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.

Arrive in Tanzania

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.

Day 1 - Lemosho Gate (2100 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650 m)

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).

Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650 m) to Shira I Camp (3600 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).

Day 3 - Shira I Camp (3600 m) to Moir Hut Camp (4200 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.

Day 4 - Moir Hut Camp (4200 m) to Pofu (Buffalo) Camp (4000 m)

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.

Day 5 - Pofu Camp (4000 m) to Rongai Third Cave Camp (3800 m)

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.

Day 6 - Rongai Third Cave Camp (3800 m) to School Hut (4800 m)

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.

Day 7 - Summit Day: School Hut (4800 m) to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) then down to Millennium Camp (3950 m)

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.

Day 8 - Millennium Camp (3950 m) to Mweka Gate (1630 m)

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.

Depart Tanzania / Other Destination in Tanzania

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

Climbing cost excludes

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