8 Days Northern Circuit Route – Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure

Price

On Request

Best time

All year round

Trip Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is renowned for offering one of the most comprehensive and beautiful experiences on Mount Kilimanjaro. It presents nearly 360 degrees of stunning scenery, including the rarely explored northern slopes. Being the longest route, the Northern Circuit provides ample time for acclimatization, contributing to a higher rate of summit success. This makes the route highly recommended for those seeking an exceptional Kilimanjaro adventure.

Trip Gallery

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Destinations

Moshi, Londorossi Gate, Mti Mkubwa, Shira Plateau, Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, Rongai Third Cave, School Hut, Uhuru Peak, Millennium Camp, Mweka Gate

What to expect

Experience 360° views of the mountain, traverse untouched northern slopes, and enjoy unmatched acclimatization, Expect serene solitude

Day by day description

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, a 4-star bed and breakfast in Moshi. Here, your head guide will provide a detailed briefing, perform a gear check, and help arrange any necessary rentals. Enjoy a relaxing evening, dinner, and rest before your adventure begins.

Accommodation

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Altitude: 2,100 m to 2,785 m
Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

The trek begins at Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side. After registration, a short drive takes you to the trailhead, where you start hiking through lush rainforest alive with birds and monkeys. The gradual ascent leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp, surrounded by dense vegetation. Dinner and your first night under the forest canopy await.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Altitude: 2,785 m to 3,504 m
Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest / Moorland

Leaving the forest behind, the trail ascends into the moorland zone, where giant heathers and wildflowers line the path. Expansive views open up toward the Shira Plateau. As you climb higher, enjoy the tranquility and fresh mountain air before arriving at Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

Altitude: 3,504 m to 4,161 m
Hiking Time: 5 – 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert

Today’s trek crosses the vast Shira Plateau and passes through the Garden of the Senecios. You’ll stop for lunch near the Lava Tower at 4,600 m, an important acclimatization point. From here, descend slightly to Moir Hut, a quiet and scenic campsite at the base of a ridge. The day’s “climb high, sleep low” pattern aids your adjustment to altitude.

Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Altitude: 4,161 m to 4,033 m
Hiking Time: 5 – 7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Zone

The morning starts with a short but steep climb out of the Moir Valley, followed by a series of gentle ups and downs across the northern slopes. Enjoy sweeping views of Kenya’s plains as you trek in peaceful isolation. You’ll arrive at Buffalo Camp in the afternoon for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave

Altitude: 4,033 m to 3,936 m
Hiking Time: 5 – 7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Zone

Today’s route traverses Buffalo Ridge and heads east toward the remote northern side of Kilimanjaro. Lunch is served at Pofu Camp before continuing to Rongai Third Cave. The peaceful environment and gradual elevation changes make this one of the most enjoyable trekking days.

Day 6: Rongai Third Cave to School Hut

Altitude: 3,936 m to 4,800 m
Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

A gradual climb leads across the Saddle, a wide, barren expanse separating Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape here feels otherworldly. You’ll reach School Hut by early afternoon, where you’ll enjoy an early dinner and prepare your gear for the midnight summit push.

Day 7: School Hut to Uhuru Peak, then Descend to Millennium Camp

Altitude: 4,800 m to 5,895 m (summit), down to 3,950 m
Hiking Time: 10 – 15 hours
Habitat: Glacial Zone / All Preceding Zones

The most challenging and rewarding day begins around midnight. Ascend steadily by headlamp up steep switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) before following the crater rim to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. Witness a glorious sunrise before descending to Millennium Camp for a hot meal and well-deserved rest.

Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate, Return to Moshi

Altitude: 3,950 m to 1,640 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast and a farewell ceremony with your mountain crew, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be steep and muddy, so trekking poles are helpful. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates before returning to Moshi. Enjoy a refreshing shower, delicious dinner, and celebration at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel.