8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour via Northern Circuit Route Experience
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day adventure through the Northern Circuit of Kilimanjaro, an experience that promises euphoria amidst towering peaks and pristine landscapes. This journey will take you through diverse terrains, from lush forests to barren alpine deserts, offering a unique blend of challenges and rewards. As you ascend towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, witness the breathtaking beauty of the Kilimanjaro region and its diverse flora and fauna.
Itinerary
Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Big Tree Camp
The journey begins as you drive to Londorossi Gate, the starting point of the Northern Circuit. As you traverse the undulating landscape, notice the temperature gradually dropping. The day's trek takes you through dense forests, introducing you to the rich biodiversity of the region. Geographical Description: • Temperature: 25°C in Moshi, gradually decreasing to 15°C at Big Tree Camp. • Distance: Approximately 70 km.
Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Big Tree Camp
The journey begins as you drive to Londorossi Gate, the starting point of the Northern Circuit. As you traverse the undulating landscape, notice the temperature gradually dropping. The day's trek takes you through dense forests, introducing you to the rich biodiversity of the region. Geographical Description: • Temperature: 25°C in Moshi, gradually decreasing to 15°C at Big Tree Camp. • Distance: Approximately 70 km.
Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp
Venture further into the Shira Plateau, characterized by vast expanses of moorland. The day's hike offers stunning views of Shira Cathedral, a massive volcanic formation, while temperatures continue to drop. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Ranging from 10°C to 5°C. • Height: Ascending to 3,500 meters. • Distance: Approximately 15 km.
Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp
Venture further into the Shira Plateau, characterized by vast expanses of moorland. The day's hike offers stunning views of Shira Cathedral, a massive volcanic formation, while temperatures continue to drop. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Ranging from 10°C to 5°C. • Height: Ascending to 3,500 meters. • Distance: Approximately 15 km.
Shira 1 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut
Navigate through the high-altitude desert, passing Lava Tower. The landscape transforms into an otherworldly environment, marked by unique rock formations and sparse vegetation. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Ranging from 5°C to -5°C. • Height: Reaching 4,300 meters. • Distance: Approximately 10 km.
Shira 1 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut
Navigate through the high-altitude desert, passing Lava Tower. The landscape transforms into an otherworldly environment, marked by unique rock formations and sparse vegetation. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Ranging from 5°C to -5°C. • Height: Reaching 4,300 meters. • Distance: Approximately 10 km.
Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp
Embark on a challenging trek through the alpine desert, witnessing the transition from rocky terrain to vast plains. The day ends at Buffalo Camp, surrounded by stunning views of the rugged landscape. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Ranging from -5°C to -10°C. • Height: Ascending to 4,020 meters. • Distance: Approximately 15 km.
Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp
Embark on a challenging trek through the alpine desert, witnessing the transition from rocky terrain to vast plains. The day ends at Buffalo Camp, surrounded by stunning views of the rugged landscape. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Ranging from -5°C to -10°C. • Height: Ascending to 4,020 meters. • Distance: Approximately 15 km.
Buffalo Camp – Third Cave
Descend into the Barranco Valley, where the vegetation becomes denser. Experience the unique microclimate of the valley, surrounded by giant senecio plants and lobelia. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Ranging from -10°C to -15°C. • Height: Descending to 3,900 meters. • Distance: Approximately 12 km.
Buffalo Camp – Third Cave
Descend into the Barranco Valley, where the vegetation becomes denser. Experience the unique microclimate of the valley, surrounded by giant senecio plants and lobelia. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Ranging from -10°C to -15°C. • Height: Descending to 3,900 meters. • Distance: Approximately 12 km.
Third Cave – School Hut
As you approach the School Hut, situated at the base of Kibo, marvel at the change in landscape. The vegetation thins out, and the air becomes thinner, providing a glimpse of the challenging final ascent. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Ranging from -15°C to -20°C. • Height: Ascending to 4,800 meters. • Distance: Approximately 10 km.
Third Cave – School Hut
As you approach the School Hut, situated at the base of Kibo, marvel at the change in landscape. The vegetation thins out, and the air becomes thinner, providing a glimpse of the challenging final ascent. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Ranging from -15°C to -20°C. • Height: Ascending to 4,800 meters. • Distance: Approximately 10 km.
School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
The grand ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, commences. Stand on the summit and bask in the accomplishment of reaching the roof of Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp, surrounded by the beauty of the alpine desert. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Ranging from -20°C to -5°C at Uhuru Peak. • Height: Summiting at 5,895 meters. • Distance: Approximately 20 km.
School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
The grand ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, commences. Stand on the summit and bask in the accomplishment of reaching the roof of Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp, surrounded by the beauty of the alpine desert. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Ranging from -20°C to -5°C at Uhuru Peak. • Height: Summiting at 5,895 meters. • Distance: Approximately 20 km.
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Back to Moshi/Arusha
The final descent through lush rainforests brings you to Mweka Gate. Bid farewell to Kilimanjaro's majestic heights and return to Moshi or Arusha, cherishing the memories of an unforgettable journey. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Gradually increasing from -5°C to 20°C. • Height: Descending to 1,640 meters. • Distance: Approximately 15 km.
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Back to Moshi/Arusha
The final descent through lush rainforests brings you to Mweka Gate. Bid farewell to Kilimanjaro's majestic heights and return to Moshi or Arusha, cherishing the memories of an unforgettable journey. Geographical Description: • Temperature: Gradually increasing from -5°C to 20°C. • Height: Descending to 1,640 meters. • Distance: Approximately 15 km.
Price Includes
- Sleeping bag or bed linen
- Rescue fee
- Park fees
- A professional driver/guide
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
Price Excludes
- All flights during the tour
- International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Questions & Answers
Reviews for 8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour via Northern Circuit Route Experience
By Elaine Willium 
Visited: August 2023
The Northern Circuit is a marvel of nature. The guides were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about preserving Kilimanjaro's beauty. A truly responsible and breathtaking experience!
By Carlos Michael
Visited: October 2023
The journey was tough, but the responsible approach of the team towards the environment and local communities was impressive. Kudos to the organizers for a memorable trek!
By Linda Harris
Visited: September 2023
From the lush forests to the barren landscapes, each day brought a new adventure. The guides' commitment to responsible trekking added a layer of appreciation to this incredible journey.
By David Samwel
Visited: September 2023
Summiting Uhuru Peak was a life-changing experience. The guides' responsible approach made me feel not just like a tourist but a custodian of this majestic landscape.Unites States
By Sophie Kelvin
Visited: October 2023
I've trekked in many places, but the Northern Circuit stands out. The meticulous planning, coupled with a deep commitment to responsible tourism, made this an unforgettable trek.Unites States
By Rajesh Petro
Visited: June 2023
The diverse landscapes and changing climates were mesmerizing. The guides' emphasis on responsible trekking made me appreciate the fragility of these ecosystems.Unites States
