and a unique overnight at Crater Camp at 18,800 feet. Resting here means your final dawn summit bid requires just a short 540-foot ascent, completely sparing you from the typical, grueling 4,000-foot midnight climb faced by teams launching from lower staging camps.

Unmatched Trail Support: Guests trek with an exceptional guide-to-client ratio of one licensed, Wilderness First Responder-certified guide for every three guests, backed by at least five porters per person.

Ethical Porter Commitment: As active members of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, we ensure fair treatment, ethical wage standards, and strict load limits for our dedicated mountain crew.

We schedule our trips in June to perfectly coordinate with the prime dry season on Kilimanjaro's northern slopes. This timing offers favorable trekking conditions, though the mountain features its own highly variable weather system, making a multi-layered clothing system essential as you traverse dramatically different ecological zones and shifting temperatures across the expedition.

June - Northern Dry Season: This exclusive travel window takes advantage of the dry season on the northern slopes, offering clear skies in the bush and daytime temperatures between 7,500 feet and 12,000 feet ranging from the 30s°F to 60s°F.

The standard minimum age for this trip is 18. This itinerary is designed with adult travelers in mind, based on daily activity levels, accommodations, and overall group experience. Families or groups with children as young as 17 should check out our private departures .

This ultimate challenge rating reflects the demanding combination of high-altitude trekking and multi-day expedition camping. Guests must navigate steep, rugged terrain at extreme elevations. This requires excellent physical conditioning, cardiovascular endurance, and overall preparedness to handle prolonged exertion across consecutive active days.

Extreme Altitude Environment: The trek ascends into very high and extreme altitude zones, reaching a maximum elevation of 19,341 feet at Uhuru Peak where oxygen levels drop significantly.

Sustained Daily Hiking: Hiking times range between 6 and 10 hours per day.

Massive Elevation Gain and Loss: This itinerary features nearly 12,000 vertical feet of ascent and over 13,000 vertical feet of descent.

Rugged Alpine Terrain: Hikers encounter varied terrain that requires surefootedness, including loose volcanic gravel, steep scree, ice fields, and slippery surfaces, and ancient lava flows across the Shira Plateau.

Weather Exposure: Mountain conditions are highly unpredictable with a likelihood of severe wind chill and extreme nighttime temperatures that regularly drop below 0°F at high camps, along with potential year-round snowfall.

We design our three distinct paths up Kilimanjaro to offer varying balances of time, scenery, and solitude, though all share our exceptional safety standards and expert guiding. Here is how they compare across key logistics:

Machame Route: Known as the "Classic Climb," this is a 10-day total itinerary with eight days spent on the mountain. It enters from the southeast slope via the Machame Gate at 5,380 feet. On arrival day, guests are provided a transfer directly from JRO airport to our private Itikoni Camp at 6,440 feet for two nights of acclimatization before heading to the Machame gate to begin the trek. This route was made popular by the renowned Kilimanjaro IMAX film and includes the exhilarating Breakfast/Barranco Wall scramble on Day 6. It is the shortest of our Kilimanjaro offerings while still providing considerable acclimatization time.

Lemosho Route: Celebrated as our "Scenic Western Traverse," this 11-day itinerary provides eight days on the mountain. It begins with a picturesque traverse of the Shira Plateau, starting at a higher elevation of 7,545 feet for a gentler early ascent through pristine forest. To help guests adjust from international flights, it builds in a recovery night at a comfortable lodge on arrival day and adds a game drive in Arusha National Park on Day 2. It offers a gentler approach in the early days of the ascent towards the summit while still having the same number of days on the mountain and acclimatization time.

Northern Circuit: This "Grand Traverse" is our most remote and longest itinerary, spanning 12 days total with nine days on the mountain. It shares the western forest entry with Lemosho at 7,545 feet then breaks away to circumnavigate the mountain's more remote northern and eastern slopes. You will find fewer trekkers along this lesser-trodden route. It bypasses the Breakfast/Barranco Wall entirely to trace a 360-degree loop over an incredible alpine desert landscape. Like Lemosho, it includes an arrival recovery night at a comfortable lodge and a game drive. It provides an extra day of acclimatization as it allows more time to reach the summit and is the only route that gives trekkers unparalleled views of all four sides of the mountain.

