TANZANIA
NORTHERN CIRCUIT
KILIMANJARO
12 days
ITINERARY
8 days
TREKKING
5,895m
ALTITUDE
£3,495
PRICE FROM
The Quieter & Remote Side
- 73km
- 5,895m
- Flight Packages
- Camping
- All Permits Inc
- Food & Drink Inc
- UK Mountain Leader
- UK Medic
- Group Challenge
- Solo Friendly
- Medal & T-shirt
Visit our dedicated Kilimanjaro Challenge website
We’ve taken over 5,000 trekkers safely to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, including groups from many leading UK companies and charities. We offer a range of Kilimanjaro trek itineraries to suit all requirements, and believe that our Challenge Group trips offer the best overall trek Kilimanjaro experience – and the best value in the market. We have a dedicated Kilimanjaro Challenge website which lists all departures, trips & more.
The Challenge
Climb with Full Support
The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek is a remote and immersive way to climb, looping wide around the mountain’s northern side with extended views across the plains of Kenya. After joining from the west, the trail stays quieter as it crosses seldom‑visited slopes, giving a real sense of space and isolation. The longer itinerary helps with strong acclimatisation, and you will take in key features including Lava Tower and Shark’s Tooth before the final summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise. Fully supported throughout, it delivers a more gradual, scenic and rewarding ascent.
- Unique Kilimanjaro Climb
- 12 day trip - 8 days trekking
- Fully supported challenge
- Hotels & camps included
- Quieter northern slopes
- From rainforest to summit
- Varied Kilimanjaro scenery
- Summit via Gilman's Point
- Add on a beach break or safari
- Training guides & kit lists
Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit
Life on the trek
On an Action Challenge trip you’ll be part of a team taking on an adventure together – which is what makes the experience special! Sharing the journey & supporting each other, you’ll build friendships & create memories that last for years. Led by a UK Mountain Leader and supported by a Medic, you’re in safe hands, with expert local teams ensuring everything runs smoothly. Fully inclusive, so you can focus on your challenge and enjoy it.
An Action Challenge trip is much more than a holiday! It brings like-minded people together in fantastic landscapes, provides the best support & great hospitality, and enables the group to take on a tough & unforgettable challenge which forges new friendships, broaden horizons, and leaves you wanting more of life’s adventures!
The blueprint for Action Challenge trip is based on delivering a high quality enjoyable experience – and doing it all safely. An experienced UK Mountain Leader ensures that all aspects of the challenge run to plan – and one of our UK Medics with an expedition med kit is on-hand to look after the group’s wellbeing – enabling everyone to have the best chance of successfully competing their challenge.
We go to great lengths to ensure that we only use the best local organisations to supply the all-important ground logistics and the on-challenge support, catering, and hospitality teams – with experienced guides leading the way on the trails with their deep local knowledge and authentic style.
Like minded people with a similar sense of adventure – but often from very different backgrounds, and with a wide range of experience, ages, levels of fitness, and personal ambitions. Our trips are perfect for individuals, couples, and small groups of friends to join – and then to take on a unique challenge as part of a larger group which shapes & bonds as the adventure unfolds!
Whether its’s the hotels, restaurants & transfers before & after the main challenge – or the challenge accommodation & meals whilst out on the trails – our all inclusive packages mean that you will get a top quality experience at a great value price! Flights are generally included, but there’s a ‘land only’ option if you’d prefer to book your own – and single supplement accommodation upgrades are available.
The group comes together – takes on a tough challenge together – and then celebrates its achievements in style on the final night of the trip in a local restaurant or hotel, with medals, awards, and a maybe a bit of a party! Many of our participants make new special friends on our trips – and quite a few come back together for another challenge in the following years!
A successful challenge starts with good preparation. The better prepared you are the more confident you’ll be, and the more you’ll enjoy it! Our ‘Challenge App’ will have all the info & details of what to expect on your challenge – and how to prepare for it. We also offer unlimited free UK training walks. These one-day walks run Spring through Autumn in some of the UK’s most scenic locations, including the South Downs, Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, the Peak District, and the Lake District. They’re a great way to meet fellow trekkers before your big adventure, get to know some of our challenge leaders, and most importantly to build confidence and fitness on varied terrain.
THE ITINERARY
SWIPE TO EXPLORE
Day 1 Departure from UK
- In-flight
- In-flight meals
We will meet our group and Action Challenge staff at the airport and check in together before boarding our flight to Tanzania.
Day 2 Arrive in Kilimanjaro
- Hotel
- L D
On arrival we transfer to the hotel and meet our team of local guides. In the afternoon there is the chance to relax before the welcome briefing, and kit check. Then we enjoy an evening meal together before an early night.
Day 3 Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Camp
- B L D
- 4+ hrs
- 5km
- 2,785m
After breakfast, we leave Moshi and drive 2–3 hours to Londorossi Gate (2,100m) on Kilimanjaro’s western side. Following park registration, we continue by vehicle to the trailhead. After lunch, we begin trekking through heather and moorland towards our first camp. Reaching camp, we settle in, enjoy dinner, and take time to relax as we begin acclimatising to the altitude.
