6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit is the longest and most comprehensive route on Kilimanjaro. It circles the mountain from the west to the north, offering excellent acclimatization, varied scenery, and the highest summit success rate. With fewer climbers on this route, it provides a quieter and more immersive trekking experience.
Route
Your Journey Mapped Out
Ready for the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience? Your adventure begins here.
- DAY 1 Arrival in Tanzania
- DAY 2 Trekking from Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- DAY 3 Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- DAY 4 Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- DAY 5 Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
- DAY 6 Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
- DAY 7 Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
- DAY 8 Third Cave to School Hut
- DAY 9 School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- DAY 10 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- DAY 11 Departure
Day1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. This day is for rest and preparation after your journey.
In the evening, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing about the trek. Your equipment will be checked, and final preparations will be made to ensure you are ready for the climb.
Enjoy a relaxed evening and overnight stay at your hotel.
Accommodation
Arusha Planet Lodge
located in Arusha (City)



- HB - Dinner and Breakfast
- Drinks not included
Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Elevation: 2,100m to 2,750m
- Distance: 7 km
- Time: 3–4 hours
The trek begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro, passing through dense rainforest filled with tall trees, vines, and rich wildlife. The pace is gentle, allowing your body to begin adjusting to altitude. The trail is quiet and peaceful, setting the tone for the journey ahead. You arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, surrounded by forest.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 2,750m to 3,500m
- Distance: 8 km
- Time: 5–6 hours
Leaving the forest behind, the landscape opens into moorland with wide views and unique high-altitude vegetation. The trail becomes steeper as you climb onto the Shira Plateau. From Shira 1 Camp, you can enjoy panoramic views and your first clear look at Kibo Peak.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m
- Distance: 7 km
- Time: 3–4 hours
This is a shorter day designed for acclimatization. You cross the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The terrain is open and scenic, with views stretching across the mountain. The gradual pace allows your body to adapt to the increasing altitude.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
- Elevation: 3,850m to 4,630m then down to 4,200m
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 6–8 hours
A key acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. You ascend to Lava Tower, where the altitude becomes more noticeable. After a break, you descend slightly to Moir Hut, located in a quieter and more remote area. The scenery becomes more rugged, with volcanic rock formations and expansive views.
Day 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
- Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m
- Distance: 12 km
- Time: 5–7 hours
The route now moves toward the northern side of the mountain, far from the busier trails. The terrain is wild and open, offering a strong sense of isolation and adventure. You traverse rolling landscapes with distant views toward Kenya. This day combines gentle ascents and descents, supporting further acclimatization.
Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
- Elevation: 4,020m to 3,800m
- Distance: 8 km
- Time: 4–5 hours
A steady trek continues across the northern slopes. The path is quieter, and the environment feels remote and untouched. The gradual descent helps your body recover slightly while preparing for the final ascent. Views of Kibo Peak become more prominent as you approach Third Cave Camp.
Day 8: Third Cave to School Hut
- Elevation: 3,800m to 4,800m
- Distance: 5 km
- Time: 4–5 hours
You ascend steadily toward School Hut, the final base before the summit attempt. The landscape becomes dry and barren, with thinner air and colder temperatures. Upon arrival, you rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the night climb to the summit.
Day 9: Summit Day – School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,800m to 5,895m then down to 3,100m
- Distance: 17 km
- Time: 10–14 hours
The summit climb begins around midnight. Moving slowly and steadily, you make your way to the crater rim, reaching Gilman’s Point at sunrise. The views above the clouds are unforgettable. From there, you continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you descend carefully to Mweka Camp, passing through changing environments as you lose altitude.
Day 10: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 3–4 hours
The final descent takes you through lush rainforest, offering a peaceful and refreshing end to the trek. At Mweka Gate, you receive your summit certificate before transferring back to your hotel.
Day 11: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure. Optional safari or Zanzibar extensions can be arranged if you wish to continue your adventure.
Accommodation
Arusha Planet Lodge
located in Arusha (City)



- HB - Dinner and Breakfast
- Drinks not included
Included
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Camping equipment
- All meals during the trek
- Drinking water
- Transfers to and from the mountain
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides and porters
- Personal expenses
- Extra accommodation before or after the trek