Overview

The 8-day Northern Circuit Route is the newest and longest trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting at the Londorossi Gate in the west, this route follows the Lemosho path for the first two days before diverging at Lava Tower. From there, it follows the longer Northern Circuit, bypassing the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley. This route takes climbers around the quieter northern slopes, eventually making its way to the eastern side of the mountain.
While the Northern Circuit is known for its length, it also provides the most comprehensive acclimatization. The 8-day version of the trek skips the additional acclimatization day at Shira Camp 2, heading straight to Moir Camp instead. This makes it a faster option for climbers, though it may require a strong physical condition to successfully summit.

What to Expect

The 8-day Northern Circuit Route offers a unique and more peaceful experience on Mount Kilimanjaro. With fewer climbers on this route, you’ll enjoy the tranquility of the less-visited northern slopes and witness pristine landscapes that are far less crowded than the southern routes.
As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit gives you more time for gradual acclimatization, which improves your chances of a successful summit. The trek offers stunning views from every angle, including panoramic vistas of the Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower, and the lesser-explored northern side of the mountain. You'll also have the chance to observe unique wildlife and the diverse ecosystems that change as you ascend.
The 8-day version of the trek does not include the additional acclimatization day at Shira Camp 2, which means you'll need to adjust to the altitude more quickly. However, even with this shorter timeline, the route still offers a gradual and scenic approach, giving you a rewarding experience of one of Kilimanjaro's most untouched areas.

Tour Plan

Arrival in Tanzania - Transfer from Airport to Moshi
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Moshi town. You will meet our Kilimanjaro trekking expert who will brief you on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trekking, then rest until the next day morning.

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Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – Start Point 2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)
• Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
• Trekking time: 3-4 hours
• Zone: Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

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Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)
• Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
• Trekking time: 3-4 hours
• Zone: Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

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Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)
• Distance: ~~14km / 8 miles
• Trekking time: 6-8 hours
• Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone/ High alpine zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 for lunch. Here nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. But for 8days trekkers will continue with trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone, then you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200.

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Day 4: Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)
• Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
• Trekking time: 5-7 hours
• Zone: High alpine zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.

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Day 5: Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)
• Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
• Trekking time: 5-7 hours
• Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatised to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

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Day 6: 3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)
• Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
• Trekking time: 4-5 hours
• Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.

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Day 7: School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then onto Millennium Camp (3,950 meters)
• Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
• Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
• Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.

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Day 8: Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)
• Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
• Trekking time: 3-4 hours
• Zone: Rainforest zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.

The Pamoja Kilimanjaro & Safari team will ensure that your dream of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro becomes a reality.