Northern Circuit + Safari Combo
9-Day Northern Circuit Climb + 5-Day Safari (All 5 Northern Parks)
$3,833 per person
Save $202 — combo discount subject to availability
9 days on the mountain
Crater Camp experience
5 days on safari
All 5 northern parks
Save
$202 per person
The Northern Circuit Route
9 days climbing — the only route that circuits the entire northern face of Kilimanjaro
Duration
9 Days
Summit Rate
~97%
Difficulty
Moderate–Hard
Crowds
Very Low
The Northern Circuit is the most complete route on Kilimanjaro — the only path that circles the entire northern face of the mountain, visiting areas no other trekkers see. It joins the Lemosho approach for the first several days, then diverges at Barranco Camp to swing north, camp inside the crater, and descend via the Mweka Route.
The highlight — and the reason this route commands a premium — is Crater Camp. At ~5,500m, you will be camping in the Kilimanjaro crater itself, next to the Furtwangler Glacier, in what is almost certainly the highest campsite in Africa.
Nine days on the mountain means the best possible acclimatisation profile. Your body has more time to adjust to altitude before the summit push. This is the route we recommend for guests who have the time and want to do the mountain properly.
Day by Day — Mountain
Arrival in Arusha
Meet our team at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to your Arusha hotel. Full briefing with your Northern Circuit guide — kit check, route overview, altitude health talk, and dinner with the crew.
Lemosho Gate → Mti Mkulwa (Big Tree Camp)
drive to Lemosho Gate. Registration and first day through lush rainforest. Arrive at Big Tree Camp (~2,800m). Gentle start — this is the beginning of the most complete circuit on Kilimanjaro.
Big Tree Camp → Shira Camp 1
Continue through heather and moorland. The Shira Plateau opens up on your left — a vast volcanic plain at 3,600m. Arrive at Shira Camp 1 by early afternoon.
Shira Camp 1 → Shira Cathedral → Barranco Camp
Cross the Shira Plateau to Shira Cathedral — the most distinctive geological feature on the Lemosho approach. Then descend to Barranco Valley and climb to Barranco Camp (~3,900m). This is the junction where the Northern Circuit diverges from the standard Lemosho route.
Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
Climb the Barranco Wall (300m of graduated scrambling — no technical gear needed). Descend into Karanga Valley and climb to Karanga Camp (~4,000m). Acclimatisation continues.
Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
Short hike to Barafu Camp (~4,600m). Rest through midday. Early dinner and sleep before the midnight summit push.
Summit Day → Crater Camp
Midnight departure for Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Descend to the crater rim, then continue to the unique Crater Camp (~5,500m) — the only legal camping option inside the Kilimanjaro crater. A once-in-a-lifetime night at altitude.
Crater Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha
Morning at Crater Camp — walk to the Furtwangler Glacier, explore the ash pit. Descend via the Mweka Route through forest to Mweka Gate. Transfer to Arusha. Rest night.
Rest and Recover in Arusha
Full rest day in Arusha — sleep in, recover, process the achievement. Optional: spa, town visit, or just the pool. Your guides will join you for a full trip debrief over dinner.
The Safari Extension
5 days — all five northern circuit parks in a single safari
Safari Days
5 Days
Parks
5 Parks
Safari Style
Private
Vehicle
Land Cruiser
Arusha → Tarangire
Depart for Tarangire. This park is often called Tanzania's most underrated — massive elephant herds, ancient baobabs, and a quieter atmosphere than the Serengeti. Full day game drive.
Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro
Morning game drive in Tarangire, then drive to Lake Manyara for a game drive in this compact, bird-rich park. Flamingos on the lake, lions in the trees. Afternoon transfer to Ngorongoro — evening at your rim lodge.
Ngorongoro Crater
Full day on the crater floor. Hippos in the pool, lions on the hunt, flamingos on the soda lake, and a real chance of black rhino. This is the most concentrated wildlife viewing experience in Africa. Lunch at a scenic picnic site.
Serengeti (Central)
Enter the Serengeti via Naabi Hill Gate. Position yourself in the central Serengeti — home to resident lion prides, leopards in the acacia trees, and the dramatic wildlife density the park is famous for. Afternoon game drive to your camp.
Serengeti Full Day → Northern Serengeti
Full day game drive — your guide will read the wildlife movements and position you accordingly. Afternoon drive north toward the Mara River if the migration is in the northern corridor.
Northern Serengeti → Arusha
Morning game drive in the northern corridor — the best area for witnessing wildebeest crossings during the migration season (roughly June–October). Lunch en route to the Serengeti airstrip for an optional scenic flight back to Arusha, or drive back directly.
Departure
Transfer to JRO for your international departure. Trip ends.
What's Included
The Complete Tanzania Experience
No other Tanzania trip combines this level of mountain and safari experience. Nine days on the Northern Circuit — including Crater Camp — followed by five days in all five northern parks. This is not a packaged itinerary; it is the trip that guests with specific goals and sufficient time come to Tanzania for.
Combo Saving vs Separate Operators
$202 per person
On top of the seamless logistics of a single operator
Want to understand the Northern Circuit Route in more detail?
Northern Circuit Route Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Northern Circuit more expensive than other routes?
The Northern Circuit is longer — 9 days on the mountain versus 6–7 for Machame or Marangu — and it requires a Crater Camp permit, which is limited and costs more. The premium is justified by the significantly higher summit success rate (~97%), the best acclimatisation profile of any Kili route, and the unique experience of camping inside the crater at 5,500m.
Can I do the Northern Circuit if I have no mountaineering experience?
Yes — the Northern Circuit requires no technical climbing skills. The Barranco Wall involves some easy scrambling but no ropes or climbing equipment. What it does require is solid fitness, mental preparation for 9 consecutive days at altitude, and a willingness to hike slowly for proper acclimatisation.
What happens if I cannot continue after summiting?
If you summit Uhuru Peak but cannot continue the safari due to injury or exhaustion, we will get you to a clinic in Arusha and reschedule the safari portion. If rescheduling is not possible within your trip window, we will refund the unused safari portion. Our WhatsApp line is active 24/7 during your trip.
Is the safari after the climb too physical?
Most clients feel fully recovered within 24–48 hours of descending from Kili. Day 9 of this itinerary is a full rest day in Arusha before the safari starts on Day 10, giving your body time to recover. Game drives in Land Cruisers are not strenuous.
What is the best time of year for this combo?
January–February offers the clearest skies and driest mountain conditions. July–October coincides with the Great Migration in the northern Serengeti. April–May is the green season — fewer crowds, lower prices, newborn wildlife, and excellent photography.
Ready to Plan the Northern Circuit + Safari?
Tell us your travel dates and group size. We will confirm availability, discuss the route in detail, and send a full quote. No pressure.
Enquire via WhatsAppOr email us at travel@safarikilimanjaro.com