Kilimanjaro Group Join • Guaranteed Departure

Kilimanjaro Group Join Northern Circuit 8-Day

The Northern Circuit is the longest route circling the mountain for unique perspectives. 90% summit success on the Scenic Circuit.

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Route
Northern Circuit
The Scenic Circuit
Duration
8 Days
7 Nights
Accommodation
Camping
Tented Camping
Difficulty
Challenging
Strenuous Climb
Summit
5,895m
Uhuru Peak
Group Size
4–12
Per Departure
Success Rate
~90%
National Average
Tour Overview

About This Package

The Kilimanjaro Group Join Northern Circuit 8-Day is our most popular budget-friendly option for climbers who want the full Kilimanjaro experience without the private-price tag. You’ll join a weekly scheduled group of like-minded adventurers from across the globe, led by our certified mountain guides who have summited over 200 times. See the full day-by-day itinerary below.

The Northern Circuit Route is the only path on Kilimanjaro with hut accommodation — meaning you sleep in a bunk bed inside a mountain hut rather than a tent. This makes it an excellent choice for first-time trekkers who want a slightly more comfortable experience. Check our hut details here. The trail is well-graded and manageable, with a moderate difficulty that most fit beginners can handle.

All-inclusive park fees camping equipment meals guides porters transfers. Weekly departures.

This package is perfect for: Trekkers wanting solitude unique perspectives maximum time on the mountain photographers.

Tour Highlights

Why You’ll Love This Climb

Guaranteed Departure

Weekly groups leave every Monday and Thursday — no minimum numbers needed.

Professional Mountain Guides

Certified, English-speaking guides with extensive summit experience and first-aid training.

Comfortable Hut Accommodation

Sleep in heated mountain huts with proper beds — no tent camping required.

Summit Uhuru Peak

Stand at 5,895m above sea level on the Roof of Africa — a life-changing achievement.

Daily Fresh Meals

Three hearty meals prepared daily by our dedicated mountain cook — dietary needs accommodated.

Airport Transfers Included

Free pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on arrival day.

KPAP Ethical Climb

We are a KPAP partner ensuring fair wages, proper gear, and ethical treatment of all porters.

Small Friendly Groups

Maximum 12 climbers per group means personal attention from your guides throughout the trek.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Your 8-Day Northern Circuit Adventure

Circle the mountain on the longest most scenic route.

Day 1

London Gate to Forest Camp

3-4 hrs
Northern Circuit start
Altitude: 2,100m -> 2,800m Distance: 6 km Walking Time: 3-4 hours Meals: Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Forest Camp

Begin on the western side at London Gate entering lush rainforest. The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Kilimanjaro offering maximum time for acclimatisation.

The trail is peaceful through towering trees and abundant birdlife. This is the least crowded route on the mountain.

Forest Camp (2,800m) in a forest clearing. Tents set up by crew.

Expert TipThe Northern Circuit is the longest route but offers the best acclimatisation and stunning scenery.
Day 2

Forest Camp to Shira Camp One

5-7 hrs
Shira Plateau
Altitude: 2,800m -> 3,550m Distance: 10 km Walking Time: 5-7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Shira Camp One

Emerge onto the vast Shira Plateau. The views of Kibo and Mount Meru are breathtaking.

Walk across one of the highest volcanic calderas in the world.

Shira Camp One (3,550m). Spectacular sunset over the African savannah.

Expert TipThe Shira Plateau offers incredible photo opportunities. Keep your camera accessible.
Day 3

Shira Camp One to Shira Camp Two

3-5 hrs
Upper Shira
Altitude: 3,550m -> 3,850m Distance: 7 km Walking Time: 3-5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Shira Camp Two

Short acclimatisation day traversing the upper plateau.

The western glaciers of Kibo dominate the view.

Shira Camp Two (3,850m). Afternoon optional ridge hike.

Expert TipTake the ridge hike for excellent views and better acclimatisation.
Day 4

Shira Camp Two to Lava Tower to Moir Camp

6-8 hrs
Moir Camp
Altitude: 3,850m -> 4,640m -> 4,200m Distance: 12 km Walking Time: 6-8 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Moir Camp

Climb to Lava Tower (4,640m) then take the northern route to Moir Camp. This is what makes the Northern Circuit unique.

