Eight Days Northern circuit

8 days—The 8 (Eight) Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour via Northern Circuit route with kilimanjaro on Top in 2025-2026.

$1922-2500 USD

pp

Safari summary

This 8 days kilimanjaro climbing via Northern Circuit route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first 2 days are spent climbing 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 in 2025-2026.

Why Choose the eight days kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route?
Unlike the popular Marangu and Machame routes, the Northern Circuit Route offers a quieter and more serene experience. The extended duration of the trek allows for better adaptation to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude-related issues. Moreover, the Northern Circuit presents a higher chance of seeing wildlife and provides breathtaking panoramic views that few others get to witness. The route follows the same as the Lemosho Route for the first two days and then veers off to circle around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. Northern Circuit approaches the summit via Gilman's Point before descending on the same route as the Machame and Lemosho.

Do I need hiking experience to attempt this route?
While hiking kilimanjaro in 8 days Northern circuit route climbing tour experience is beneficial, it's not mandatory. However, being in good physical shape is essential.

Is the 8 days kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The extended duration and gradual ascent make it accessible for trekkers with basic fitness levels.
Duration: 8 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Low


About this tour

Tour type Set-date, set-itinerary, group
Main focus Hiking | trekking
Activity level Strenuous activity
Best months All months
Countries
Parks

Fine details

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

Itinerary

Day 1: Londorosi Gate to Big tree

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast our Kilimanjaro on Top tours guide will come in your hotel to pick up you so as to go to Londorosi Gate for stating your 8 days Kilimanjaro Northern circuit route hiking tour. You will start at the Londorossi Gate and climb through the rainforest zone to reach the Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 meters or 9,121 feet) where you will stay for overnight at Big Tree Camp.

Big Tree Campsite

Day 2: Climbing up to Shira 1 camp

Kilimanjaro

On the second day of your 8 days Nortern Circuit Route hiking tour, you will continue your kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route hiking tour through the rainforest until you reach the moorland zone. The day's climbs takes you to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 meters or 11,845 feet) for overnight.

Shira One Campsite

Day 3: Shira1, Lava tower to Moir

Kilimanjaro

Today's climb will take you to the high desert plateau, passing through the Shira Cathedral. You will camp at Moir Hut (4,200 meters or 13,780 feet). During your stay at Moir Hut, take the opportunity to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the impressive vistas around you. It is crucial to listen to your body and ensure you are adequately acclimatizing before proceeding to higher altitudes

Moir Hut

Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Kilimanjaro

Climb across the Lent Hills and descend into the Karanga Valley. From there, you will climb up to the Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters or 13,189 feet). The trail gradually winds its way up, offering occasional glimpses of the towering glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro's slopes, serves as your resting place for the night. It is named after the buffalo herds that occasionally graze in the nearby vicinity, adding a touch of wildlife to your experience

Buffalo campsite

Day 5: Buffalo up to third cave

Kilimanjaro

Your climbing tour will continue ascending through the alpine desert zone, passing the Giant Senecios along the way. The day ends at Third Cave Camp (3,870 meters or 12,694 feet) where you will rest and stay for overnight and prepare yourself for the next day climbing tour.

Third cave Campsite

Day 6: Third cave to School Hut

Kilimanjaro

On this day you will do climbing from third cave camp to School Hut (4,800 meters or 15,748 feet), which is located near the base of the Kibo crater. You will Rest and prepare for the summit attempt on seventh day.

School Hut.

Day 7: School to Uhuru to Mweka.

Kilimanjaro

Start the summit attempt in the early hours of the morning. You will climb through the steep switchbacks of the scree slopes to reach Gillman's Point (5,685 meters or 18,651 feet). From there, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters or 19,341 feet. Descend to the Mweka camp to spend the night.

Mweka Campsite

Day 8: Mweka to Mweka Gate to Moshi

Kilimanjaro

The final day of your 8 days kilimanjaro Northern circuit route hiking tour involves descending through the rainforest zone to the Mweka Gate (1,640 meters or 5,380 feet). Here, you will receive your summit certificates and celebrate your successful climb then drive back to Moshi.

No accommodation

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