From Moshi in Tanzania: 8 Days Group Luxury Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route

Lemosho Gate (2,100 meters) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)

Distance: 5.5km / 3 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

The Northern Circuit Route starts at Lemosho Gate, situated at 2,100 meters above sea level. After registering with the Kilimanjaro National Park officials, you'll be driven higher up the mountain to the trailhead. There, you'll enjoy lunch before embarking on a short hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,820 meters. Along the way, you might encounter impressive wildlife such as elephants and buffalo as they come out of the rainforest onto the trail. Once you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, a tasty dinner will be ready for you.

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)

Distance: 8km / 5 miles

Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

On the second day, you’ll begin with a one-hour trek through the final section of the rainforest trail, which leads up to the low alpine moorland and eventually reaches the Shira Plateau. This hike is fairly short and gentle, concluding at Shira Camp 1, situated at an elevation of 3,610 meters.

Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)

Distance: 14km / 8 miles

Trekking time: 6-8 hours

Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone / High Alpine Zone

On day three, the trek traverses the Shira Plateau, journeying from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 for a midday break. While many climbers stay overnight at Shira Camp, the 8-day itinerary presses on eastward, passing through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and entering the high alpine desert. The route then merges with the northern circuit before descending to Moir Camp at an elevation of 4,200 meters.

Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)

Distance: 12km / 7 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: High alpine zone

On day four, you'll begin a moderately steep ascent from Moir Valley. A short detour takes you to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. The path then meanders with gentle ups and downs along Kibo’s northern slopes, arriving at Buffalo Camp at 4,020 meters. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of the plains north of Kilimanjaro, extending all the way to the Kenya-Tanzania border. You’ll get to Buffalo Camp shortly after midday for lunch and a well-deserved rest following a long day of hiking.

Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)

Distance: 8km / 5 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone

On day five, the trek begins with an ascent up Buffalo Ridge, followed by a descent to Buffalo Camp for lunch. Afterward, the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit proceeds eastward along the northern slopes toward Rongai Third Cave, situated at 3,800 meters. This day’s hike is shorter than the previous one, and by this point, you should be acclimated to the altitude. You’ll reach Third Cave by mid-afternoon.

Rongai 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

On day six, you’ll gradually climb and cross the Saddle, the ridge connecting Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. From there, you’ll continue southwest to reach the School Huts at 4,800 meters. Once you arrive, an early dinner will be served, followed by rest, as you’ll be woken before midnight to begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Be sure to get all your gear ready before sleeping—warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamps, and a camera.

School Huts (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then onto Millennium Camp (3,950 meters)

Distance: 6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6-mile descent

Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4–6-hour descent

Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones

You’ll be awakened around 11:30 PM with hot tea and biscuits before starting the steep night climb up Kibo’s slopes. Your first short rest is at Hans Meyer Cave. The climb gets steeper as you near Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), about 5 to 6 hours from School Huts. Pause to enjoy the sunrise and the breathtaking view of Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have about two hours left to reach Uhuru Peak—so conserve your energy. The trail then flattens as you follow the crater rim westward, reaching the summit around sunrise. Your time at the top is short, so capture plenty of photos of the stunning scenery and glaciers. Afterwards, you’ll backtrack along the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters), then descend Kibo’s rocky slopes southward to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most climbers take a brief rest here before proceeding to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for their final night. On day eight, prepare for a long trek lasting 14 to 16 hours—maintain your pace, stay hydrated, and keep your energy up throughout the journey.

Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters) to Moshi

Distance: 10km / 6.5 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest zone

On the last day, you’ll make a brief descent through the lively montane rainforest, beginning at Millennium Camp at 3,950 meters and finishing at Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters. Upon arrival, you’ll complete the check-out with officials who will present you with an official certificate—green for reaching Gilman's Point and gold for reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak. Afterwards, an Africa Natural Tours & Safaris driver will transfer you back to Moshi Town.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

This day is reserved for you to unwind after your trek before your journey home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Moshi town and shop for souvenirs before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).