8 Days Climbing to Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
8 Days About Climbing to Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
Embark on the trail to triumph with our 8-day Kilimanjaro trek through the Northern Circuit. Traverse diverse terrains, encounter rare wildlife, and stand triumphant at the iconic summit. This journey promises a unique blend of challenge, discovery, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Welcome to the ultimate adventure on Kilimanjaro's Northern Circuit!
Travel Highlights
- Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi/Arusha
- Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi gate – Big Tree Camp
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 camp
- Day 3: Shira 1 camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut
- Day 4: Moir Hut – Buffalo camp
- Day 5: Buffalo camp – Third Cave
- Day 6: Third Cave – School Hut
- Day 7: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka camp
- Day 8: Mweka camp – Mweka gate – Back to Moshi/Arusha
Itinerary
Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate, the starting point of the Northern Circuit Route. From here, you will trek through lush rainforest, catching glimpses of exotic wildlife along the way. Arrive at Big Tree Camp, your first campsite, nestled beneath towering trees.
Destination: Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp
Accommodation: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
As you ascend, the landscape transforms into moorland, dotted with giant heather and lobelias. Trekking hours: 6-8 hours. Length: Approximately 10 kilometers. Height: 3,500 meters above sea level.
Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp
Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Today's trek takes you to Lava Tower, a striking volcanic formation offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From here, continue to Moir Hut, where you will spend the night amidst alpine desert scenery. Trekking hours: 5-7 hours. Length: Approximately 7 kilometers. Height: 4,200 meters above sea level.
Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Moir Hut Camp
Accommodation: Moir Hut Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Descend into the highland desert, where the rugged terrain is home to unique flora and fauna. Arrive at Buffalo Camp, your base for the night, surrounded by stunning vistas of the Great Barranco Valley. Trekking hours: 5-7 hours. Length: Approximately 10 kilometers. Height: 4,020 meters above sea level.
Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp
Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Continue your descent through the alpine desert, marveling at the vastness of the landscape. Arrive at Third Cave, a tranquil spot nestled amidst rocky outcrops, where you will spend the night under the starlit sky. Trekking hours: 5-7 hours. Length: Approximately 10 kilometers. Height: 3,900 meters above sea level.
Destination: Buffalo Camp To Pofu Camp
Accommodation: Third Cave Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
As you approach the summit, the air grows thinner and the landscape becomes more rugged. Arrive at School Hut, your final campsite before the summit push, and prepare for the challenge ahead. Trekking hours: 4-6 hours. Length: Approximately 5 kilometers. Height: 4,800 meters above sea level.
Destination: Third Cave Camp To School Hut Camp
Accommodation: School Hut Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Today is the day you've been waiting for – summit day! Begin your ascent in the early hours of the morning, guided by the light of the stars. Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, and savor the incredible feeling of triumph. Descend to Mweka Camp, where you will celebrate your achievement with your fellow trekkers. Trekking hours: 12-14 hours. Length: Approximately 20 kilometers. Height: 5,895 meters above sea level.
Destination: School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Mweka camp
Accommodation: Mweka Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Your adventure comes to an end as you descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, you will receive your summit certificates before bidding farewell to Kilimanjaro and returning to Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
Destination: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
What's Included
Price Includes
- Sleeping bag or bed linen
- Rescue fee
- Park fees
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
Price Excludes
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Altitude sickness is a possibility on any high-altitude trek. However, our experienced guides are trained to recognize and manage symptoms, and we include acclimatization days in our itinerary to minimize the risk.
The best time to trek Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route is during the dry seasons, typically from January to March and June to October, when the weather is most stable.
This trek is challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness. Participants should be prepared for long days of hiking at high altitude and be able to carry a backpack with personal gear.
Accommodation on the trek consists of tents, which are set up at designated campsites along the route. Tents are provided by our team and are spacious enough to accommodate two trekkers
Yes, all meals are provided during the trek, prepared by our experienced camp chefs. Meals are nutritious and designed to fuel your body for the demands of the trek.
While we provide tents and some communal gear, trekkers are responsible for bringing their own personal hiking equipment, including clothing, sleeping bags, and trekking poles.
We highly recommend trekking Kilimanjaro with a reputable guide company for safety reasons. Our experienced guides are trained in first aid and emergency procedures, ensuring a safe trekking experience.
While Kilimanjaro is not known for its wildlife, trekkers may encounter various species of birds, monkeys, and small mammals, particularly in the lower elevation rainforest sections of the route
Yes, many trekkers choose to extend their stay in Tanzania to explore other attractions such as safari parks, cultural tours, or relaxation on the beaches of Zanzibar.
Preparing for altitude involves physical conditioning, proper hydration, and gradual acclimatization. It's recommended to arrive in Tanzania a few days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
Reviews for 8 Days About Climbing to Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
By Minah Ally
Visited: August 2022
The Northern Circuit route was everything I hoped for and more. The diverse landscapes, challenging terrain, and camaraderie among fellow trekkers made for an unforgettable experience. Our guide was knowledgeable and supportive, ensuring our safety every step of the way."
By Juma John
Visited: November 2022
Standing on the summit of Kilimanjaro was a dream come true. The sense of achievement and awe at the breathtaking views made every step of the journey worth it. I couldn't have asked for a better team to share this experience with.
By Jessica W
Visited: July 2022
The Northern Circuit route provided a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro, with fewer crowds and pristine wilderness. From lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts, each day offered new surprises and challenges. Highly recommend this route for adventurous trekkers."
By James L
Visited: February 2022
Trekking Kilimanjaro was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. The Northern Circuit route was the perfect choice for those seeking adventure and solitude in the heart of Africa. I will cherish the memories of this journey forever
By Aisha K
Visited: April 2024
The professionalism and expertise of our guides made all the difference on our Kilimanjaro trek. Their knowledge of the terrain, wildlife, and weather conditions ensured a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone in our group. Can't thank them enough for their support
By Eva Paul
Visited: April 2024
I was blown away by the beauty and diversity of Kilimanjaro's landscapes. From dense rainforests to snow-capped peaks, the Northern Circuit route offered a stunning array of scenery to marvel at. Definitely a bucket-list-worthy adventure
By Calvin Jarden
Visited: February 2022
I cannot recommend this trek enough to anyone looking for a challenge and adventure. The Northern Circuit route was well-paced, allowing for proper acclimatization and enjoyment of the stunning surroundings. Plus, reaching the summit was an indescribable feeling of triumph
By Michael L
Visited: December 2023
As someone who loves the outdoors and adventure, trekking Kilimanjaro was a dream come true. The Northern Circuit route provided the perfect balance of challenge and beauty, with each day bringing new discoveries and breathtaking views. An experience I will never forget."
By Anna Kenda
Visited: February 2022
The Northern Circuit route exceeded all my expectations, from the stunning landscapes to the warm hospitality of our guides and porters. Despite the physical challenges, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit made it all worthwhile.
By Gabriela Costa
Visited: June 2023
Trekking Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit route was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. From the moment we set foot on the trail to the triumphant summit, every step of the journey was filled with wonder and awe. Highly recommend this adventure to anyone seeking an epic challenge and unforgettable memories
