From Moshi in Tanzania: 8 Days Group Mid-Range 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 begins at Lemosho Gate, located at an elevation of 2,100 meters. After completing registration with Kilimanjaro National Park officials, you'll be transported further up the mountain to the starting point of the trail. There, you’ll have lunch before setting off on a brief hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp, which sits at 2,820 meters. During the trek, you may be lucky enough to spot large wildlife like elephants and buffalo as they emerge from the rainforest onto the path. Upon reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp, a delicious dinner awaits 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 start with a one-hour hike along the last part of the rainforest trail, leading to the low alpine moorland area that ascends to the Shira Plateau. This hike is relatively short and easy, ending at Shira Camp 1, located at an altitude 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 the third day, the trek crosses the Shira Plateau, moving from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 for lunch. While most trekkers spend the night at Shira Camp, the 8-day itinerary continues eastward, passing through the 'Garden of the Senecios' and entering the high alpine desert. From there, the route joins the northern circuit before descending to Moir Camp at 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 tackle a moderately steep climb starting from Moir Valley. A brief side trip lets you summit Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route then winds with gentle rises and falls around Kibo’s northern slopes, leading to Buffalo Camp at 4,020 meters. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the plains north of Kilimanjaro, stretching all the way to the Kenya-Tanzania border. You’ll reach Buffalo Camp just after midday for lunch and a much-needed rest after a long day of trekking.

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 starts with a climb up Buffalo Ridge, then descends to Buffalo Camp for lunch. From there, the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit continues east along the northern slopes toward Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. This day's hike is shorter than the day before, and by now, you should be well adjusted to the altitude. You’ll arrive at 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 will steadily ascend and cross the Saddle, the ridge between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. From there, you’ll head southwest toward School Huts at 4,800 meters. Upon arrival, an early dinner will be served, followed by rest, as you’ll be awakened before midnight to start your final push to Uhuru Peak. Make sure to prepare all your gear before sleeping, including warm clothes, 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 woken around 11:30 PM with hot tea and biscuits before beginning the steep nighttime climb up Kibo’s slopes. Your first break is at Hans Meyer Cave for a short rest. The ascent grows steeper as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), about 5 to 6 hours after leaving School Huts. Take a moment to enjoy the sunrise and the stunning view of Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have roughly two more hours to reach Uhuru Peak—so gather your strength. The path then levels as you follow the crater rim westward, reaching the summit around sunrise. Your time at the top will be brief, so take plenty of photos of the spectacular scenery and glaciers. Afterwards, you’ll retrace your steps along the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters), then head south to descend Kibo’s rocky slopes down to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most climbers rest here briefly before continuing to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for their final night. On day eight, prepare for a long trek of 14 to 16 hours—pace yourself, stay hydrated, and keep your energy strong 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 final day, you’ll enjoy a short descent through the vibrant montane rainforest, starting from Millennium Camp at 3,950 meters and ending at Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters. Once you arrive at the gate, you’ll complete the check-out process with officials who will award you an official certificate—green for reaching Gilman's Point and gold for summiting 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 set aside for you to relax after your trek before your flight home. Depending on your flight time, you might have the opportunity to explore Moshi town and shop for souvenirs before traveling to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).