8-Day Northern Circuit Route Group Tour 2025–2026 | Kilimanjaro Climb

The 8-Day Northern Circuit Route group tour is one of the most scenic, rewarding, and successful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Known as Kilimanjaro’s longest trail and the only one to completely circumnavigate the mountain, the Northern Circuit offers climbers unmatched 360-degree views, fewer crowds, and the highest summit success rates. For 2025–2026, Macpace Tours & Safaris has designed affordable, budget-friendly group packages that still deliver the best guiding services, quality meals, and comfortable camping equipment, ensuring you enjoy a safe and memorable journey to the summit of Africa’s highest peak.

Travelers who join this 8-day group climb enjoy a gradual and well-paced ascent, which allows for excellent acclimatization and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. Along the way, trekkers pass through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and the breathtaking northern slopes rarely seen by other climbers. Group tours also offer the benefit of shared costs, making this route more accessible for budget-conscious adventurers while still maintaining professional support and high-quality service.

With Macpace Tours & Safaris, you’ll be guided by experienced Kilimanjaro professionals, supported by a dedicated team of porters and cooks, and surrounded by like-minded climbers who share your dream. Whether you are climbing solo and want to join a group, or traveling with friends, this 8-day Northern Circuit Route group package provides the perfect balance of affordability, safety, and unforgettable adventure.

Detailed Itinerary for 8 Days Northern Circuit Route Group Climb

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering the highest success rates due to its excellent acclimatization profile. This 8-day itinerary gives climbers plenty of time to adjust, enjoy breathtaking views, and experience the mountain’s untouched northern slopes.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)

• Trekking time: 3–4 hours

• Distance: ~6 km

• Habitat: Montane Forest

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi/Arusha to Londorossi Gate, where you’ll register with park authorities. After meeting your trekking team, you’ll start your hike through lush rainforest trails filled with giant fig trees, colobus monkeys, and colorful birds. The climb is gentle, giving you a chance to ease into the adventure before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)

• Trekking time: 5–6 hours

• Distance: ~8 km

• Habitat: Moorland

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail gradually opens into the moorland zone with sweeping views across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. As you ascend, you’ll notice the vegetation change to heathers and lobelias. The climb is steady but rewarding, with the camp offering wide-open skies for stargazing at night.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

• Trekking time: 4–5 hours

• Distance: ~7 km

• Habitat: Moorland / Plateau

Today is a shorter acclimatization day as you hike across the vast and beautiful Shira Plateau. This flat terrain allows your body to adjust gradually to the altitude. Along the way, enjoy uninterrupted views of Kibo’s snow-capped peak and the rugged volcanic landscape. Arriving early at Shira 2 Camp gives you time to rest and soak in the sunset.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower (4,600m) – Moir Hut (4,200m)

• Trekking time: 6–7 hours

• Distance: ~14 km

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is a key acclimatization day. You will climb steadily up to the striking Lava Tower (4,600m), a volcanic rock formation where you’ll stop for lunch. Spending time at this high altitude helps your body adapt. Afterwards, descend to Moir Hut, tucked away in a quiet valley at the base of Lent Hills. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy is excellent preparation for summit success.

Day 5: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

• Trekking time: 5–6 hours

• Distance: ~12 km

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today the trail leads you onto Kilimanjaro’s remote northern slopes, an area rarely visited by climbers. The trek involves a steep climb out of Moir Valley, followed by a gentler path across alpine ridges with panoramic views of Kenya’s plains. The sense of solitude here is unmatched, offering a peaceful wilderness experience. Overnight at Buffalo Camp.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp (3,800m)

• Trekking time: 5–6 hours

• Distance: ~8 km

• Habitat: Semi-desert

Continuing along the northern circuit trail, you’ll cross undulating terrain with occasional ridges and valleys. The altitude gain is moderate, giving you another excellent acclimatization day. The route remains quiet and remote, far from the busy southern trails. You’ll overnight at Third Cave Camp, which prepares you for the final approach to summit base camp.

Day 7: Third Cave Camp – School Hut (4,750m)

• Trekking time: 4–5 hours

• Distance: ~5 km

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today is a shorter but steeper climb as you head toward School Hut, your final base camp before the summit push. The air becomes thinner, and the terrain stark, but the views of Kibo’s crater rim are breathtaking. After an early dinner, you’ll rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.

Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

• Trekking time: 10–14 hours (summit + descent)

• Distance: ~18 km

• Habitat: Arctic Zone → Moorland → Rainforest

Your summit night begins around midnight. With headlamps lighting the way, you’ll ascend slowly toward the crater rim via Gilman’s Point (5,681m) and Stella Point (5,739m). From here, it’s a final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Witness the sunrise above the clouds, an unforgettable reward for your effort.

After celebrations and photos, descend steadily back down to Mweka Camp for a much-deserved rest.

Inclusions

• Professional, experienced mountain guides, porters, and cook

• Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

• Full board meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Group camping equipment (tents, dining tent, tables, and chairs)

• Drinking water (treated)

• Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi)

• Two nights in a Moshi hotel (pre- and post-climb, bed & breakfast)

Exclusions

• International airfare & visa fees

• Travel insurance & medical evacuation coverage

• Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, etc.)

• Tips for guides, porters, and cook (highly recommended)

• Personal expenses (laundry, extra snacks, souvenirs)

Why Choose the 8-Day Northern Circuit Group Tour with Macpace Tours & Safaris?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and the Northern Circuit Route is the ultimate path to summit success. With its longer itinerary, this route offers the best acclimatization profile, giving climbers a much higher chance of reaching the top safely. Our 2025–2026 group tours are designed to make this experience both affordable and rewarding, combining professional service, reliable equipment, and the camaraderie of trekking with others who share your dream.

Whether you’re a solo traveler on a budget, part of a group of friends, or someone who simply wants the most scenic, less crowded, and safest climb, this package is the perfect choice. Secure your spot today with Macpace Tours & Safaris and take the first step toward standing on the Roof of Africa in 2025–2026.