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Moshi · Kilimanjaro Region · Tanzania
8 days Kilimanjaro Climb – Northern Circuit Route
Starting From
From $537.22 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Experience the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure on the Northern Circuit, the mountain’s newest and most comprehensive trekking route. This extraordinary journey offers a nearly complete 360-degree circle around the "Roof of Africa," allowing you to traverse the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes while taking in breathtaking, snow-covered vistas. By approaching from the west through lush rainforests and crossing the expansive Shira Plateau, you'll escape the heavier crowds found on traditional paths and enjoy a more intimate connection with the mountain’s diverse ecosystems. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit provides a significant advantage: superior acclimatization. The extended itinerary allows your body to adjust gradually to the altitude, resulting in one of the highest summit success rates of any route. Your trek transitions from the remote northern stretches toward the east, where you will make your final ascent from School Hut to the majestic Uhuru Peak. After conquering the summit, you’ll descend via the scenic Mweka Route, completing a truly legendary circuit that combines physical challenge with unparalleled natural beauty.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Uncover breathtaking landscapes at every turn of the trail
- Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our professional guides
- Connect with nature & create bonds with adventurers in an unforgettable experience
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Moshi
Transportation. Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania – Start of Kilimanjaro Climb – Northern Circuit Route Welcome to your adventure! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, clear the arrival formalities and meet the Kilimanjaro Heroes transfer team outside the customs area.
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Moshi
You will then enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Moshi, where you will spend your first night. Accommodation included.
Day 2
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Morum Barrier Gate – Shira 1 Camp – Northern Circuit Route After breakfast, you will depart your hotel and head to Londorossi Gate, with a transfer time of about 3 hours. At Londorossi Gate, you will complete the entry formalities, and then continue by car for another hour to reach Morum Barrier Gate, the trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you’ll have lunch before beginning your trek. The route takes you through heather and moorland, leading to your first camp on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Shira 1 Camp. The trek itself will be relatively short, taking only about 1-2 hours. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is absolutely spectacular.
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Accommodation included
Day 3
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Shira 1 Camp – Moir Camp – Northern Circuit Route After breakfast, you will depart Shira 1 Camp and hike across the legendary Shira Plateau, heading east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak. Averaging 12,500 feet, Shira is considered one of the highest plateaus on Earth. You’ll quickly leave the crowded trails behind and head toward the northeast edge of the plateau, where you will reach Moir Camp. The trek takes about 4-5 hours over relatively easy terrain. Moir Camp is an isolated, rarely used campsite, offering stunning views over the Shira Plateau.
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Accommodation included
Day 4
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp On your fourth day on Mount Kilimanjaro, you will begin your morning trek by leaving the moorland and entering the stark alpine desert. You’ll follow a steep ridge off the main trail as you start your venture on the Northern Circuit Route. Today, you will trek for about 5 to 7 hours. From Pofu Campsite, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Kenya's wild lands to the north.
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Accommodation included
Day 5
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Buffalo Camp – Kikelewa Caves Camp After breakfast at camp, you will begin your trek, continuing through valleys and over ridges, moving through the alpine desert and moorland. As you proceed eastward on your circuit, you’ll enjoy the vast mountain wilderness, with plenty of solitude. Today’s trek will take approximately 5 to 7 hours.
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Accommodation included
Day 6
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Kikelewa Caves Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp After a steady 3-5 hours of trekking uphill, you will reach a serene mountain tarn (lake) at the base of the steep ridges of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second highest volcano. Your camp for tonight is located along the tarn in a protected alcove, offering magnificent views of the towering rocks of Mawenzi.
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Accommodation included
Day 7
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Outward Bound Camp Today’s trek will take 5-7 hours. You will enjoy a relatively easy hike across the wide saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The crossing of this massive saddle is quite impressive, with the stark landscape offering spectacular views. As you near the foot of Kibo, temperatures will drop significantly. Once you reach your camp at Outward Bound Camp, take time to prepare your gear for the following day and rest early. Our Arusha base will ensure fresh food and supplies are delivered to the camp later this afternoon.
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Accommodation included
Day 8
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Outward Bound Camp – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp Expect a midnight wake-up call, marking the start of a long trek. After a quick tea, you will begin your climb around 1 a.m., navigating the winding path of endless switchbacks. Today’s trek is long, taking about 7 to 8 hours from your camp to the rim of the crater at Gillman’s Point (5,712 m / 18,712 ft), and then to Uhuru Peak. The slope is steep, with switchbacks over loose rock, scree, and some boulders as you approach Gillman’s Point. Along the way, you will stop at Hans Meyer Cave, the famous spot where Kilimanjaro’s first Western climber documented his journey. From Gillman’s Point, the trek to the summit is less demanding and, depending on your pace, will take about 1.5 to 2 hours along the snowy crater rim (timing may vary depending on the season). After a brief time at the summit, you’ll retrace your steps back to Gillman’s Point, and then gather your strength for the descent to Mweka Camp, where you will spend your final night on Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Accommodation included
Day 9
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Northern Circuit Route After breakfast, your 8-day Northern Circuit Route climb on Mount Kilimanjaro comes to an end as you descend directly to the gate, a trek that takes about 2-3 hours. Upon arrival at the exit gate, you will receive your Kilimanjaro climbing certificate.Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Northern Circuit Route After breakfast, your 8-day Northern Circuit Route climb on Mount Kilimanjaro comes to an end as you descend directly to the gate, a trek that takes about 2-3 hours. Upon arrival at the exit gate, you will receive your Kilimanjaro climbing certificate.
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We hope you enjoyed your stay! Afterward, you will be driven to Kindoroko Hotel in Moshi.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Two nights bed and breakfast accommodation in Moshi Town Full board accommodation on the mountain All park fees Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables) Oxygen cylinder - only for emergency English speaking guide Mountain crew (cook and porters) First aid kit and pulse oximeter Mentioned transfers
Not Included
Sleeping bags Gratuities Beverage Travel Insurance Visa fees Flight Laundry All meals and drinks in Moshi town
What to Bring
Camera Sunglasses Sunscreen & Hat Bag for Essentials Comfortable clothing and footwear
Meeting & Pickup
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, clear the arrival formalities and meet the Kilimanjaro Heroes transfer team outside the customs area
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 10 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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