9 Days Group Mid-Range Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route from Moshi in Tanzania (2026 - 2027)

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 journey through diverse farmland with sweeping views of the plains. Close to the Lemosho trailhead, a picturesque forest clearing offers an ideal lunch stop. Once registration at the gate is complete, the trek kicks off 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

Trek along the trail as it exits the forest and leads into a savannah dotted with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic boulders draped in lichen. As you ascend through vibrant, rolling hills and cross several streams, you’ll arrive at 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 expansive Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2, where you'll spend the night and meet climbers from the Machame Route. It's highly recommended to take a short acclimatization hike from Shira Camp 2 to enjoy stunning views of the valley below and the Western Breach above. As the plateau is exposed, expect a cold night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.

Note: The route then heads east along the Shira Ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 meters), followed by a descent on 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' before reaching the high alpine desert. The morning features a gradual ascent to Lava Tower and the unique Shark’s Tooth formation at 4,600 meters, where you'll stop for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll descend along the northern circuit to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This day plays a crucial role in acclimatization—hiking high and sleeping 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 adventure continues with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. For those interested, a short optional detour leads to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before rejoining the main Northern Circuit trail. The route then follows a series of gentle ascents and descents along Kibo’s northern slopes, offering breathtaking views of the expansive plains toward the Kenya–Tanzania border. By early afternoon, you'll arrive at Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) for lunch and a well-earned rest after the day’s challenging trek.

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 the sixth day, the journey starts with an ascent over Buffalo Ridge, then continues with a descent into Pofu Camp for lunch. From there, the Northern Circuit route turns east along the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, leading to the Rongai Third Cave Camp at 3,800 meters. This day’s trek is shorter than the previous one, and by this point, you should be well adjusted to the altitude. You'll arrive at Third Cave Camp by mid-afternoon.

Day 7: 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 will hike steadily uphill across the Saddle, a wide ridge connecting Mawenzi Peak to Kibo Huts. From there, the route turns southwest toward School Huts, located at 4,800 meters. Upon arrival, you'll have an early dinner and be advised to rest early in preparation for the midnight summit attempt. Make sure to organize all your essential gear—warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera—before heading to bed.

School Huts (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Millennium Camp (3790m)

Distance: 6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6-mile descent

Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4–6-hour descent

Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Around 11:30 PM, you’ll be awakened with hot tea and biscuits before starting your challenging climb up Kibo’s slopes in the dark. Your first break will be at Hans Meyer Cave for a brief rest. The trail then steepens as you head toward Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which you’ll reach about 5–6 hours after leaving School Huts. Take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking pre-dawn views and Mawenzi Peak, but remember Uhuru Peak is still roughly two hours ahead—gather your strength for the final stretch. The trail flattens as you follow the crater rim westward, arriving at the summit near sunrise. Enjoy the stunning panorama and take plenty of photos, though your time at the top will be limited. Next, you’ll descend back to Stella Point (5,739 meters) before heading down the loose scree slopes to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters) for a short rest. Afterwards, continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night. Day eight involves 14–16 hours of trekking, so pacing yourself, staying hydrated, and conserving energy is essential.

Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)

Distance: 10km / 6.5 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On the last day, you’ll enjoy a brief trek descending through the rich montane rainforest from Millennium Camp at 3,950 meters down to Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters. When you reach the gate, you’ll check out with park officials and be awarded your official certificate—a green certificate for reaching Gilman’s Point or a gold one for reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. It’s traditional to tip your guide and porters before being transported back to your mid-range hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

The day is reserved for relaxation after the trek, followed by your transfer back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).