8 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Trek

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Route: Northern Circuit
Highest Point: Uhuru Peak – 5,895m

8 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Trek, the Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s longest and one of its most scenic trekking routes. The trail travels around the quieter northern slopes of the mountain, providing a combination of diverse landscapes, excellent acclimatization opportunities, and spectacular views before reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: LEMOSHO GATE (2,100m) – MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2,650m)

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a private transfer from Moshi to Lemosho Gate, where you will complete the necessary national park registration procedures.

While the permits are being arranged, your porters will organize and load the group’s camping equipment, food, and personal luggage.

Once preparations are complete, begin hiking along the forest trail. The first section passes through the lush lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, providing a gentle introduction to the trek.

Continue through the forest toward Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, situated at approximately 2,650m. Settle into camp, enjoy dinner, and spend your first night on the mountain.

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Elevation Gain: 550 m
Maximum Altitude: 2,650 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2,650m) – SHIRA 1 CAMP (3,610m)

After breakfast, continue your journey eastward as the trail gradually leaves the forest and enters the open moorland environment.

The landscape becomes broader and more dramatic as you approach the Shira Plateau. Along the way, enjoy impressive views toward Shira Cathedral and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Cross the expansive meadowlands before reaching Shira 1 Camp, located at approximately 3,610m.

From this elevated position, you may begin to see the impressive glaciers of the Western Breach. Temperatures are considerably cooler at this altitude and may fall below freezing overnight.

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Elevation Gain: 960 m
Maximum Altitude: 3,610 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 3: SHIRA 1 CAMP (3,610m) – MOIR HUT (4,200m)

Today’s hike continues across the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateau regions in the world.

Gradually ascend toward Shira Cathedral, a dramatic natural rock formation surrounded by towering spires and rugged volcanic features. The remote atmosphere and expansive scenery make this one of the most memorable sections of the Northern Circuit.

Weather conditions can change quickly at this altitude, and afternoon mist may occasionally move across the plateau. From the higher viewpoints, there are also beautiful views toward Mount Meru.

Continue across the Shira Caldera, passing close to Shira 2 Camp and Shira Cave, before making your way toward Moir Hut at 4,200m.

Located beneath the Lent Hills, Moir Hut is a quieter and more isolated campsite, making it an excellent location to experience the high-altitude environment and support acclimatization.

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Elevation Gain: 590 m
Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 4: MOIR HUT (4,200m) – BUFFALO CAMP (4,100m)

Leave Moir Hut and climb out of the Moir Valley toward the Lent Hills.

A short optional detour takes you toward the summit area of Lent Hills at approximately 4,200m, providing an opportunity to enjoy the surrounding views before returning to the main route.

Continue eastward along the quieter Northern Circuit trail, where the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and remote.

The trail rises and falls across a series of gentle undulations before eventually reaching the area around Pofu Camp and continuing toward Buffalo Camp.

Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Elevation Gain: 100 m
Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 5: BUFFALO CAMP (4,100m) – THIRD CAVE CAMP (3,800m)

After breakfast, continue across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.

The trail crosses a series of small valleys and follows the remote terrain toward Third Cave Camp. Vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as you remain within the high-altitude environment.

Today’s stage is shorter, giving you valuable time to rest and continue adapting to the altitude.

Arrive at Third Cave Camp, where you will have dinner and spend the night preparing for the next stage of the climb.

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Elevation Loss: 300 m
Maximum Altitude: 4,100 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 6: THIRD CAVE CAMP (3,800m) – SCHOOL HUT (4,800m)

Today’s route involves a steady climb toward the high-altitude Saddle, the broad and striking landscape positioned between Kibo and Mawenzi.

As you gain elevation, the vegetation becomes almost nonexistent, creating a stark, lunar-like environment.

Cross the Saddle before continuing upward toward School Hut at approximately 4,800m. The camp is reached in the early afternoon, allowing you several hours to rest.

Use the remainder of the day to recover, organize your summit equipment, hydrate, and prepare mentally and physically for the final ascent.

An early night is recommended because the summit attempt will begin during the early hours of the following morning.

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Elevation Gain: 1,000 m
Maximum Altitude: 4,800 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 7: SCHOOL HUT (4,800m) – UHURU PEAK (5,895m) – MILLENNIUM CAMP (3,950m)

Today is the summit day and the most challenging stage of your Northern Circuit adventure.

Begin the final ascent at approximately 1:00 AM, following a series of switchbacks across loose volcanic scree.

The climb continues steadily toward Gillman’s Point, situated on the crater rim at approximately 5,681m. Take a short rest here and, weather permitting, enjoy the spectacular sunrise with views toward Mawenzi Peak.

From Gillman’s Point, continue around the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa at 5,895m.

The route passes close to the remaining glaciers and dramatic ice formations near the summit. After reaching Uhuru Peak, celebrate your achievement and take photographs before beginning the descent.

Retrace the crater-rim route toward Stella Point, then continue downhill toward Barafu Camp, where the porters will meet you with a packed lunch.

After a short recovery break, continue descending toward Millennium Camp, located at approximately 3,950m, where you will spend your final night on the mountain.

Hiking Time: 14–16 hours
Distance: Approximately 16 km
Elevation Gain: 1,095 m
Elevation Loss: 1,945 m
Maximum Altitude: 5,895 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 8: MILLENNIUM CAMP (3,950m) – MWEKA GATE (1,640m)

After breakfast, begin your final descent from Millennium Camp.

The trail drops steadily through the lower mountain environment toward Mweka Gate, with approximately 1,300m of additional descent before reaching the park headquarters.

At the gate, complete the final park procedures and collect your Kilimanjaro summit certificates to commemorate your successful climb.

Your private vehicle will then meet you for the transfer back to your hotel. After several days on the mountain, enjoy a well-earned hot shower, comfortable surroundings, and a celebratory rest.

Transport: Private transfer – approximately 0.6 hour / 17 km

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 13.5 km
Elevation Loss: 2,310 m
Maximum Altitude: 3,950 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & lunch

TREK HIGHLIGHTS

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Route: Northern Circuit
Starting Point: Lemosho Gate
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895m
Final Exit: Mweka Gate
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner during the trek
Key Landscapes: Montane forest, Shira Plateau, moorland, high-altitude desert, volcanic terrain, and summit glaciers
Major Viewpoints: Shira Cathedral, Lent Hills, Mawenzi, Kibo, Gillman’s Point, and Uhuru Peak
Summit Start: Approximately 1:00 AM on Day 7
Final Transfer: Mweka Gate to hotel by private vehicle