8 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Group Size
Unlimited
Travel Styles
Trekking
Starts from $3,023​ Per person
Overview of the Lemosho route
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest standard Kilimanjaro route and one of the most scenic ways to climb Africa’s highest mountain. It begins from the western side of Kilimanjaro, crosses the Shira Plateau, follows the quiet northern slopes, approaches the summit from School Hut, and descends by Mweka Gate.
This 10-day tour includes arrival and departure days, with 8 trekking days on the mountain. Guruguru Safaris should present this itinerary as a premium Kilimanjaro choice for climbers who want strong acclimatization, wide scenery, and a quieter trail experience away from the busier southern routes.
Who Should Choose the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit is suitable for climbers who prefer a slower, more complete Kilimanjaro experience. The route has a strong acclimatization profile because it spends more days on the mountain and avoids major altitude jumps after the early Shira section.
This route is not necessarily the easiest in terms of total effort. The daily pace is controlled, but the itinerary is long. It is best for travelers who are comfortable with several consecutive hiking days and who want privacy, scenery, and time to adjust to altitude.
Route Summary
| Route Detail | Information |
|---|---|
|
Route |
Northern Circuit Route, Kilimanjaro’s longest standard trail |
|
Duration |
10 days total, including arrival and departure; 8 days on the mountain |
|
Trek Start |
Londorossi Gate and high-altitude drop-off toward Shira 1 Camp |
|
Mountain Accommodation |
Shira 1 Camp,Shira 2 Camp,Moir Hut Camp,Buffalo Camp,Third Cave Camp,School Hut,Millennium Camp |
|
Highest Point |
Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m / 19,341 ft |
|
Finish Point |
Mweka Gate, followed by transfer back to hotel |
|
Difficulty |
Moderate to challenging; excellent acclimatization but long overall duration |
|
Best For |
Climbers seeking quiet trails, broad scenery, and a premium Kilimanjaro experience |
Kilimanjaro Trek Packing List
Get PDF Safari Packing List + Useful Tips
Get PDF Safari Packing List + Useful Tips
Prices for Marangu route
8-DAY CLIMBING (+ 2 days in a hotel)
Price per person
1 Pax
$4,994
2 pax
$3,859
3 pax
$3,477
4 pax
$3,319
5 pax
$3,275
6 pax
$3,168
7 pax
$3,098
8+ pax
$3,023
8-DAY CLIMBING (+ 2 days in a hotel)
Price per person
1 Pax
$10,396
2 pax
$7,252
3 pax
$6,660
4 pax
$6,439
5 pax
$6,329
6 pax
$6,208
7 pax
$5,828
8+ pax
$5,698
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport - Transfer to Hotel
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Guruguru Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. The rest of the day is for rest after your flight, gear organization, and preparation before the mountain.
In the evening, your mountain guide will conduct a full briefing. The briefing covers the Northern Circuit route plan, altitude safety, pace control, weather expectations, gear check, and how the Guruguru Safaris mountain crew will support the expedition.
Meal Plan
Dinner and overnight at the hotel, or as confirmed in the final quotation
Overnight
Hotel in Arusha or Moshi
Day 2
Hotel - Londorossi Gate - High-Altitude Drop-Off - Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro for park registration, permit checks, and porter luggage weighing. The drive gives time to leave the busy towns behind and approach the quieter western trailhead.
After formalities, continue by vehicle to the high-altitude drop-off point near the Shira Plateau. From here, begin a short but important first walk to Shira 1 Camp. The distance is not long, but the altitude is already serious, so your guide will set a slow pace from the beginning.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, settle into your tent, drink water, and rest. Your first mountain night is important for acclimatization, and your guide will monitor how each climber responds to the elevation.
Acclimatization hike:
Camp Altitude
Approx. 3,500 m
Hiking distance:
Approx. 4 km
Trekking Time:
Approx. 1 hour
Meal Plan
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight
Shira 1 Camp
Day 3
Shira 1 Camp - Shira 2 Camp - Acclimatization Walk
Today you cross more of the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most open and beautiful high-altitude landscapes. The walking pace remains steady and controlled, with views toward Kibo and, on clear days, across the plains below.
