From Moshi in Tanzania: 10 Days Group Budget Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route

Lemosho Gate (2,360 meters) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)

Distance: 5.5km / 3 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Before reaching Lemosho Gate, you'll travel through diverse farmland with sweeping views of the plains. Close to the trailhead, a picturesque forest clearing offers an ideal lunch spot. Once you've completed registration at the gate, the trek begins along a narrow trail that weaves through a rich, green forest home to wildlife such as buffalo. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), situated at an altitude of 7,800 feet.

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)

Distance: 5.5km / 3 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

Full Board at Shira One Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Follow the trail as it exits the forest and leads into a savannah dotted with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks draped in lichen. As you ascend the green, undulating hills and cross several streams, you’ll arrive at the Shira Ridge before making a gentle descent to Shira 1 Camp. The panoramic view of Kibo across the plateau is absolutely stunning.

Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)

Distance: 7km / 4 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On the third day, the journey continues across the scenic Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2, where you'll spend the night and meet other climbers arriving via the Machame Route. From Shira Camp 2, a short hike further up the plateau is recommended to enjoy stunning views of the valley below and the towering Western Breach above. The Shira Plateau is exposed to the elements, so be prepared for a cold night, as temperatures may drop below freezing.
Note: You will head east along the Shira Ridge toward Lava Tower (4,600 meters), then descend along the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)

Distance: 14km / 8 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day four, the adventure moves eastward with a lengthy hike through the breathtaking 'Garden of the Senecios,' leading into the high alpine desert. The morning features a gradual ascent to Lava Tower and the notable Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where lunch will be enjoyed. The trail then descends along the northern circuit to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This day plays a vital role in acclimatization, as you climb to a higher elevation and sleep lower.

Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)

Distance: 12km / 7 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: High alpine zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day five, the trek starts with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Adventurous hikers can take an optional side trip to summit Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the main Northern Circuit trail. The route continues with gentle ascents and descents along Kibo’s northern slopes, offering panoramic views of the expansive plains toward the Kenya–Tanzania border. You’ll arrive at Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) shortly after midday for lunch and a well-earned rest.

Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave Camp (3,800 meters)

Distance: 8km / 5 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day six, the journey starts with a climb over Buffalo Ridge, then descends into Pofu Camp for lunch. The trek continues east along the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, following the Northern Circuit route toward Rongai Third Cave Camp at 3,800 meters. This day’s hike is shorter than the previous one, and by this point, you’re likely well acclimatized to the altitude. You’ll arrive at Third Cave Camp by mid-afternoon.

Third Cave Camp (3,800 meters) to School Huts (4,800 meters)

Distance: 15km / 8 miles

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day seven, you’ll make a steady ascent across the Saddle—a wide ridge connecting Mawenzi Peak to Kibo Huts. From there, the trail leads southwest to School Huts, located at 4,800 meters. Upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and be encouraged to get plenty of rest ahead of the midnight summit attempt. Make sure to prepare all your gear—warm layers, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera—before going to bed.

School Huts (4,800 meters) to Kilimanjaro Crater (5,750 meters)

Unlike other routes that require a nighttime summit, this trek allows for a daytime ascent to the Kibo crater. You'll move at a steady pace, supported throughout by your climbing team, reaching the rim of Kibo before making a short descent into the caldera to arrive at Crater Camp. The afternoon is reserved for rest, with optional short walks available under the guidance of your team.

Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp

After spending the night in the crater, you’ll begin the shortest final ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit—just about an hour away. This brief climb lets you reach the peak in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Standing at the top, you’ll be on the summit of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. Afterwards, you’ll descend through the heath zone to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain, where you can admire numerous native Proteas often visited by vibrant Malachite Sunbirds.

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft.

Distance: 10 km.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Rain Forest.

Half Board.

After breakfast, start your descent toward Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. The lower trail can be muddy and wet, so wearing gaiters and using trekking poles is recommended. Light clothing like shorts and T-shirts are usually enough, but make sure to carry rain gear and warmer layers just in case. At Mweka Gate, an Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be ready to drive you back to your budget hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before we transfer you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).