8 Days Kilimanjaro Hike via Northern Circuit Route

After a hearty breakfast, you'll set off with your Giraffe porters and guides to Londorossi Gate, the starting point of the Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro. You'll undergo registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities at the gate before proceeding to the trailhead. The hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp will take approximately 3-4 hours through the enchanting rainforest habitat. You'll experience a change in elevation from 2360m to 2820m. Lunch and dinner will be provided on the hike, and you'll spend the night at Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Destination: Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp

Accommodation: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before embarking on the hike from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira One Camp. The day's hike will last around 5-7 hours and will lead you through the mesmerizing rainforest and low alpine zone. As you gain an altitude of approximately 800m, you'll enjoy lunch in an exciting valley just outside the Shira crater at 3004m. After lunch, you'll cross the rim into the Shira Caldera, which was filled by lava from Kibo. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at Shira One Camp (3610m).

Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp

Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast as you prepare for a long hike. You'll head east, passing through the picturesque 'Garden of the Senecios' and entering the high alpine desert zone. You'll reach Lava Tower and the iconic Shark's Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you'll have lunch. Afterward, you'll join the northern circuit, descending to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This day's hike is vital for acclimatization, as you experience high altitude and then sleep at a lower level. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Moir Camp.

Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Moir Hut Camp

Accommodation: Moir Hut Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Following breakfast, you'll continue Hike with a moderate steep hike out of Moir Valley. Some hikers take a detour to summit Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. The route will take you through a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to reach Buffalo Camp at 4,020 meters. After arriving at Buffalo Camp, enjoy lunch and rest after a challenging day of Hike. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Buffalo Camp.

Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp

Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning your hike. This day involves hiking up the Buffalo ridge and descending into Pofu Camp, where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. Arriving at the Third Cave in the mid-afternoon, you'll have dinner and spend the night there.

Destination: Pofu Camp To Third Cave Camp

Accommodation: Third Cave Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

After breakfast, you'll proceed with the hike, which includes a steady incline up and over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Hikers typically walk southwest to School Hut (4,800 meters). An early dinner will be served, and you should rest, as you'll be awakened before midnight to start your summit attempt. Ensure all your gear is prepared, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera, before going to sleep.

Destination: Third Cave Camp To School Hut Camp

Accommodation: School Hut Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Around 11:30 pm, your guide will wake you up and provide hot tea and biscuits. Shortly after midnight, you'll start the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo in darkness. The hike intensifies as you approach Gilman's Point (5,681 meters), around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to savor the approaching dawn and the incredible views. You'll then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) before heading down the slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). After a short break, continue down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. On day seven, you'll hike for 14-16 hours, so remember to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and maintain your energy levels.

Destination: School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Millenium (High) camp

Accommodation: Millenium Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Following breakfast, embark on the final day's hike, a short hike through the dense mountain rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate, sign-out with the authorities, and you'll receive your official certificate - a green certificate for reaching Gilman's Point and a gold certificate for reaching Uhuru Peak. Don't forget to tip your guide and porter before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.