For discerning travellers who seek more than the ordinary trek, our private expedition on the Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route offers an extraordinary blend of solitude, alpine grandeur and personalised luxury. This is a journey not just to the “roof of Africa,” but around its vast northern slopes in an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Why the Northern Circuit?
The Northern Circuit route is the longest and one of the most remote of Kilimanjaro’s trekking options. It begins on the western flanks via the Londorossi Gate/Lemosho Gate approach, then veers northwards to circle the mountain’s less-visited slopes before reaching summit via the east side and descending on the familiar Mweka Route.
Because this route takes more days than the standard climbs and keeps you away from the more frequented southern corridors, you will enjoy better acclimatisation, higher summit success rates, and the kind of quiet wilderness that true mountaineering dreams are made of.
Private Expedition – What That Means
When we talk "private", we mean your group alone — no shared tents with strangers, your pace, your summit plan. We tailor logistics to your preferences: luxury tenting, gourmet mountain meals, customised rest days, personalised photographic support, and exclusive transport. All this wrapped around one of the world’s greatest natural monuments.
Itinerary at a Glance
Here is a typical itinerary we custom-design for private clients (9 days on mountain plus arrival/departure logistics):
- Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha – briefing, gear check, lodge stay.
- Day 2: Drive to Londorossi Gate – trek through rainforest to Big Tree Camp (≈ 2,650 m).
- Day 3: Trek to Shira Ridge/Plateau (≈ 3,500 m) with sweeping views of the western flank.
- Day 4: Shira Ridge to Moir Hut (≈ 4,175 m) – entering the rarely visited northern corridor.
- Day 5: Moir Hut to Third Cave or Buffalo Camp (≈ 3,935–4,150 m) – traverse through silence and alpine desert.
- Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut (≈ 4,715 m) – final camp before summit push.
- Day 7: Midnight or early morning summit attempt to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and descent to Mweka Camp (≈ 3,080 m).
- Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – descent to Moshi with certificate.
- Day 9: Departure day – rest, celebrations, transfer to airport.
Benefits of the Longer Route
Because the Northern Circuit covers more ground and supplies an extra rest day, your body has more time to adjust to altitude. This “slow ascent” strategy helps reduce the risk of AMS (acute mountain sickness) and increases chances of a successful summit.
From a scenic perspective, the Northern Circuit literally gives you 360-degree views: you traverse the Shira Plateau, roam the remote northern slopes, skirt the jagged spires of the Mawenzi Peak, and arrive on the east side of Kibo in time for the dawn push to Uhuru Peak.
Luxury & Personalisation
In our private expeditions, we pair this remote route with elevated comfort: spacious two-person tents, high-end sleeping kits, personalized chef-prepared meals, and spare day options to explore glacier views or relax in camp. It’s luxury with purpose — the wilderness, not the glitz, remains the focus.
When to Go
The best months for trekking Kilimanjaro are generally January–March and June–October. For the Northern Circuit and private departures, availability is high in the “shoulder” months where crowds are fewer and weather remains excellent. We recommend booking 6-12 months out for the private slots.
Preparing Yourself
Training for a Kilimanjaro ascent matters. We advise a mix of cardiovascular conditioning, longer hikes with heavy packs, and at least one multi-day trek above 3,000 m if possible. Equally important: gear. Technical layered clothing, trekking poles, gaiters, and a lightweight headlamp will make a difference. One climber on the Northern Circuit shared:
“The trail was so quiet that I was one of only two groups at Pofu Camp … the crew left me in peace once tents pitched — it was perfect for rest and reflection.”
Safety & Ethical Climbing
As part of our commitment to responsible travel, we strictly partner with guides certified by the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) which ensures fair treatment of porters, proper rest days, and ethical wages.
On the Northern Circuit the remoteness means we carry extra safety gear: oxygen cylinders, satellite communication, trained medic-guides and contingency plans for evacuation if required. The longer route adds both acclimatisation and margin for safety.
What You’ll See & Experience
– Rainforest, giant heather moorland, alpine desert, glacier vistas.
– Panorama across Kenya’s plains on the northern side.
– Silence, solitude, spectacular dawns on Kibo’s rim, rare campsites with minimal other
climbers.
Sample Private Expedition Inclusions
- All park entry & rescue fees for Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Private group of your choosing – family, friends, business cohort.
- All-inclusive gear, tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, etc.
- Chef-cooked mountain cuisine (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options available).
- Pre- and post-trek luxury lodge stays in Moshi/Arusha, transfers, briefing.
- Premium support: guides, assistant guides, porters (KPAP-certified), medic equipment.
- Flexible rest days and optional extensions – photography focus, cultural visits, safari add-ons.
Why Choose This Over Typical Routes
While popular routes like the Machame or Marangu see more foot traffic, the Northern Circuit remains quiet. That means fewer queues, more wilderness, and more true immersion in mountain life. The extended itinerary and remoteness also translate into higher summit success rates — a meaningful metric for serious mountaineers.
Cost Considerations
Private expeditions incur higher cost than standard shared-group treks, owing to exclusive service and flexibility. Depending on group size, route length and luxurious inclusions, expect investment in the region of USD 3,000+ per person for an 8-day variant.
Your Next Step
If this private Northern Circuit expedition resonates with you — whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer seeking a new challenge or a luxury traveller wanting mountains beyond the usual safari hills — reach out to our Kalis Safari concierge. We’ll map your arrival, gear check, tailoring of dates, pre-trek logistics, and after-summit celebration into one seamless journey.
From the lush rainforest canopy of Londorossi, through the wild stillness of the Shira Plateau, up the remote northern slopes and finally to the sunrise on Uhuru Peak — this is not just a climb. It is nature magnified. It is mountain time. It is you, at the top of Africa, in your own moment.
Conclusion
The Northern Circuit route of Mount Kilimanjaro delivers on every promise: remoteness, beauty, success, and experience. When combined with private expedition standards, it becomes something rare indeed — a mountain journey designed around you, not around crowds. At Kalis Safari, we invite you to take that journey. To stand on the roof of Africa, quietly, confidently, and privately.
Let the mountain speak. We’ll listen — and guide you there.
Reserve Your Private Northern Circuit Expedition