8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route

8 days Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tour Type
Private tour
Start
Arusha/Moshi
End
Arusha/Moshi
Minimum People
2+

Tour Overview:

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic trail to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering unrivaled panoramic views and the highest success rate for reaching Uhuru Peak. This extended route circles the mountain’s quiet northern slopes, away from the crowds, allowing for excellent acclimatization and a truly immersive wilderness experience.

Over 8 unforgettable days, you’ll journey through five distinct ecological zones, from lush rainforests and heather-covered hills to high alpine deserts and the glacier-capped summit of Africa’s highest mountain. You'll sleep beneath the stars at remote campsites, walk across the vast Shira Plateau, and enjoy rare views of both the Kenyan plains and Kilimanjaro’s majestic peaks.

This route is ideal for adventurers seeking a more gradual and peaceful ascent — with a better chance of summit success due to the slower pace and longer acclimatization. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a first-time climber, the Northern Circuit offers the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience.

Tour Highlights:

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha/Moshi.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m).
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,480m).
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,480m) to Moir Hut (4,170m).
Day 4: Moir Hut (4,170m) to Buffalo Camp (4,145m).
Day 5: Buffalo Camp (4,145m) to Third Cave Camp (3,936m).
Day 6: Third Cave Camp (3,936m) to School Hut (4,717m).
Day 7: Summit Day – School Hut (4,717m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then down to Millennium Camp (3,827m).
Day 8: Millennium Camp (3,827m) to Mweka Gate (1,500m) – Return to Arusha/Moshi.

• Route Duration: 8 Days on the Mountain | 10 Days Total
🗺️ Route Type: Remote Camping Trek
💪 Difficulty Level: Challenging
⛰️ Maximum Altitude: 5,895 meters (Uhuru Peak)
🎯 Ideal For: Altitude Acclimatization | Photographers | Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventurers | High Success Rate Climbers

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you to Tanzania. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in either Arusha or Moshi, depending on your preference. At a convenient time, your mountain guide will meet you for a full trek briefing and gear check to ensure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead.

❖ Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel

After breakfast, drive for approximately 3 hours to Londorossi Gate for registration. Once formalities are completed and lunch is served, begin your trek through the lush montane rainforest. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and rich flora. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Mti Mkubwa ("Big Tree") Camp for dinner and overnight rest.

📈 Elevation Gain: 650m | 🥾 Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Today's trail offers stunning transitions in landscape as you ascend out of the rainforest into the heather and moorland zone. With clear weather, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the majestic Kibo Peak. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon, where you'll relax and enjoy dinner beneath the stars.

📈 Elevation Gain: 730m | 🥾 Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

After breakfast, head deeper into the high-altitude Shira Plateau. This relatively short hike helps with acclimatization. The trail is mostly flat, and due to the open terrain, it may get windy. Arrive at Moir Hut for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, optional acclimatization hikes are available for those feeling energetic.

📈 Elevation Gain: 690m | 🥾 Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

Start your day with a gentle climb out of Moir Valley to reach the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. You’ll traverse alpine desert landscapes with sweeping views of the plains below. Expect gradual ascents and descents as you make your way to Buffalo Camp. You may see evidence of buffalo herds that occasionally roam this route.

📉 Elevation Loss: 25m | 🥾 Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Today’s hike takes you across the remote northern flank of Kilimanjaro, offering panoramic views toward Kenya. The trail gently undulates as it skirts the high alpine terrain. Arrive at Third Cave Camp in the afternoon, with time to relax and enjoy a warm meal.

📉 Elevation Loss: 209m | 🥾 Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Begin your ascent toward base camp today, hiking gradually through the arid alpine zone. The trail leads to School Hut, your final resting point before summit night. After an early lunch, rest and hydrate. In the afternoon, your guide may lead a short acclimatization hike. Prepare your gear and mindset for the midnight push to the summit.

📈 Elevation Gain: 781m | 🥾 Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Around midnight, begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. The climb is steep and slow, passing Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. As the sun rises, you'll reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro – a moment to cherish and celebrate. After summit photos and a short break, begin your descent back down to Millennium Camp via Barafu. Enjoy a hot meal and a well-deserved rest after a long, victorious day.

📈 Elevation Gain: 1,178m | 📉 Descent: 2,068m | 🥾 Hiking Time: 11–15 hours

After breakfast, begin your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be slippery, so take your time and enjoy your final moments on the mountain. At the gate, receive your summit certificate and meet your vehicle for the drive back to Moshi or Arusha. A hot lunch awaits in town, followed by a well-earned rest or onward transfer.

📉 Elevation Loss: 2,327m | 🥾 Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

No. of People	7 Days Tour (Per Person)	8 Days Tour (Per Person)
2 People	$2,739	$3,097
4 People	$2,239	$2,535
6 People	$2,057	$2,340

Inclusion &
Exclusion

All park entrance, camping, hut, and rescue fees.
All meals and filtered drinking water while on the mountain.
Camping equipment, including mountaineering, mess, and sleeping tents, tables and chairs, toilet tent, sleeping mattresses, and pillows.
Certified Wilderness First Responder guide, cook, and porter salaries and fees.
Transport to/from national park gates.
Transfers to/from the airport (all participants should arrive in one group).
First aid kit and pulse oximeter.
Portable oxygen cylinder.
Two nights’ accommodation before and after the climb.

Gratuities.
Soda and alcohol.
Health/evacuation insurance.
Visa fees.
International airfare.
Laundry.
Ascents via Crater Camp incur an additional USD 350 per person.

Important
Information

Prices are per person and do not include international flights to and from your home country.
This tour welcomes children aged 10 and above.
In case of fully booked accommodations, we will offer a suitable alternative of similar quality.