8-Day Northern Circuit Route – Mount Kilimanjaro

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your adventure begins at Lemosho Gate, where registration is completed in Kilimanjaro National Park. After a short drive to the starting point, trek through dense rainforest filled with giant trees, moss, and wildlife such as colobus monkeys. The trail gradually climbs to Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Elevation: 2,100 m → 2,750 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Leave the rainforest and ascend into the moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily along scenic ridges with beautiful views of the Shira Plateau and surrounding valleys before reaching Shira 1 Camp.

Elevation: 2,750 m → 3,500 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

Today’s trek crosses the wide Shira Plateau with stunning panoramic views. The gentle terrain allows for gradual acclimatization while enjoying the vast volcanic landscape and distant mountain scenery.

Elevation: 3,500 m → 3,850 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut

Trek toward the famous Lava Tower before continuing to the quieter Moir Hut area. This day follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle to help your body adjust to altitude while enjoying dramatic alpine scenery.

Elevation: 3,850 m → 4,600 m → 4,200 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Moir Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp

Today the trail turns north around the mountain, offering incredible views across the Kenyan plains. The route is quieter and less crowded as you trek across remote alpine terrain before reaching Buffalo Camp.

Elevation: 4,200 m → 4,020 m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp

Continue trekking across the northern slopes of the mountain with expansive views and peaceful landscapes. The trail gently climbs toward Third Cave Camp, located beneath the towering summit slopes.

Elevation: 4,020 m → 3,870 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Third Cave – School Hut – Summit – Mweka Camp

Climb steadily to School Hut where you prepare for the summit attempt. Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Gilman's Point and continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 3,870 m → 4,750 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

Descend through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate before transferring back to Moshi for rest and celebration.

Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,640 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.