Yes. Guests seeking an unforgettable trekking experience with MT Sobek to the summit of Kilimanjaro in a shorter total timeframe might consider our 11-day Lemosho Route Trekking Tour or our 10-day Machame Route Trekking Tour .

With over five decades of heritage, MT Sobek provides an unmatched foundation of safety and mountain expertise:

A Founding Mountain Legacy: We are the pioneers of adventure travel. Leading commercial treks on Kilimanjaro since 1974, we are among the first operators responsible for opening this historic peak to our guests.

The High Success Rate: Our carefully crafted Kilimanjaro experiences include ample acclimatization before and during the trek. This contributes to achieving an incredible 98% summit success rate—while keeping your safety as our number one priority—compared to compressed 6-day routes that fail 50% to 60% of the time.

Our Decisive Crater Camp Advantage: Virtually no other operator utilizes Crater Camp (18,800') as a standard overnight stop. By eliminating the exhausting midnight summit slog from below, our guests enjoy stunning panoramic sunset views at camp, and a much shorter ascent to the summit the following morning, in time for sunrise.

Rigorous In-Field Safety Protocols: Our expert guide teams carry advanced safety gear on every single departure, including portable hyperbaric chambers, supplemental oxygen cylinders, and satellite phones. We also perform mandatory pulse oximetry checks to record your blood oxygen saturation at every camp, every morning and evening.

Unrivaled Guide Tenure: Our local guides are true career professionals who are recertified annually in Wilderness First Response (WFR) and Wilderness First Aid (WFA). Our senior leaders have guided with us for 10 to 20+ years, each personally commanding well over 100 to 200 successful summit bids.

Ethical Porter Advocacy: We are long-standing partners of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). We guarantee top-tier fair wages, clean mountain clothing, and healthy meals, ensuring your crew is treated with genuine dignity. MT Sobek holds a bi-annual meeting with all porters and KPAP staff to evaluate our performance and porter care standards. Due to strict porter welfare regulations, your trekking duffel can weigh at most 28 pounds (or a maximum of 36 pounds including the porter's outer carry bag, provided sleeping bag, and pad).

Once your reservation with MT Sobek is finalized, we'll notify you of your trip's status. After your departure is confirmed to operate, flights and travel arrangements may be purchased. While we can often confirm departures in advance, some decisions may be finalized closer to final payment.

We strongly advise checking directly with your Adventure Coordinator before purchasing any non-refundable air arrangements. For expert assistance with your flight plans, we recommend reaching out to Exito Travel at 800-655-4053 or via email at [email protected] .

Once your booking is finalized with MT Sobek and your trip has been confirmed to operate, flights may be purchased. If you are unsure of the status of your trip, be sure to check with your Adventure Coordinator prior to booking non-refundable flights.

Arrival: Plan your flight to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) after 8:00 pm on Day 1, keeping in mind that our complimentary group transfer is scheduled to meet the KLM flight from Amsterdam arriving at 8:00 pm or 8:45 pm (depending on the season).

Departure: You can schedule your departing flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) after 7:00 pm on Day 12 of the itinerary, coinciding with our complimentary evening group transfer that connects with the KLM flight to Amsterdam departing at 9:05 pm or 9:50 pm (depending on the season).

If you plan to arrive early or extend your stay in the region, we can book additional nights for you at either our camp in Arusha National Park or at KIA Lodge, as well as extra activities. Please note that you will need to arrange a private transfer. Our Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Safari Extension is a great way to extend your trip post-climb, if you are considering spending more time in Africa. Your Adventure Coordinator can share current pricing, availability, and tailored lodging options.

