Tanzania Rewilded

Kilimanjaro's quiet side on the 8-day Northern Circuit route
 
 
 Kilimanjaro climb · 8 days on the mountain
Lemosho Gate
 
Moir Hut
 
Gilman’s Point
The long way round

Kilimanjaro's Quiet Side

The 8-day Northern Circuit route: eight days on the mountain, starting in the western rainforest and circling the empty northern slopes before you climb to the crater rim. Few people walk this side of Kibo. You reach Uhuru Peak on the morning of Day 8.

10days
9 nights, 10 days total
8
Days on the mountain
5,895m
Uhuru Peak
Plan this climb
Day by day ↓
Download PDF ↓
 MoshiDay 1
 Mti MkubwaDay 2
 Moir HutDay 4
 Kibo CampDay 7
 Uhuru PeakDay 8
Climbing permit
TR · NC08
Northern Circuit Route
 
Duration
10 days · 9 nights
8 days on the mountain, 2 nights in Moshi
Start / finish
Kilimanjaro Airport
Hotel in Moshi before and after
Summit
Uhuru Peak · 5,895 m
Summit push from Kibo Camp via Gilman’s Point
Difficulty
Challenging
Long, but gentle for its height; no climbing skills needed
Style
Private · Camping
Your own guides, cook and porters
Best months
Jan – Mar · Jun – Oct
The two dry seasons

Why the 8-Day Northern Circuit RouteGoes the Long Way Round

Most climbers go up the south side of Kilimanjaro. The Northern Circuit starts in the same western rainforest, crosses the Shira Plateau and then turns north, away from the crowds. For four days you walk around the back of Kibo, with Kenya’s plains far below and often no other groups in sight.

It is one of the longest routes on the mountain, and that is its strength. You spend several nights close to 4,000 m before the summit, so your body has time to adjust. The walking days are steady rather than steep, and there is no Barranco Wall to scramble.

The climb

Around the Mountain in Eight Days

Each point is where you sleep. Notice how the line stays around 4,000 m for three days on the north side before the climb to Kibo Camp. Tap a camp to see it on the profile.

FarmlandRainforestHeath & moorlandAlpine desertArctic summit1,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,000m 1234567Uhuru Peak5,895 m89
Trail altitudeVegetation zones
  1. 01

    Moshi

    915 m · Hotel before and after the climb

    2 nights
  2. 02

    Mti Mkubwa Camp

    2,780 m · "Big Tree" camp in the rainforest

    1 night
  3. 03

    Shira Camp 2

    3,840 m · On the Shira Plateau

    1 night
  4. 04

    Moir Hut

    4,200 m · Quiet camp below the Lent Hills

    1 night
  5. 05

    Pofu Camp

    4,025 m · Northern slopes, views to Kenya

    1 night
  6. 06

    Third Caves Camp

    3,600 m · The last camp on the north side

    1 night
  7. 07

    Kibo Camp

    4,700 m · High camp on the Saddle

    1 night
  8. 08

    Millennium Camp

    3,820 m · First night down, after the summit

    1 night
Trek ≈ 86 kmHighest 5,895 mDescent Mweka route
Day by day

The Journey

✦

This is how the trip usually runs. Your guide will adjust each day around the weather, the trail and how the group is acclimatising.

Karibu Tanzania
Day01
Kilimanjaro Airport → Moshi

Arrive and Get Ready

Your driver meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport for the short drive through farmland to Moshi. If the cloud lifts, you will see Kibo’s white summit above the plains.

At Kibo Palace Hotel you meet your lead guide for a briefing and gear check. Eight days is a long time on the mountain, so it is worth laying everything out now. Anything missing can be hired in Moshi.

Good to know

Pack a warm layer and your headtorch in your daypack from Day 2. The porters carry your main bag, and you won’t see it until camp each afternoon.

  • Transfer≈ 45 km · 50 min – 1 hr
  • OvernightKibo Palace Hotel, Moshi
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Into the forest
Day02
Moshi → Lemosho Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp

The Western Forest

After breakfast you drive round to the western side of the mountain, about an hour and a half through villages and farmland. You register at the park gate, meet the whole crew and start walking from Lemosho at about 2,200 m.

The trail is shaded and fairly gentle, climbing through old rainforest hung with moss. Look up for black-and-white colobus monkeys and listen for turacos. You sleep at Mti Mkubwa, which means “big tree” in Swahili.