The northern side is remote and rarely visited. The landscape is stunning alpine desert.

Moir Camp (4,200m) on the northern slopes. Incredible views and complete solitude.

Expert TipThe Northern Circuit circles the mountain offering perspectives few trekkers ever see.
Day 5

Moir Camp to Saddle Camp

5-7 hrs
Saddle Camp
Altitude: 4,200m -> 4,500m Distance: 9 km Walking Time: 5-7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Saddle Camp

Continue around the northern side of Kibo. The trail traverses alpine desert with views of the Kenyan plains.

The silence on the northern slopes is profound. You may see no other trekkers all day.

Saddle Camp (4,500m) on the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. The views of both peaks are spectacular.

Expert TipThe Northern Circuit is the longest route but the solitude and scenery make it unforgettable.
Day 6

Saddle Camp to Kibo Hut

4-5 hrs
Kibo Hut
Altitude: 4,500m -> 4,703m Distance: 5 km Walking Time: 4-5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Short day crossing the saddle to Kibo Hut. The terrain is alpine desert.

Kibo Hut (4,703m) is a basic stone shelter. The starting point for the midnight summit attempt.

Early dinner. Summit briefing. Organise gear. Lights out by 7 PM.

Expert TipAfter 6 days of gradual ascent you are perfectly acclimatised for the summit.
Day 7 Summit Day

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

10-14 hrs
Northern Circuit summit
Altitude: 4,703m -> 5,895m -> 3,720m Distance: 16 km Walking Time: 10-14 hours Meals: Box Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Midnight summit push via Gilmans Point. The trail is steep scree switchbacks.

Dawn at the crater rim. Walk to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

You are standing on the highest point in Africa after the longest route. Descent to Horombo Hut.

Expert Tip90% success rate. The Northern Circuit offers excellent odds due to the gradual ascent.
Day 8

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi

5-7 hrs
Marangu descent
Altitude: 3,720m -> 1,870m Distance: 19 km Walking Time: 5-7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Final descent through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate.

Sign out and receive summit certificates. Transfer to Moshi.

Celebrate your Northern Circuit summit. You completed the longest route on Kilimanjaro.

Expert TipThe Northern Circuit is our most recommended route for those with enough time.
Inclusions

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included

  • Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees
  • Camping/hut fees for all nights on the mountain
  • Certified English-speaking mountain guide
  • Professional cook and support porters
  • All meals on the mountain (3 meals/day)
  • Filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hut accommodation (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo)
  • Emergency oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter
  • Park rescue fees and emergency evacuation coverage
  • Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
  • Transport to/from Marangu Gate
  • 18% VAT and all government taxes

Excluded

  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Tanzania visa fees ($50–$100 depending on nationality)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover high-altitude trekking)
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Rental equipment (sleeping bag, trekking poles, etc.)
  • Alcoholic beverages and snacks
  • Laundry services
  • Tips for guides, cook, and porters (recommended: $150–$250 total)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
Schedule

Upcoming Departure Dates

Weekly guaranteed departures every Monday and Thursday. No minimum numbers required.

Next Departure: Mon, Jul 6 — Only 7 seats left
Departure DateAvailabilitySeats Left
Mon, Jul 6, 2026Available7Book Now
Thu, Jul 9, 2026Available5Book Now
Mon, Jul 13, 2026Limited3Book Now
Thu, Jul 16, 2026Available8Book Now
Mon, Jul 20, 2026Limited2Book Now
Thu, Jul 23, 2026Available6Book Now
Mon, Jul 27, 2026Available9Book Now
Thu, Jul 30, 2026Full0Join Waitlist
Pricing

Package Price & Options

$1,750 / person

All-inclusive group join price for Northern Circuit 8-Day

Adult Pricepn2 per person (shared hut)
Private Upgrade(1750+400) per person (private room)
Single Supplement extra (private bunk)
Group Discount5% off for groups of 6+ people
Payment Terms: 30% deposit at booking • 40% due 60 days before departure • 30% due 14 days before departure.
Payments accepted via bank transfer, credit card, PayPal, or cryptocurrency.
Secure SSL Payments
KPAP Ethical Partner
4.9/5 — 300+ Reviews
Free Cancellation 60 Days
Guaranteed Departure
Where You'll Sleep

Tented Camp Accommodation

Remote camps on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Forest Camp

Forest Camp

Altitude 2,800m. Forest clearing.

