8 Days African Apex Adventure Northern Circuit Route
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day journey through the Northern Circuit Route of Kilimanjaro, a true pinnacle of African adventure. This expedition promises not only a thrilling ascent to the continent's highest peak but also an immersive experience through diverse landscapes, each day revealing new wonders
Tour highlights
- Arrival Day : : Kilimanjaro Airport Moshi/Arusha
- Day 1 : : Moshi Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
- Day 2 : : Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
- Day 3 : : Shira 1 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
- Day 4 : : Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
- Day 5 : : Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
- Day 6 : Third Cave to School Hut
- Day 7 : : School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Day 8 : : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Back Moshi/Arusha
Itinerary
Day 1: : Moshi Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
• Length: Approx. 115 km • Duration: 4 hours • Temperature: 25°C • Drive to Londorossi Gate and start the trek through enchanting rainforests. Reach Big Tree Camp, your first overnight stop, surrounded by the mystique of ancient trees.
Destination: Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp
Accommodation: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 2: : Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
• Length: Approx. 9 km • Duration: 5-6 hours • Temperature: 18°C • Ascend through heather and moorland, revealing stunning views. Shira 1 Camp, perched at 3,505 meters, offers a spectacular panorama of the Shira Plateau
Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp
Accommodation: Shira 2 Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 3: : Shira 1 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
• Length: Approx. 14 km • Duration: 7-8 hours • Temperature: 15°C • Experience the transition from moorland to alpine desert. Lava Tower, a towering volcanic formation, marks a key point before reaching Moir Hut, nestled at 4,200 meters.
Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Moir Hut Camp
Accommodation: Moir Hut Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 4: : Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
• Length: Approx. 12 km • Duration: 6-7 hours • Temperature: 10°C • Traverse rocky ridges and valleys, encountering unique flora. Buffalo Camp, at 4,020 meters, offers a tranquil setting against the rugged backdrop.
Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp
Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 5: : Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
• Length: Approx. 10 km • Duration: 5-6 hours • Temperature: 8°C • Descend into the Barranco Valley and ascend again to Third Cave, a pristine campsite surrounded by striking volcanic formations.
Destination: Buffalo Camp To Pofu Camp
Accommodation: Pofu Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut
• Length: Approx. 15 km • Duration: 8-9 hours • Temperature: 5°C • Ascend through the arctic desert to School Hut, the final camp before the summit. Experience a dramatic change in landscape.
Destination: Third Cave Camp To School Hut Camp
Accommodation: School Hut Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 7: : School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Length: Approx. 21 km • Duration: 12-14 hours • Temperature: -5°C to 15°C • Summit day! Conquer Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp through the snowy landscapes, rewarding you with breathtaking views.
Destination: School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Mweka camp
Accommodation: Mweka Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 8: : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Back Moshi/Arusha
• Length: Approx. 10 km • Duration: 3-4 hours • Temperature: 20°C • Descend through the lush Mweka Rainforest to Mweka Gate. Celebrate your achievement and head back to Moshi or Arusha.
Destination: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Price Includes
- Sleeping bag or bed linen
- Rescue fee
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
Price Excludes
- Park fees
- All flights during the tour
- International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, acclimatization is crucial. The gradual ascent of the Northern Circuit minimizes this risk.
• : Proper trekking boots, warm layers, a good quality sleeping bag, and trekking poles are essential.
: Campsites are equipped with basic toilet facilities. However, be prepared for more basic conditions at higher altitudes.
: Summit day is challenging due to its length and altitude gain. Mental resilience is key.
: No, trekkers must be accompanied by certified guides and support staff
: While the route is not known for wildlife, occasional sightings of birds and smaller mammals may occur.
: Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all participants.
: Yes, dietary preferences are accommodated with prior notice.
: Strict Leave No Trace principles are followed, and waste is carried off the mountain.
: Charging facilities are limited. Consider carrying a power bank.
: The dry seasons from January to March and June to October are ideal.
Reviews for 8 Days African Apex Adventure Northern Circuit Route
By Emily Johnson 
Visited: October 2020
. The diverse landscapes, challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the team's commitment to responsible tourism made it unforgettable. A must for adventure enthusiasts!"
By Hassan Al-Farsi 
Visited: March 2020
. The guides' expertise, the well-planned itinerary, and the breathtaking views make it an adventure of a lifetime. A journey that every nature lover should undertake."
By Sophie Müller 
Visited: November 2022
The responsible approach to waste management and the emphasis on safety made the trek both enjoyable and environmentally conscious."
By Raj Patel 
Visited: January 2021
The Northern Circuit Route is not just a climb; it's an immersion into Kilimanjaro's ecosystems. The team's dedication to preserving the environment and supporting local communities is commendable
By Elena Costa 
Visited: November 2022
Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit was a dream fulfilled. The well-paced itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and the sense of accomplishment at Uhuru Peak made every step worthwhile
By David Wang 
Visited: November 2021
. The guides' encouragement, the stunning landscapes, and the camaraderie among fellow trekkers created an unforgettable adventure. Highly recommended!"
By Fatima Nkosi 
Visited: November 2021
. The Northern Circuit Route showcased the continent's diverse beauty, and the responsible approach to tourism left me proud to be part of such an inspiring adventure."
By Fatima Nkosi
Visited: November 2021
. The Northern Circuit Route showcased the continent's diverse beauty, and the responsible approach to tourism left me proud to be part of such an inspiring adventure."
By Antonio Silva 
Visited: December 2022
. The meticulous planning, the supportive guides, and the sense of achievement at Uhuru Peak made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A journey worth every step."
By Yuki Nakamura 
Visited: December 2022
The thoughtful itinerary, the team's dedication to sustainability, and the panoramic views made it a trek to remember. Arigatou gozaimasu!"
By Isabella Rossi 
Visited: November 2020
. The well-paced ascent, the knowledgeable guides, and the breathtaking landscapes created an unforgettable experience. A must for anyone seeking a true African adventure."