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Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit route - 8 Days Climbing
(+ 2 days in a hotel)

From $2,868 USD* / Remote Alpine Camps / 10 days

*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation, food, drinks, guides, tents and park fees. Excl. International flight (based on six persons)

Home Climbing Kilimanjaro 11-Day Trip: Wander Up Kilimanjaro via the 8-Day Northern Circuit Route

Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit route - 8 Days Climbing
(+ 2 days in a hotel)

The Northern Circuit Route is the newest and one of the most scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This route stands out as it takes you along the peaceful and lesser-known northern slopes of the mountain, offering breathtaking views and a completely fresh perspective of Kilimanjaro.

Each day’s hike on the Northern Circuit is relatively short, allowing your body ample time to rest and recover. Moreover, since this route spans several days, it provides excellent acclimatization opportunities, helping climbers gradually adapt to the increasing altitude.

The full Northern Circuit adventure with Tanzania Wildlife Voyages typically takes about 8 days, including both the ascent and descent.

Tanzania Wildlife Voyages offers a unique service throughout the climb

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the ultimate adventure! Every small detail counts — that’s why with Tanzania Wildlife Voyages, you’ll climb under the expert guidance of professional guides, porters, and a dedicated cook. Our team ensures your safety and comfort throughout your Lemosho Route ascent by conducting daily health checks and serving nutritious, freshly prepared meals. It might sound like a lot, but every measure we take helps you reach the summit safely — because altitude sickness can appear without warning, and maintaining proper nutrition is vital during this challenging journey.

To help you prepare, Tanzania Wildlife Voyages provides a complete information package for your Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho Route. It includes detailed insights about Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro, preparation tips, and guidance on what gear to buy or rent.

We are also proud partners of the Kilimanjaro Responsible Travel Organisation (KRTO) — ensuring ethical treatment of our crew and responsible climbing practices that protect the mountain environment. With us, you’ll climb with confidence and a clear conscience.

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

*If you’d like to see our sample menu, we’ll be happy to send it to you in advance.

Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit route - 8 Days Climbing (+ 2 days in a hotel)

Low season (April 1st – May 19th)

2 persons	4 persons	6 persons
$3,644.36 USD*	$3,129.56 USD*	$3,143.09 USD*

Mid season (the rest of the year)

2 persons	4 persons	6 persons
$3,602.76 USD*	$2,868.04 USD*	$2,882.02 USD*

High season (July + August + September + 20 Dec – 10 Jan)

2 persons	4 persons	6 persons
$3,750.44 USD*	$2,985.59 USD*	$3,000.15 USD*

* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets

Included

Park fees

Pickup and transfer airport

Private cook speaking fluently English

Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Rescue fee (up to 11.483 feet above sea level by car)

10 days

Accommodation on Day 1 and Day of Descending in Moshi

Porters who carry your luggage

Private guide speaking fluently English

High quality tents (including dinner-tent)

Excluded

Visas

Travel insurance

International flights (can be booked for you on request)

Tips for guides, porters and cooks

Itinerary Details

dAY 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Tanzania Wildlife Voyages representative will be ready to welcome you. You will then be transferred to your hotel to unwind after your journey.

Climb Preparation: Before the trek begins, you will meet your mountain guide, who will brief you thoroughly and share useful tips on clothing, packing essentials, and other key recommendations to ensure your climb is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Accommodation

Classic Hotel - Panama Garden Resort ,Moshi

Luxury Hotel - Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel ,Moshi

Premium Hotel - Gran Melia Hotel ,Arusha

dAY 2

Northern Circuit (1/8) | Lemosho Trailhead (2,000 m/6,561 ft) - Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft)

Your journey begins right from your hotel, where your driver will pick you up and take you to the Londorossi Gate on the western side. From there, you’ll proceed to the Lemosho trailhead, enjoy lunch, and start your trek. The gentle hike through the lush rainforest takes about 3 to 4 hours and provides opportunities to see wildlife such as buffalo and monkeys. After passing through a narrow trail and a few steep stretches, you’ll arrive at Big Tree Camp for your overnight stay.

Day 3

Northern Circuit (2/8) | Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft) - Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft)

This morning, you’ll leave the forest behind and step into a landscape filled with meadow heather and volcanic rock. The trail leads you up and down through the scenic hills beneath the Shira Plateau, the third volcanic peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. After a 5–6 hour trek, you’ll reach the plateau’s edge, where the path becomes gentler. Your day concludes at Shira Camp, where Tanzania Wildlife Voyages welcomes you to rest and take in the breathtaking views of the Kibo summit.

