Kilimanjaro Hiking Northern Circuit 8 Days

Arrival in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will be waiting to welcome you. You will then be transferred to Maridadi Hotel, where you can relax and recover from your flight.

If you are already in Tanzania, we can also arrange pickup around Moshi/Arusha and transfer you to Maridadi Hotel, where the tour will begin.

In the evening, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing. He will go over the itinerary, provide important tips, and advise you on what to wear and pack to ensure a safe and comfortable climb.

Hotel to Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – start point 2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first-day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephants and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)

On day two you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of the rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).

Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Include

Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)

On day three, the trek crosses the scenic Shira Plateau, traveling from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 for lunch. Trekkers on the 9-day itinerary typically spend the night at Shira Camp 2, where they merge with trekkers from the Machame Route. However, 8-day trekkers continue eastward after lunch, passing through the picturesque ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and entering the high alpine desert zone. From there, the trail joins the Northern Circuit, descending to Moir Camp at an altitude of 4,200m for the night.

Distance: ~ 14km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone/ High alpine zone

Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)

Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.

Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone

Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)

On day six, the trek begins with a climb up Buffalo Ridge, followed by a descent to Porfu Camp, where lunch is typically served. Afterward, the route continues east along the northern slopes, leading to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. This day’s trek is shorter than the previous one, allowing for a more relaxed pace. By now, you should be well-acclimated to the altitude. You will reach the Third Cave in the mid-afternoon, with time to rest and prepare for the next stage of your journey.

Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone

Rongai 3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)

Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking southwest up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamps, and cameras before going to bed.

Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 4-5 hours

School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then onto Millennium Camp (3,950 meters)

You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers.
You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.

Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones

Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters) Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles - Hotel

The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate, you will need to sign out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.

Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest zone

Departure

Today marks the end of your unforgettable adventure. Enjoy your final moments in Tanzania before our driver transfers you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey home.

If you wish to extend your holiday, we can arrange an exciting safari in Tanzania’s national parks or a relaxing beach getaway in Zanzibar to complement your Kilimanjaro experience.