Northern Circuit Route 8 Days Kilimanjaro Budget Trekking
Book Your Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route 8 Days Package!
📍 Mount Kilimanjaro, Northern Circuit Route
- Tanzania - East Africa
- Starting from: $1,920 – $3,200 per person Price depends on group size, services, and accommodation preferences.
Northern Circuit Route 8 Days Kilimanjaro Overview
The Northern Circuit Route 8 Days Kilimanjaro Budget Trekking is the longest and most scenic route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the western side of the mountain, the Northern Circuit offers trekkers a unique experience as it takes them around Kilimanjaro, providing breathtaking views of the mountain’s vast landscape.
This route is known for its gradual ascent and excellent acclimatization profile, which increases the chances of a successful summit. With 8 days of trekking, you have plenty of time to adjust to the altitude while experiencing a diverse range of habitats—from lush rainforests and moorlands to alpine deserts.
The Northern Circuit also offers the most remote trekking experience, with fewer crowds compared to other routes, making it a favorite among trekkers seeking peace and serenity during their climb.
Tour Highlights:
🌲 Enjoy a quiet, peaceful trek with fewer crowds on the Northern Circuit
🥾 Experience Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes, including forests, moorlands, and deserts
🏞️ Benefit from a gradual ascent with ample acclimatization time
🎒 Support from experienced guides and well-maintained camping facilities
🏅 Reach Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, with a high success rate
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Itinerary — Northern Circuit Route 8 Days Kilimanjaro:
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi & Transfer to Londorossi Gate
🚙 Activity: Transfer from Moshi to Londorossi Gate & Start Trek
🍽 Meals: Dinner
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by an Olduvai Tours Tan Africa representative who will transfer you to Moshi for an overnight stay. Early the next morning, you’ll be transferred to Londorossi Gate, where you will complete registration and start your trek on the Northern Circuit Route.
You’ll begin your journey with a gentle walk through lush rainforest, where you’ll encounter various wildlife and plant species. Your first night will be spent at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you’ll enjoy dinner and rest in preparation for the next day’s trek.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
📍 Distance: 8 km (5-7 hours)
🚙 Activity: Trek from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On Day 2, you’ll trek through the rainforests of Kilimanjaro, gradually ascending into the moorland zone. The climb is moderate and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trek will take you to Shira 1 Camp, located on the Shira Plateau.
At Shira 1 Camp, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic views of the plateau and the mountainside. The camp is perfect for acclimatization and offers a peaceful environment to relax and adjust to the altitude.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
📍 Distance: 6 km (4-5 hours)
🚙 Activity: Trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 offers a relatively short and scenic trek. You’ll continue along the Shira Plateau, making your way to Shira 2 Camp. As you trek, you’ll notice the terrain becoming more open and the views more expansive, offering an incredible perspective of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and ice fields.
Shira 2 Camp is located at a higher altitude, providing additional opportunities for acclimatization. The camp offers great views of the mountain, making it an ideal place to relax before the next day’s trek.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
📍 Distance: 10 km (5-7 hours)
🚙 Activity: Trek from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On Day 4, you’ll leave the Shira Plateau behind and ascend through moorland to reach Barranco Camp, located at the base of the Barranco Wall. This section of the route offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, with Kilimanjaro’s glaciers visible in the distance.
The Barranco Camp is a fantastic place to enjoy the beauty of the mountain, and the infamous Barranco Wall, a steep but short climb, will be tackled the following day.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
📍 Distance: 6 km (4-6 hours)
🚙 Activity: Trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 involves a short trek but is quite challenging as you will climb the Barranco Wall, which requires some scrambling. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.
The trek continues to Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest for the night. Karanga Camp is situated in a beautiful location and offers excellent opportunities for acclimatization.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
📍 Distance: 4 km (3-4 hours)
🚙 Activity: Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On Day 6, you’ll trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, located at the base of the summit. The route takes you through alpine desert terrain, with sparse vegetation and a stark, barren landscape. As you approach Barafu Camp, the excitement of the summit draws nearer.
