The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro and has the highest summit success rate. Foot Slopes quote 98%. You start at Londorossi Gate on the western side and climb through montane forest to the Shira Plateau. You then cross by Lava Tower to Moir Hut and circle the remote, little-walked northern slopes, past Buffalo Camp and Rongai Third Cave, to School Hut on the Saddle.

Summit night goes via Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), timed to reach the crater rim around sunrise. You then descend the Mweka route through Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate. The slow, steady gain in height gives your body the best possible chance to acclimatise, and the northern side is far quieter than the main southern trails.

The trek is led by licensed, English-speaking local mountain guides with a chef and porters. Park and rescue fees, camping equipment, meals and mineral water, all transport, and a night at the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha at each end are included.

What's included

Airport pick-up and drop-off, and all transport; All Kilimanjaro park entrance fees; Rescue fees; Professional English-speaking mountain guide and chef; Porterage; Meals according to the itinerary (full board on the mountain); Mineral water every day; Camping equipment (tent, mess table and chairs); Hotel nights at the Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha, before and after the trek; All activities in the itinerary; Government taxes and 18% VAT

What's not included

International and internal flights; Travel insurance; Visa fees; Personal items and souvenirs; Personal trekking equipment; Tips for the crew (suggested from USD 15 per person per day for the guide, USD 10 for porters and USD 15 for the chef)