8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking via Northern Circuit Route
Included in This Tour
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Route Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and one of the most scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It approaches the mountain from the western side via the Lemosho Route before circling the remote northern slopes, offering unmatched panoramic views, excellent acclimatization, and a peaceful trekking experience away from the busier southern trails.
This route passes through all four ecological zones of Mount Kilimanjaro from lush montane rainforest and heathland to alpine desert and the arctic summit zone. Trekkers enjoy breathtaking scenery, dramatic volcanic landscapes, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and uninterrupted views of both Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks.
Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit Route is the ideal choice for trekkers seeking the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience. Its remote trails, diverse landscapes, excellent acclimatization, and low visitor numbers make it one of the mountain’s most rewarding routes.The combination of wilderness, breathtaking scenery, and a gradual ascent offers one of the highest chances of reaching the summit successfully while enjoying every stage of the journey.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional mountain guide and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, the gateway to Africa’s highest mountain.
Depending on your arrival time, relax at the hotel or explore Moshi’s vibrant streets, local markets, coffee plantations, or cultural attractions. In the evening, meet your lead guide for a comprehensive briefing covering the Northern Circuit Route, altitude safety, daily trekking schedule, equipment inspection, weather conditions, and emergency procedures.
Moshi Highlights
- Gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro
- Coffee plantations and local culture
- Comfortable hotel accommodation
- Professional trek briefing
- Complete equipment inspection
Arrival Experience
Enjoy a relaxing evening as you prepare for one of Africa’s most spectacular trekking adventures.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
After breakfast, depart Moshi for a scenic drive to the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park at Londorossi Gate. Complete registration formalities before continuing by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead.
Your trek begins through ancient montane rainforest, home to towering trees, moss-covered vegetation, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and numerous bird species. The trail gradually climbs to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) where you will enjoy your first dinner beneath the mountain skies.
Route Highlights
- Scenic drive to Londorossi Gate
- Kilimanjaro National Park registration
- Rainforest trekking
- Wildlife viewing
- First mountain campsite
Elevation: 2,100m to 2,820m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Leave the rainforest behind as the landscape opens into heath and moorland. Trek across the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the world’s highest volcanic plateaus, surrounded by giant lobelias and everlasting flowers.
Throughout the day, enjoy uninterrupted views of Kibo Peak, Mount Meru, and the surrounding plains. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, an excellent location for acclimatization.
Route Highlights
- Cross the Shira Plateau
- Giant alpine vegetation
- Panoramic mountain views
- Excellent acclimatization
Elevation: 2,820m to 3,850m
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Distance: Approximately 16 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Today’s trek follows the important acclimatization strategy of “climb high, sleep low.” Ascend gradually to the impressive Lava Tower, a towering volcanic rock formation standing at 4,630 metres. After lunch and a short rest, continue around the quieter northern side of the mountain.
The trail traverses remote alpine desert landscapes before reaching Buffalo Camp, where spectacular sunset views stretch across northern Tanzania and southern Kenya.
Route Highlights
- Visit Lava Tower
- Alpine desert trekking
- Northern Circuit begins
- Remote wilderness scenery
- Exceptional acclimatization
Elevation: 3,850m → 4,630m → 4,020m
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) – Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
Continue around Kilimanjaro’s peaceful northern slopes, an area rarely visited compared to the southern routes. The trail offers magnificent views across Kenya’s Amboseli plains and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
The gradual descent and rolling terrain provide valuable acclimatization while conserving energy for the summit climb ahead.
Route Highlights
- Trek along Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes
- Spectacular views into Kenya
- Quiet and uncrowded trails
- Excellent acclimatization
Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Third Cave Camp (3,870m) – School Hut (4,800m)
Today’s ascent leads steadily towards School Hut, the final base camp before the summit attempt. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly barren, with dramatic volcanic formations surrounding Kibo Peak.
Arrive in the early afternoon to enjoy lunch, hydrate, organize your summit gear, and rest before an early dinner. Your guide will provide a final summit briefing before you retire for a few hours of sleep ahead of the midnight ascent.
Route Highlights
- Final approach to base camp
- Stunning alpine desert scenery
- Summit preparation
- Safety and equipment briefing
Elevation: 3,870m to 4,800m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: School Hut (4,800m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Your summit attempt begins shortly after midnight under a canopy of stars. Climb slowly and steadily to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) before continuing along the crater rim to Stella Point (5,756m) and finally Uhuru Peak (5,895m) the highest point in Africa.
Watch the sunrise illuminate the glaciers, crater, and endless African plains before beginning your descent to Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments. Continue through alpine desert and moorland to Mweka Camp, where your mountain crew will welcome you with a well-deserved hot meal and a chance to celebrate your achievement.
Route Highlights
- Midnight summit attempt
- Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
- Sunrise from the Roof of Africa
- View Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and crater
- Celebrate your summit achievement
- Descend to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,800m → 5,895m → 3,100m
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Distance: Approximately 18 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi
After breakfast, enjoy your final descent through lush montane rainforest filled with giant ferns, towering trees, and colorful birdlife. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, receive your official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate before meeting your driver for the transfer back to Moshi.
Celebrate your remarkable achievement with a hot shower, a well earned meal, and memories of an unforgettable journey around Africa’s highest mountain.
Route Highlights
- Scenic rainforest descent
- Receive official summit certificate
- Transfer back to Moshi
- End of your Kilimanjaro adventure
Congratulations on successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the spectacular Northern Circuit Route. From ancient rainforest and volcanic plateaus to the remote northern slopes and the summit of Africa, this extraordinary journey showcases the very best of Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty and adventure.
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Package Includes
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi)
- Professional, English speaking, licensed mountain guide(s)
- Dedicated mountain cook
- Porters to carry camping equipment and luggage
- Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping, rescue, and conservation fees
- All meals on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Daily health monitoring, including pulse oximeter checks
- Summit certificate upon successful completion of the climb
Package Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania tourist visa fees
- Travel and mountain evacuation insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, snacks, beverages, etc.)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Additional hotel nights before or after the trek unless specified