Barafu Camp is where you’ll rest and prepare for the final ascent. You’ll have an early dinner, followed by a rest before your midnight summit attempt.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak & Descent to Mweka Camp
📍 Distance: 6 km to Uhuru Peak (5-7 hours) & 13 km descent (4-6 hours)
🚙 Activity: Summit attempt to Uhuru Peak & descent to Mweka Camp
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 is the most challenging of the trek. You’ll begin your summit attempt at midnight, trekking through the cold and darkness towards Uhuru Peak. The climb is steep and demanding, but reaching the summit will be an incredibly rewarding experience.
After celebrating at the summit, you’ll begin your descent to Mweka Camp, where you’ll rest and enjoy a warm meal.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Transfer to Moshi
📍 Distance: 10 km (3-4 hours)
🚙 Activity: Trek from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Transfer to Moshi
🍽 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
On the final day, you’ll descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. This section of the trek takes you through lush rainforest, offering a different perspective of the mountain’s lower regions. Once at Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate.
You’ll then be transferred back to Moshi to relax and reflect on your incredible achievement.
Why Choose Olduvai Tours Tan Africa for Your Kilimanjaro Trek?
✔ Expert Guides with In-depth Knowledge of Kilimanjaro
✔ Affordable Trekking Packages with Great Comfort
✔ Focus on Safe Acclimatization for Higher Summit Success
✔ Quality Equipment and Professional Staff
✔ Personalized Attention with Small Group Sizes
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Trekking Inclusions & Exclusions
Package Inclusions
✅ Accommodation – Camping or lodge stays (based on the itinerary)
✅ Meals – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek
✅ Trekking Guide – Certified, experienced mountain guide
✅ Porters & Crew – Professional team of porters, cooks, and assistants
✅ Transportation – Transfers to and from the mountain base
✅ National Park Fees – Entrance fees to the trekking destination (e.g., Kilimanjaro National Park, Mount Meru Park)
✅ Camping Equipment – Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and other required trekking gear
✅ Drinking Water – Safe, filtered drinking water throughout the trek
✅ Medical Kit – Basic first aid kit carried by the trekking team
✅ Mountain Rescue – Emergency evacuation services (if required)
✅ Government Taxes – VAT and other applicable taxes
✅ Porter Equipment – Provided gear for porters and trekking crew
Package Exclusions
❌ International & Domestic Flights – Flights to Tanzania are not included unless specified
❌ Visa Fees – Travelers must arrange their own visas
❌ Travel Insurance – Highly recommended to have personal travel and trekking insurance
❌ Personal Expenses – Laundry, tips, souvenirs, or extra services not mentioned in the itinerary
❌ Optional Activities – Any activities outside the trekking itinerary (e.g., cultural visits, extra excursions)
❌ Trekking Gear – Items like trekking boots, jackets, gloves, or walking poles (unless otherwise specified)
❌ Tips & Gratuities – Recommended for guides, porters, and crew members
❌ Alcoholic & Soft Drinks – Any drinks outside of what is provided during the trek
❌ Medical Expenses – Vaccinations, medications, or other personal medical needs
Find Out Answers Here
FAQ
1. Why should I choose the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit offers the most scenic and quiet trek around Kilimanjaro. With fewer crowds and a gradual ascent, it provides excellent acclimatization opportunities and increases the chances of reaching the summit.
2. How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route?
While the Northern Circuit is a long trek, it is designed for gradual ascent and ample acclimatization. Trekkers with moderate fitness can successfully complete it, provided they take the time to adjust to the altitude.
3. Is the Northern Circuit Route suitable for beginners?
Yes, this route is suitable for beginners, especially with the 8-day itinerary. The extended trek gives more time for acclimatization, which is crucial for summit success.
4. How cold does it get on the mountain?
Temperatures can drop below freezing, particularly at higher altitudes. It’s important to bring proper clothing to handle the cold, especially during summit night.
5. What is the success rate on the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit has one of the highest success rates due to its gradual ascent, ample acclimatization time, and stunning views. The extended 8-day trek significantly increases summit success.