Day 4 Shira 1 Camp
- Camp
- B L D
- 5-6 hrs
- 8km
- 3,504m
Day 5 Moir Hut
- Camp
- B L D
- 5 - 7 hrs
- 10km
- 4,161m
Day 6 Buffalo Camp
- Camp
- B L D
- 6 hrs
- 9km
- 4,033m
Day 7 Rongai Third Cave
- Camp
- B L D
- 5 - 7 hrs
- 7km
- 3,936m
Day 8 School Hut
- Camp
- B L D
- 4 - 5 hrs
- 5km
- 4,750m
Today involves a steady ascent across the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi, before climbing to School Hut (4,750m), our highest camp and base for the summit. After an early dinner, we rest and hydrate, preparing kit and clothing for the night ahead. We turn in early, ready for a midnight wake‑up to begin our summit push to Uhuru Peak. You will feel a mix of nerves and electric excitement!
Day 9 Summit Day
- Camp
- B L D
- 12 - 15 hrs
- 17km
- 5,895m
Day 10 Return to Moshi
- Hotel
- B L D
- 5 - 6 hrs
- 12km
- Medal & Certificate
After breakfast, we celebrate with our incredible guides and porters before the final descent to Mweka Gate. The trail winds through lush rainforest, alive with birdsong and blue monkeys – a world away from the summit. After signing out, we transfer back to the hotel for showers and lunch. In the evening, we celebrate together, receiving medals, certificates and t‑shirts marking an unforgettable achievement.
Day 11 Departure Day
- Inflight
- B
We can enjoy a free morning either by the pool or exploring the local area before transferring to the airport for our overnight flight back to the UK. Optionally, you can extend your time in Tanzania with a memorable safari, a Zanzibar beach break (or why not both – you’ve earned it!).
FREE OPEN EVENINGS
Join us for a FREE live info session, talking you through the Climb Kilimanjaro Challenge – from the route and the service, to training, kit, fundraising advice and what it is like to summit Africa’s highest mountain with Action Challenge! You can join us live in-person, or watch an online session:
FREE OPEN EVENINGS
If you’d like to hear more about our Kilimanjaro trips, we run regular free open evenings. Join us live in-person, or online:
Dates & Prices
2028 EARLY BIRD!
- £100 OFF ALL 2028 DATES
- FREE DUFFEL WORTH £125
- UNLIMITED TRAINING WALKS
- USE CODE YOUR2028
To book a place, complete our online form, & pay your deposit. You will receive a confirmation email, which also has details of what to expect next.
Sign up for a Self Funded package to do it for yourself – or choose a Charity Fundraising option to support a good cause.
Click FULL DETAILS next to a date to view the full price breakdown, including any optional fundraising targets.
17 Feb - 28 Feb
23 Sep - 03 Oct
09 Feb - 20 Feb (HIGH SEASON)
20 Sep - 01 Oct
Our Brochure
The Challenge brochure details the full itinerary, inclusions, and more – download for a full run down of the challenge details.
FREE UK TRAINING WALKS
With any overseas challenge booking
• Average 20km distance
• Led by our UK leaders
• Do as many as you like
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Details
Full details & information about what you can expect in the lead up & during the challenge.
Signing Up to the Challenge
Once you pay your deposit & have signed up to the challenge, you will receive a confirmation email welcoming you into the challenge.
You will also receive instructions on how to download our challenge app which has in it all the information you need to start preparing for your challenge – from kit lists to training guides.
We will keep you updated with regular emails & newsletters in the lead-up to the challenge, as well as information on training days & weekends.
If you need to cancel your challenge, your deposit is non-refundable – therefore we recommend you speak to our team to see what alternative options you may have.
Yes, if for whatever reason you need to push your departure back to a later one or change your trip altogether you can do so for a date change fee of £175, subject to availability.
Currently, we do not have the accounting facility to take instalments, we can only take your payment in full at least 12 weeks before your departure.
Preparation
Yes – in our challenge app, which you can download once you are fully registered for the challenge we have a host of training materials, guides & advice for you to use.
You also have access to unlimited free UK training walks. These walks are designed to help you get and around the UK, meet fellow trekkers, and all supported by one of our experienced UK Leaders.
Our free UK training walks offer the chance to meet up with fellow trekkers and our UK crew.
Closer to the challenge we will set up a WhatsApp group so that you can meet others online who are going to be on your trip. We also have a lively & dynamic Facebook group you can join at any time to meet other fellow challengers – past & present to share and swap training tips, advice & stories.
You will need specific travel insurance, which covers the duration of your trip, along with full cover for any activities you will be doing (i.e. trekking, cycling) and to cover you up to any altitude you may be trekking to. Once you are signed up for the challenge, we will send you full details of our recommended providers of appropriate cover.
