The Eight Days on Kilimanjaro

8 days—Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route tour is longer route than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, taking a minimum of 8, 9 to10 days to complete.

$1930-2500 USD

pp

Safari summary

The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route tour is longer than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, taking a minimum of eight, nine to ten days to complete.
The 8-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the 8-day Northern Circuit allows for the better and best acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate, therefore this 8-day is highly recommended.

The 8-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east Descend is made via the Mweka route.

It is recommended to those who enjoy long trekking experiences in remote wilderness with a minimal number of other trekkers around. It takes at least 8 days to climb Kilimanjaro through the Northern Circuit which is why the route boasts a very high success rate. An extended 9-day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro climb with crater camping is also available for an incredible wilderness adventure on Africa’s highest volcano.

8-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route Tour Itinerary.
Day 1: Moshi/ Arusha – Londorossi gate – Mti mkubwa (big tree camp)
Day 2: Big Tree – Shira 1 camp
Day 3: Shira 1 camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut
Day 4: Moir Hut – Buffalo camp
Day 5: Buffalo camp – Third Cave
Day 6: Third Cave – School Hut
Day 7: School Hut – Uhuru Peak (summit point) – Mweka camp
Day 8: Mweka camp – Mweka gate – Back to Moshi/Arusha

The cost for this 8-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route tour ranges from $1,930 to $2,500 per person depending on the level of service, group size, and accommodation before and after the climb.


About this tour

Tour type Set-date, set-itinerary, group
Main focus Hiking | trekking
Activity level Strenuous activity
Best months June, July, August, September, October
Countries
Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights
  • Photography safari—with professional guide
  • Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
  • Accommodation
  • All drinks
  • Meals
  • Park fees
  • Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
  • Internal flights
  • International flights
  • Premium alcoholic beverages
  • Spa treatments
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Visas

Itinerary

Day 1: Begin your 8 days tour

Kilimanjaro

Upon your arrival in Moshi or Arusha, you'll meet with your experienced guide for a comprehensive briefing. After preparations, your adventure officially commences with a transfer to Londorossi gate. There, you'll complete the necessary formalities and embark on your trek. The day's trek takes you to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp), nestled amidst the mountain's enchanting rainforest, providing a serene setting for your first night on Kilimanjaro.

Camp

Day 2: Into the Shira Plateau

Kilimanjaro

Leaving Mti Mkubwa, your trek unfolds through the fascinating Shira Plateau. This leg of the journey introduces a remarkable change in the landscape as you enter the high-altitude terrain. The views become more expansive, and you'll camp at Shira 1, enjoying the new surroundings while acclimatizing to the altitude.

Camp

Day 3: Lava Tower and Moir Hut

Kilimanjaro

Today's trek takes you closer to Kilimanjaro's grandeur. Hiking toward the Lava Tower, a distinctive rock formation, you gain altitude and witness the magnificent landscapes around you. Afterward, you'll reach Moir Hut, a high-elevation camp that offers breathtaking panoramic views, setting the stage for a memorable overnight stay.

Camp

Day 4: Journey to Buffalo Camp

Kilimanjaro

Your path leads you to Buffalo Camp, where you'll explore the unique high-altitude terrain and absorb the incredible surroundings. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, and you'll eventually arrive at Buffalo Camp. Here, you'll spend the night, resting and rejuvenating for the challenges ahead.

Camp

Day 5: Descend to Third Cave

Kilimanjaro

Day five brings a descent to Third Cave, providing a different perspective on the mountain. This part of the trek exposes you to the changing landscape as you head to lower altitudes. At Third Cave, you'll set up camp in a fresh and captivating environment, making for a memorable stop along the journey.

Camp

Day 6: Approach to School Hut

Kilimanjaro

As you journey towards School Hut on the sixth day, you'll be situated at your base for the final ascent to Kilimanjaro's summit. This strategic stop allows you to prepare physically and mentally for the exhilarating summit day, as you soak in the grandeur of the mountain and its surroundings.

Camp

Day 7: Uhuru Peak and Descent

Kilimanjaro

Day seven marks the ultimate climax as you set out to conquer Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro's highest point. The thrilling ascent begins early, offering you the spectacular experience of witnessing the sunrise from the "Roof of Africa." After reaching the summit, revel in your achievement before starting the descent to Mweka camp, your resting place for the night.

Camp

Day 8: Descend to Mweka Gate-Moshi

Kilimanjaro

Your final day on Kilimanjaro sees you descending from Mweka camp to Mweka gate, completing the trek. This is a moment for reflection and celebration as you've conquered one of Africa's iconic peaks. The journey concludes as you return to Moshi or Arusha, leaving you with cherished memories of your remarkable Kilimanjaro adventure.

Moshi Kilimanjaro

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