A valid passport is required to enter Tanzania. Most countries require that passports be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your trip and contain at least one blank page for entry stamps.

US citizens need a visa to enter Tanzania. Non-citizens should consult their local embassy or consulate to confirm current entry requirements. The current fee for US citizens is $100 for a 12-month multiple-entry tourist visa, which can be obtained on arrival or in advance.

If you choose to get your visa on arrival, the payment must be made in cash using exact change with new, clean, crisp US dollar bills (larger denominations preferred) that have no tears or markings, preferably issued after 2016. This airport process involves passing through three separate queues to obtain a government control number, pay the fee, and have the visa issued, which typically takes 1 to 2 hours.

Alternatively, you can apply for an Electronic Visa ( eVisa ) online in advance. Please note that eVisas can take between 2 to 6 weeks to issue, though travelers with eVisas generally move through immigration more quickly than those obtaining visas on arrival. Your Adventure Coordinator will provide visa application details.

This is an exceptionally demanding Level 5 expedition designed for experienced hikers with strong cardio endurance, who have trained for this trek. The itinerary requires navigating up to 8 miles per day on rugged mountain trails, with daily trekking times typically ranging from 6 to 10 hours at high elevation.

Extreme Elevation Demands: Trekking occurs entirely at high altitude starting at 7,545 feet with a continuous ascent to the summit at an altitude of 19,341 feet, where the air is thin and conditions are more challenging.

Sustained Endurance Required: The climb features roughly 12,000 vertical feet of ascent and over 13,000 feet of descent, including multiple days with 2,000 to 3,500 feet of gain in a single day, and including a rapid 8,800-foot descent on Day 11.

Challenging Footing and Terrain: Hikers must cross varied alpine desert and volcanic terrain, navigating loose volcanic gravel, steep scree, ice fields, slippery surfaces, and ancient lava flows across the Shira Plateau.

Wilderness Camping: Guests face consecutive days of backcountry activity with two nights of comfortable camping and eight nights of rustic camping at high altitude, meaning your body must be thoroughly conditioned to recover overnight without standard hotel amenities.

Participants must be experienced hikers who have been training for this trek. Because this is an ultimate challenge Level 5 expedition featuring ten nights of remote high-altitude camping, having previous outdoor camping experience is also strongly recommended. Guests must arrive in excellent physical and mental condition, fully prepared for a challenging trek in mountain environments that can be very unpredictable.

Preparing for this ultimate challenge requires a minimum six-month training program focused on building exceptional cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. Training must emphasize back-to-back active days and weighted-pack outdoor hiking to simulate mountain conditions, ensuring your joints and muscles are fully prepared for the extensive vertical climbs and descents.

Dedicated Timeline: Begin your customized training routine at least 6 months before your scheduled departure date.

Aerobic Consistency: Commit to steady cardio workouts 3 to 5 times each week, maintaining each session for 40 to 60 minutes at a target heart rate of 65% to 90% of your maximum capacity.

Weekly Endurance Hikes: Complete a full-day outdoor trail hike at least once a week, and as you get closer to your trip try to work in a few multiple-day hikes to simulate the back-to-back days of hiking on the trip.

Weighted Pack Progression: Hike using the daypack you plan to wear on the trek filled with the essentials you would normally carry (layers, water, snacks, etc.). Add weight starting with 5 pounds (can be bags of rice) and increasing it in 2- to 3-pound increments up to 20 pounds.

Downhill Muscle Focus: Prioritize explicit downhill training to prepare your knees and joints for the rapid 13,000-vertical-foot descent over two days. If you don’t have access to hills, you can carry some weight in your backpack and train on a Stairmaster or take the stairs.

Yes, we can accommodate many common restrictions like vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets on this trip with advance notice. Let us know about your dietary restrictions and food allergies as soon as possible, so we can coordinate with guides, hotels, and restaurants. Please also list these on your Participant Information Form.

