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Home โ€บ Kilimanjaro Treks โ€บ Northern Circuit

8โ€‘Day Northern Circuit Route

“The Complete Wilderness” โ€” the longest, most scenic & quietest route ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ 8 Days / 7 Nights ๐Ÿ“ˆ Demanding ๐Ÿ•๏ธ Camping ๐ŸŽฏ 92%
$2,650 per person

๐Ÿ“Œ Pricing varies based on group size.
Larger groups enjoy better rates. Contact us for a personalized quote.

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Day 1

Londorossi Gate โ†’ Mti Mkubwa Camp

๐Ÿ“ Londorossi Gate (2,100m) โ†’ Mti Mkubwa (2,750m)

Distance: 7 km Walking Time: 3โ€“4 hours Elevation Gain: +650m Habitat: Montane Forest

After registration and a short drive to the trailhead, you enter the lush montane forest. The path is gentle, winding through giant ferns and colobus monkey territory. You’ll reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, your first night under the Kilimanjaro sky.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: The tranquil forest walk with diverse birdlife and towering trees.
Day 2

Mti Mkubwa โ†’ Shira 1 Camp

๐Ÿ“ Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) โ†’ Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)

Distance: 8 km Walking Time: 5โ€“6 hours Elevation Gain: +860m Habitat: Forest โ†’ Heath / Moorland

Leaving the forest, the trail opens onto the Shira Plateau. You’ll see giant groundsels and lobelias as the landscape becomes lunar. Shira 1 Camp is perched on the edge of the plateau, with sweeping views of Mount Meru and the surrounding plains.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: The dramatic transition from forest to the vast Shira Plateau.
Day 3

Shira 1 โ†’ Moir Hut

๐Ÿ“ Shira 1 (3,610m) โ†’ Moir Hut (4,200m)

Distance: 11 km Walking Time: 5โ€“7 hours Elevation Gain: +590m Habitat: Alpine Desert

You traverse the Shira Plateau and continue west towards the Lent Hills. The terrain becomes more rugged, with views of the Northern Icefields. Moir Hut is a simple mountain hut set in a scenic valley, offering excellent acclimatisation.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: The remote beauty of the Lent Hills and the first views of the northern glaciers.
Day 4

Moir Hut โ†’ Buffalo Camp

๐Ÿ“ Moir Hut (4,200m) โ†’ Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

Distance: 10 km Walking Time: 5โ€“6 hours Elevation Loss: -180m Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today the route turns north around the mountain, leaving the crowded southern trails behind. You’ll walk through a remote, rocky landscape with wide-open views across the northern slopes. Buffalo Camp is nestled in a scenic valley on the northern side of Kilimanjaro.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: The quiet solitude of the northern circuit โ€” you’ll often have the trail entirely to yourself.
Day 5

Buffalo Camp โ†’ Third Cave Camp

๐Ÿ“ Buffalo Camp (4,020m) โ†’ Third Cave Camp (3,870m)

Distance: 8 km Walking Time: 4โ€“5 hours Elevation Loss: -150m Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today you continue along the remote northern circuit, with stunning views of the Kibo icefields. The trail passes through rocky terrain and small valleys before arriving at Third Cave Camp, a sheltered spot with excellent views of the northern slopes.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: The remote, wild feel of the northern circuit and the ever-present summit views.
Day 6

Third Cave โ†’ School Hut

๐Ÿ“ Third Cave (3,870m) โ†’ School Hut (4,800m)

Distance: 7 km Walking Time: 4โ€“5 hours Elevation Gain: +930m Habitat: Alpine Desert โ†’ Arctic

You ascend towards the crater rim, passing through the stark alpine desert. The trail gains elevation steadily, and you’ll reach School Hut (also known as Kosovo Camp) in the early afternoon. Rest and prepare for the summit attempt tonight.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: The final approach to the crater rim, with closeโ€‘up views of the glacier.
Day 7

School Hut โ†’ SUMMIT โ†’ Mweka Camp

๐Ÿ“ School Hut (4,800m) โ†’ Uhuru Peak (5,895m) โ†’ Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Distance: 6 km (up) + 12 km (down) Walking Time: 6โ€“8 hr up, 5โ€“7 hr down Elevation Gain: +1,095m to peak Habitat: Arctic โ†’ Ice Cap โ†’ Moorland

Summit night! You’ll wake around midnight and begin the steep ascent towards the crater rim. The trail is rocky and steep, but the sunrise from Uhuru Peak makes every step worth it. After celebrating, you descend the Mweka Route to Mweka Camp.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: Witnessing the sunrise from the Roof of Africa โ€“ an unforgettable moment.
Day 8

Mweka Camp โ†’ Mweka Gate

๐Ÿ“ Mweka Camp (3,100m) โ†’ Mweka Gate (1,650m)

Distance: 10 km Walking Time: 3โ€“4 hours Elevation Loss: -1,450m Habitat: Montane Forest

Your final descent through the lush rainforest. The trail is often muddy, but the joy of completing the Northern Circuit keeps spirits high. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and enjoy a celebration with your crew.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: Receiving your summit certificate and celebrating the achievement of a lifetime.

โœ… Included

  • โœ“ Park fees and permits
  • โœ“ All accommodations in mountain tents
  • โœ“ All meals during the trek
  • โœ“ Experienced mountain guide & assistant
  • โœ“ Porters for luggage and camping equipment
  • โœ“ Tents, sleeping mats, and camping furniture
  • โœ“ Drinking water (boiled/filtered)
  • โœ“ Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
  • โœ“ Summit certificate

โŒ Not Included

  • โœ— International flights
  • โœ— Visa fees
  • โœ— Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • โœ— Personal gear (sleeping bag, clothing)
  • โœ— Tips for guide and porters
  • โœ— Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • โœ— Hotel stays before/after the trek

Ready for the Ultimate Northern Circuit?

Book your 8โ€‘day Northern Circuit trek with Exceed Expectations Tours today.

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