From Moshi in Tanzania: 9 Days Group Budget Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route

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

Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles 

Trekking time: 3-4 hours 

Zone: Rainforest 

The drive to Lemosho Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. We serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp. 

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

Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles 

Trekking time: 3-4 hours 

Zone: Rainforest  

We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

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

Distance: ~7km / 4 miles 

Trekking time: 3-4 hours 

Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone 

On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp. Nine-day treks usually spend the night at Shira 2 Camp  where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira 2 Camp it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. 

Note: Trekkers on an eight-day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

Shira 2 Camp (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 

Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Huts at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatization process.

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

Distance: ~12km / 7 miles 

Trekking time: 5-7 hours 

Zone: High alpine zone 

Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. You can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters). The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day 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 

Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Pofu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave Camp at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude. You will arrive at the Rongai Third Cave Camp just around 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

Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Huts (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Huts, you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.

School Huts (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Millennium Camp (3790m)

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 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included 

Awake at 11:30 with tea and biscuits, then begin the steep climb up Kibo in darkness. First stop: Hans Meyer Cave for a short break. After 5-6 hours, reach Gilman’s Point (5,681m) and enjoy the dawn view before trekking 2 more hours to Uhuru Peak. Take quick photos, then descend via Stella Point to Barafu Camp (4,680m) and continue to Millennium Camp (3,950m). Expect 14-16 hours of trekking—pace yourself, stay hydrated, and maintain energy.

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

Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles 

Trekking time: 3-4 hours 

Zone: Rainforest zone 

The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home.