From Moshi in Tanzania: 10 Days Group Luxury 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 reaching Lemosho Gate, you'll travel through diverse farmland with sweeping views of the plains. Close to the trail’s beginning, a picturesque forest clearing offers an ideal lunch spot. After registering at the gate, the trek begins along a narrow path that meanders through a vibrant green forest home to wildlife such as buffalo. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), situated at an elevation of 7,800 feet.

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

Follow the trail as it emerges from the forest into a savannah dotted with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks blanketed in lichen. Ascend the gently rolling green hills, crossing several streams along the way, until you arrive at Shira Ridge. From there, make a gradual descent to Shira 1 Camp, where the stunning panoramic view of Kibo across the plateau will leave you in awe.

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 scenic Shira Plateau, moving from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2, where you’ll spend the night and have the opportunity to meet climbers ascending via the Machame Route. From Shira Camp 2, a short hike further along the plateau is recommended to enjoy stunning views of the valley below and the dramatic Western Breach above. Since the Shira Plateau is exposed, expect cold nights with temperatures potentially falling below freezing.
Note: You will head east along the Shira Ridge toward Lava Tower (4,600 meters) before descending 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 trek proceeds eastward, taking you through the breathtaking 'Garden of the Senecios' and into the high alpine desert. The morning features a steady ascent to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock at 4,600 meters, where lunch is enjoyed. Afterward, the route descends along the northern circuit to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This day is vital for acclimatization, as you climb to a higher altitude before descending to rest 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 starts with a moderately steep climb from Moir Valley. Adventurous hikers can take an optional detour to summit Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the main Northern Circuit trail. The trek then continues with gentle ascents and descents along Kibo’s northern slopes, offering expansive views of the plains extending toward the Kenya–Tanzania border. Shortly after midday, you'll arrive at Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) for lunch and a well-earned break.

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 the sixth day, the trek starts with a climb over Buffalo Ridge, then descends to Pofu Camp for lunch. Afterward, the route continues east along Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes via the Northern Circuit toward Rongai Third Cave Camp at 3,800 meters. This hike is shorter than the previous day, and by now, you should be well adjusted to the altitude. You’ll arrive at 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 gradually make your way across the Saddle, a wide ridge connecting Mawenzi Peak to Kibo Huts. The trail then leads southwest to School Huts, located at 4,800 meters. Upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and be encouraged to get plenty of rest to prepare for the midnight ascent. Make sure to gather all your essentials—warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and your camera—before settling in for the night.

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

Unlike other routes that require a nighttime ascent, this trek features a daytime climb to the Kibo crater. You'll keep a steady pace with full support from your climbing team, arriving at the Kibo rim before a short descent into the caldera to reach Crater Camp at 5,750 meters. The afternoon is reserved for rest, with optional short walks led by your guides.

Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp

After spending the night in the crater, you’ll begin the shortest final climb to Kilimanjaro’s summit, which takes about an hour. This swift ascent lets you reach the top just in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Standing at the peak, you’ll be on the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Afterwards, you’ll descend through the heath zone to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain, where you can admire native Proteas often visited by vibrant 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, start your descent toward Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. The trail can be slippery and muddy, so it’s recommended to wear gaiters and use trekking poles for safety. Light clothing like shorts and T-shirts is usually enough, but be sure to pack rain gear and warmer layers just in case. Once you reach Mweka Gate, an Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be ready to transport you back to your luxury hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

The day is reserved for relaxation after the trek, followed by your transfer back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).