Day 4

Northern Circuit (3/8) | Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft) - Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft)

Today’s trek lasts around 7–8 hours, leading you from the heather zone into the alpine desert. On the way, you’ll cross the magnificent Shira Plateau—one of the world’s highest—before reaching the Lava Tower, with an optional detour to the Shira Cathedral. From Lava Tower, the trail continues northwest toward Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s tallest peak. The journey then descends along a steep path to Moir Hut Camp, a secluded campsite offering breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau

Day 5

Northern Circuit (4/8) | Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190) - Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft)

As you proceed along the Northern Circuit route, you’ll climb over a steep ridge following the main trail. Today’s trek takes approximately 8 to 9 hours and leads you through beautiful heathland and alpine desert landscapes to Buffalo Camp. In the morning, you can choose to take a short detour to explore Little Lent Hill.

Day 6

Northern Circuit (5/8) | Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft) - Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft)

On the fifth day of your climb, you’ll journey through a variety of terrains, from heathlands and valleys to alpine landscapes. The Northern Circuit route moves eastward and remains relatively quiet, offering a serene experience amid breathtaking scenery, untouched wilderness, and majestic mountains. This day’s trek typically lasts about 5 to 7 hours

Day 7

Northern Circuit (6/8) | Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft) - School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft)

Today, you’ll embark on a 4–5 hour trek to the “Saddle,” a breathtaking, moon-like expanse nestled between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. From there, the journey continues to School Hut Camp, where you’ll arrive by early afternoon. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and preparation for the final ascent

Day 8

Northern Circuit (7/8) | School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)

Around midnight, your final ascent begins in freezing temperatures. You’ll make your way up the steep trail toward Gilman’s Point, located on the edge of the main crater. After several hours of climbing with brief rest stops, you arrive at Gilman’s Point just in time to witness a stunning sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. From there, continue another 2–3 hours to Uhuru Peak, where you can celebrate your achievement while taking in the spectacular views. The descent then leads you down to Millenium Camp via Kibo Huts Camp, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend your last night on the mountain.

Day 9

Northern Circuit (8/8) | Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) - Hotel

At last, you’ll enjoy the welcome drop in altitude. After breakfast, you’ll trek toward the national park’s exit. Once the descent is complete, the group gathers to celebrate their achievement. Your driver will then take you back to the hotel, where you can refresh with a shower, savour a hearty meal, and relax for a well-earned rest.

Accommodation

Classic Hotel - Panama Garden Resort ,Moshi

Luxury Hotel - Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel ,Moshi

Premium Hotel - Gran Melia Hotel ,Arusha

Day 10

Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Unfortunately, your journey has come to an end and it’s time to head back home. Savor your final moments in Tanzania before a driver arrives to transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Want to extend the experience? You can still add extra safari days or a relaxing beach getaway to round off your Kilimanjaro trip!

Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Wildlife Voyages

At Tanzania Wildlife Voyages, you have the freedom to personalize your trip. Our sample itineraries can be tailored to match your preferences, and our experts collaborate with you to design your ideal adventure!

Why Tanzania Wildlife Voyages

100% Specialized in Tanzania

Private Safaris, Dedicated Vehicles and Guides for Top-Notch Service

Travel Advisors Who Live in Tanzania

Guarantee For an Amazing Safari Experience

Personalized Service, From Booking to On-Site Support

Approachable and Quick Response

Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit route - 8 Days Climbing(+ 2 days in a hotel)

Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit route - 8 Days Climbing(+ 2 days in a hotel)

Tanzania Wildlife Voyages offers a unique service throughout the climb

Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit route - 8 Days Climbing (+ 2 days in a hotel)

Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

dAY 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

Accommodation

dAY 2

Northern Circuit (1/8) | Lemosho Trailhead (2,000 m/6,561 ft) - Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft)

Day 3

Northern Circuit (2/8) | Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft) - Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft)

Day 4

Northern Circuit (3/8) | Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft) - Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft)

Day 5

Northern Circuit (4/8) | Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190) - Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft)

Day 6

Northern Circuit (5/8) | Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft) - Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft)

ChatGPT said:

Day 7

Northern Circuit (6/8) | Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft) - School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft)

Day 8

Northern Circuit (7/8) | School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)

Day 9

Northern Circuit (8/8) | Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) - Hotel

Accommodation

Day 10

Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Wildlife Voyages

Why Tanzania Wildlife Voyages

Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit route - 8 Days Climbing
(+ 2 days in a hotel)

Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit route - 8 Days Climbing
(+ 2 days in a hotel)