10 Days Tour – 8 Day Trek Northern Circuit Route
Northern Circuit Route Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering an exceptional trekking experience with the highest acclimatization success rate of all routes. Approaching the mountain from the remote northern side near the Kenyan border, this route is ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter trail, outstanding landscapes, and the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
This route begins from the Lemosho side and traverses around the rarely visited northern slopes of the mountain before joining the Rongai route near Kibo. The extended duration allows the body to adapt gradually to altitude, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness while increasing summit success rates.
Along the journey, trekkers pass through diverse ecosystems ranging from lush rainforest and heathland to alpine desert and glacial zones. The Northern Circuit is renowned for its panoramic views of the Shira Plateau, sweeping valleys, and breathtaking northern perspectives of Kilimanjaro that few climbers ever see.
With fewer crowds, longer acclimatization time, and unmatched scenery, the Northern Circuit Route is considered the most rewarding and comfortable way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is highly recommended for trekkers who prioritize safety, success, and a truly immersive mountain adventure.
Day 1 – Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. The rest of the day is at leisure for rest, briefing, and final equipment checks in preparation for your climb.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Moshi to Shira Camp 1
After breakfast, transfer to Londorossi Gate for registration before driving to the trailhead. Begin your hike through rainforest and moorland to reach Shira Camp 1, your first night on the mountain.
Accommodation: Shira Camp 1 (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Continue trekking across the Shira Plateau with panoramic views of Kibo Peak. The day is dedicated to gentle acclimatization as you move to Shira Camp 2.
Accommodation: Shira Camp 2 (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Shira Camp 2 to Moir Hut Camp
A scenic hike leads you toward the remote Moir Hut area. This quieter section of the route offers excellent acclimatization opportunities and stunning alpine landscapes.
Accommodation: Moir Hut Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Traverse the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro with wide open views and fewer crowds. The trail leads you to Buffalo Camp, offering a peaceful overnight stay.
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Today’s hike continues across the remote northern circuit as you gradually ascend toward Third Cave Camp. The pace remains steady for proper acclimatization.
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Third Cave Camp to School Hut
A shorter but steeper climb brings you to School Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. Rest early and prepare for the midnight ascent.
Accommodation: School Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Summit Day to Millennium Camp
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point. After celebrating at the summit, descend past School Hut and continue down to Millennium Camp for overnight.
Accommodation: Millennium Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 – Millennium Camp to Moshi
Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate where you receive your summit certificates. Transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and well-earned rest.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 – Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your unforgettable Northern Circuit Route adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- 1 Adult: USD 4,701 per person
- 2 Adults: USD 3,636 per person
- 3 Adults: USD 3,275 per person
- 4 Adults: USD 3,130 per person
- 5 Adults: USD 3,085 per person
- 6 Adults: USD 2,986 per person
- 7 Adults: USD 2,924 per person
- 8 Adults: USD 2,858 per person
Day 1 – Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. The rest of the day is at leisure for rest, briefing, and final equipment checks in preparation for your climb.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Moshi to Shira Camp 1
After breakfast, transfer to Londorossi Gate for registration before driving to the trailhead. Begin your hike through rainforest and moorland to reach Shira Camp 1, your first night on the mountain.
Accommodation: Shira Camp 1 (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Continue trekking across the Shira Plateau with panoramic views of Kibo Peak. The day is dedicated to gentle acclimatization as you move to Shira Camp 2.
Accommodation: Shira Camp 2 (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Shira Camp 2 to Moir Hut Camp
A scenic hike leads you toward the remote Moir Hut area. This quieter section of the route offers excellent acclimatization opportunities and stunning alpine landscapes.
Accommodation: Moir Hut Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Traverse the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro with wide open views and fewer crowds. The trail leads you to Buffalo Camp, offering a peaceful overnight stay.
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Today’s hike continues across the remote northern circuit as you gradually ascend toward Third Cave Camp. The pace remains steady for proper acclimatization.
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Third Cave Camp to School Hut
A shorter but steeper climb brings you to School Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. Rest early and prepare for the midnight ascent.
Accommodation: School Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Summit Day to Millennium Camp
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point. After celebrating at the summit, descend past School Hut and continue down to Millennium Camp for overnight.
Accommodation: Millennium Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 – Millennium Camp to Moshi
Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate where you receive your summit certificates. Transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and well-earned rest.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 – Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your unforgettable Northern Circuit Route adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- 1 Adult: USD 9,710 per person
- 2 Adults: USD 6,779 per person
- 3 Adults: USD 6,198 per person
- 4 Adults: USD 6,000 per person
- 5 Adults: USD 5,886 per person
- 6 Adults: USD 5,783 per person
- 7 Adults: USD 5,471 per person
- 8 Adults: USD 5,322 per person
BOOK THIS TREK
Price Inclusions
- Transfers to and from the mountain and your hotel in Moshi
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, as well as park fees
- High-quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (shared)
- Sleeping mattress
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- All meals during your trek
- Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
- Generous portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (included in park fees)
- Camping or hut fees (included in park fees)
- Rescue fees (included in park fees)
- VAT (18% as mandated by the government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Price Inclusions
- Tanzania visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel accommodation (optional add-on)
- Transfers (optional add-on)
- Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing, etc. (available for rent)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages, including liquor, beer, and bottled drinks
- Online payment surcharge for advance and balance (3.5% per payment)