After reaching Shira 2 Camp and taking lunch, your guide may lead a short acclimatization walk toward the Lava Tower direction before returning to camp. This climb-high, sleep-low approach helps the body adjust gradually.
The day is not technically difficult, but it is important because you continue sleeping at high altitude. Hydration, eating well, and walking slowly remain key parts of the climb.
Acclimatization hike:
Acclim Walk
1-2 hours
Hiking distance
Approx. 7 km
Hiking time:
3-4 hours
Meal Plan
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight
Shira 2 Camp
Day 4
Shira 2 Camp - Lava Tower - Moir Hut
After breakfast, leave Shira 2 Camp and climb gradually toward Lava Tower. This is one of the important acclimatization points on the route because you gain altitude during the day before descending to sleep lower at Moir Hut.
The air becomes thinner as you approach Lava Tower, so the group should move slowly and take short breaks when needed. After lunch and rest near the tower area, continue toward Moir Hut, a quieter camp set away from the busier southern circuit.
Moir Hut gives the climb a remote feel and prepares you for the northern traverse. The evening is for rest, warm drinks, dinner, and altitude checks with the guide.
Acclimatization hike:
High Point
Lava Tower, 4,600 m
Hiking distance
Approx. 14 km
Hiking time
5-7 hours
Meal Plan
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight
Moir Hut Camp
Day 5
Moir Hut - Northern Slopes - Buffalo Camp
Today the route leaves Moir Valley and begins the quieter traverse around Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes. The first section includes a short climb out of the valley, followed by rolling terrain with steady ups and downs.
This section is one of the reasons many climbers choose the Northern Circuit. The trail is less crowded, the views feel wide and remote, and on clear days you may see toward the plains of northern Tanzania and southern Kenya.
Arrive at Buffalo Camp in the afternoon. After dinner, rest early because the following days continue around the less-traveled side of the mountain.
Acclimatization hike:
Camp Area
Northern Kilimanjaro
Hiking distance
Approx. 12 km
Hiking time:
5-7 hours
Meal Plan
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight
Buffalo Camp
Day 6
Buffalo Camp - Third Cave Camp
After breakfast, continue along the northern circuit toward Third Cave Camp. The day is shorter than the previous one, and by this stage your body should be more adjusted to sleeping around the high 3,000-meter zone.
The landscape remains open and quiet, with fewer climbing groups than the southern routes. Your guide will continue checking appetite, hydration, walking rhythm, and any signs of altitude discomfort.
Third Cave Camp is where the Northern Circuit begins to connect toward the eastern approach of the mountain. The evening is calm and practical, focused on rest and preparation for the move to summit base camp.
Acclimatization hike:
Camp Altitude
Approx. 3,800 m
Hiking distance:
Approx. 8 km
Hiking time:
4-6 hours
Meal Plan
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight
Third Cave Camp
Day 7
Third Cave Camp - School Hut
Today you trek to School Hut, the base camp for the summit attempt. The walking distance is not long, but the altitude is serious, so your guide will keep the pace slow and controlled.
On arrival at School Hut, have lunch, rest, and prepare all summit items: warm layers, headlamp, batteries, gloves, water bottles, snacks, and personal medication. The guide will explain the summit night plan and check each climber carefully.
Dinner is served early. Sleep may be light at this altitude, but lying down and resting helps conserve energy for the midnight summit departure.
Acclimatization hike:
Camp Altitude
Approx. 4,800 m
Hiking distance:
Approx. 5 km
Hiking time:
4-5 hours
Meal Plan
Breakfast, lunch, and early dinner
Overnight
School Hut
Day 8
School Hut - Uhuru Peak - Millennium Camp
The summit attempt usually begins around midnight. The climb is not technical, but the altitude, cold, darkness, and long duration make this the most demanding day of the expedition.
Move slowly toward the crater rim and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Time at the summit is normally short because the group must descend to safer altitude as soon as possible.
