8 Day Northern Circuit – Climbing  Mount Kilimanjaro

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

8 Day Northern Circuit, Our Kilimanjaro expedition begins with a private transfer from Moshi to Lemosho Gate. After completing registration and park formalities, we meet our mountain crew and prepare for the trek.

The first section of the route leads through the beautiful montane forest. The trail climbs gently beneath the dense canopy, providing an enjoyable introduction to the mountain. As we gain altitude, we eventually arrive at Mti Mkubwa, also known as Big Tree Camp, where our tents are prepared for the first night.

  • Distance: 7 km
  • Trekking time: 3–4 hours
  • Elevation gain: 550 m
  • Highest point: 2,650 m
  • Transport: Approximately 1.7 hours / 80 km
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

We leave the forest behind and continue toward the high-altitude Shira Plateau. The landscape gradually opens into moorland, revealing wider views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding wilderness.

As we cross the plateau, the impressive Shira Cathedral becomes a prominent feature of the landscape. We continue toward Shira 1 Camp, with views extending toward the Western Breach and the mountain’s glaciers.

After arriving at camp, we have dinner and settle in for the night. Temperatures can be considerably colder at this elevation, particularly after sunset.

  • Distance: 9 km
  • Trekking time: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation gain: 960 m
  • Highest point: 3,610 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

Today’s trek takes us farther across the vast Shira Plateau. We make a gradual ascent toward Shira Cathedral, passing through a dramatic landscape of volcanic formations, ridges, and open alpine terrain.

The route provides spectacular views across the mountain and, when conditions are clear, toward Mount Meru in the distance. We continue across the Shira Caldera, passing the vicinity of Shira 2 Camp and Shira Cave before heading toward the more secluded Moir Valley.

Our destination is Moir Hut at 4,200m, positioned near the Lent Hills. The remote setting makes this an excellent location to experience Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude wilderness while allowing further time for acclimatization.

  • Distance: Approximately 12 km
  • Trekking time: 6–7 hours
  • Elevation gain: 590 m
  • Highest point: 4,200 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

We begin the day by climbing out of the Moir Valley. A short optional detour takes us toward the Lent Hills, reaching approximately 4,200m before returning to the main route.

From here, we continue eastward and begin following the Northern Circuit around the quieter northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The trail rises and falls across a series of valleys and ridges, creating a varied trekking day.

We eventually reach the Buffalo Camp area, where we set up for the night and enjoy the solitude of this less-traveled section of the mountain.

  • Distance: 12 km
  • Trekking time: 7–8 hours
  • Elevation gain: Approximately 100 m
  • Highest point: 4,200 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

After breakfast, we continue along the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The trail crosses a number of small valleys and undulating sections, with the vegetation becoming increasingly limited as we remain at high altitude.

The route gradually descends toward Third Cave Camp at 3,800m. Although shorter than the previous day, the walk allows us to recover while continuing the acclimatization process.

We arrive at camp during the afternoon and have time to relax and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

  • Distance: 8 km
  • Trekking time: 4–5 hours
  • Elevation loss: 300 m
  • Highest point: 4,100 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

Today’s route takes us steadily upward toward the eastern side of Kibo. We climb toward the Saddle, a striking high-altitude landscape stretching between Kibo and Mawenzi.

The surroundings become increasingly barren as we approach the summit zone. From the Saddle, the trail continues climbing until we reach School Hut at approximately 4,800m.

After arriving, the remainder of the afternoon is devoted to resting, eating, hydrating, and preparing all summit equipment. An early bedtime is encouraged because the summit attempt begins during the night.

  • Distance: 10 km
  • Trekking time: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation gain: 1,000 m
  • Highest point: 4,800 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

We wake shortly after midnight for the most demanding stage of the expedition. Following a light breakfast, we begin the climb under the stars toward the crater rim.

The trail becomes steep as we ascend through loose volcanic scree toward Gilman’s Point at 5,681m. Reaching the crater rim is a major milestone, and if weather conditions are favorable, we can pause to witness the sunrise over Mawenzi.

We then continue around the crater rim toward Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. From the summit, we can appreciate the vast African landscape below while celebrating the achievement of reaching the highest point on the continent.

After spending a short time at the summit, we begin the long descent. We retrace part of the crater route and continue downward past Barafu Camp, where our mountain crew provides a packed lunch. The trail then continues toward Millennium Camp at 3,950m, where we spend the night.

  • Distance: Approximately 16 km
  • Trekking time: 14–16 hours
  • Elevation gain: 1,095 m
  • Elevation loss: 1,945 m
  • Highest point: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m
  • Overnight elevation: 3,950 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

After breakfast, we begin the final descent of our Kilimanjaro adventure. The trail winds through the upper rainforest, with vegetation becoming increasingly lush and dense as we lose altitude.

We continue downhill to Mweka Gate at approximately 1,640m. At the park headquarters, we complete the final procedures and collect our summit certificates.

Our private vehicle will then meet us for the transfer back to the hotel. After the long journey, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy a well-earned shower, rest, and celebrate the successful completion of the Northern Circuit.

  • Distance: 13.5 km
  • Trekking time: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation loss: 2,310 m
  • Finish elevation: 1,640 m
  • Transport: Private transfer, approximately 0.6 hour / 17 km
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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