From Moshi in Tanzania: 8 Days Group Budget 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 the Kilimanjaro National Park officials at the gate, you'll be driven higher up the mountain to the trailhead. Here, you'll enjoy lunch before embarking on a short trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,820 meters. Along the way, you might be fortunate enough to see large wildlife such as elephants and buffalo emerging from the rainforest onto the trail. Upon arrival at Mti Mkubwa Camp, dinner will be served.

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 day two, you'll begin with an hour-long hike through the final stretch of the rainforest trail before reaching the low alpine moorland zone that leads up to the Shira Plateau. This hike is fairly short and gentle, concluding at Shira Camp 1, situated at 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 day three, the trek moves across the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 for lunch. Typically, trekkers stay overnight at Shira Camp. However, on the 8-day route, you will continue trekking eastward, passing through the 'Garden of the Senecios' before entering the high alpine desert zone. From there, you’ll join the northern circuit and descend to Moir Camp 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 face a moderately steep ascent from Moir Valley. A short detour allows climbers to reach the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. The path then continues with a series of ups and downs, winding around Kibo’s northern slopes toward Buffalo Camp at 4,020 meters. Along the way, stunning views of the plains north of Kilimanjaro, extending to the Kenya-Tanzania border, can be enjoyed. You’ll arrive at Buffalo Camp shortly after midday for lunch and a well-deserved rest following a long day’s trek.

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 journey begins with an ascent up Buffalo Ridge, followed by a descent to Buffalo Camp, where lunch is served. The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit then heads east along the northern slopes toward Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. This day’s trek is shorter than the previous one, and by now you should be well acclimated to the altitude. You’ll reach Third Cave around 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 steadily climb up and cross the Saddle, the area between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. From there, you’ll continue southwest toward School Huts at 4,800 meters. Once you reach School Huts, an early dinner will be served, followed by rest—since you’ll be woken before midnight to begin your Uhuru summit push. Be sure to prepare all your gear before sleeping, including warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamps, and a 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 before starting the steep climb up Kibo’s slopes in the darkness. Your first stop is Hans Meyer Cave for a brief rest. The ascent becomes steeper as you near Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), approximately 5 to 6 hours after leaving School Huts. Pause to admire the approaching dawn and the stunning view toward Mawenzi Peak, but keep in mind you still have about two more hours to reach Uhuru Peak—so summon your energy. The trail then levels off as you move west along the crater rim, arriving at the summit around sunrise. Your time at the top will be short, so capture plenty of photos of the breathtaking scenery and glaciers. Afterwards, you’ll backtrack along the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters), then turn south to descend the rocky slopes of Kibo toward Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most climbers rest briefly here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for their final night. On day eight, expect to trek for 14 to 16 hours, so pace yourself, stay hydrated, and keep your energy up throughout the journey.

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

The last day involves a brief trek descending through the lush montane rainforest from Millennium Camp at 3,950 meters down to Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters. Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll check out with the officials, who will present you with your official certificate—green for those who reached Gilman's Point and gold for those who summited Uhuru Peak. Afterward, a driver from Africa Natural Tours & Safaris will transfer you back to Moshi Town.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

The day is reserved for relaxation after your trek before your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Moshi town and pick up some souvenirs before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).