  • TransferAbout 1.5 hrs to the gate
  • Trek7 km · about 5 hrs
  • Altitude2,200 → 2,780 m
  • OvernightMti Mkubwa Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Kibo's snowy summit rising above flat moorland
Kibo from the moorland
Day03
Mti Mkubwa → Shira Camp 2

Out of the Trees

The forest thins quickly into giant heather and moorland. The trail climbs onto the Shira Ridge and then drops gently onto the Shira Plateau, an old, collapsed volcano that is now a wide, grassy plain.

From here you get your first big view of Kibo. Shira Camp 2 sits out on the open plateau at 3,840 m. It is a big height gain today, so drink plenty and rest when you arrive.

  • Trek12 km · 6–7 hrs
  • Altitude2,780 → 3,840 m
  • OvernightShira Camp 2
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Dark lava rock in the foreground with Kibo's snow-streaked summit behind
Old lava flows below Kibo
Day04
Shira Camp 2 → Moir Hut

Where the Crowds Turn Off

You cross the eastern side of the Shira Plateau towards Kibo. Near the Lava Tower junction most climbers head south; you keep left and go north on a much quieter path.

The ground turns to rock and gravel as you enter the alpine desert. Moir Hut is a campsite beside an old, disused hut, tucked into a valley at 4,200 m. If you feel well, your guide may take you a short way up the Lent Hills in the afternoon to help you adjust.

Field note

Moir is the first night above 4,000 m. A mild headache or a poor night’s sleep here is common and usually passes. Tell your guide how you feel every evening.

  • Trek8 km · 4–5 hrs
  • Altitude3,840 → 4,200 m
  • OvernightMoir Hut camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
The north face
Day05
Moir Hut → Pofu Camp

Around the North Face

A steep climb out of Moir valley takes you onto the northern slopes. From here the path contours around Kibo, up and down over ridges of rock and gravel, past Buffalo Camp and on to Pofu.

On a clear day you look straight down over the plains of Kenya, with Amboseli somewhere in the haze. There is little shade and the wind can be strong, so keep your sun hat and a windproof layer handy.

  • Trek10 km · 5–7 hrs
  • Altitude4,200 → 4,025 m
  • OvernightPofu Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Tents on stony ground below Kibo's snow-covered slopes
Camp below Kibo’s snowfields
Day06
Pofu Camp → Third Caves Camp

The Quiet Miles

Another steady day across the northern slopes. The trail rolls gently over dry volcanic ridges, and you drop about 400 m to end the day at Third Caves, at about 3,600 m.

This easy, lower day is part of the plan. It gives your body one more rest before the big climb to high camp. Third Caves is close to the Rongai Route, so you may meet a few other groups again this evening.

Pole pole

“Slowly, slowly.” By now the pace your guide sets will feel natural. Keep it that way tomorrow, even when you feel strong.

  • Trek12 km · 5–7 hrs
  • Altitude4,025 → 3,600 m
  • OvernightThird Caves Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Across the Saddle
Day07
Third Caves → the Saddle → Kibo Camp

Across the Saddle

Today you climb onto the Saddle, the wide, bare desert between Kibo and the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Nothing grows here. It is cold, still and very open, and you can see the whole summit cone in front of you.

You reach Kibo Camp near Kibo Hut, at about 4,700 m, in the early afternoon. Your guide goes through the summit plan, you eat an early dinner and go to bed by 7 pm. You will be woken around 11 pm.

  • Trek10 km · 4–6 hrs
  • Altitude3,600 → 4,700 m
  • OvernightKibo Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
A line of climbers walking below the summit glaciers of Kilimanjaro
Walking below the summit ice
Day08
Kibo Camp → Gilman’s Point → Uhuru Peak → Millennium Camp

Up to Gilman's Point

You set off around midnight by headtorch, zig-zagging up steep scree past Hans Meyer Cave to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, at 5,685 m. This is the hardest part of the whole climb. Dawn usually starts to show as you reach the rim.

From Gilman’s it is a slow walk round the rim, past Stella Point and the glaciers, to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m. After photos at the sign you go down the south side, past Barafu, to Millennium Camp for hot food and sleep.

Honest note

Summit night is cold, long and tiring: this is a 15-hour day, or longer. Your guides check you all the way, and they will turn you back if it isn’t safe. Getting home well matters more than the summit.

  • Trek17 km · 15 hrs or more
  • Altitude4,700 → 5,895 → 3,820 m
  • OvernightMillennium Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
The wooden Kilimanjaro National Park sign at Mweka Gate, 1,650 m
Mweka Gate, 1,650 m
Day09
Millennium Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi

Back to Green

The last walk drops through heather and then back into thick, damp rainforest. After eight days in thin, dry air, the smell of the forest is a treat. Your knees will feel it, so walking poles help.

At Mweka Gate you sign out of the park and collect your summit certificate. Then it is an hour’s drive to Kibo Palace Hotel for a long shower and a real bed.

Good to know

The crew usually say goodbye at the gate, often with a song. We send tipping guidelines before the climb, so you can bring the right cash.

  • Trek10 km · 2–3 hrs
  • TransferAbout 1 hr to Moshi
  • OvernightKibo Palace Hotel, Moshi
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Safari njema
Day10
Moshi → Kilimanjaro Airport

Home, or On to Safari

A slow breakfast, a walk around Moshi if your flight is late, and then the drive back to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Many climbers carry on to a few days of safari or rest on the beach in Zanzibar.

  • Transfer≈ 45 km · 50 min – 1 hr
  • ExtendAdd a safari →
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Where you sleep

Seven Camps, Two Hotel Nights

A comfortable hotel in Moshi at each end. On the mountain you sleep in the park’s official campsites, several of them on the quiet north side that few groups ever see.

A camp on Mount Kilimanjaro
On the mountain

Nights on the mountain: Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira Camp 2, Moir Hut, Pofu Camp, Third Caves Camp, Kibo Camp, Millennium Camp.

2nights

Kibo Palace Hotel

Moshi · 915 m

A comfortable hotel in Moshi with a swimming pool, a garden, a bar and a restaurant. You stay here before the climb and after it.

PoolGardenBar
1night

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Rainforest · 2,780 m

“Big Tree” camp, among giant trees and birdsong on the first night.

Rainforest
1night

Shira Camp 2

Shira Plateau · 3,840 m

Open moorland with wide views of Kibo and the plateau.

Big views
1night

Moir Hut

Alpine desert · 4,200 m

A quiet valley camp beside an old hut, below the Lent Hills.

Few climbers
1night

Pofu Camp

Northern slopes · 4,025 m

Remote and windswept, looking north over the plains of Kenya.

Kenya views
1night

Third Caves Camp

Northern slopes · 3,600 m

Cool and open, a restful night before the climb to high camp.

Acclimatisation
1night

Kibo Camp

The Saddle · 4,700 m

Bare, cold high camp near Kibo Hut. A few hours’ sleep before the summit.

Summit base
1night

Millennium Camp

Upper heath · 3,820 m

The first night down after the summit, with thicker, warmer air.

Descent

Hotels are shown “or similar”. On the mountain you sleep in the park’s official campsites, in tents our crew carries and pitches for you.

Timing & price

When to Climb

The dry seasons are best, as on every route. The north side of Kilimanjaro gets less rain than the south, which makes the Northern Circuit a good choice in the shoulder months too.

Climbing Kilimanjaro, month by month Highlighted: best months to climb
MonthSeasonOn the mountainClimbing
JanuaryDryWarm & clearOne of the best months. Warm days, clear summit mornings and fewer climbers than in August.Best
FebruaryDryWarm & clearVery good climbing. Clear skies, and snow on the summit is possible after a cold night.Best
MarchDry → wetWarm, some showersStill good early in the month. Showers start to build towards the end.Good
AprilLong rainsWet & cloudyThe wettest month. Muddy trails and cloud; very few climbers.Wet
MayLong rainsWet, clearing lateRain eases later in the month. Quiet trails, but expect wet days.Wet
JuneDryCold & clearThe dry season starts. Cold nights up high, and the trails get busier.Good
JulyDryCold & clearPeak season. Cold, clear and dry, with the most climbers of the year.Best
AugustDryCold & clearPeak season. Very reliable weather; book early for this month.Best
SeptemberDryMild & clearExcellent conditions. Slightly warmer and a little quieter than August.Best
OctoberDryMild & clearGood weather and quieter trails before the short rains.Best
NovemberShort rainsShowersShort afternoon showers, mostly lower down. Possible, with good rain gear.Good
DecemberShort rains → dryMixedRain clears through the month. Busy over Christmas and New Year.Good
Price per personYour groupAll yearPrivate climbAny start date
1solo climber$2,446USD per person
2–5climbers$2,446USD per person
6–10climbers$2,446USD per person
11+climbers$2,446USD per person
 Check dates →

Prices are in US dollars, per person, for a private climb with two hotel nights in Moshi. Nights at Moir, Pofu and Kibo Camp are well below freezing in every month. We send a full kit list when you book.

