8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Price From

$ 2,210 / Person

Tour Overview

The 8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is the longest and newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering the highest summit success rate due to its excellent acclimatization profile. It begins along the scenic Lemosho Route, passing through lush rainforest and open moorland before reaching the Shira Plateau.

From there, the trail circles the quiet northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, providing breathtaking views, fewer crowds, and a more remote trekking experience. The extended itinerary allows trekkers to adjust comfortably to altitude while enjoying Kilimanjaro’s most dramatic landscapes.

The summit is approached via Gilman’s Point, followed by a final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The descent follows the Machame route, completing an unforgettable and well-paced Kilimanjaro adventure.

Full Tour Details

Arrival & Pre-Trek Briefing

If you have booked our optional airport transfer, our team will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

In the afternoon or evening, you will attend a comprehensive pre-trek briefing at your hotel. Your guide will explain the route, safety procedures, and daily expectations. We will also check your personal equipment and assist with renting any missing gear. We strongly recommend arriving at least one day before the trek to rest and prepare.

Day 1 : Moshi Hotel – Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, you drive to Londorossi Park Gate (approx. 3 hours) for registration. From there, a 4WD vehicle transfers you to the Lemosho Glades. The trek begins through lush rainforest, where you may spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys and exotic birds, before reaching Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.

Elevation: 1,830m → 2,650m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 : Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Today the trail gradually ascends out of the forest into the heather and moorland zone. You cross several streams before climbing the Shira Ridge and descending gently onto the Shira Plateau, where Shira 1 Camp is set beside a small stream.

Elevation: 2,650m → 3,500m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 : Shira 1 Camp – Moir Camp

A relaxed hike across the Shira Plateau leads past Shira 2 Camp. The route then heads east through the stunning Garden of the Senecios, gradually entering the alpine desert zone. You officially join the Northern Circuit Trail, descending into the remote Moir Camp, offering incredible isolation and scenery.

Elevation: 3,500m → 4,200m
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland to Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 : Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp

After leaving Moir Camp, you climb steadily out of the valley. An optional acclimatization hike to Little Lent Hill (4,375m) is available. The trail then traverses the quiet northern slopes of Kibo, rising and falling gently before reaching Buffalo Camp, set beneath the dramatic northern face of Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: 4,200m → 4,020m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 : Buffalo Camp – Rongai Third Cave

You begin with a climb up Buffalo Ridge before descending to Porfu Camp for lunch. The trail continues eastward across Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes to Rongai Third Cave. By now, most trekkers feel well acclimatized, and the shorter hiking day allows for rest and recovery.

Elevation: 4,020m → 3,800m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 : Rongai Third Cave – School Hut

Today’s trek crosses the wide Saddle, a high-altitude desert lying between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. You continue southwest to School Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the overnight climb, organizing all necessary gear before sleeping.

Elevation: 3,800m → 4,800m
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 : School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp

You are awakened around 11:30 PM with hot tea and snacks before beginning the summit ascent under the stars. The climb passes Hans Meyer Cave before reaching Gilman’s Point (5,681m) at dawn. After a short rest, you continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating and taking photos, you descend past Stella Point and Barafu Camp, continuing down to Millennium Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Elevation: 4,800m → 5,895m → 3,950m
Distance: 6 km up / 11 km down
Hiking Time: 14–16 hours total
Habitat: Ice-capped summit & scree slopes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 : Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

After breakfast, you descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. Our vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.