8 Days Trekking Mt Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit Route

Your adventure begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100m above sea level), the starting point for the Northern Circuit and Lemosho routes. After a 2-hour drive from Moshi (or longer from Arusha), you'll arrive at Londorossi Gate for park registration. From there, you'll be driven to the trailhead. Most tour operators offer lunch at Londorossi Gate before you embark on your trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m). Keep an eye out for elephants and buffaloes as you trek through the rainforest. Dinner awaits at Mti Mkubwa Camp after a trek of around 8 kilometers (5 miles), taking 3-4 hours.

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

Today's trekking takes you across a plateau adorned with grassy moorland and scattered volcanic rock formations. Your destination for the day is Shira 1 Camp, which offers panoramic views of Kibo Peak shrouded in clouds. The route involves gaining a reasonable amount of altitude, and certain sections are relatively steep. You will cover a distance of approximately 8.5 kilometers or 5.3 miles, with an estimated Trek time of 7 hours.

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

On this day, you will traverse the Shira plateau and take an alternative route on the north side of the mountain, deviating from the typical south circuit followed by other routes originating from the west. This path offers a quieter and less frequented experience. You will cover a distance of 5 kilometers or 3 miles, with an estimated Trek time of 5-6 hours.

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

Today's trekking involves a moderate trek out of Moir Valley. As you ascend, you will have the option to take a short detour and summit Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. The route comprises a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo until you reach Buffalo Camp at an elevation of 4,020 meters. The trek provides splendid vistas across the plains that stretch north of Kilimanjaro, extending to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. After arriving at Buffalo Camp in the early afternoon, you will have lunch and ample time to rest after a long day of Trek. The distance covered will be approximately 12 kilometers or 7 miles, with an estimated Trek time of 5-7 hours.

Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp

Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite

  public camp site

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

You will start the day by ascending the Buffalo ridge and descending into Pofu Camp, where lunch is usually served. Continuing east around the northern slopes, you will arrive at the Rongai Third Cave situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters. This day's trek is shorter than the previous one, and by now, you should be well acclimatized to the altitude. You will reach Third Cave Camp in the mid-afternoon. The distance covered will be approximately 8 kilometers or 5 miles, with an estimated Trek time of 5-7 hours.

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

Today's trekking involves a steady ascent over the Saddle, which lies between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. You will continue walking southwest until you reach School Hut Camp at 4,800 meters. After arriving at School Hut Camp, an early dinner will be served, and you should rest as much as possible since you will be awakened before midnight to begin your summit attempt. It is crucial to prepare all your gear, including warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera before going to bed. The distance covered will be approximately 5 kilometers or 3 miles, with an estimated Trek time of 4-5 hours.

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

At 11:30 PM, prepare for a steep ascent on Kibo's slopes in darkness. First stop: Hans Meyer Cave for a short break. Then, head towards Gilman's Point at 5,681 meters, reachable in 5-6 hours from School Hut Camp. Enjoy the approaching dawn and the stunning view of Mawenzi Peak. But remember, 2 more hours of trekking await to reach Uhuru Peak. Terrain flattens on the crater rim; you'll arrive at the summit just after sunrise. Capture the breathtaking scenery, then retrace your steps to Stella Point at 5,739 meters. Descend south on steep scree slopes to Barafu Camp at 4,680 meters. Many rest here before continuing to Millennium Camp at 3,950 meters, your final night stop. This day requires pacing, hydration, and blood sugar maintenance. Cover around 6 kilometers (4 miles) in 6-8 hours to Barafu Camp, and 4-6 more hours to Millennium Camp.

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

On this day, you will embark on a gentle descent through the lush rainforest, eventually arriving at Mweka Gate. Here, you will complete the necessary park formalities and receive certificates to commemorate your achievement. Afterward, you will be met by vehicles that will transport you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved shower and celebrate with refreshing beverages. The distance covered will be approximately 12.1 kilometers or 7.5 miles, with an estimated Trek time of 6 hours. You will spend the night at the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.