Mount Kilimanjaro climbing
8 Days Northern Circuit Route
From $2,250 Per Person
Duration
8 Days
Accommodation
Camping
Starting Date
Any day of your choice
The Northern Circuit Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique trekking experience across the remote northern slopes of the mountain.
This 8-day version is a slightly shorter variation of the full Northern Circuit, designed for climbers who want the benefits of this route—great acclimatization, stunning scenery, and fewer crowds—but within a shorter timeframe.
The journey begins at Lemosho Gate on the western side and crosses the beautiful Shira Plateau before circling the quieter northern side of Kilimanjaro. The route provides excellent opportunities for acclimatization using the “climb high, sleep low” principle.
Climbers pass through diverse ecological zones, including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone, before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Price (Per Person)
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,650 |
| 2–4 People | $2,450 |
| 5+ People | $2,250 |
(Prices may vary depending on travel season and group size.)
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m)
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Distance: 6 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, depart from Arusha or Moshi and drive to Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After registration with Kilimanjaro National Park, begin trekking through the lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and various bird species.
Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Mti Mkubwa Camp)
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m) – Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)
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Distance: 8 km
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Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
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Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, leave the rainforest and ascend into the moorland zone.
As you approach the Shira Plateau, enjoy wide-open views and the dramatic landscape of Kilimanjaro.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp for overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Shira 1 Camp)
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
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Distance: 7 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Habitat: Moorland
Today you trek across the scenic Shira Plateau, with incredible views of Kibo Peak.
This shorter day helps your body acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes.
Arrive at Shira 2 Camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Shira 2 Camp)
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) – Moir Hut (4,200 m)
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Distance: 10 km
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Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today you leave the main Machame trail and head toward the quieter northern side of the mountain.
The trail gradually ascends through an alpine desert landscape to Moir Hut, located in a remote and peaceful area.
Optional short hikes in the afternoon help improve acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Moir Hut)
Day 5: Moir Hut (4,200 m) – Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)
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Distance: 12 km
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Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek takes you across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, offering a completely different perspective of the mountain.
Enjoy breathtaking views toward the Kenyan plains and the remote wilderness.
Arrive at Buffalo Camp for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Buffalo Camp)
Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020 m) – Third Cave Camp (3,870 m)
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Distance: 8 km
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Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Continue trekking across the northern side of Kilimanjaro in a peaceful and less crowded environment.
Arrive at Third Cave Camp, where you will rest and prepare for the summit approach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Third Cave Camp)
Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3,870 m) – School Hut (4,750 m)
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Distance: 5 km
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Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today you ascend to School Hut, the final base camp before the summit attempt.
After arriving, enjoy an early dinner and rest before beginning the midnight summit climb.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (School Hut)
Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Gate
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Distance: 16 km
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Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Around midnight, begin your final ascent toward the summit.
Climb slowly to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating your achievement, descend toward Mweka Gate via Mweka Camp.
At the gate, climbers receive their Kilimanjaro summit certificates before transfer back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
From $2,250 per person
Price varies by group size
Price Includes
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Kilimanjaro National Park fees
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Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
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Accommodation
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All meals during the trek
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Drinking water on the mountain
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Airport transfers
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Transport from hotel to the mountain gate and back
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Rescue fees and emergency oxygen
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Government taxes
Price Excludes
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International and domestic flights
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Tanzania visa
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Travel insurance
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Personal climbing gear
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Tips for guides, porters, and cook
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Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, etc.)
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Hotel accommodation before and after the climb
Climb Kilimanjaro on expertly guided routes. 97.6% summit success rate
- 5 Days
5 Days Marangu Route
From
$1,500
- 7 Days
7 Days Machame Route
From
$1,850
- 8 Days
8 Days Lemosho Route
From
$2,050
- 9 Days
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
From
$2,350
- 12 Days
8 Days Lemosho Route
From
$2,450