While our talented mountain culinary teams are adept at creating a variety of tailored alternatives, please recognize that cooking in remote, high-altitude backcountry camps introduces real regional and equipment limitations. If you have highly critical or life-threatening food allergies—such as severe airborne or contact reactions to nuts or wheat—please flag this directly for our team right away so we can establish safety protocols well before you arrive in Tanzania.

Yes, a limited number of single rooms are available on this trip. About a third of our travelers go solo, and single room inventory often books up quickly! You can find more information on solo traveler options here .

Packing appropriately for Kilimanjaro means focusing on a layering system that accommodates dramatic temperature shifts, from warm tropical sun to extreme sub-zero cold. Essential trail gear includes moisture-wicking synthetic or wool thermal base layers (no cotton), a warm synthetic-fill insulation jacket, a high-quality waterproof/breathable rain jacket with a hood, and waterproof rain pants. You will also need robust mountain gloves, a warm beanie, high-altitude glacier sunglasses, a reliable headlamp with spare batteries, and a personal medical kit. A complete, highly detailed packing list will be provided.

Tanzania has completely banned plastic bags. Do not pack plastic bags, or you may be subject to fines and/or additional punishment. The ban technically includes grocery bags, Ziploc, and duty-free bags, and while you can pass through TSA security when departing the US, we advise you avoid packing them entirely. Re-usable cloth or silicon bags or stuff sacks are recommended. Many airports require you to place your 3-oz. liquids in a small plastic bag to pass through security and these bags are permitted in Tanzania, but they should NOT be discarded in Tanzania —be sure to take them home with you.

Clothing with camouflage-style patterns should be avoided, as camouflage is not permitted for civilians in Tanzania; only the national military and anti-poaching units are allowed to wear camouflage print. The restriction applies not only to clothing, but also to bags and other gear.

Knee-length gaiters and collapsible trekking poles are essential items; poles provide critical balance on loose scree and significantly reduce structural strain on your knees and joints during the over 13,000-vertical-foot descent. A heavyweight sleeping bag (rated to -20°F), a Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad, and hard mountaineering helmets for the summit will be provided. In snowy conditions, our guides are quite adept at cutting steps through the snow with ice axes so you can traverse. Careful movement is safer than using crampons, unless you are experienced using them. We do not carry crampons or ice cleats on the climb for guests. If you would like to bring your own lightweight set of ice cleats, such as MICROspikes, feel free to do so.

You should bring a high-quality daypack with a practical capacity of 30 to 35 liters, ideally equipped with a supportive hip belt and sternum straps to distribute weight comfortably across your torso. Because you will not have access to your main luggage during the day, your daypack needs to contain your daily drinking water (two 1- to 2-liter bottles or a hydration system), trail snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, camera, and trekking poles. You must also keep an extra insulating warm layer, a beanie, gloves, waterproof rain pants, and your rain jacket in your pack at all times, as alpine weather can shift dramatically within minutes.

Guests should plan to bring one main piece of luggage and a daypack. For your trek on the mountain, your main gear must be packed into a soft-sided duffel bag with no wheels and no hard frames so that it can be safely and comfortably carried by our porter team. Due to strict porter welfare regulations, your trekking duffel can weigh at most 28 pounds (or a maximum of 36 pounds including the porter's outer carry bag, provided sleeping bag, and pad). We are proud members of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, ensuring ethical treatment for our mountain crew. Any additional personal luggage not needed on the mountain can be left securely behind at the base lodge.

Regardless of the month you depart, a high-quality waterproof rain jacket and wind-resistant layers are required at all times due to Kilimanjaro's unpredictable weather. You may encounter snow on the ground so we recommend bringing knee-length gaiters.

Snowfall is possible at higher elevations year-round. On the June climbs there may be heavier snowpack on the ground. In snowy conditions, our guides are quite adept at cutting steps through the snow with ice axes so you can traverse it. Careful movement is safer than crampons when you are not experienced. We do not carry crampons or ice cleats on the climb for guests. If you would like to bring your own lightweight set of ice cleats, such as MICROspikes, feel free to do so. Prior to your trip you should practice putting them on and walking around in them a few times to ensure a snug and secure fit, as having one fall off while hiking can be dangerous. If you’re not experienced with using cleats but decide to bring them, you should advise your guides at the beginning of your trip so they can give you a briefing before they’re needed.

Yes, you can absolutely rent gear for your adventure. Your sleeping bag (synthetic, rated to -20°F) and a Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad are already included in your trip cost. Additional mountain equipment is available for rental and payable directly in Tanzania in cash only.

Please contact your Adventure Coordinator in advance for pricing and to arrange your rentals so that we can ensure your chosen gear and sizing selection are on hand. Your guide will deliver these items directly to you at your camp or hotel on your arrival in Tanzania. When packing, remember to leave extra space and weight in your duffel for any rented items. Finally, be sure to factor this cost into your cash budget, as the outfitter providing the gear does not accept credit card payments.

Gear available for rent:

GORE-TEX WINDRAIN SHELL
Rain jacket
Rain pants

WARM UPPER BODY LAYER
Lightweight crew, long sleeve
Mid-weight zip, long sleeve
Fleece jacket

WARM LOWER BODY LAYER
Mid-weight pants
Fleece sweatpants

ACCESSORIES
Hiking poles
Gloves
Balaclava
Gaiters
Backpack
Water bottle

Kilimanjaro controls its own complex weather system, creating massive temperature and climate shifts across different elevations. While the lower plains remain pleasantly warm, conditions transition rapidly into arctic environments as you ascend, making high-quality waterproof rain protection and an adaptable layering system absolutely essential for safety and trail comfort year-round.

June: Lower slopes feature daytime temperatures in the 30s to 60s°F, while the lower bush remains clear in the 70s and 80s°F, with mountain nights regularly dropping to 10°F.

High-Altitude Alpine Zone: Camps situated above 12,000 feet experience severe wind chills and sub-zero nighttime temperatures that frequently plummet well below 0°F, regardless of the month.

Uhuru Peak Summit Conditions: The highest peak reaches the mid-40s°F during full daytime sun, but evening temperatures routinely plunge between -5 and 20°F with potential year-round snowfall.

Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance can help cover trip cancellations or interruptions, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel delays, and other unexpected situations. We offer travel insurance with Arch RoamRight and will be happy to provide you with a quote. Please see our Travel Resources page for more information.

On an ultimate challenge expedition to extreme altitudes, comprehensive protection is an essential safety net. Because you will be traveling through remote wilderness areas where specialized hospital facilities are far away and field evacuations can be prolonged, complicated, and very costly, having dedicated emergency medical evacuation coverage provides profound peace of mind.

A signed Physician Certificate is required for all guests on this trip regardless of age, experience and physical fitness. You will also need to discuss your fitness and preparedness for the trip with MT Sobek. You must be mentally and physically prepared to meet the demands of this challenging trip.

Your Adventure Coordinator will provide the required certificate form for you to bring when you meet with your physician. This appointment is an opportunity to thoroughly review your overall health, discuss your multi-month cardio training regimen, evaluate how your body handles extreme altitude stress, and obtain any necessary personal altitude or travel medications.

Trekking at very high altitudes (14,000 to 18,000') and extreme altitudes (18,000' +) introduces severe environmental challenges. Predicting an individual's physical performance at these levels of altitude is difficult. Because lung and heart capacity naturally decrease with age while blood vessels narrow, travelers over the age of 60 should be exceptionally fit, exercise regularly, and possess prior altitude experience before attempting treks above 16,000 feet.

Please review these critical health and medical guidelines before booking:

Cognitive and Physiological Risks: At extreme elevations, limited oxygen can cause forgetfulness, slight confusion, and impaired judgment. Unmanaged altitude sickness can escalate into life-threatening conditions: High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), which causes fluid accumulation in the lungs and suffocating breathlessness even at rest, or High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which causes brain swelling, severe confusion, lack of coordination, and altered behavior.