Forest CampWestern
Moir Camp

Moir Camp

Altitude 4,200m. Remote northern camp. Solitude.

Northern CampRemoteSolitude
Saddle Camp

Saddle Camp

Altitude 4,500m. Between Kibo and Mawenzi. Spectacular views.

Saddle CampTwin Peaks Views
Packing List

Ultimate Kilimanjaro Packing List

Everything you need to reach Uhuru Peak — download our free comprehensive packing guide.

Proper packing can mean the difference between a successful summit and a struggle. Kilimanjaro takes you through five climate zones — from warm rainforest at the base to freezing Arctic conditions at 5,895m. Our expert guides have created a complete packing checklist covering every layer, piece of gear, and essential item you’ll need.

At Kizza Adventures, we review every climber’s gear before departure to maximise safety and summit success.

View Full Packing List

Printable page — open, then print or save as PDF.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Northern Circuit special?+
Absolutely. The Northern Circuit 8-Day is suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. You don’t need prior mountaineering experience — just a willingness to walk uphill for 4–8 hours per day. We recommend starting a fitness routine (walking, jogging, stair-climbing) at least 8 weeks before your departure.
Is equipment rental available?+
Yes, we offer high-quality rental gear including sleeping bags (-10°C rated), trekking poles, waterproof jackets, gaiters, and headlamps. Please let us know in advance what you need so we can ensure availability. Rental costs range from $10–$40 per item per trip.
What meals are provided on the mountain?+
Three meals per day: breakfast (porridge, eggs, toast, tea/coffee), lunch (packed picnic with sandwiches, fruit, snacks), and dinner (soup, stew, vegetables, rice or pasta, dessert). Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available — just inform us when booking.
Is the Northern Circuit more difficult than Lemosho?+
It is longer but the gradual pace makes it manageable. Good fitness is required.
Do I need travel insurance?+
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m, emergency evacuation by helicopter, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, Allianz, or AXA for climbers. Please bring a copy of your policy to the briefing.
Can vegetarians join the climb?+
Absolutely. We cater to all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free. Our mountain cooks are experienced in preparing nutritious and tasty plant-based meals at altitude. Just let us know your dietary needs at the time of booking.
Can I store my luggage in Moshi during the climb?+
Yes, free luggage storage is included. You can leave your main suitcase at our Moshi office during the trek. We recommend packing a separate duffel for the mountain (15kg max per person, carried by porters) and leaving the rest in secure storage.
What is the toilet situation on the mountain?+
On the Northern Circuit Route, each hut has flush toilets (though simple). Along the trail, there are public pit latrines at designated rest points. We recommend bringing a small pack of tissues and hand sanitiser. Summit night has no toilet facilities — plan accordingly.
How do I pay the remaining balance?+
After the 30% deposit, you can pay the balance via bank transfer, credit card (Visa/Mastercard/Amex), PayPal, or cryptocurrency. Payment schedules are flexible — we’ll work with you to find a plan that suits your needs.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?+
Our guides are trained in wilderness first-aid and carry emergency oxygen and a pulse oximeter to monitor your blood oxygen levels. If symptoms become severe, the guide will escort you down immediately — the best treatment for altitude sickness is descent. We carry emergency rescue insurance for helicopter evacuation if needed.
Can I extend my trip with a safari or Zanzibar?+
Yes! Many climbers combine their Kilimanjaro climb with a Tanzania safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) or a beach holiday in Zanzibar. We offer discounted package deals — ask our team for a combined itinerary quote.

Ready to Join the Next Climb?

Reserve your spot on the Kilimanjaro Group Join Northern Circuit 8-Day or talk to our team about customising your adventure. We’re here to help every step of the way.

From $1,750 per person

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