8 Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Northern Circuit Route
Take the most complete and least crowded path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route—the longest route on the mountain and widely regarded as having the highest summit success rate.
This 8-day itinerary offers excellent acclimatization, 360° views around the mountain, and a truly remote wilderness experience far from the busy southern routes.
Climb Highlights
- Summit Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m)
- Highest success rate due to gradual ascent
- Remote and least crowded route
- 360° views around Kilimanjaro
- Cross the Shira Plateau
- Northern slopes wilderness experience
- Camping under the stars
Itinerary
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Transfer to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Climb briefing and gear check.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Drive to Lemosho Gate and begin trek through rainforest.
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Trek through forest into moorland.
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira Camp 1
Cross the Shira Plateau with stunning views.
- Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira Camp 2
Leave the main trail and head toward the quieter northern slopes.
- Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Moir Hut
Trek across the remote northern circuit with panoramic views.
- Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
Continue east across the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Ascend to School Hut for summit preparation.
- Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: School Hut
Midnight summit attempt to Uhuru Peak.
Descend to Mweka Camp.
- Hiking time: 10–14 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Descend to Mweka Gate.
Transfer back to Arusha or Moshi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch