8 Days Northern Circuit Route – The Longest and Most Scenic Way to Climb Kilimanjaro

DAY 1: ARRIVE AT KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where one of our guides will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. If your flight arrives early, we’ll carry out the climb briefing and gear inspection today. If not, it will be done the following morning before your trek begins. Moshi is the ideal starting point for a Kilimanjaro climb — calm, scenic, and a perfect place to adjust before the 8 Days Northern Circuit Route.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only
Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room Plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 2: LEMOSHO GATE TO MTI MKUBWA

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 4–5 hour drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate, passing through the beautiful West Kilimanjaro Forest. Once at the gate (2,100m), you’ll stop for lunch while your mountain crew organizes gear, weighs luggage, and finalizes registration.

Your trek begins through lush rainforest, a 7 km hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m). The Northern Circuit Route starts gently and quietly here, offering peaceful surroundings and a great chance to spot blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and exotic birds — setting the tone for a remote, scenic experience.

Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa
Room Plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 3: MTI MKUBWA TO SHIRA TWO CAMP

Today begins with a gradual ascent from Mti Mkubwa through heather and moorland to Shira One Camp (3,610m), a distance of 7 km that takes 5–6 hours. After a hot lunch and short rest, the trek continues 10 km across the Shira Plateau to Shira Two Camp (3,850m), taking another 4–5 hours.

This is one of the most scenic days of the Northern Circuit Route. You’ll pass through wide open moorlands, catch your first clear view of Kibo Peak, and experience the benefits of gradual altitude gain for strong acclimatization.

Elevation: 2,650m to 3,850m
Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 9–11 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira Two
Room Plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 4: SHIRA TWO CAMP TO MOIR HUT VIA LAVA TOWER

From Shira Two, you’ll head east toward the iconic Lava Tower (4,600m) — a massive volcanic rock formation where you’ll pause for a hot lunch. After this essential acclimatization stop, you descend to Moir Hut (4,200m), a quiet campsite at the base of the Lent Hills.

This route follows the important ‘climb high, sleep low’ rule. It’s a challenging but crucial day that improves your body’s ability to adapt to altitude and prepares you for the summit push later in the trek.

Elevation: 3,850m → 4,600m → 4,200m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Moir Hut
Room Plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 5: MOIR HUT TO BUFFALO CAMP (POFU)

Leaving Moir Hut, you climb briefly toward Lent Hills before returning to the main Northern Circuit trail. The route today is quiet and remote, crossing scenic alpine landscapes before reaching Buffalo Camp (also called Pofu) at 4,020m.

The views on this section stretch across the Kenyan plains, making it one of the most visually stunning and peaceful parts of the entire Kilimanjaro experience. You’ll likely encounter no other groups today, adding to the sense of wilderness.

Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Buffalo Camp
Room Plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 6: BUFFALO CAMP TO THIRD CAVE CAMP

Today you continue your journey across the northern slopes to Third Cave Camp (3,800m). The terrain shifts from alpine desert to heath, with the air growing cooler and thinner. This part of the Northern Circuit Route is rarely used, offering total solitude.

Because of the shorter distance and lower elevation change, it’s a relatively easy day that allows your body to rest and fully adapt ahead of summit night.

Elevation: 4,020m to 3,800m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Third Cave
Room Plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 7: THIRD CAVE CAMP TO KIBO HUT

Climb steadily toward the alpine desert of the Saddle, the wide expanse that sits between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You’ll reach Kibo Hut (4,720m) in the early afternoon, giving you time to rest, eat early, and prepare for the summit push at midnight.

This section of the Northern Circuit is high, dry, and quiet — a dramatic change in scenery and an exciting sign that you’re approaching Kilimanjaro’s final challenge.

Elevation: 3,800m to 4,720m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Kibo Hut
Room Plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 8: KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK TO HIGH CAMP (MILLENNIUM CAMP)

At midnight, begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa. You’ll trek slowly and steadily, reaching the top around sunrise. After celebrations and photos, begin the long descent to High Camp (Millennium Camp) at 3,950m.

This is the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek, but also the most rewarding. Thanks to the gradual elevation gain on the Northern Circuit, your summit chances are higher here than on any other route.

Elevation: 4,720m → 5,895m → 3,950m
Distance: 15 km total
Hiking Time: 13–15 hours
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at High Camp
Room Plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 9: HIGH CAMP TO MWEKA GATE

After breakfast, begin the final descent from High Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m), covering 13.5 km through rainforest. Once at the gate, you’ll check out of the park and transfer back to Moshi. In the afternoon, join your mountain team for a farewell lunch, tipping ceremony in our office, and receive your official summit certificate.

