9 Days / 8 Nights Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Destinations
Mti Mkubwa Camp /Shira Plateau / Moir Camp /Buffalo Camp /Rongai Third Cave / School Hut /Uhuru Peak / Mweka Camp
Style
Mountain Trekking
Total hiking distance
100 km
About this Tour
The Northern Circuit is the longest and most recent route up Kilimanjaro. The Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate due to its length. For the first two days, the route is identical to the Lemosho Route; after that, it takes a diversion to round the mountain’s east flank and its gentler northern slopes. The Northern Circuit descends along the same path as the Machame and Lemosho after reaching the top via Gilman’s Point.
Brief itinerary below
Day 0: Arrival
After breakfast and the briefing, take a three-hour journey to Londorossi Park Gate. Lemosho Glades can be reached by a woodland track that requires a 4WD vehicle. To reach the Mti Mkubwa (large tree) campground, stroll over woodland trails.
Destination
Moshi
Meals Plan
Bed & breakfast
Overnight
Panama Garden Lodge
Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and the briefing, take a three-hour journey to Londorossi Park Gate. Lemosho Glades can be reached by a woodland track that requires a 4WD vehicle. To reach the Mti Mkubwa (large tree) campground, stroll over woodland trails.
Hiking Time
2-3 hours
Distance
6km/4mi
Habitat
Montane Forest
Overnight
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
We proceed as the trail progressively steepens and enters the big heather moorland zone after breakfast. We cross a number of streams before continuing across the Shira Ridge and slowly descending to Shira 1 Camp, which is situated by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Hiking Time
4-5 hours
Distance
8km/5mi
Habitat
Moorland
Overnight
Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Following breakfast, Shira 2 camp is located on moorland meadows near a stream after a leisurely walk across the plateau. This is a great day for acclimatisation because the Plateau offers a range of hikes.
Hiking Time
4-5 hours
Distance
8km/5mi
Habitat
Moorland
Overnight
Shira Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp
This day involves a lengthy walk eastward that goes past the “Garden of the Senecios” before entering the high alpine desert region. You will hike up to Lava Tower and the famous Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters in the morning, where you will eat lunch.
You will join the Northern Circuit after lunch and descend to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This is a crucial day in your journey since it will allow you to experience high altitude and sleep at a low altitude, both of which are beneficial for acclimatisation.
Hiking Time
5-7 hours
Distance
14km/8mi
Habitat
Moorland
Overnight
Moir Camp
Day 5: Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp
We had to climb out of Moir Valley today, and it was fairly difficult. Before heading back to the Northern Circuit trail, we can choose to trek to the 4,375-meter summit of Little Lent Hill.
From this point on, the path skirts the northern slopes of Kibo before reaching Buffalo Camp via a succession of inclines and descents.
Hiking Time
5-6 hours
Distance
12km/7mi
Habitat
High Alpine
Overnight
Buffalo Camp
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
We begin the day by ascending Buffalo Ridge and descending to Porfu Camp, where lunch is typically provided. The Rongai Third Cave is reached by continuing eastward around the northern slopes. You should be fully adjusted to the altitude by now, and the walk is shorter than it was the day before. By mid-afternoon, you will reach the Third Cave.
Hiking Time
5-7 hours
Distance
8km/5mi
Habitat
High Alpine
Overnight
Porfu Camp
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
The Saddle, which is situated between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak, is steeply inclined now. The hikers then go to School Hut by heading south-west. You will be given an early dinner when you reach at School Hut, and you should then get some sleep because you will be awakened before midnight to begin your summit attempt. Before you go to bed, don’t forget to get all your equipment ready, including warm clothing, insulated water bottles, munchies, a headlamp, and a camera.
Hiking Time
4-5 hours
Distance
15km/8mi
Habitat
Alpine Desert
Overnight
School Hut
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Around 11:30, you will be awakened with hot tea and biscuits before starting the dark, hard climb up Kibo’s mountains. Hans Meyer Cave is your first checkpoint, where you will pause for a little while. As you get closer to Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which is about five to six hours after leaving School Hut, the climb gets steeper.
Enjoy the breathtaking view of Mawenzi Peak and the rising dawn for a moment, but keep in mind that you still have two hours to hike to Uhuru Peak, so muster your strength. You should reach the peak at or shortly after daybreak as you head west around the crater rim, where the slope flattens.
Since your time here will be short, take as many photos as you can of the breathtaking scenery and nearby glaciers. After that, you will walk back around the rim of the crater to Stella Point (5,739 meters), where you will turn south and descend Kibo’s severely scoured slopes to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).
Before descending to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your last night on the mountain, most hikers take a little rest here. On day eight, you will be hiking for a total of 14–16 hours, so it’s critical to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and maintain your blood sugar levels.
Hiking Time
5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Distance
6km/3.5mi up / 11km/6mi down
Habitat
Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Overnight
Millennium Camp
Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
We proceed down to the Mweka Park Gate to pick up your summit certificates after breakfast. It can be muddy and wet at lower elevations. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. It will likely be sufficient to wear shorts and t-shirts (have warmer clothes and rain gear on hand).
Our car will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate to take you back to your Moshi hotel, which will take about 60 minutes.
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Distance
10km/6mi
Habitat
Forest
INCLUDED
- All accommodations per itinerary
- All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
- All transportation and transfers per itinerary
- National Park gate fees
- Transfers Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi to starting point on mountain and return to Moshi then Kilimanjaro Airport
- Hut fees
- Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
- Salaries for all crew members
- Rescue fees (as required by national park)
- Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
- Oximeters
NOT INCLUDED
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed
- Beverages and alcohol
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
- Optional tours
- Single room supplement
- Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $200-500/person)
- Sleeping bags and personal gear
- Single Supplement $80
Eco Dream Safari
Trekking Specialist
Enquire this Tour
Why Eco Dream
- Responsible Luxury & Comfort
- Personalized Safari Experience
- Authentic Wildlife Experience
Turn Your Kilimanjaro Dream into Reality
With our Kilimanjaro trekking experiences, every climb is designed around you. You have the freedom to choose your preferred route, pace, and level of challenge. Our sample itineraries are flexible and can be fully customized to match your goals—whether you seek a steady summit approach, a scenic journey through diverse landscapes, or a deeply rewarding personal achievement on Africa’s highest peak.
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