8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit
OVERVIEW
The Northern Circuit is the longest and newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and spectacular views of the northern slopes. It remains one of the least crowded routes, providing a more remote wilderness experience.
This route is ideal for trekkers who enjoy extended treks in solitude, with minimal traffic from other climbers. The standard itinerary is eight days, which contributes to a high summit success rate. A nine-day extension with crater camping is also available for those seeking an extraordinary wilderness adventure on Africa’s highest volcano.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later, your guide will brief you on the trek and check your equipment to ensure you have all necessary mountain gear. Overnight at the hotel.
Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
The trek begins at Londorossi Gate (2100 m), the same starting point as the Lemosho Route. After a 2-hour drive from Moshi, you will complete park registration and proceed to the trailhead. The hike passes through lush rainforest, with occasional sightings of wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, or buffalo. Dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650 m).
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest / Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Begin trekking through the final section of rainforest before entering low alpine moorland, gradually ascending onto the Shira Plateau. This relatively short day allows for gentle acclimatization. Overnight at Shira I Camp (3600 m).
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Low alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Cross the Shira Plateau and continue to Moir Hut Camp. Today’s trek is shorter, providing an excellent acclimatization day. Enjoy lunch at Moir Hut and rest overnight.
Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 5–7 hours
Habitat: High alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Ascend out of Moir Valley with an optional detour to Little Lent Hill (4375 m). Continue along the northern slopes of Kibo, traversing inclines and descents, with stunning views of the plains stretching toward the Kenyan–Tanzanian border. Arrive at Pofu Camp (4000 m) by midday for lunch, dinner, and overnight stay.
Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Start the day climbing Buffalo Ridge, then continue east along the northern slopes to Rongai Third Cave (3800 m). The shorter trek allows for continued acclimatization. Arrive mid-afternoon for rest, dinner, and overnight.
Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 4–5 hours
Habitat: High alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
A steady incline takes you over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Continue southwest to School Hut (4800 m), where you will have an early dinner and rest before the midnight summit push.
Distance covered: 16 km
Approximate time taken: 12 hours
Habitat: Glacial zone and preceding zones
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Wake early at 5:00 am for breakfast, then begin your summit attempt around 6:00 am. Stop briefly at Hans Meyer Cave, then continue steeply toward Gilman’s Point (5681 m), arriving approximately 4–5 hours later. From Gilman’s Point, continue to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) for photos and celebration. Descend along the crater rim to Stella Point (5739 m) and then down scree slopes to Barafu Camp (4680 m) for a short break, before continuing to Millennium Camp (3950 m) for your final night on the mountain.
Distance covered: 14 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast and lunch included
Descend through dense montane rainforest to Mweka Gate (1630 m), completing park formalities and receiving your certificate: green for reaching Gilman’s Point, gold for summiting Uhuru Peak.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, or opt for an additional safari or cultural tour with Habari Adventure to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park.
Trek Pricing
Number of Travelers | Price per Person |
1 Person | 2750 USD |
2 - 4 people | 2630 USD |
5 - 9 people | 2490 USD |
10+ people | 2450 USD |
Tipping Guidelines
- Tips for porters / cooks ($10 – $15 per porter per day).
- Tips for the guides ($20 – $25 per person per day or a group amount)
Climbing Cost Includes
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after climb)
- Group transport to and from Moshi to the trail head
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
- Four season, 3 person mountain tents, double occupancy
- Sleeping pad, foam, 1.5 inches thick
- Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
- Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
- Breakfast at hotel
Climbing cost excludes
- Airfare
- Beverages at hotel
- Personal gear and equipment
- Tips
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