8 days
Northern Circuit Route
8 days mount kilimanjaro trekking via Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route, the longest route to the summit, offers a one-of-a-kind and picturesque experience. Its exceptional acclimatization profile, a key element for a successful summit, sets it apart. The route, which wraps around the mountain, allows trekkers to discover its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s a comprehensive itinerary for a 8-day trek on the Northern Circuit Route.
Overview of the Lemosho Route
Duration：
8 Days Trekking
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Challenging
Distance
Approximately 97 km (60 miles)
Best Time to Climb
January to mid-March and June to October
Starting - End Point
Londorossi Gate – Mweka Gate
Departure dates
Route
Northern Circuit Route Trekking
Price per person1 Person
Price From
$3,201
Per Person
2 – 3 Person
Price From
$ 2,995
Per Person
6 – 10 Person
Price From
$ 2,895
Per Person
11+ Person
Price From
$ 2,895
Per Person
Your Journey Mapped Out
Ready to set out? Your adventure awaits!
- DAY 1 - Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) - Arusha
- DAY 2 - Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
- DAY 3 - Big Tree Camp to Shira Camp 1
- DAY 4 - Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Moir Hut (4200m
- DAY 5 - Moir Hut (4200m) to Buffalo Camp (4020m)
- DAY 6 - Buffalo Camp (4020m) to Third Cave (3870m)
- DAY 7 - Third Cave (3870m) to School Hut (4750m)
- DAY 8 - School Hut (4750m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Mweka Camp (3080m)
- DAY 9 - Mweka Camp (3080m) to Mweka Gate (1630m) to Arusha
- DAY 10 - Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
Day 1
Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your guide and the rest of your trekking team will meet you and take you to your hotel in Arusha. This day is for resting, meeting your team, and getting a briefing. Your team will consist of experienced guides, porters, and cooks who will ensure your safety, comfort, and well-being throughout the trek. Prepare your gear and take time to relax and adjust to the local climate.
Accommodation before and After
Golden Tulip
located in Arusha (City)
- HB – Dinner and Breakfast
- Drinks not included
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation
2,250 m – 2,820 m
Distance
6 km
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 2
Londorossi Gate (2250m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2820m)
After breakfast, you will drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and the start of your trek. The trail begins in the rainforest, offering a moderate climb with the possibility of spotting wildlife, such as colobus monkeys. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp, nestled among giant trees and thick vegetation.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation
2,820m to 3,500m
Distance
8 km
Hiking Time
5-6 hours
Habitat
Day 3
Mti Mkubwa Camp (2820m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)
Today’s hike continues through the forest before transitioning into the moorland zone. The path becomes more open, offering breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau and the unique landscapes of the alpine desert. In the afternoon, you’ll reach Shira 1 Camp, where you can relax and enjoy the panoramic vistas, inspiring a sense of awe and wonder.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation
3,500m to 4,200m
Distance
14 km
Hiking Time
6-8 hours
Habitat
Day 4
Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Moir Hut (4200m)
The trail continues across the Shira Plateau, offering expansive views and a chance to explore the unique landscape. You’ll traverse several ridges and valleys before reaching Moir Hut, a less frequented campsite at the base of a massive lava flow. This area is excellent for acclimatization, and a short hike in the afternoon is recommended.
Day 5 : Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Elevation
4,200m to 4,020m
Distance
12 km
Hiking Time
5-7 hours
Habitat
Day 5
Moir Hut (4200m) to Buffalo Camp (4020m)
Today, you will start on a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. This day includes a short detour to the top of Lent Hills at 4700 meters. Afterward, the path continues through the alpine desert, with changing landscapes and increasing altitude. You’ll reach Buffalo Camp in the afternoon, where you can rest and enjoy the stunning views of the Kenyan plains.
Day 6 : Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Elevation
4,020m to 3,870m
Distance
8 km
Hiking Time
4-5 hours
Habitat
Alpine Desert
Day 6
Buffalo Camp (4020m) to Third Cave (3870m)
The trail continues east around the mountain’s northern side, leading to Third Cave. The path offers a gradual ascent, allowing your body to acclimatize better. The landscape is strikingly barren and remote, offering a sense of solitude and wilderness. You’ll arrive at Third Cave in the afternoon, with time to rest and prepare for the next day’s hike.
Day 7 : Third Cave to School Hut
Elevation
3,870m to 4750m
Distance
5 km
Hiking Time
4-5 hours
Habitat
Alpine Desert
Day 7
Third Cave (3870m) to School Hut (4750m)
The trail continues toward the School Hut, which serves as the base camp for the summit attempt. The ascent is steady and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Upon reaching School Hut, you’ll have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the final push to the summit, which begins around midnight.
Day 7 : Third Cave to School Hut
Elevation
4,750m to 4750m to 3,080m
Distance
19 km
Hiking Time
12-15 hours
Habitat
Arctic to Moorland
Day 8
School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
The summit attempt begins around midnight, with a strenuous climb to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. From Gilman’s Point, the trail continues to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit at sunrise is a truly unforgettable experience. After celebrating and taking photos, you’ll return to School Hut for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp.
Day 7 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
Elevation
3,080m to 1,630m
Distance
10 km
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Habitat
Montane Forest
Day 9
Mweka Camp (3080m) to Mweka Gate (1630m) to Arusha
The final day involves descending through the lush montane forest to Mweka Gate. The trail is well-maintained and easier on the way down. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will receive your summit certificates and be greeted with celebratory refreshments. A vehicle will then take you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, where you can rest and reflect on your incredible achievement.
Day 7 : Third Cave to School Hut
Elevation
3,080m to 1,630m
Distance
10 km
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Habitat
Montane Forest
Day 9
Mweka Camp (3080m) to Mweka Gate (1630m) to Arusha
The final day involves descending through the lush montane forest to Mweka Gate. The trail is well-maintained and easier on the way down. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will receive your summit certificates and be greeted with celebratory refreshments. A vehicle will then take you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, where you can rest and reflect on your incredible achievement.
Day10
Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, you’ll have time to explore Arusha or relax at the hotel. This time is crucial for rejuvenating your body and mind after the strenuous trek. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey on the Lemosho Route, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories and experiences that will bring you a smile every time you recall them.
Accommodation before and After
Golden Tulip
located in Arusha (City)
- HB – Dinner and Breakfast
- Drinks not included
Included
- professional, English-speaking guide
- mountain crew (cook & porters)
- 8 nights‘ stay in lodges and mountain tents
- camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc)
- portable toilet and toilet tent
- meals according to the itinerary
- drinking water
- all national park fees
- all mentioned transfers
Excluded
- flights (international and domestic)
- meals not indicated in the itinerary
- alcoholic and soft drinks
- sleeping bag (can be rented at extra cost)
- tips
- personal expenses, visa fees, travel insurance