Trip Overview

The 8-day Lemosho Route with Northern Circuit is one of the best routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization, dramatic scenery, and fewer crowds.

Starting from the lush western slopes, the route crosses the Shira Plateau and circles the remote northern side of the mountain before reaching the summit via School Hut. This itinerary balances time efficiency and safety, making it ideal for trekkers seeking a high chance of success without extra days.

Why Choose the Northern Circuit via Lemosho?

• Excellent acclimatization profile

• Very quiet and less crowded route

• Stunning landscapes and panoramic views

• High summit success rate

• Ideal for first-time climbers

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route – Northern Circuit

8 Days / 7 Nights

Availability: All year
Route Type: Camping
Start / End Point: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Success Rate: Very High

Locations:
Arusha – Lemsho Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp – Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp – School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate

Detailed 8-Day Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Meet your Superior Kilimanjaro and Safaris representative and transfer to your hotel in Arusha.
Evening trek briefing and full equipment check.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha

Day 1: Arusha – Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, drive to Lemosho Gate for registration, then proceed to the Lemosho trailhead.
The trek begins through dense rainforest with chances to see wildlife such as colobus monkeys.

Elevation: 2,100m → 2,650m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Climb gradually through heath and moorland as the forest thins.
Enjoy beautiful views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau.

Elevation: 2,650m → 3,500m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heath & Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

A gentle walk across the Shira Plateau with spectacular views of Kibo Peak.
Optional acclimatization hike in the afternoon.

Elevation: 3,500m → 3,850m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Moir Camp (Northern Circuit)

Leave the main trail and join the Northern Circuit, traversing lava ridges and remote terrain.
This is an important acclimatization day.

Elevation: 3,850m → 4,200m
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Moir Camp

Day 5: Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp

Continue around Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes with breathtaking views into Kenya.
The route remains quiet and uncrowded.

Elevation: 4,200m → 4,020m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Buffalo Camp

Day 6: Buffalo Camp – School Hut

Traverse the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks before ascending to School Hut.
Early dinner and rest in preparation for summit night.

Elevation: 4,020m → 4,800m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: School Hut

Day 7: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp

Summit Day!
Start around midnight for the ascent to Gilman’s Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
After sunrise at the summit, descend via Stella Point to Millennium Camp.

Elevation: 4,800m → 5,895m → 3,950m
Distance: 6 km up / 11 km down
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Habitat: Ice-Capped Summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Millennium Camp

Day 8: Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to your hotel in Arusha.

Elevation: 3,950m → 1,680m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Price Range