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8 days Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering the highest summit success rate. This route goes around the quiet and remote northern side of the mountain, where very few climbers pass. It gives enough time for acclimatization, making it one of the safest and most comfortable ways to reach Uhuru Peak.
During the 8 days Northern Circuit Route, you will walk through beautiful rainforest, open moorland, alpine desert, and stunning high-altitude landscapes. The route allows a slow and steady climb, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which helps your body adjust well to altitude. You will enjoy wide views of the plains of Kenya, peaceful campsites, and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets on the mountain.
This route is perfect for climbers who want a quiet trail, better acclimatization, and a high chance of reaching the summit while enjoying the full beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Later in the day, you will meet your professional mountain guide for a full briefing about your upcoming Kilimanjaro trek. An equipment check will be conducted to ensure you have all the required mountain gear, and any missing items can be rented in Moshi.
Meals: No meals included
After breakfast, you will drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. From here, you will be driven further to the trailhead starting point. The trek begins with a gentle walk through dense rainforest toward Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp. This area is rich in wildlife, and you may spot elephants or buffalo along the trail. Dinner will be served at camp.
Distance: ~5.5 km / 3 miles
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The day starts with a steady climb through the last section of rainforest before entering the low alpine moorland zone. As you ascend, vegetation becomes thinner and views open up across the Shira Plateau. The trail is gradual and allows good acclimatization as you make your way to Shira Camp 1.
Distance: ~14 km / 9 miles
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you cross the wide Shira Plateau, stopping at Shira Camp 2 for lunch. While many climbers overnight here, the Northern Circuit continues east through the beautiful Garden of the Senecios. The landscape changes into high alpine desert as you descend slightly to the remote and quiet Moir Camp. This is a peaceful campsite with excellent acclimatization benefits.
Distance: ~14 km / 8 miles
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Zone: Low Alpine / High Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You begin the day with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. An optional acclimatization hike to Little Lent Hill (4,375m) may be taken before rejoining the main trail. The route then follows rolling terrain around the northern slopes of Kibo, offering breathtaking views toward Kenya. You will reach Buffalo Camp around midday, with time to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Distance: ~12 km / 7 miles
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Zone: High Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The trek starts with a climb up Buffalo Ridge before descending slightly to Porfu Camp for lunch. The trail then continues east across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro to Rongai Third Cave. By now, your body should be well acclimatized, and the shorter trekking day allows time to relax at camp.
Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Zone: High Alpine / Low Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you cross the Saddle, a wide alpine desert between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The steady climb leads to School Hut, the base camp for your summit attempt. After an early dinner, you will rest and prepare your gear for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Distance: ~15 km / 8 miles
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Zone: High Alpine / Glacial Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Around midnight, you begin the challenging ascent toward the summit. Passing Hans Meyer Cave and Gilman’s Point, you continue along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at sunrise. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend via Stella Point to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Millennium Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Distance: ~6 km ascent / 10.5 km descent
Trekking Time: 14–16 hours total
Zone: Glacial Zone to Rainforest Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A pleasant descent through lush rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate, where you sign out and receive your official Kilimanjaro certificate. You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and well-earned rest.
Distance: ~10 km / 6.5 miles
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Zone: Rainforest Zone
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Optional add-ons such as safari or Zanzibar beach holidays can be arranged if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast
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