8 Days Northern Circuit Route Climbing Kilimanjaro

On arrival, you’ll be greeted by our professional team at Kilimanjaro International Airport, who will transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After checking in and settling in, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the trek. In the evening, a pre-trek briefing will be held, where your experienced guide will explain the entire trek, discuss what to expect, and review the necessary gear, safety precautions, and tips for success on Kilimanjaro. This meeting also provides you with an opportunity to ask any questions and feel fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

The adventure begins on Day 1 as you depart from your hotel in the morning and drive to the Londorossi Gate (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) to complete park registration. From here, we begin our trek through the rainforest, where the trail is lush and green, with towering trees, ferns, and tropical vegetation. The walk to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 m / 9,020 ft) is relatively easy and allows you to start adjusting to the altitude in a beautiful, serene environment. The tropical sounds of birds and the fresh scent of the rainforest enhance the overall experience. The trek lasts about 3-4 hours, and upon arrival at camp, you will enjoy a restful night.

• Elevation: 2,100 m / 6,890 ft to 2,750 m / 9,020 ft
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

• Elevation: 2,100 m / 6,890 ft to 2,750 m / 9,020 ft
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins as we depart from your hotel in the morning and drive to Londorossi Gate (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) to complete park registration formalities. From there, we begin our trek through the lush rainforest, home to towering trees, dense undergrowth, and vibrant birdlife. The trail to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 m / 9,020 ft) is relatively gentle, offering an excellent introduction to trekking at altitude. The fresh scent of the rainforest and the peaceful sounds of nature make this a serene and enjoyable start. After a 3–4 hour walk, we arrive at camp for a restful evening.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

• Elevation: 2,750 m / 9,020 ft to 3,500 m / 11,480 ft
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Today’s journey takes us from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m / 11,480 ft), with a noticeable change in scenery as we leave the rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone. The trail gradually ascends through open landscapes dotted with giant lobelias and volcanic rock formations. With clear weather, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Shira Plateau and beyond. The trek lasts about 5–6 hours, and we settle in at Shira 1 Camp for the night.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Elevation: 3,500 m / 11,480 ft to 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
• Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
• Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland and Alpine Desert

We continue from Shira 1 to Moir Camp (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), gaining more elevation as we move deeper into the alpine environment. The landscape transitions into a stark alpine desert, with fewer plants and a more rugged terrain. The route offers dramatic views of the surrounding glaciers and lava formations. Though longer and more physically demanding, today’s hike is ideal for acclimatization. After about 6–7 hours of trekking, we arrive at Moir Camp, where the silence and high-altitude views create a stunning atmosphere for the night.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft to 4,020 m / 13,190 ft
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today’s trek leads us to Buffalo Camp (4,020 m / 13,190 ft). The route includes some descent and is less demanding than the previous day. We remain in the alpine desert zone, where the scenery is marked by barren slopes and scattered rock formations. The hike takes around 5–6 hours and offers fantastic views of Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes. Once at camp, you'll have time to relax and take in the tranquil, high-altitude environment.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Elevation: 4,020 m / 13,190 ft to 3,800 m / 12,470 ft
• Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We continue our journey to Rongai Third Cave Camp (3,800 m / 12,470 ft), descending slightly into a vast alpine desert landscape. The day’s walk is moderate in difficulty, with rocky paths and steady altitude. You’ll experience breathtaking views of the mountain’s upper slopes. The Rongai Third Cave is a peaceful and scenic campsite, perfect for resting ahead of your final acclimatization day.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Elevation: 3,800 m / 12,470 ft to 4,800 m / 15,750 ft

Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles

Trekking Time: 6–7 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today’s trek takes us to School Hut (4,800 m / 15,750 ft), our final base before summit day. The path becomes steeper and the air thinner, with the barren alpine desert stretching all around. The 6–7 hour journey is challenging but manageable, and School Hut offers dramatic views of the summit path. After a hot meal, we rest early in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Elevation: 4,800 m / 15,750 ft to 5,895 m / 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak), then descend to 3,200 m / 10,500 ft
• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles to summit, plus descent to Millennium Camp
• Trekking Time: 12–14 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert, Arctic Summit

Summit day begins just after midnight as we make our way to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa. The trail is steep and physically demanding, passing through switchbacks, scree, and cold alpine winds. After 6–7 hours of climbing, reaching the summit is an emotional and unforgettable moment, with panoramic views of glaciers and the plains far below. After taking in the experience, we begin our descent to Millennium Camp (3,200 m / 10,500 ft), where we’ll spend the night recovering.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Elevation: 3,200 m / 10,500 ft to 1,640 m / 5,380 ft
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

On our final day, we descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft). The trail is pleasant and offers a final chance to enjoy the rich vegetation and birdlife of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. After about 4–5 hours, we arrive at the gate, where you’ll receive a certificate commemorating your summit. We’ll then drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch