Northern Circuit Grand Expedition – 8 Days Kilimanjaro Summit
Duration
8 days, 7 night
Group Size
Max 12 people
Location
Moshi
What's Included in This Tour
Accommodation includes one night at a comfortable mid-range hotel in Moshi before the trek, overnight stays at Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira 1 Camp, Moir Hut Camp, Buffalo Camp, Third Cave Camp, School Hut Camp, and Mweka Camp during the climb, and one night at a comfortable mid-range hotel in Moshi after the trek. Mountain accommodations are in quality camping tents with shared campsite facilities, while the hotel stays include private en-suite rooms with breakfast, offering a comfortable place to rest before your adventure and celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro summit.
Transportation includes airport transfers , all ground transfers between your hotel in Moshi and Kilimanjaro National Park, including transport to Londorossi Gate at the start of the trek and pickup from Mweka Gate after the descent. All transfers are provided in comfortable, well-maintained vehicles operated by professional drivers, ensuring a safe and seamless journey throughout the expedition.
Complimentary airport transfers are provided between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and your hotel in Moshi. Our professional driver will meet you at the airport upon arrival with a personalized welcome sign and transfer you in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Return transfers to the airport after your trek are also included, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free start and end to your Kilimanjaro adventure.
The package includes breakfast at the hotel before and after the trek, as well as all meals during the climb—freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches, and dinners served by our mountain crew. Snacks, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and drinking water are also provided throughout the trek. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Your trek is led by a professional, licensed, English-speaking Kilimanjaro mountain guide with extensive experience on the Northern Circuit Route. The guide is supported by an experienced team of assistant guides, porters, and a mountain chef to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout the expedition. Guides are trained in wilderness first aid, altitude awareness, and emergency response, providing expert support from start to summit.
Day 1: Transfer from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, complete park registration, drive to the Lemosho trailhead, and trek through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp. Day 2: Trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira 1 Camp. Day 3: Continue through the moorland to Moir Hut Camp. Day 4: Hike across the remote northern slopes to Buffalo Camp. Day 5: Trek to Third Cave Camp with spectacular views of Kenya. Day 6: Continue to School Hut Camp and prepare for the summit attempt. Day 7: Begin the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), celebrate reaching the Roof of Africa, then descend to Mweka Camp. Day 8: Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificate, and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi.









About This Tour
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the West at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. The Northern Circuit is longer than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, taking a minimum of eight or nine days to complete. The eight day trek skips the additional acclimatization day that is usually spent at Shira Camp 2 and continues straight on to Moir Camp.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, depart from your hotel in Moshi and drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and permit formalities. Continue to the Lemosho trailhead, where your trek begins through the lush rainforest. Enjoy the chance to spot colobus monkeys and a variety of birdlife as you make your way to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp). Upon arrival, settle into your camp, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner, and receive a briefing from your guide in preparation for the days ahead.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind as you ascend into the heath and moorland zone. The trail offers spectacular views of the Shira Plateau and, on clear days, the snow-capped summit of Kibo. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before continuing to Shira 1 Camp, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and watch a beautiful sunset over the mountain while continuing the acclimatization process.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Moir Hut Camp
Today's trek crosses the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, offering breathtaking views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding alpine landscape. As you gradually gain altitude, you'll hike through moorland vegetation and volcanic terrain while continuing the essential acclimatization process. Arrive at Moir Hut Camp, a peaceful campsite located beneath the dramatic Lent Hills, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next stage of your Northern Circuit adventure.
Day 4: Moir Hut Camp – Buffalo Camp
After breakfast, leave Moir Hut and continue along the remote Northern Circuit, one of the least-traveled sections of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail traverses alpine desert landscapes with panoramic views of Kibo Peak to the south and the Kenyan plains to the north. This quieter route offers excellent opportunities for acclimatization while immersing you in the mountain's pristine wilderness. Arrive at Buffalo Camp in the afternoon, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay beneath the stars.
