8 Days Northern Circuit Majesty Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Overview
The 8-day Northern Circuit Route is not just a trek; it's a transformative experience that immerses you in the natural wonders of Kilimanjaro. From the moment you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, the journey unfolds, leading you through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to alpine deserts, before culminating at the iconic Uhuru Peak. Our expert guides will accompany you every step of the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the rich flora and fauna that call Kilimanjaro home.
Tour highlights
- Arrival Day : Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi or Arusha
- Day 1 : Moshi to Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
- Day 2 : Mti Mkubwa 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 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 to Moshi/Arusha
Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi to Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
• Distance: 95 km • Duration: 3 hours • Temperature: 20°C • Landscape: Lush rainforest, vibrant flora Begin your trek at Londorossi Gate, meandering through the enchanting rainforest to reach Big Tree Camp, where towering trees and diverse wildlife set the stage for the journey.
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 Shira 1 Camp
• Distance: 10 km • Duration: 6 hours • Temperature: 15°C • Landscape: Heath and moorland, stunning views Ascend through heath and moorland, witnessing panoramic views as you reach Shira 1 Camp, situated on the Shira Plateau.
Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp
Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
• Distance: 12 km • Duration: 7 hours • Temperature: 10°C • Landscape: Alpine desert, Lava Tower Experience the stark beauty of the alpine desert, passing the iconic Lava Tower before reaching Moir Hut, nestled against the rugged terrain.
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
• Distance: 10 km • Duration: 6 hours • Temperature: 5°C • Landscape: Highland desert, volcanic formations Traverse the highland desert, marveling at unique volcanic formations as you make your way to Buffalo Camp, a remote and serene location.
Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp
Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 5: Buffalo Camp Third Cave
• Distance: 15 km • Duration: 8 hours • Temperature: 0°C • Landscape: Glacial valleys, Third Cave Navigate glacial valleys, reaching Third Cave, a strategic point with breathtaking views and a stark shift in the surrounding landscape.
Destination: Buffalo Camp To Pofu Camp
Accommodation: Pofu Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut
• Distance: 12 km • Duration: 7 hours • Temperature: -5°C • Landscape: Arctic conditions, School Hut Challenge yourself in arctic conditions as you ascend to School Hut, the final base before the summit, with a palpable sense of anticipation in the air.
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
• Distance: 20 km • Duration: 12 hours • Temperature: -10°C to 5°C • Landscape: Glacial and snowy summit, Uhuru Peak The culmination of your journey awaits as you ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Bask in the glory of the sunrise over the glaciers before descending to Mweka Camp, surrounded by the ethereal beauty of the mountain.
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 to Moshi/Arusha
• Distance: 15 km • Duration: 5 hours • Temperature: 10°C • Landscape: Rainforest, farewell to Kilimanjaro Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where your adventure concludes. A sense of accomplishment accompanies you as you return to Moshi or Arusha, having conquered Kilimanjaro.
Destination: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch
Price Includes
- Sleeping bag or bed linen
- Rescue fee
- Park fees
- A professional driver/guide
- 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
- 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
The best time is during the dry seasons, typically from late December to early March and June to October.
The Northern Circuit Route is considered challenging, requiring good physical fitness and acclimatization.
Participants must be at least 12 years old, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Essential equipment includes trekking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, and trekking poles.
Our itinerary is designed to allow gradual acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Our guides are trained to identify and manage symptoms.
Restroom facilities are available at designated campsites, though they may be basic. It's advisable to carry personal hygiene items.
Yes, please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Kilimanjaro is home to various bird species and small mammals, but encounters are infrequent due to the altitude.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for trekking at high altitudes, is mandatory.
We follow strict Leave No Trace principles, ensuring all waste is properly disposed of and the environment is preserved.
Reviews for 8 Days Northern Circuit Majesty Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Overview
By Anna Petrov 
Visited: January 2024
An unforgettable journey! The Northern Circuit Route showcased Kilimanjaro's grandeur. The eco-friendly approach and respect for local communities set this trek apart. A must-do for nature enthusiasts.
By John Smith 
Visited: November 2023
Embarking on the Northern Circuit Route was a life-changing experience. The guides were knowledgeable, the landscapes awe-inspiring, and the challenge invigorating. Kilimanjaro revealed its true majesty, and I will forever cherish the memories.
By Sophie Johnson 
Visited: November 2023
Kilimanjaro, you exceeded my expectations! The Northern Circuit Route offered a diverse range of terrains. The team's expertise ensured a safe journey. Truly a bucket-list adventure that I highly recommend.
By Carlos Rodriguez 
Visited: April 2023
The Northern Circuit Route was both challenging and rewarding. The guides' commitment to responsible tourism was evident throughout. Kilimanjaro's beauty is unmatched, and I felt a profound connection to nature.
By Anna Petrov
Visited: December 2023
An unforgettable journey! The Northern Circuit Route showcased Kilimanjaro's grandeur. The eco-friendly approach and respect for local communities set this trek apart. A must-do for nature enthusiasts.
By Haruki Tanaka 
Visited: November 2023
From lush forests to the summit's icy embrace, Kilimanjaro's Northern Circuit Route was a symphony of landscapes. The guides' cultural insights added depth to the experience. Arigato for an incredible adventure!
By Isabella Silva 
Visited: December 2023
O Kilimanjaro é incrÃvel! The Northern Circuit Route was a perfect blend of challenge and beauty. The team's dedication to minimizing environmental impact left a lasting impression. Uma experiência única!
By Felix Wagner 
Visited: September 2023
Die Besteigung des Kilimanjaro über die Northern Circuit Route war atemberaubend. The changing landscapes, the crisp mountain air, and the camaraderie among trekkers made this an extraordinary adventure. Sehr empfehlenswert!
By Aisha Al-Farsi 
Visited: December 2023
مغامرة رائعة! The Northern Circuit Route was a testament to Kilimanjaro's majesty. The responsible approach to tourism highlighted the importance of preserving such pristine environments. شكرًا for an amazing experience!
