8-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing via Northern Circuit Route

The Ultimate Path for Climbing Kilimanjaro [8-Day Northern Circuit Route]

When considering climbing Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit route stands out as one of the premier choices. This route offers an unparalleled experience with nearly 360 degrees of breathtaking scenery, including the tranquil and seldom-visited northern slopes.

Firstly, the Northern Circuit is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, providing ample time for acclimatization. This extended duration is crucial for adjusting to the altitude, which significantly enhances the chances of reaching the summit. Consequently, the Northern Circuit boasts the highest summit success rate among Kilimanjaro’s routes, making it a top recommendation for climbers seeking both an unforgettable adventure and a greater likelihood of achieving their goal.

Moreover, the route’s lesser-traveled path allows for a more serene and immersive experience, away from the more crowded trails. This combination of extended acclimatization, stunning vistas, and a peaceful environment makes the Northern Circuit an exceptional choice for those embarking on the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro.

INCLUDED & EXCLUDED

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi Hotel
Professional, Experienced, Mountain Guides
Porters and Chef
Quality, Waterproof and Four-Season Mountain Sleeping Tents
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All Meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess Tents with Table and Chairs
Large Portions of Fresh, Healthy, Nutritious Food
Clean and Purified Drinking Water
All Park Fees and VAT/Tax Fees (18%)
Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate

International Flights
Visa and Travel insurance
Tips (tipping guideline US $10.00 pp per day)
Personal Climbing Equipment such as Sleepings Bags, Hiking Boots, Clothes, e.t.c., (Available for Renting)
The government-imposed Increase of Taxes and/or Park Fees
Alcohol drinks
Accommodations for Arrival and Departure Days (Available as Optional Add-on)
Airport Transfer Fees (From/To)

ADVENTURE ITINERARY

Arrival in Moshi

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Here, you will meet your head guide, who will provide a comprehensive briefing on your upcoming adventure. This meeting will include a thorough gear check to ensure you have all the necessary equipment and address any last-minute arrangements. This initial preparation is crucial for setting the stage for a successful climb and ensuring that you are fully equipped for the journey ahead.

Overnight at a lodge or hotel in Moshi.

Day 1: Lemosho gate to Mti Mkubwa camp

Embarking on your journey to climb Kilimanjaro, you’ll start with a scenic 3-hour drive from Moshi, passing through charming mountainside villages until you reach the Lemosho Gate. As you await the issuance of your permits, you’ll witness the vibrant activity of various crews preparing for their own climbing Kilimanjaro adventures. Immerse yourself in the stunning rainforest environment and navigate the winding trails, all while your guide provides fascinating insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these initial lower elevations, the trail can be particularly muddy and slippery. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trek, gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

Habitat: Montane Forest

[Elevation: 9,137 ft ∼ 2785 m, and Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours].

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

During your climb of Kilimanjaro, you will begin by trekking through the final stretch of the rainforest path. After about an hour, you’ll transition into the low alpine moorland zone, which leads you onto the expansive Shira Plateau.

Habitat: Moorland

[Elevation: 11,496 ft ∼ 3,504 m, and Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours].

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir hut

On this day of climbing Kilimanjaro, you’ll embark on an extensive trek heading east, traversing through the enchanting ‘Garden of the Senecios’ before entering the high alpine desert zone. Your morning will be spent ascending to the dramatic Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation, reaching an elevation of 4,600 meters. Here, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch amidst breathtaking views.

Following lunch, you’ll descend along the northern circuit to Moir Camp. This crucial part of your trek provides valuable acclimatization benefits: by experiencing high altitude and then sleeping at a lower elevation, you enhance your body’s ability to adjust to the thin air. This strategic approach is essential for a successful summit bid.

Habitat:

[Elevation: 13,652 ft ∼ 4,161 m, and Trekking time: 5 to 7 hours].

Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

This day will involve 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 m before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here, the route will follow a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. The trek will provide 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 of hiking.

Habitat: Moorland

[Elevation: 13,232 ft ∼ 4,033 m, and Trekking time: 5 to 7 hours].

Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave

On this day of climbing Kilimanjaro, you’ll begin with a climb up Buffalo Ridge before descending into Pofu Camp, where lunch is typically served. The trek continues east, skirting around the northern slopes to reach Rongai Third Cave. Compared to the previous day, today’s trek will be shorter, allowing you to enjoy the journey with greater ease. By this stage, you should be well-acclimatized to the altitude. You’re expected to arrive at the Third Cave by mid-afternoon, ready to relax and prepare for the next leg of your adventure.

Habitat: High Alpine

[Elevation: 12,193 ft ∼ 3,936 m, and Trekking time: 5 to 7 hours].

Day 6: Rongai Third Cave to School Hut

On this day of climbing Kilimanjaro, you’ll embark on a steady ascent across the Saddle, the high-altitude pass that lies between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From there, the trek continues southwest to School Hut. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy an early dinner to fuel up for the upcoming challenge.

Make sure to get plenty of rest, as you’ll be waking before midnight to begin your summit attempt. Before heading to bed, prepare all essential gear, including warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera, to ensure a smooth and successful climb.

Habitat: Alpine Desert

[Elevation: 15,748 ft ∼ 4,800 m, and Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours].

Day 7: School Hut to Summit to Millennium Camp

You’ll start your day with a wake-up call of hot tea and biscuits, gearing up for the steep climb up Kibo’s slopes in the darkness. Your first notable checkpoint will be Hans Meyer Cave, where you’ll take a brief rest.

The ascent will intensify as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), typically reached about 5 to 6 hours after leaving School Hut. As dawn begins to break, take a moment to enjoy the stunning views of Mawenzi Peak. However, remember that you still have around 2 hours of trekking ahead to reach Uhuru Peak. Conserve your energy for this final stretch.

The slope will level out as you head west around the crater rim, and you should reach the summit at or just after sunrise. At the summit, take advantage of this brief stop to capture the magnificent views and surrounding glaciers. The elevation at Uhuru Peak is 19,341 feet (5,895 meters), and the entire trek to the summit will take approximately 8 to 10 hours.

Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

After a celebratory breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation with your crew, it’s time to bid farewell. You will descend to Mweka Park Gate to collect your well-earned summit certificates. As you descend, you’ll encounter warmer weather and wetter, muddier, and steeper terrain. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended to navigate these conditions safely.

Once you reach Moshi, you’ll be driven to your hotel where you can finally enjoy a long-awaited shower, savor a delicious dinner, and celebrate your remarkable achievement.

Overnight at a lodge or hotel in Moshi.

Departure from Moshi

Depending on your flight time, our representative will arrive at the hotel to transfer you to the airport and have our farewell. This will mark the end of the Mount Kilimanjaro trek. Good luck!

Add-On

For the Arrival day (pre-hiking) and Departure day (post-hiking), you have the option to decide whether you would like us to arrange accommodation in Moshi and include it in the total Tour budget, or if you prefer to book it yourself and be excluded from the total Tour budget. “You will let us know”.

Our Hotels in Moshi

ParkView Inn
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Panama Garden Resort

Private Gears

Private Toilet

Transfer [From/To]

Airport Transfer [From/To]

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