Absolute Medical Contraindications: Due to safety risks in a group environment, the following conditions are considered absolute contraindications for trekking at these elevations:

Congestive heart failure or troublesome cardiac dysrhythmias
Angina brought on by exertion
Emphysema or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Insulin-dependent diabetes
Sleep apnea or pulmonary hypertension
Thromboembolic problems or sickle cell disease
Serious psychiatric problems

Relative Medical Contraindications: The following conditions require a transparent, serious discussion with your physician to fully understand the risks before participating:

Prior cardiac bypass surgery
Cold or exercise-induced asthma
Adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes
Anemia, polycythemia, or obesity
Chronic migraines or recurrent pneumothorax
Nasal polyps
Pregnancy

Medication Review: Many common prescriptions can increase your risk profiles at extreme elevations. Ensure your doctor reviews any use of diuretics (which risk dehydration and low potassium), birth control pills or estrogen (which increase thromboembolism risks), and beta-blockers (which decrease exercise capacity).

Pre-Trip Screening Recommendations: An extreme altitude trekker requires optimal red blood cell counts, clear lungs, a strong heart, healthy kidneys, and well-controlled blood pressure. A resting electrocardiogram (EKG) is often inadequate to evaluate your cardiopulmonary function under stress. An exercise "stress" test is strongly suggested for anyone with cardiac risk factors, a history of heart disease, or any traveler over 50 who does not perform regular, sustained aerobic activity.

On-Trail Support: To manage these elevated risks, our expert guiding teams are fully equipped with safety gear, including supplemental oxygen and a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC).

Climbing Kilimanjaro presents significant environmental and physiological challenges that require serious preparation. The primary risk is the extreme altitude up to 19,341 feet; thin air and lower atmospheric pressure can cause Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), resulting in headaches or nausea, and can escalate to dangerous conditions like HAPE or HACE if ignored. You will also face rugged alpine footing over steep volcanic gravel and scree, intense equatorial sun exposure, severe wind chills plummeting below 0F at night, and insect-borne risks like malaria in the lower bush. We mitigate these risks through a meticulously paced 12-day itinerary that prioritizes gradual acclimatization, a high guide ratio for close health monitoring, and complete emergency equipment. Personally, you can help mitigate these challenges by following a strict six-month cardio program, hydrating constantly, protecting your skin, and alerting your guide the moment you feel early symptoms.

Check with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information on recommended immunizations, and/or your local travel clinic or healthcare provider for health concerns at your destination.

Daily wellness on the mountain relies heavily on proactive self-care and open communication. To protect your digestive health, only drink bottled or filtered water when at hotels (including when brushing your teeth). Prevent dehydration in the thin, dry air by drinking extra water constantly, and protect your skin by reapplying high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm frequently. Protect yourself from insects in the bush by applying a DEET repellent and wearing long sleeves at dawn and dusk. Because trails can be incredibly dusty, contact lens wearers should bring spare glasses, and anyone sensitive to dust should use a buff or bandana. Finally, check your feet daily to treat hot spots early with moleskin, and report any early signs of altitude sickness—such as headaches or nausea—to your guide immediately.

This trip is typically staffed with at least one guide for every three guests, creating an exceptionally supportive environment for your high-altitude objective. This high ratio ensures close health monitoring. An extensive crew of support staff—including a minimum of five porters per person—is also utilized to manage all camp logistics and gear transfers seamlessly.

Yes, exceptional trip extensions are available for this itinerary! If you are planning to arrive early or stay late independently, your Adventure Coordinator can help you think through timing and logistics.

We offer customizable pre-climb options featuring extra hotel nights and targeted local activities based out of either an Arusha-area lodge or our permanent camp in Arusha National Park. We also offer an incredible post-climb safari extension, Tanzania Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Safari Extension, as well as a Zanzibar Beach Escape Extension. Please contact your Adventure Coordinator directly for current pricing and booking availability.