8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

From Price

$ 2810 / person

Duration

8 Days

Tour Type

Kilimanjaro Climb

Trip Overview

The 8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is the ultimate choice for trekkers seeking the most scenic, remote, and well-paced path to the Roof of Africa. Renowned for its exceptional acclimatization profile, this route circles the quieter northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking panoramic views and fewer crowds compared to other routes. Over eight days, you’ll trek through diverse landscapes—from lush rainforest and alpine moorland to stark volcanic terrain—while enjoying gradual altitude gain that significantly increases summit success. It’s an ideal option for adventurers who value comfort, solitude, and a deeper connection with Kilimanjaro’s wild beauty.

Highlights

Best Acclimatization Route: The longer, gradual ascent around Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes greatly improves altitude adaptation and summit success rates.

Uncrowded & Remote Trails: Experience Kilimanjaro’s most peaceful route, far from the busy southern paths, with a true wilderness feel.

Stunning Panoramic Views: Enjoy rare views toward Kenya, the vast Amboseli plains, and Kilimanjaro’s dramatic northern face.

Diverse Scenic Landscapes: Trek through multiple ecological zones, from dense rainforest to alpine desert, before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

Itinerary In 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.

Elevation: 3,950m → 1,680m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Includes

Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
Fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel

Excludes

Alcohol and soft drinks
Sleeping bag
Flights
Visa fees
Tips
Personal spending money for souvenirs
Travel insurance

View Tour Map

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Jaruma Expeditions proudly maintains a perfect 5-star guest rating, a true testament to our commitment to outstanding service and memorable safari adventures. We are grateful for every traveler who chooses us to explore the wonders of Tanzania.

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