8-Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Overview

  • Tour Type:Group tour, Package tour, Private tour
  • Language:English
The 8-Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb begins on the western side of the mountain and circles around the remote northern slopes before reaching the summit. With its gradual ascent and extra acclimatization time, the Northern Circuit provides one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro.
Read more

Highlights

  • Longest and least crowded Kilimanjaro route
  • Excellent acclimatization profile
  • Trek through all major vegetation zones
  • Remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro
  • Panoramic views of Kenya and the plains below
  • Summit attempt at Uhuru Peak
  • Experienced local mountain guides and support crew

Itinerary

DAY 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

Morning pick up from Moshi and drive to Londorossi Gate.

  • Park registration and permits
  • Short transfer to trailhead
  • Trek through rainforest zone
  • Picnic lunch on the trail
  • Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp
  • Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
  • Meals: Lunch and dinner

DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Continue trekking through forest and moorland vegetation.

  • Gradual ascent with scenic views
  • Cross streams and open valleys
  • Arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon
  • Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

Trek across the Shira Plateau with wide open landscapes.

  • Easy walking day for acclimatization

  • Views of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak

  • Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 4: Shira 2 Camp – Moir Camp

Leave the main routes and head toward the northern circuit.

  • Less crowded and remote trekking

  • Gradual ascent with strong acclimatization

  • Arrive at Moir Camp

  • Overnight: Moir Camp

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 5: Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp

Continue around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.

  • Panoramic views toward Kenya

  • Quiet trekking paths

  • Overnight: Buffalo Camp

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 6: Buffalo Camp – Rongai Third Cave – School Hut

Trek toward the eastern side of the mountain.

  • Long but steady trekking day

  • Transition into alpine desert zone

  • Arrive at School Hut

  • Early dinner and rest before summit night

  • Overnight: School Hut

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 7: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Very early start for summit attempt.

  • Midnight ascent to Gilman’s Point

  • Continue to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point

  • Descend to Mweka Camp

  • Overnight: Mweka Camp

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.

  • Receive summit certificates

  • Transfer back to Moshi

  • Overnight: Hotel in Moshi or drop off

  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Includes/Excludes

  • Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
  • Park entrance and conservation fees
  • Northern Circuit Route camping fees
  • Mountain tents and sleeping mats
  • All meals during the trek
  • Drinking water throughout the climb
  • Airport and Moshi transfers
  • All government taxes and VAT
  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Optional activities not mentioned

Tour maps

Related Articles