8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
8 Days
From $2,977pp
8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit is the newest—and most spectacular—of all eight established Kilimanjaro routes. As the longest trail on the mountain, it’s also the only one that takes you around all four sides of Kilimanjaro, giving you an unrivaled 360° trekking experience. Many operators describe it as the easiest route thanks to its long itinerary and gentle pace. While the extended journey does provide exceptional acclimatization and avoids steep daily climbs, trekkers without experience in multi-day hiking should still be prepared for the physical demands of an 8-day adventure.

What truly sets the Northern Circuit apart is its combination of superb acclimatization, breathtaking scenery, and remarkable solitude. It remains the least crowded route on Kilimanjaro, making it the ideal choice for travelers looking for a quieter, more immersive connection with the mountain.

Picture yourself spending over a week on the legendary “Roof of Africa.” As you gradually ascend, the dense tropical rainforest transforms into a world of otherworldly high-altitude flora, including the unique Dendrosenecio kilimanjari. Along the way, you’ll witness sweeping panoramas of the endless Tanzanian savannah, the vast plains of southern Kenya, and Kilimanjaro’s dramatic volcanic terrain.

When night falls, the high-altitude sky comes alive with the Milky Way, glimmering brilliantly above your camp. And on summit day, as you reach Uhuru Peak, you’ll greet a spectacular sunrise over the glaciers and alpine desert—an unforgettable moment near the equator. For the most adventurous trekkers, there’s even an option to spend a rare and extraordinary night in the Crater, joining an elite few who experience this dramatic environment each year.

Safari Tour "8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route" Price

Price Per Person

1 Pax
$4,961
2 Pax
$3,817
3 Pax
$3,433
4 Pax
$3,269
5 Pax
$3,224
6 Pax
$3,116
7 Pax
$3,047
8 Pax
$2,977
  • Contact us to get a quote for a group of more than 5 people

Looking for a custom 8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route to fit your need?

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"8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route" Safari Itinerary

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a PK Adventure representative will greet you and take you to your hotel. Your accommodation is prepared for a relaxing stay, offering comfortable rooms, hot showers, friendly staff, a swimming pool, and reliable internet access. In the evening, you’ll meet with our team for a detailed briefing to ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Additional fees apply for extra individual transfers, so coordinating your group’s arrival and departure times is the best way to avoid extra costs.

In the morning, your guide and climbing support team will meet you at your hotel for a final briefing and gear check. From there, you will begin a 3–4 hour drive to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance, Londorossi Gate (2,250 m / 7,380 ft).

After the quick formalities of obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, your group will continue by vehicle to the drop-off point at 3,414 m / 11,200 ft. This is where your trek truly begins—and where you’ll enjoy your first sweeping views of the Shira Plateau.

The trail from the drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp, Shira 1, features only a gentle gain in elevation, making it an excellent start for proper acclimatization. By the time you arrive, your mountain crew will have everything ready for a comfortable evening. Your tents will be pitched, chairs prepared, and hot refreshments and dinner waiting, allowing you to relax and settle into the rhythm of the mountain.

This day involves another modest altitude gain of 240 m / 787 ft as you trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp. The route is not physically demanding, giving you plenty of time and energy to take in Kilimanjaro’s remarkable scenery, observe the unique high-altitude flora found only on this mountain, and, weather permitting, enjoy clear views of Mount Meru—the fifth-highest peak in Africa.

After breakfast, your group will depart Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,628 ft) and begin the ascent toward Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,088 ft).

This section of the route is considered more challenging, and many trekkers find it physically tougher than the previous days. To support proper acclimatization and recovery, your team will take a lunch break at Lava Tower.

After resting, the group will ascend slightly higher before making a gradual descent to Moir Hut Camp, your next overnight stop.

This day features a long but gentle trek. You will begin with a short, steep climb out of Moir Valley, where you spent the night. Once you reach the top, the terrain becomes more forgiving as you traverse the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Throughout the day, you’ll encounter gradual ascents and descents, but no major altitude gains.

As the trail follows the mountain’s northern flank, you will walk close to the border of Kenya, offering incredible panoramic views of the Tsavo and Amboseli plains stretching into the distance.