Life on the Challenge
- Fully supported 12 day group challenge
- UK qualified medic
- Full support team, including local guides
- International flights and air travel taxes
- Action Challenge trek leader
- All accommodation, twin share – hotels / tea house
- All meals with the group; including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- National Park entrance fees
- Day in Moshi ended with a celebratory dinner
- Pre event support including discounted training weekends
- Airline fuel surcharge
- Single supplement for teahouse / hotel
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Vaccinations
- Tips for local crew
- Optional extensions
- Optional training weekends
- Kit hire
Kilimanjaro is a trek, rather than a climb, and pass over well trodden trails & paths which have been formed all the way up to the top of the mountain. There are sections which are trickier than others, with rocks, boulders & scrubland – but it is a ‘trek’ rather than a climb. We recommend strong walking boots, which give you good ankle support & have good grip.
We are real foodies at Action Challenge and whilst we cannot promise a gastronomic feast on a Kilimanjaro climb, we do ensure there is plenty of food which is varied and wholesome. Breakfast is usually a hot drink with bread/ toast and spreads, porridge, eggs and sausage. Our Kilimanjaro cook team then hurries ahead of us to set up the mess tent and provide us with a hot lunch. This usually consists of a starter soup, followed by either a rice or pasta dish with meat and veggies.
On arrival into camp hot drinks and snacks are usually served before we tuck into the main event, which again is usually a hot soup starter, followed by a more substantial main than lunch, perhaps a warm winter stew, or meat and fish with lots of veggies, pasta or rice followed by a pudding or cake if it is a special occasion. We also recommend that participants pack some of their favourite snacks to enjoy throughout the day.
Whilst trekking your luggage will be transported by our local team of porters! Each morning your main luggage will be collected, organised and taken directly to the next night’s campsite. You will carry with you a backpack (approx. 30l) with all your essentials you will need with you for the day of trekking (water, snacks, layers, suncream etc.)
The pace will always be slow, steady and manageable. A slow and manageable pace is a key part of good, safe acclimatisation. Your action challenge leader, uk medic and head local guide will together decide the best pace for the group. Remember there’ll always also be time to stop and take in the views, eat a snack or change a layer.
Yes, and plenty of it!
Your challenge will be led by an experienced Action Challenge leader. Our leaders are selected for their experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, sensitivity and sense of humour, and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly.
You will also be accompanied by an Action Challenge doctor, who will be carrying a fully stocked medical kit in case of any emergency. They will carry out daily health checks, and the re-assurance of their presence should allow you to focus on, and enjoy your challenge!
We have a full support team in country with two way radio contact between the Action Challenge Head Quarters in London and local staff and satellite phone for emergencies. If for any reason you need to leave the group early local staff will assist you and will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary.
There are 2 seasons on Kilimanjaro as apposed to our typical 4. However we should prepare for all weather as mountain weather can be unpredictable.
In the first few days, we experience hot and humid weather (approx 25-30°C), which becomes colder as we approach the summit, decreasing by approximately 1°C every 200m we climb. Sun protection with high SPF is vital as the intensity of the sun’s rays increases with altitude – even when it feels cold through cloud cover or increased winds. Waterproofs are essential to ensure we’re prepared in the event of wet weather.
Jan – Mar is the first dry season on Kilimanjaro so the chance of rain is lower, although it’s likely to be colder than the rest of the year with higher chance of snow as we reach the summit.
Apr – May are the wettest months and not ideal for trekking. We do not operate treks during this time to ensure our team’s enjoyment and safety throughout the trek.
Jun – Oct offers the best chance of dry weather throughout the trek, which means it’s the most popular trekking season on the mountain.
Nov – Dec is a short season, rains begin mid November and snow-fall increases as we come into December.
Costs & Fundraising
The balance for your trip cost, will be due to us 10 weeks before your departure. You will be sent a reminder & an invoice 12 weeks before, giving you 2 weeks to make the payment.
80% of your fundraising target is due to be with your charity 12 weeks before the challenge, meaning that it either needs to be banked with them, or sat against a Just Giving page. We will then invoice your charity for the remaining cost of your place on the challenge, it is important you make that 80% target otherwise your charity will not pay for your place, and your trip could be cancelled.
The remaining 20% of your balance will be due to be with your charity 4 weeks after your trip ends.
Our base cost is on a twin share room basis, if you are signing up as a couple of two friends – you can tell us when you register onto the challenge, so we ensure that you will be sharing a room.
If you are signing up to the challenge as an individual, we will match you with someone of the same gender and roughly the same age.
You can choose to pay an additional supplement to have your own room (and/or tent) on the challenge.
All of our groups are an average size of approximately 20 participants, but can range between 12 and 30+ people. We welcome individuals, couples and groups of friends on to our challenges, and many who join us literally have a mountain to climb in terms of the scale of the challenge they are taking on. We advocate camaraderie and team bonding, and really believe that this enhances your experience. You are always welcome to check in with us on the current size of any departure you are interested in!
Yes as long as we know in advance of the trip, we can cater for all dietary requirements & requests.
Get in Touch
Reach out if you’ve a question – or if your company or charity might like to work with us – and a member of our team will get back to you.
Tel: 0203 4796584
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 17:00
Sat – Sun Closed
OUR TREKS