This day is filled with emotion, pride, and joy — the perfect end to your Kilimanjaro experience.

Elevation: 3,950m to 1,640m
Distance: 13.5 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room Plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 10: DEPARTURE DAY IN TANZANIA

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. If you have more time, we can help you plan an unforgettable safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or a beach escape in Zanzibar at additional cost.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

THE PRICE INCLUDES

• 2 ways transfer to and from Kilimanjaro airport.
• Tanzania 18% VAT on tourism activities and park fees.
• The Adequate and appropriate number of guides, porters, and cooks for your Trek.
• Government taxes.
• All park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and team fees.
• Transfers to and from the route gate(s) (2 transfers).
• Sleeping mattress pad(s), dining tent(s), sleeping tent(s), and crew‟s equipment–Dining tent and sleeping tent for Kilimanjaro trek.
• 2 nights in a hotel in Moshi on a Bed & Breakfast basis and Double Occupancy (1 night before trekking & 1 night after trekking).
• 3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooker (we also
  consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian). Menu especially designed for climbers.
• Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provided every day on the mountain.
• 3-4 liters of mineral (per Climber) provided daily during the climb.
• Portable toilets for the trek with the tent for Kilimanjaro trek.
• Emergency evacuation is covered by a Kili MedAir helicopter, but the climber must have insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level.
• Carbon Offset.
• Hotel accommodation includes storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
• Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team).
• Chief guide carries a Pulse Ox meter, used to take blood-oxygen level readings of clients twice a day.
• Forest fee.
• Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).
• Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).
• Salaries for the mountain support crew, as per required by MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND NATURAL RESOURCES and KPAP.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
• Porter to carry your duffel bag, with a maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs from one camp to the next camp.
• Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.

THE PRICE NOT INCLUDES

• Visa fee (50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival).
• Tips.
• Drinks and beverages in Hotel.
• Personal hiking/trekking gear – you could rent some of the gear in Tanzania.
• Sleeping bag.
• Snacks or Energy Bar
• Personal Medicine.
• Water Purifying Tablets.
• Meals and drinks not specified.
  

   

   

 COST OF ADDITIONAL SERVICES

• Sleeping bag rental, Mountain Hardware  Lamina™ -20F/-29C, per trip $50.
• Extra porter(Personal porter), for excess gear, costs $30 per day.
• Trekking poles rental, telescopic, cost $20 per trip.
• Single Supplement(Single Tent and Single Room) for the trip cost $250 per person.
• Extra night at the hotel costs $90 for Double Occupancy, $70 for single occupancy  on the bed and breakfast basis.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATION

• Guide – $15 to $20 per day.
• Assistant Guide – $10 to $15 per day.
• Cook – $10 to $15 per day.
• Porters – $6 to $10 per day per porter.

ETHICAL CLIMB   PRICE  ON USD CURRENCY

All Our Kilimanjaro Prices are in US Dollar

On Kilimanjaro National Park

• An adult aged 16 years old and above
• The Child is aged from 5-15 years old.

We offer the Kilimanjaro climb as a Private Climb or Group Climb.

Below are the 8 days Northern Circuit Route Group Climb Price

For 8 days, the Northern Circuit route with 2 nights at a hotel (1 night before the climb and 1 night after the climb)
For a Group Climb, the price will be $3050 per adult sharing (Double Occupancy)
For a Group Climb, the price will be $2370 per child sharing (Double Occupancy).

Below are the 8 days Northern Circuit Route Private Climb Price

For 8 days, the Northern Circuit route with 2 nights at a hotel (1 night before the climb and 1 night after the climb)
For a Private Climb, the price will be $3650 per adult sharing(Double Occupancy).
For a Private Climb, the price will be $2970 per child sharing (Double Occupancy).

Single supplement during the climb (single room and single tent) will cost $250 per person extra for both private climb and group join the climb.

ETHICAL KILIMANJARO CLIMBS
We are doing ethical climbs and responsible Trekking; we believe the tourism the industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world‟s natural
habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities. We actively promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
We are not doing cheap Climb, cheap climb means we are doing tourism while exploiting our Porters who are the ones who make Kilimanjaro trek possible for the vast majority of climbers, and who do all the heavy lifting. Fair and ethical treatment of our porters (crew) is one of the important priorities of Eco-Africa Climbing when we do climb. We are proud to be a Partner of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). Please contact ([email protected]) to confirm this.
KPAP raises public awareness regarding the proper treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro and assists climbing companies with implementing procedures that
ensure fair and ethical treatment of their porters. Every of our climb is audited by KPAP to ensure crewmembers are provided proper salaries, tips procedure, food, equipment and sleeping conditions.