8 Days: Kilimanjaro Northern circuit Route Trekking
$2561 Per Person
Overview
The 8 Days Northern Circuit Route is one of the most scenic, remote, and successful routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its excellent acclimatization profile, breathtaking panoramic views, and lower traffic, the Northern Circuit offers trekkers a truly unforgettable adventure to the Roof of Africa. This route circles around the quieter northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, allowing climbers to experience untouched wilderness, dramatic landscapes, and diverse ecological zones before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, providing climbers with more time to acclimatize and significantly increasing summit success rates. Trekkers journey through lush rainforests, heath and moorland, alpine deserts, and arctic summit zones while enjoying spectacular views of Kenya and the surrounding plains. For travelers seeking a less crowded, highly scenic, and rewarding Kilimanjaro trekking experience, the Northern Circuit is considered one of the best routes on the mountain.
Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route Highlights
- Day 0: Arrival in Arusha City
- Day1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut Camp
- Day 4: Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp
- Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
- Day 6: Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp
- Day 7: School Hut Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Hotel
Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route: Day-by-Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), an Mangalo Expeditions representative will greet you and provide a smooth, prearranged transfer to your hotel, included in the package. Your accommodation offers all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot showers, polite and helpful staff, a refreshing swimming pool, and free Wi-Fi access. This relaxing environment is perfect for recovering from your journey and preparing for your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. In the evening, you’ll attend a detailed pre-climb briefing with our expert managers and guides. They will go over the trekking itinerary, check your gear, discuss safety procedures, and answer any questions to ensure you’re fully prepared
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Elevation: 2,100m to 2,750m
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Your Northern Circuit adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration formalities before continuing to the trailhead. The trek starts through lush rainforest filled with giant trees, colorful birds, and tropical vegetation. This peaceful section of the mountain offers excellent opportunities to spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys while enjoying the fresh mountain atmosphere. After several hours of hiking, you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp where you spend your first night on the mountain.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 2,750m to 3,500m
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours
- Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, the trail gradually leaves the rainforest and enters the heath and moorland zone. The vegetation becomes more open, revealing spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes and the Shira Plateau. Giant lobelias and unique alpine plants dominate the landscape as you continue the ascent toward Shira 1 Camp. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic with panoramic mountain views and beautiful sunsets over the plains below.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 3,500m to 3,900m
- Distance: 7 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trek crosses the scenic Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The route offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit. The gradual ascent allows trekkers to acclimatize properly while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the plateau. Upon arrival at Shira 2 Camp, climbers have time to relax and prepare for higher elevations ahead.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
- Elevation: 3,900m to 4,200m
- Distance: 9 km
- Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trek continues into the alpine desert zone where the landscape becomes rugged and dramatic. Climbers hike through rocky terrain surrounded by volcanic formations and expansive mountain views. This less-traveled section of the mountain provides a peaceful wilderness experience away from crowded routes. Moir Hut is located beneath the striking Lent Hills, offering excellent acclimatization opportunities and stunning sunset scenery.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
- Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today the route circles around the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, providing incredible panoramic views toward Kenya. The trail is quiet and wild, allowing trekkers to fully appreciate the untouched beauty of the mountain. Buffalo Camp is located in a remote area rarely visited by other climbers, creating a peaceful and authentic mountain experience.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
- Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trek continues across the northern circuit with spectacular views of the Kenyan plains and the rugged northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. This section provides excellent acclimatization while maintaining moderate trekking distances. Third Cave Camp offers a comfortable resting point before the final ascent toward the summit.
Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut
- Elevation: 3,870m to 4,800m
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s hike is shorter but steeper as climbers ascend toward School Hut Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The terrain becomes rocky and barren with dramatic views of Kibo Peak above. Trekkers rest early, prepare summit gear, and receive a detailed briefing from the mountain guides before the midnight summit climb.
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,800m to 5,895m to 3,100m
- Distance: 16 km
- Hiking Time: 10–14 Hours
- Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Around midnight, climbers begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The climb is challenging but incredibly rewarding as trekkers slowly ascend beneath the stars toward the summit glaciers. Reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise is an unforgettable moment filled with breathtaking views and emotional achievement.
After celebrating at the summit, climbers descend carefully to Mweka Camp through alpine desert and rainforest zones. This final day marks the successful completion of an incredible Kilimanjaro adventure.
Accommodations
Welcome to Mvuli Hotels
Whether you’re seeking the ultimate safari retreat near the stunning Ngorongoro Crater or a peaceful escape in the heart of Arusha, our hotels offer a blend of luxury, tranquility, and authentic hospitality. From the boutique safari experience in Karatu to the lush, garden-surrounded charm of Mvuli Hotel, each destination is designed to provide an unforgettable stay, seamlessly combining modern comfort with the beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes.
Mountain Camps
Your ultimate comfort camping experience features all-weather tents customized with upgraded zippers, flysheets, and insulating full-ground pads. We ensure privacy with daily private toilet tents and communal dining in solar-lit tents. You’ll enjoy hot, fresh meals prepared by our dedicated chef, and we provide afternoon treats of hot drinks and snacks.
What the Price Includes & Excludes
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
- Quality mountain tent and Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Meals
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
What Our Guests Have to Say?
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