Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro 8 Days Joining Group Hiking Itinerary 2026,2027

8 Days Northern Circuit Joining Group Price

Price from Tanzania

$2,800 to $4,500 per person depending on group size, season, and service level.

Inclusions

Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, professional guides, porters, cook, meals, camping equipment, transport from Moshi/Arusha, and safety equipment.

Exclusions

International flights, visa fees, insurance, personal gear, tips, drinks, and personal expenses.

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi or Arusha

Airport pickup, hotel check-in, and briefing

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. The evening is used for rest and a full briefing session with your mountain guide. You receive a detailed explanation of the route, altitude challenges, packing check, and group arrangement for the climb.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation: 2,100m to 2,800m | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and permit processing. From here, a short drive takes you to the trailhead. The hike begins through thick rainforest where the air is humid and rich in oxygen. Expect giant trees, moss-covered branches, and occasional wildlife such as colobus monkeys. The trail is steady and moderate, ending at Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 2,800m to 3,500m | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

The trek starts with a gradual climb out of the rainforest into heath and moorland zones. Vegetation becomes thinner and the landscape opens up. You begin to see volcanic formations and the vast Shira Plateau. The pace is controlled to support acclimatization, and you arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon.

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 3,500m to 3,900m | Hiking Time: 3–5 hours

This is a relatively easy hiking day across the Shira Plateau. The terrain is wide, open, and scenic with panoramic views of Kibo Peak. The main purpose of this day is altitude adaptation, allowing your body to adjust while maintaining steady movement without rushing.

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

Elevation: 3,900m to 4,200m | Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

The trail enters alpine desert conditions with rocky ground and cooler temperatures. You ascend gradually while enjoying dramatic mountain scenery. After lunch at Moir Hut, optional acclimatization hikes are available in Moir Valley, which help prepare your body for higher elevations.

Day 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

This section follows the remote northern circuit with very few climbers. The route is peaceful and offers wide views toward Kenya and Kilimanjaro’s northern glaciers. The trail includes gentle ups and downs, which are important for altitude adaptation.

Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

The trek continues across high-altitude terrain with cooler air and rugged volcanic scenery. The landscape becomes more dramatic as you approach higher zones again. This is a moderate hiking day designed to prepare the body for the final summit push.

Day 8: Third Cave Camp to School Hut

Elevation: 3,870m to 4,750m | Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

You ascend steadily to School Hut, the final base camp before summit night. Upon arrival, guides prepare climbers with a final briefing, dinner, and early rest. Equipment is checked, and everyone prepares mentally and physically for the midnight ascent.

Day 9: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 4,750m to 5,895m to 1,640m | Hiking Time: 12–15 hours

The summit attempt begins around midnight. Climbers ascend slowly through steep volcanic scree to Stella Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebration and photos, the descent begins all the way down to Mweka Gate, where certificates are awarded and the expedition ends.