From Arusha in Tanzania: 8 Days Group Mid-Range Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route

Lemosho Gate (2,100 meters) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)

Distance: 5.5km / 3 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

The Northern Circuit Route starts at Lemosho Gate, situated at 2,100 meters. After registering with Kilimanjaro National Park officials, you'll be transported further to the trailhead. There, you’ll enjoy lunch before beginning a short trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,820 meters. As you pass through the vibrant rainforest, you might encounter remarkable wildlife such as elephants or buffalo along the path. Dinner awaits you upon arrival at the camp.

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

Distance: 8km / 5 miles

Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

On the second day, your journey begins with a one-hour walk through the final stretch of the rainforest, leading you gradually into the low alpine moorland zone. This easy and fairly short trek concludes at Shira Camp 1, which sits at an elevation of 3,610 meters.

Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)

Distance: 14km / 8 miles

Trekking time: 6-8 hours

Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone / High Alpine Zone

On the third day, the trek advances across the expansive Shira Plateau, moving from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2, where you'll pause for lunch. While many climbers typically set up camp at Shira Camp, the 8-day route goes further east, leading through the picturesque 'Garden of the Senecios' and into the rugged high alpine desert. From there, the path joins the northern circuit and descends to Moir Camp, situated at 4,200 meters.

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

Distance: 12km / 7 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: High alpine zone

On day four, you’ll ascend a moderately steep trail out of Moir Valley, with an optional side trip to summit Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters. Rejoining the Northern Circuit route, the path winds around Kibo’s northern slopes, gradually descending to Buffalo Camp at 4,020 meters. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the plains stretching toward the Kenya-Tanzania border. You’re expected to arrive at Buffalo Camp shortly after midday, just in time for lunch and a well-deserved rest.

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

Distance: 8km / 5 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone

On day five, the trek begins with an ascent of Buffalo Ridge before descending to Buffalo Camp for lunch. The journey then proceeds eastward along Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes via the Northern Circuit Route, heading toward Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. This day’s hike is shorter than the previous one, and by now, you should be well acclimatized. Arrival at Third Cave is expected by mid-afternoon.

Rongai 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

On day six, you'll gradually climb across the Saddle, the wide plateau separating Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, moving southwest toward School Huts at 4,800 meters. Once there, you'll have an early dinner and rest ahead of the summit push starting just before midnight. Before sleeping, ensure all your gear is packed and ready—warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and your camera.

School Huts (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then onto Millennium Camp (3,950 meters)

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

You'll be awakened around 11:30 PM with hot tea and biscuits to begin your challenging night ascent up the slopes of Kibo. Your first rest stop is Hans Meyer Cave. As you climb higher, the trail becomes steeper en route to Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which you’ll reach after 5 to 6 hours from School Huts. From there, enjoy the first light of dawn and breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak. The final stretch to Uhuru Peak takes about two more hours, following a gentler path along the crater rim. You’ll reach the summit around sunrise—take a moment for photos and to absorb the views and glaciers, as time at the top is short. The descent retraces the rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters), then drops down the rocky slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). After a brief rest, continue down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final overnight. Expect a tough trek lasting 14 to 16 hours—pace yourself, stay well hydrated, and conserve your energy.

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

Distance: 10km / 6.5 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest zone

On the final day, you’ll make a short descent through the lush montane rainforest, hiking from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) down to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate, you’ll sign out with the park authorities and be awarded your official certificate—green for reaching Gilman’s Point or gold for summiting Uhuru Peak. Afterward, a driver from Africa Natural Tours & Safaris will transfer you back to Moshi Town.

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

This day is set aside for rest and recovery after your trek, before returning to Arusha or catching your flight home. Depending on your schedule, you might have the opportunity to explore Moshi town and shop for souvenirs before departing for Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).