8 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Code: NORTHERN-8D
8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS
Category:
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Tour Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro's longest, newest, and most scenic trail, delivering a near-full 360-degree circumnavigation of the mountain with virtually no other trekkers on the remote northern slopes. This 8-day itinerary provides outstanding acclimatization through gradual pacing and extended time at altitude, resulting in one of the highest summit success rates (typically 90–95%+ on well-supported trips) while immersing you in untouched wilderness and dramatic landscapes.

Starting on the western side like Lemosho, the route crosses the vast Shira Plateau, then veers north to circle clockwise around Kibo via quiet valleys and ridges, before summiting from the east and descending south — offering endless panoramic views, solitude, and a true sense of adventure.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION Moshi or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania
DEPARTURE TIME Morning briefing and transfer to the gate after hotel pickup
INCLUDED
Airport transfers Camping accommodation (tents)
All park fees & rescue fees Professional guides & porters
3 meals per day on trek Portable oxygen & comprehensive first aid
NOT INCLUDED
International flights Crew tips (recommended)
Personal climbing equipment rental Travel insurance & Tanzanian visa

Premium camping with private toilet tents, thick sleeping mats, and spacious mess tents supports this epic, crowd-free journey — the ultimate choice for those seeking maximum scenery, peace, and summit probability.

1

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780m)

Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then trek through lush montane rainforest to the first camp under the big tree.

  • Hiking time: 3–4 hours
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Elevation gain: 680 m
  • Habitat: Rainforest

2

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)

Steep ascent out of forest onto the expansive Shira Plateau with open moorland and first views of Kibo.

  • Hiking time: 6–8 hours
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Elevation gain: 720 m
  • Habitat: Moorland

3

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Moir Camp (4,200m)

Gentle traverse across the plateau, then head north into remote valleys toward Moir Hut in alpine desert.

  • Hiking time: 6–8 hours
  • Distance: 14 km
  • Elevation gain: 700 m
  • Habitat: Moorland/Alpine desert

4

Day 4: Moir Camp (4,200m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

Moderate climb out of Moir Valley, optional detour to Lent Hill summit, then undulating path around northern slopes with vast plains views.

  • Hiking time: 5–7 hours
  • Distance: 8–10 km
  • Elevation change: Slight net loss
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

5

Day 5: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) to Third Cave (3,900m) or similar northern camp

Continue circling the northern circuit through quiet valleys and ridges with dramatic 360-degree scenery.

  • Hiking time: 5–7 hours
  • Distance: 10–12 km
  • Elevation change: Gradual
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

6

Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut / Kibo Hut (4,703m)

Cross the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, steady climb to high camp with summit views.

  • Hiking time: 4–6 hours
  • Distance: 8–10 km
  • Elevation gain: 800 m
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

7

Day 7: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Midnight summit push via Gilman's Point for sunrise, then long descent to Mweka Camp.

  • Hiking time: 7–9 hours ascent, 5–7 hours descent
  • Distance: 6 km ascent, 15–20 km descent
  • Elevation gain/loss: 1,192 m up, 2,600 m down

8

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Transfer to Moshi

Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive summit certificates and transfer back to Moshi.

  • Hiking time: 3–5 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Elevation loss: 1,460 m

1 review for 8 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climb

  1. physcode – :

    The Northern Circuit's 360 views and total solitude made this the most epic and peaceful Kilimanjaro adventure!

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