From Arusha in Tanzania: 10 Days Group Budget Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route

Lemosho Gate (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

Before arriving at Lemosho Gate, you’ll pass through varied farmland featuring expansive views of the plains. Near the trailhead, a scenic forest clearing provides a perfect place for lunch. After completing registration at the gate, the hike starts along a narrow path winding through lush forest, where you may spot wildlife like buffalo. The day concludes at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), located at 7,800 feet above sea level.

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

Full Board at Shira One Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

The trail emerges from the forest and winds into a savannah scattered with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks covered in lichen. As you climb the rolling green hills and cross multiple streams, you’ll reach the Shira Ridge, then gently descend to Shira 1 Camp. From the plateau, the breathtaking panoramic view of Kibo is truly spectacular.

Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)

Distance: 7km / 4 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On the third day, the trek continues across the picturesque Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2, where you will spend the night and have the chance to meet climbers coming up the Machame Route. From Shira Camp 2, a short hike higher on the plateau is recommended to take in breathtaking views of the valley below and the imposing Western Breach above. The Shira Plateau is exposed to harsh weather, so expect a cold night with temperatures possibly dropping below freezing.

Note: You will proceed east along the Shira Ridge toward Lava Tower (4,600 meters), then descend along the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)

Distance: 14km / 8 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day four, the journey continues eastward with an extended trek through the stunning 'Garden of the Senecios' into the high alpine desert. The morning involves a steady climb to Lava Tower and the striking Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where lunch is served. Afterwards, the path descends along the northern circuit to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This day is crucial for acclimatization, allowing you to gain altitude before resting at a lower elevation.

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

On day five, the trek begins with a moderately steep ascent from Moir Valley. For those seeking extra adventure, there's an optional side trip to reach the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before rejoining the main Northern Circuit trail. The journey then proceeds with gentle climbs and descents along Kibo’s northern slopes, providing stunning panoramic views of the vast plains stretching toward the Kenya–Tanzania border. Around midday, you’ll arrive at Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) for lunch and a deserved rest.

Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave Camp (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

On day six, the trek begins with an ascent over Buffalo Ridge before descending to Pofu Camp for lunch. The journey then proceeds eastward along Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, following the Northern Circuit route toward Rongai Third Cave Camp, situated at 3,800 meters. This day’s hike is shorter than the day before, and by now, you’re likely well adapted to the altitude. You’ll reach Third Cave Camp by mid-afternoon.

Third Cave Camp (3,800 meters) to School Huts (4,800 meters)

Distance: 15km / 8 miles

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day seven, you'll steadily climb across the Saddle, a broad ridge linking Mawenzi Peak to Kibo Huts. The path then heads southwest toward School Huts at 4,800 meters. Once there, you'll enjoy an early dinner and are advised to rest well in preparation for the midnight summit push. Be sure to organize all your gear—warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera—before turning in for the night.

School Huts (4,800 meters) to Kilimanjaro Crater (5,750 meters)

Unlike other routes that involve a nighttime summit, this trek offers a daytime climb to the Kibo crater. You’ll maintain a steady pace, fully supported by your climbing team, reaching the Kibo rim before descending briefly into the caldera to reach Crater Camp. The afternoon is set aside for relaxation, with optional short walks guided by your team.

Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp

After an overnight stay in the crater, you’ll start the shortest and final climb to Kilimanjaro’s summit, which takes roughly an hour. This quick ascent allows you to reach the peak just in time to experience a stunning sunrise. At the summit, you’ll stand atop the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. Later, you’ll descend through the heath zone to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain, where you can enjoy views of native Protea plants frequently visited by colorful Malachite Sunbirds.

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft.

Distance: 10 km.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Rain Forest.

Half Board.

After breakfast, begin your descent down to Mweka Gate, where you will be awarded your summit certificates. The lower path may be muddy and damp, so it’s advisable to wear gaiters and use trekking poles. Lightweight clothing such as shorts and T-shirts generally suffice, but be sure to bring rain gear and warmer layers as a precaution. At Mweka Gate, an Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your budget hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before we transfer you back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).