8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit Route
- Northern Circuit Route
Trekking Overview
The Northern Circuit is the newest, longest, and least traveled route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers climbers a unique experience with breathtaking scenery, excellent acclimatization, and the opportunity to circumnavigate the mountain from west to north. This route provides spectacular panoramic views, a variety of ecosystems, and a higher summit success rate due to its gradual ascent profile. Over eight days, trekkers will traverse rainforests, moorlands, high alpine desert, and glacial zones, culminating in a sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak.
The following itinerary provides a detailed day-by-day guide to your Kilimanjaro climb, including distances, trekking times, altitude gains, and what to expect at each camp.
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Moshi Town
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our friendly driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your trekking guide, who will provide a detailed briefing about the trek, including safety tips, route overview, and a gear check to ensure everything is in order. Any essential equipment may be rented today. This day is designed to help you acclimatize and prepare mentally for your adventure.
- Meals: Not included
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Day 2: Moshi – Londorossi Gate (2,100m) – Start Point (2,360m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate in the west. Registration with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate. From there, you will be driven to the trailhead for a short trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m). The trail passes through lush rainforest, and you may spot wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and Colobus monkeys along the way.
- Distance: ~5.5 km / 3 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610m)
The trek continues upward through the rainforest and opens onto the Shira Plateau. You will reach Shira Camp 1 (3,610m), located in the moorlands. The ascent today is moderate and provides stunning views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields.
- Distance: ~7 km / 4.3 miles
- Trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Zone: Rainforest to Low Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,610m) to Moir Camp (4,200m)
Cross the Shira Plateau and continue east, passing the Garden of the Senecios before entering the high alpine desert zone. The trail descends slightly as you approach Moir Camp (4,200m), offering excellent acclimatization and magnificent views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks.
- Distance: ~14 km / 8 miles
- Trekking time: 6-8 hours
- Zone: Low Alpine to High Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Moir Camp (4,200m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
After a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley, trekkers have the option to take a detour to summit Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for panoramic views. The trail then descends and traverses the northern slopes of Kibo, leading to Buffalo Camp (4,020m). Enjoy the sweeping vistas across the plains of northern Tanzania.
- Distance: ~12 km / 7 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: High Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800m)
Begin the day with a climb along the Buffalo Ridge, then descend into Porfu Camp for lunch. The trek continues east along the northern slopes, arriving at Rongai Third Cave Camp (3,800m) in the afternoon. This day is slightly shorter, allowing your body to continue acclimatizing.
- Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: High Alpine Zone to Low Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Rongai Third Cave (3,800m) to School Hut (4,800m)
A steady climb over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi takes you to School Hut (4,800m). This is the last camp before the summit attempt. Dinner is served early, and trekkers are advised to prepare gear, clothing, and headlamps for the midnight ascent.
- Distance: ~15 km / 8 miles
- Trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Zone: High Alpine Zone / Glacial Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 8: School Hut (4,800m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Millennium Camp (3,950m)
Start around 11:30 PM with tea and biscuits. The climb is steep, passing Hans Meyer Cave and Gilman’s Point before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise. After photos and acclimatization, descend via the crater rim to Barafu Camp (4,680m) for a short rest, then continue to Millennium Camp (3,950m) for the night.
- Distance: ~6 km ascent + 10.5 km descent
- Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent + 4-6 hours descent
- Zone: Glacial Zone and preceding zones
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 9: Millennium Camp (3,950m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Departure & Optional Excursions
The final day is a descent through the dense montane rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Sign out with park authorities and collect your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate (green for Gilman’s Point, gold for Uhuru Peak). Tips for guides and porters are customary. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
- Distance: ~10 km / 6.5 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 10: Departure and Optional Excursions
On your final day, we ensure your adventure concludes smoothly and memorably. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will provide a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport. For guests with extra time before departure, optional activities can be arranged, including cultural experiences, wildlife visits, scenic nature excursions, or relaxing opportunities. Extended stays can include safaris or beach holidays to continue your Tanzanian adventure.
- Meals: Not included
Inclusions (What’s included in your Kilimanjaro adventure)
We ensure you are fully supported throughout your trek. Your package includes:
- Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Transport to/from Londorossi Gate
- National Park entry fees, camping fees, and applicable crater fees
- Rescue fees and emergency support
- Accommodation on the mountain in 4-season tents
- Double-layered sleeping mats (10 cm thick)
- Experienced guides, cooks, and porters
- Three nutritious meals per day while trekking
- Continuous access to treated and filtered drinking water
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for all crew, approved by KINAPA and KIATO
- Government taxes
- Portable oxygen tanks, oximeter, and first-aid equipment
- Portable flush toilet facilities on the mountain
- Official Kilimanjaro climbing summit certificate
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
Exclusions (What you’ll need to arrange yourself)
To ensure clarity, these items are not included in your trek package:
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Accommodation in Moshi before or after the trek (2 nights)
- Comprehensive travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal trekking equipment such as trekking poles, and other personal gear
- Personal items and toiletries
- Optional excursions, souvenirs, or extra activities outside the itinerary
- For clients arriving at Arusha Airport, an additional $50 for extended transfer
- Gratuities for the mountain crew – Recommended tipping guidelines are $20 per guide, $15 per cook, and $10 per porter per day per group.
Route Quote
|
Group size
|
1 Pax
|
2 – 3 Pax
|
4 -5 Pax
|
6 -7 Pax
|
8 - 9 Pax
|
10 Pax & Above
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Quote per person
|
$2420
|
$2191
|
$2108
|
$2070
|
$2063
|
$2049
|
Related Tours
- Mount Kilimanjaro
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
- Mount Kilimanjaro
6 Days Lemosho Route
- Mount Kilimanjaro
6 Days Machame Route
- Mount Kilimanjaro
