8 Days Northern Circuit Route on Kilimanjaro

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8 Days Northern Circuit Route on Kilimanjaro

The 8 Days Northern Circuit Route on Kilimanjaro is widely regarded as the best route to summit Uhuru Peak, offering the highest success rate thanks to its long duration and superior acclimatization profile.

Starting from the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, the route follows the Lemosho trail before circling the remote northern slopes, an area rarely visited by climbers. This means fewer crowds, quieter camps, and breathtaking panoramic views toward Kenya and the Amboseli plains.

If your priority is safety, comfort, and summit success, the Northern Circuit is the gold standard—ideal for first-time climbers, photographers, and travelers who want the most complete Kilimanjaro experience.

Benefits

Quality Assurance

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Certified Operator

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Thoughtful Itineraries

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Premium Vehicles

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kilimanjaro / Moshi

Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to hotel, and attend pre-climb briefing.

  • Meals: Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel / lodge

Hikers trekking Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route, showcasing remote landscapes and panoramic mountain views.

Day 2: Lemosho Gate → Big Tree Camp

Trek through lush rainforest.

What to Expect Today:

  • Zone: Rainforest
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

Day 3: Big Tree Camp → Shira 1 Camp

Climb onto the Shira Plateau with expansive views.

What to Expect Today:

  • Zone: Moorland
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

Day 4: Shira 1 → Moir Hut

Cross high-altitude terrain toward Lava Tower area.

What to Expect Today:

  • Zone: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

Day 5: Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp

Enter the remote northern circuit of Kilimanjaro.

What to Expect Today:

  • Highlights: Quietest section of the mountain
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

Day 6: Buffalo Camp → Third Cave Camp

Summit early morning (~midnight start), reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, then descend to Mweka Camp.

What to Expect Today:

  • Highlights: Gradual ascent with incredible northern views.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

Day 7: Third Cave → School Hut

Prepare for the summit attempt.

What to Expect Today:

  • Zone: High Alpine
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Accommodation: Tent

Day 8: School Hut → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

Midnight summit attempt and descent.

What to Expect Today:

  • Highlights: Sunrise at Africa’s highest point
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Accommodation: Optional hotel / onward travel

Day 9: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate

Final descent through rainforest and transfer to Moshi.

What to Expect Today:

  • Highlights: Sunrise at Uhuru Peak, alpine landscapes
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Safari Highlights

Note: Prices may change depending on season, accommodation level & number of travelers. Request a personalized quote for an accurate offer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Northern Circuit the best route on Kilimanjaro?
Yes. It offers the best acclimatization and highest success rate.
No. It is the least crowded Kilimanjaro route.
Yes, especially for first-time climbers prioritizing safety.
It extends beyond Lemosho, circling the mountain’s north side.
Yes, all climbs are fully private.

Other Kilimanjaro Routes

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