Day 5: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp
Today's trek continues across the spectacular northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro toward Third Cave Camp. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing for gradual altitude gain and excellent acclimatization while offering uninterrupted views of Kibo Peak and the plains stretching into Kenya. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this less-traveled route before arriving at camp for a hot meal, relaxation, and another night under the stars.
Day 6: Third Cave Camp – School Hut Camp
After breakfast, continue your ascent toward School Hut Camp, passing through a rugged alpine desert landscape with spectacular views of Kibo Peak. This is a shorter trekking day designed to maximize acclimatization and allow ample time to rest before the summit attempt. Upon arrival, enjoy an early dinner, attend a final summit briefing with your guide, organize your gear, and retire early to prepare for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 7: School Hut Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Just after midnight, begin your summit push under a sky filled with stars. Ascend steadily to Gilman's Point, continue along the crater rim to Stella Point, and finally reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your incredible achievement with breathtaking sunrise views before descending to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch. Continue your descent through the alpine and moorland zones to Mweka Camp, where you'll enjoy a well-earned dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi
After breakfast, begin your final descent through the lush rainforest zone to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, complete the park exit procedures and receive your official Mount Kilimanjaro summit certificate to celebrate your achievement. Your driver will then transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved rest after completing the incredible Northern Circuit Grand Expedition.
What's Included
Included
- Professional, licensed English-speaking mountain guide
- Experienced assistant guides, porters, and mountain chef
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Moshi before the trek (with breakfast)
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Moshi after the trek (with breakfast)
- 7 nights mountain camping accommodation
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and drinking water on the mountain
- Private quality camping tents
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Camping mattress
- All park entry, camping, conservation, and rescue fees
- Round-trip transfers between Moshi and Kilimanjaro National Park
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport - JRO)
- Luggage transport by porters
- Daily health monitoring and pulse oximeter checks
- Portable first aid kit
- Summit certificate upon successful completion
- Government taxes and VAT
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal climbing gear and equipment
- portable private toilet
- Sleeping bag (available for rent upon request)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and cook
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, souvenirs, etc.)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Additional hotel nights before or after the itinerary
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Optional activities and excursions
- Personal medications
- Additional airport transfers outside the itinerary
- Costs incurred due to itinerary changes caused by weather, flight delays, illness, or force majeure
- Any items not specifically mentioned under "What's Included"
Operator Recommendations
Airports
The main arrival point for Kilimanjaro adventures, located approximately 40 km from Moshi town. Guests are welcomed upon arrival and transferred comfortably to their hotel before beginning their trekking expedition. Airport transfers can be arranged for a smooth and convenient start and end to your journey.
Experiences
Experience the ultimate African adventure by conquering Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Northern Circuit Route. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, excellent acclimatization, and the unforgettable achievement of standing on Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. This once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience combines adventure, nature, and personal achievement.
View DetailsGuides
Experienced and licensed Kilimanjaro mountain guides providing expert leadership, safety support, and local knowledge throughout your Northern Circuit expedition. Our guides are trained in altitude management, wilderness first aid, and emergency procedures, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and successful summit experience.
View DetailsAccommodation
A comfortable hotel stay in Moshi before and after your Kilimanjaro trek, offering a relaxing environment to prepare for your adventure and recover after reaching the summit. Accommodation includes a private en-suite room, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a convenient location with easy access to trekking transfer points.
Transport
Comfortable and reliable private transportation connecting guests between Moshi, Kilimanjaro National Park gates, and their accommodation. Transfers are provided by experienced drivers using well-maintained vehicles, ensuring a safe and smooth journey before and after the trekking adventure.
View DetailsTour Provider
PURE AFRICA EXPEDITIONS
Tanzania
Pricing
Solo / Per-Person
Pay per traveler. Total scales with your party size.
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Pick Your Tour Dates
Available year-round — choose any start date between Aug 24, 2026 and Aug 21, 2027. Your full 8-day window is auto-selected.
From USD 1850
/ person · Next: Sep 1