You will continue along the northern slope of Kilimanjaro and make your way to 3rd Cave Camp for the night. Here, the Northern Circuit joins the classic Rongai route. Compared to the previous day, today’s trek is shorter and less demanding. By this stage, most trekkers have fully acclimated to the 3,800 m / 12,464 f elevation, which greatly enhances comfort and overall well-being as you settle into camp for a restful evening.

On this day you will trek to School Hut Summit Camp (4,800 m / 15,744 f). The route is not particularly difficult, but maintaining a steady, comfortable pace is essential so you preserve enough energy for the final ascent to the summit. Once you arrive at camp, it is highly recommended that you rest, avoid any strenuous activity, and stay well-hydrated. Later that night, you will wake in the dark to begin your final push toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,336 f), the ultimate highlight of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Your summit attempt begins at night as you leave Barafu Camp and make your final push toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft). While the trail itself is not technically difficult, the high altitude makes this section physically demanding. To ensure your safety and comfort, each pair of climbers is accompanied by a dedicated guide who closely monitors your condition and supports you throughout the ascent.

After celebrating your achievement at the Roof of Africa, you may choose to descend briefly to a nearby glacier for photos before heading back to Barafu Camp. There, you’ll take a well-deserved two-hour rest before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp for the night.

On summit night, your safety is our top priority. For this reason, one guide will be assigned to every two climbers. Each guide’s role is to carefully monitor your condition as you make your ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,336 ft). The climb begins at School Hut Summit Camp (4,800 m / 15,744 ft) around midnight. While the trail itself is not technically difficult, the high altitude makes the ascent feel much more demanding.

After reaching the summit, you will have the chance to walk to the nearby glaciers. From there, the group will descend to Barafu Camp for a two-hour break to rest and have lunch. You will then continue your descent to Millenium Camp (3,950 m / 12,956 ft), where you will spend the night.

Millennium Camp is located within a lush tropical rainforest. The lower elevation, combined with the satisfaction of having reached the summit, usually allows for a very restful night. After a hot breakfast, you will begin your final descent toward the park’s exit at Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,379 ft). This will be your last stop before heading to our office, where you will receive your summit certificates. It’s also a great moment to reflect on the journey with your mountain crew and take a final group photo. From there, you will be transferred to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

After breakfast on the final morning, you are transferred back toward Arusha and onward to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight. Your 5-day Tanzania Kilimanjaro trek — part of the PK Adventure — concludes, leaving you with memories of varied ecosystems and the wild heart of Tanzania.

Please Note:

  • By default our tours include shared accommodation in twin/double rooms, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Single supplement is available upon request. Please refer to the program to see your accommodation arrangements
  • Moshi and Arusha-based accommodations usually include breakfast only, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Please refer to the program to see your meal plans on each night
  • Most safari lodges usually do not include tea, coffee, soft and alcoholic drinks not to have you overpay for beverages you don’t need. You will be able to order and pay for drinks at the hotels’ restaurants
  • Tented lodges are the most common type of accommodation in savannah. Many of them work on solar energy. This sometimes means bucket showers, limited wi-fi and no hair dryers, all in an effort to reduce environmental impact. We encourage you to do some basic research on the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari matches your travel style

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What's Included

Transfers

All transfers described on the program
Transfers to & from International Airport and Moshi.

Accommodation & Meals

Hotels and lodges described on the program
Meals described on the program
Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee and tea while in the jeep on sofari

Guiding & Game-Driving

Certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide
Comfortable Land Cruiser 4x4s with pop-up roof, fridge, Wi-Fi, and power outlets
National Park fees for the entire tour (park entry fees and concession fees)
24/7 phone support services
Medical kit

What's Excluded

Air tickets
Visa fee
Travel Insurance
Tips to your safari guide (30%-50% per day per car)

Departure Dates

Apart from grouped scheduled safaris, tour starting dates are flexible. You can choose when to start and how long to spend on each park depending on your interest.

Our team is available to provide assistance on scheduling, advice and suggestions.

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