After the summit, descend toward Barafu for a short rest and then continue down to Millennium Camp. This long descent requires careful steps because many climbers are tired after the summit push.
Acclimatization hike:
Highest Point
Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
Hiking distance:
Approx. 16 km
Hiking time:
10-13 hours
Meal Plan
Light midnight snack, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight
Millennium Camp
Day 9
Millennium Camp - Mweka Gate - Transfer to Hotel
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest toward Mweka Gate. The lower altitude brings warmer air and stronger oxygen levels, making the final walking day more comfortable after the summit effort.
At Mweka Gate, complete park exit formalities and receive Kilimanjaro certificates if you reached the summit or crater rim. This is also the moment to thank the guides, cook, and porters who supported the expedition.
A Guruguru Safaris vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a hot shower, rest, and celebration.
Acclimatization hike:
Finish
Mweka Gate
Hiking distance:
Approx. 12 km
Hiking time:
4-5 hours
Meal Plan
Breakfast and lunch; dinner at the hotel or as confirmed in the quotation.
Overnight
Hotel in Arusha or Moshi
Day 10
Departure - Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport
After breakfast, relax at the hotel until your scheduled airport transfer. Depending on your flight time, you may add a short Arusha or Moshi town visit, coffee experience, souvenir shopping, or an extra hotel day at additional cost.
For travelers continuing their Tanzania adventure, Guruguru Safaris can arrange a private safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, or a beach extension to Zanzibar.
Meal Plan
Breakfast
Overnight
Departure / optional extension
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What's included
- Airport transfers as specified in the final itinerary.
- Hotel accommodation before and after the climb, as confirmed in the quotation.
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees, hut fees, forest fees, and rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, assistant guides, cook, and porters
- Accommodation in Kilimanjaro mountain huts during the trek.
- Three meals per day on the mountain, prepared by the mountain cook.
- Safe drinking water during the trek.
- Fair porter luggage allowance according to Kilimanjaro regulations.
- Summit certificate for successful climbers.
- Transfers between hotel, Marangu Gate, and back to hotel after the climb.
What's not included
- International and domestic flights.
- Tanzania visa fees and travel insurance.
- Personal trekking gear, sleeping bag, and optional gear rental.
- Tips for guides, cook, and porters.
- Personal snacks, drinks, laundry, and extra hotel services
- Extra accommodation before or after the scheduled itinerary.
- Medical costs, evacuation beyond included rescue arrangements, and personal expenses
- Optional safari, Zanzibar, or cultural extensions.
BOOK THIS TOUR
Optional Extensions with Guruguru Safaris
After Kilimanjaro, many travelers add a private Tanzania safari or Zanzibar beach holiday. Popular combinations include a 3-day Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara safari; a Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari; or a Zanzibar beach extension for rest after the mountain.
- The Marangu Route is known as the Coca-Cola Route and is the classic Kilimanjaro hut route, but it is still a serious high-altitude climb.
- The route uses mountain huts instead of camping tents, which makes it attractive for climbers who prefer basic indoor accommodation on the mountain.
- Walk slowly from the first day. A controlled pace is one of the best ways to protect acclimatization.
- Drink water frequently and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue, or breathing difficulty.
- Pack warm layers for summit night, including thermal base layers, insulated jacket, gloves, warm hat, and headlamp with spare batteries.
- Consult your doctor before travel if you plan to use altitude medication or if you have any medical condition.
- The descent after summit is long. Careful foot placement is important when climbers are tired.
- Waterproof hiking boots that are already broken in before travel.
- Thermal base layers, fleece layer, insulated jacket, waterproof jacket, and waterproof trousers.
- Warm gloves, liner gloves, warm hat, sun hat, neck gaiter, and sunglasses.
- Sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain nights, unless rented through Guruguru Safaris.
- Headlamp with spare batteries for summit night.
- Daypack, water bottles or hydration bladder, trekking poles, sunscreen, lip balm, and personal medication.
- Soft duffel bag for porter-carried luggage and dry bags to protect clothing from rain.
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