8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Northern Circuit Route
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Price:
$2150.00
Duration
8 Days
People:
21
Tour Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Over 8 days, this itinerary offers a perfect combination of adventure, gradual acclimatization, and breathtaking landscapes. Starting on the western slopes at Lemosho Glades, trekkers move through lush montane forests teeming with birds and wildlife before ascending to the high-altitude Shira Plateau, with panoramic views of Kibo Peak and unique flora such as giant lobelias and heathers.
As the route traverses Kilimanjaro’s northern side, climbers pass through volcanic terrain, scenic valleys, and the iconic Barranco Wall, providing both challenge and stunning photographic opportunities. Each stage is carefully designed to maximize acclimatization, culminating in the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft) for sunrise—a truly unforgettable experience.
The descent via the Mweka Route leads back through rainforest to the trailhead, completing a full-circuit journey that combines adventure, natural beauty, and the ultimate reward of standing on Africa’s highest summit. The Northern Circuit is ideal for those seeking a quieter, scenic, and highly rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
What Included
All meals while on the Mountain
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
All transportation
Clean, purified drinking water
Not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Tanzania Visa
Government imposed increase of taxes or park fees
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tour Plan
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Day 1: Lemosho Glades – Entering Kilimanjaro’s Montane Forest
From your lodge, we drive to Londorosi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro (a few hours from Arusha) and begin the trek at the Lemosho Trailhead. In rainy or muddy conditions, extra hiking may be required, but Serengeti Pride vehicles usually reach farther than most due to experienced drivers and quality vehicles. After a picnic lunch, we hike 4–5 hours through the enchanting montane forest. Moss-covered trees, vibrant flowers, and the calls of exotic birds create a magical atmosphere. Black-and-white colobus monkeys may be spotted, along with signs of elephants roaming the area. We overnight at Forest Camp (2,895m / 9,498ft). -
Day 2: Shira Plateau – Expansive Highland Views
Leaving the montane forest behind, we enter the Hagenia zone where panoramic views open up, including our first sight of Kibo Peak. This is an ideal acclimatization day, trekking up and down several ridges to reach the highest point at 3,500m / 11,500ft before descending to Shira 1 Camp. The plateau’s wide-open terrain and unique highland flora offer stunning scenery. -
Day 3: Moir Camp – Crossing the Heath Zone
Today we traverse the Shira Plateau heath zone and begin ascending the western slopes of the Kibo Massif. Lunch is enjoyed at Scott Fischer Memorial Camp, named in honor of the renowned Mount Everest guide. Continuing through the upper heath zone, we reach Moir Camp (4,135m / 13,580ft). Depending on conditions, short afternoon acclimatization hikes may be arranged. -
Day 4: Pofu/Buffalo Camp – Ridge Climb and Acclimatization
From Moir Camp, we climb a long ridge slowly to allow for proper acclimatization, enjoying expansive highland views along the way. Depending on stops and pace, today’s hike can take 5–7 hours. This is an important day to let your body adjust to the increasing altitude. We overnight at Pofu/Buffalo Camp (4,020m / 13,200ft). -
Day 5: Third Cave Camp – Northern Circuit Traverse
Continuing along the northern flank of Kilimanjaro, we traverse open ridges and enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding slopes. We reach Third Cave Camp (3,870m / 12,700ft) after 5–7 hours of trekking. The scenery today emphasizes the vastness and variety of Kilimanjaro’s landscapes. -
Day 6: School Huts Camp – Preparing for Summit
Today we reach our highest camp, School Huts (4,750m / 15,600ft), allowing for a final rest and acclimatization before the summit push. We recommend an early night, as the ascent to Uhuru Peak typically begins around midnight. This camp provides ideal preparation for the demanding night climb ahead. -
Day 7: Summit Day – Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak, Descent to Mweka Camp
Summit day begins around 11:00 PM or midnight. Climbers use headlamps to ascend through the night, reaching Gilman’s Point (5,756m / 18,885ft), then traverse to Stella Point, and finally push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft). After celebrating at the summit, we descend to Barafu Camp for lunch, and continue down to Mweka Camp (3,065m / 10,065ft). By request, climbers may overnight at Millennium Camp (~3,650m / 12,000ft) to reduce descent on the final day. -
Day 8: Mweka Gate – Final Descent and Return to Lodge
The final day is a 3–5 hour descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,525m / 5,000ft). Here we enjoy lunch, bid farewell to the mountain crew, and drive back to the lodge, arriving in the late afternoon. This completes the full Northern Circuit traverse, offering a memorable and varied Kilimanjaro experience.
