8-Day Northern Circuit Group Trek

Kilimanjaro Group Trek

Northern Circuit Route – 8 Days | Start – September 29, 2025

Top Highlights

  • 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Remote Trail
  • High Altitude Adventure
  • Scenic Route
  • Summit Success

Northern Circuit Route – 8 Days

Embark on Kilimanjaro’s longest and quietest trail — the Northern Circuit. Starting via the Lemosho route and circling around the northern slopes, this 8-day trek offers unmatched solitude, scenic views, and the best acclimatization profile for a successful summit. Ideal for those looking for a more remote and extended wilderness experience.

Why Choose the Northern Circuit?

  • Longest and most scenic Kilimanjaro route
  • Maximum acclimatization for highest success rate
  • Quiet trail with fewer climbers
  • Breathtaking views of the Kenyan side
  • Combines beauty, isolation, and summit success

Itinerary for Northern Circuit

📅 29th Sept – Arrival Day

Arrival

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi for briefing and gear check.

🏨 Accommodation: The Maridadi Hotel

📅 30th September

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast and a drive to Londorossi Gate (2,100m), complete registration and begin your trek through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m). Look out for black-and-white colobus monkeys and rich birdlife.

🕒 Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
🏕 Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Full Board)

📅 1st October

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Ascend out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. Enjoy stunning views of the Shira Plateau as you approach camp.

🕒 Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
🏕 Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (Full Board)

📅 2nd October

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

A gentle trek across the plateau with breathtaking views of Kibo. Acclimatization day with short hikes available in the afternoon.

🕒 Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
🏕 Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (Full Board)

📅 3rd October

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

Trek through the alpine desert, passing Lava Tower (optional hike) before reaching the remote and quiet Moir Hut for the night.

🕒 Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
🏕 Accommodation: Moir Hut (Full Board)

📅 4th October

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Hike out of the Moir Valley and follow a trail that crosses rock fields and a ridge, offering amazing views of the plains below.

🕒 Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
🏕 Accommodation: Buffalo Camp (Full Board)

📅 5th October

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Continue along the northern slopes with a more moderate trail, making your way to the serene Third Cave Camp.

🕒 Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
🏕 Accommodation: Third Cave Camp (Full Board)

📅 6th October

Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut

A shorter but steeper climb today as you make your way to the base camp. Rest and prepare for the summit push.

🕒 Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
🏕 Accommodation: School Hut (Full Board)

📅 7th October

Day 8: Summit Day – School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Begin your ascent around midnight, reaching Gilman’s Point (5,685m) at sunrise and Uhuru Peak (5,895m) shortly after. Descend back down to Mweka Camp.

🕒 Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
🏕 Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Full Board)

📅 8th October

Departure Day – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi.

🕒 Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
🏨 Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (Day Room Use)
✈️ Transfer to Airport

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers (Arrival & Departure)
  • 2 nights at Maridadi Hotel, Moshi (BB)
  • Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping fees & rescue fees
  • Professional, licensed mountain guides & porters
  • 4-season mountain tents, dining tent, tables, chairs, kitchen setup
  • All meals during trek (B/L/D) + hot drinks & purified water
  • Health monitoring with pulse oximeter
  • Emergency oxygen cylinder

Exclusions

  • Personal trekking gear (available for rent)
  • Climb insurance
  • Tips for mountain crew
  • Portable flush toilet: $200
  • Oxygen cylinder (if needed): $90
  • International flights & visa fees

📸 What to Expect

  • Journey from rainforest to alpine desert
  • Climb the iconic Barranco Wall
  • Sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak
  • Delicious meals & well-supported trek
  • Comfortable camps & great team vibe

🥾 Recommended Packing List

Clothing:

Waterproof jacket & pants, insulated jacket, fleece
Thermal base layers, gloves, hat, hiking pants
Gaiters, quick-dry shirts

Gear:

Hiking boots, trekking poles
Headlamp, sleeping bag (-10°C), 25–35L daypack
Hydration system, sunglasses, sunscreen

Other Items:

Toiletries, snacks, personal medication
Travel insurance with emergency evacuation

🎯 Success Tips

  • Drink 3–4L water daily
  • Go “pole pole” (slowly)
  • Climb high, sleep low
  • Wear warm layers & stay energized
  • Listen to your guide

🙋‍♀️ FAQs: Northern Circuit

Is it crowded?

Yes, but for good reason — stunning views, great acclimatization.

Can I rent gear?

Yes — sleeping bags, down jackets, poles, boots & more.

Do I need to be fit?

A good level of fitness is needed. Expect 4–7 hours of hiking daily.

Altitude medication?

Consult your doctor. Guides monitor health with oximeters.

Summit certificate?

Yes! You’ll receive a certificate for reaching Uhuru Peak.

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