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- Duration: 8 days
- Difficulty: medium
- Scenery: very Good
- success rate: High
8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route, the longest and one of the newest routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offers a unique 8-day trekking experience ideal for those seeking stunning scenery, a secluded trail, and an exhilarating challenge. Starting from the Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro’s western side, this route ascends to the breathtaking Shira Plateau before curving northwards, encircling the main summit in a clockwise direction. Hikers then merge with the Rongai route for a summit attempt from the eastern side, concluding with a descent via the southern Mweka route. This trail combines the best of Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes and solitude, offering rare views of the open northern plains, Kibo Peak, and Uhuru Summit along the way. With quiet campsites and a route less traveled, the Northern Circuit delivers an unmatched Kilimanjaro experience for those who wish to savor every vista, moment of solitude, and wildlife sighting on Africa’s highest peak.
8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
Day 0
Arrival (Pre-trek Briefing)
We recommend all trekkers to organize their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airpot. Then If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Arrive at least a day before your trek to attend a pre-trek briefing at your hotel. We will review your gear and provide any necessary equipment rentals
Day 1
Arrival
- Arrival: Pre-trek Briefing
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
Day 1
Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate. From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Day 1
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Day 1
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp
This day is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the Northern Circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.
Day 1
- Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13780ft
- Distance: 14km/8mi
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4
Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp
Today, we encountered a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. We can do an optional hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft
- Distance: 12km/7mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: High Alpine
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5
Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
We start the day with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimated to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Climbing Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: High Alpine
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6
Third Cave to School Hut
Today involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut. After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.
Day 1
- Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft
- Distance: 15km/8mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 7
School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut.
Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise.
Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).
Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3950m/12,959ft
- Distance: 6km/3.5mi up / 11km/6mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 8
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Day 1
- Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Inclusions and Exclusion
The price includes:-
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
- Quality mountain tent and Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
The price Excludes:-
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Solo
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
7+ pax
USD 2664
USD 2464
USD 2360
USD 2348
USD 2340
USD 2335
USD 2331
Price per person Sharing
SOLO
2 PAX
3 PAX
4 PAX
5 PAX
6 PAX
7 PAX +
USD 2664
USD 2464
USD 2360
USD 2348
USD 2340
USD 2335
USD 2331
Facts to know before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a 19,340-foot (5,895-meter) mountain, has three peaks and popular trekking routes. Climbers traverse diverse climate zones over 6–9 days, depending on the route. The first successful ascent was in 1889 by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, also requiring an average fitness level.
Trekking Distance
Long Route 98 KM | Short Route 62 KM
Kilimanjaro Three Peaks
Kibo | Mawenzi | Shira
Climate Zones
Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic
First Climb
1889, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller
Required Skills
Average fitness level
Kilimanjaro Routes
Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Marangu, Umbwe
Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths
5-9 days depend on Routes
The 8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is an extended trek that takes climbers around the scenic northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering panoramic views and a unique wilderness experience. This route provides ample time for acclimatization, increasing summit success rates. Trekkers will traverse diverse landscapes, including rainforests, alpine meadows, and lunar-like landscapes near the summit.
The Northern Circuit Route is considered moderately challenging due to its extended length, but the longer itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. This route is ideal for climbers who prefer a less crowded path with scenic views, suitable for both beginners with moderate fitness levels and experienced climbers.
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The best time to hike the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is during the dry seasons, from January to early March and June to October. These months provide stable weather conditions, clearer skies, and optimal visibility, enhancing the overall trekking experience
The Northern Circuit Route offers a unique trekking experience with stunning views on the remote northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is less crowded than popular routes like the Machame or Marangu, providing trekkers with a more peaceful, wilderness-oriented adventure. Climbers also experience diverse landscapes and maximize their chances of summiting successfully due to the gradual acclimatization schedule.
Packing essentials for the 8 Days Northern Circuit Route include layered clothing for varying temperatures, a sleeping bag rated for cold weather, trekking poles, hydration packs, and essential high-energy snacks. Proper hiking boots, sun protection, a headlamp, and waterproof gear are crucial for safety and comfort on this challenging but rewarding route.
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