No surprises

What's Included

Included / 12

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departureKilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
  • 2 nights at Kibo Palace Hotel in Moshi, before and after the climbSharing a double or triple room. The first night includes breakfast; the last night includes dinner and breakfast
  • Professional mountain guides and support crew
  • Wages for guides, porters, cook and waiter
  • National park entry fees
  • Camping fees, tents and foam sleeping mats
  • Cooking gear, plates and cutlery
  • Park rescue fees
  • Pulse oximeter checks and a full first aid kit
  • All meals on the mountainBreakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Boiled drinking water on the mountain
  • Park fees and lodging for the crew on the mountain

Not included / 12

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visaSee our visa guide
  • Travel insuranceRequired, and it must cover climbing to 6,000 m. See our insurance guide
  • Single room supplement at Kibo Palace Hotel
  • Tips for guides, porters, cook and waiter
  • Personal mountain gear, such as a sleeping bagSome items can be hired. Ask us for the hire price list
  • Emergency oxygenNot part of the standard package
  • Vehicle surcharge of USD 145 per carApplies to climbs that start from the Lemosho, Rongai or Shira side
  • Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary
  • Extra hotel nights beyond the two included
  • Optional trips, such as a waterfall walk or a village visit
  • Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, laundry and phone calls
Good questions

Before You Book

It is long rather than steep. Most days are 4 to 7 hours of steady walking, and there is no scrambling like the Barranco Wall. The hard part is summit night: a cold, steep climb from about midnight. If you can hike for several hours on several days in a row, you can do it. See our preparation guide.

The first three days are the same country as Lemosho: rainforest, then the Shira Plateau. Where Lemosho and Machame head south to the Lava Tower and Barranco, the Northern Circuit goes north around the mountain. You trade the Barranco Wall for quiet trails and extra days at altitude. Compare them on our routes page.

Very rarely. From Moir Hut to Third Caves you may not see another group all day. You meet more climbers again near Kibo Camp and on the summit, and the descent on the Mweka trail is shared with the southern routes.

Sleeping at Moir, Pofu and Third Caves, between 3,600 and 4,200 m, is one of the best ways to adjust. Most people still feel a headache or poor sleep at some point. Your guides check you every day. If you want more time, ask for our 9-day version, which adds a night at Mawenzi Tarn. Read our altitude safety guide.

Add to your trip

Related Activities

Ideas that fit well with this climb. Ask us and we’ll add any of them to your plan.

After the climb

Add a safari

Rest your legs in a safari vehicle: Tarangire, the crater or the Serengeti.

Read more →
Beach

Zanzibar beach days

Finish with warm sea, white sand and Stone Town’s old streets.

Read more →
Pole pole
Kilimanjaro

Altitude & safety

How acclimatisation works and how our guides keep you safe.

Read more →
Get ready
Kilimanjaro

Preparing for the climb

Training, gear and what to expect on summit night.

Read more →
You might also like

Similar Climbs

Other climbs with a similar route, length or style.

11days
11 days · Northern Circuit route

9 Days / 8 Nights - Northern Circuit Route via Mawenzi Tarn

From $2,890 ppView →
10days
10 days · Lemosho route

8 Days / 7 Nights - Lemosho Route

From $2,474 ppView →
9days
9 days · Lemosho route

7 Days / 6 Nights - Lemosho Route (Express)

From $2,183 ppView →
Walk around

The Whole Mountain

Tell us your dates and group size. We’ll reply within 24 hours with availability and a full price for your Northern Circuit climb.

Enquire about this climb
WhatsApp a planner
Download PDF ↓
Private climb & crewReply within 24 hrsYour dates, your pace
Northern Circuit Route
10 days · from $2,446 pp
Enquire
Loading itinerary…
Saved Trips