About This Journey
The 8 Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb 2026-2027 is a scenic and less crowded approach to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The route begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro before crossing the Shira Plateau and continuing around the quieter northern slopes through Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp and Third Cave.
Climbers continue to School Hut, the final summit base, before ascending toward Gilman's Point and Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa.
The Northern Circuit offers remote mountain scenery, varied terrain and a gradual altitude profile before the final summit ascent.
What Makes This Trip Special
Climb Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit
Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters
Explore Kilimanjaro's remote northern slopes
Cross the scenic Shira Plateau
Stay at Moir Hut
Trek through Buffalo Camp and Third Cave
Summit from School Hut
Experience views toward Kenya
Trek through several ecological zones
Professional Kilimanjaro guides
Mountain meals and drinking water
Emergency oxygen and first aid equipment
Summit certificate after successful completion
A Look at the Journey
Itinerary
Your 8 Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb 2026-2027 begins at Londorossi Gate.
After registration, continue to the trailhead and begin trekking through Kilimanjaro's lush western rainforest.
The trail climbs gradually through dense vegetation before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, leave the rainforest and continue into the heath and moorland zones.
The trail climbs toward Shira Ridge before descending gently onto the Shira Plateau.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp with impressive views toward Kibo.
Continue east across the Shira Plateau before leaving the busier southern trails.
The route gradually climbs toward Moir Hut, positioned beneath the Lent Hills.
The surrounding area provides excellent mountain scenery and useful altitude exposure before continuing around Kilimanjaro's northern side.
After breakfast, leave Moir Valley and continue onto Kilimanjaro's northern slopes.
The trail crosses rocky terrain and rolling ridges toward Buffalo Camp.
On clear days, this section provides wide views toward the plains of northern Tanzania and Kenya.
Continue east across the quieter northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The landscape becomes increasingly open and remote as you cross valleys and ridges toward Third Cave Camp.
This section offers a peaceful wilderness experience away from the mountain's busier southern trails.
After breakfast, begin a steady climb toward the high alpine zone.
Cross the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi before continuing toward School Hut.
Arrive in the afternoon and spend the remaining hours resting, eating and preparing for the summit ascent.
Your guide will complete a final equipment check and summit briefing.
The summit attempt begins during the night.
Climb gradually toward Gilman's Point on Kilimanjaro's crater rim before continuing toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.
After reaching the highest point in Africa, begin the long descent.
Continue down through the summit zone and Barafu area before reaching Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
After breakfast, descend through Kilimanjaro's rainforest toward Mweka Gate.
Complete the final park procedures and receive your summit certificate after a successful climb.
You will then transfer back to your hotel, completing your 8 Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb 2026-2027.
Included & Excluded
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Camping fees
- Rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides
- Assistant guides where required
- Mountain cook and porters
- Mountain tents
- Dining tent, tables and chairs
- Meals during the trek
- Drinking water
- Emergency oxygen
- Pulse oximeter
- First aid kit
- Mountain gate transfers
- Government taxes
- Summit certificate
- Airport pickup and hotel accommodation where included
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking boots
- Trekking poles unless rented
- Personal medication
- Personal snacks and drinks
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Additional hotel nights
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Services not mentioned under inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
Uhuru Peak is 5,895 meters above sea level, the highest point in Africa.
The Northern Circuit offers remote scenery, quieter trails and a gradual journey around Kilimanjaro's northern slopes.
No. Accommodation is provided in mountain tents.
The 8 Day Northern Circuit includes seven nights on the mountain.
The final summit camp is School Hut, located at approximately 4,750–4,800 meters.
Yes. Meals are included from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 8.
Yes. Drinking water is provided throughout the climb.
Yes. A warm sleeping bag suitable for freezing mountain temperatures is required.
Yes. Selected trekking equipment can normally be rented before departure.
No technical mountaineering experience is normally required.
The summit attempt begins from School Hut, normally during the night.
The northern summit approach normally reaches Gilman's Point before continuing around the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak.
