ENQUIRE NOW

Lemosho Route – Northern Circuit

Kilimanjaro
BOOK THIS TOUR

Price Includes

What’s included in the price?
On Request
Whatsapp Us

Trip Overview

The Lemosho Northern Circuit is widely regarded as the most remote and scenic trail on
Kilimanjaro, offering exceptional acclimatisation and panoramic views. This 8-day
itinerary is designed with gradual elevation gains, making it one of the routes with the best
acclimatisation profile and highest summit success rates.
Beginning in the lush rainforest of the western slopes, it crosses the Shira Plateau before
veering north — away from the crowds — to explore the quieter northern side of the
mountain. With more time to adjust to altitude and fewer trekkers on the trail, this route
provides a deeper connection to the mountain and the best conditions for a successful
summit.

Marangu Route Trekking
Marangu Gate 6 Days Marangu
Kilimanjaro View Uhuru Peak

Expert recommendation

Lemosho is our favorite route. Its stunning scenery and smooth acclimatization profile make it the top choice for those planning their first Kilimanjaro trip.

Three itineraries are available: 6, 7, and 8 days. Many climbers wonder which one is best for them. A rule of thumb is as follows:

6-Day Itinerary: This option is ideal for those with high-altitude experience above 4,000 m (13,100 ft). To consider the 6-day Lemosho trek, we recommend completing a multi-day hike at this elevation within three months of your Kilimanjaro trip.

7-Day Itinerary: Ideal for climbers with outdoor trekking experience but little to no high-altitude exposure. You’ll bypass the tropical forest, as our vehicle takes you directly to 3,414 m (11,200 ft). The first two days feature relatively easy hikes with minimal altitude gain, allowing you to conserve energy for the more challenging sections ahead.
Many climbers without any hiking experience also choose this route and have high summiting rates. It is our most favored Lemosho option, and we conduct over 50% of our climbs via this route.

8-Day Itinerary: Best for those who haven’t trekked in a while or are new to the mountains. It is an excellent choice for those who haven’t participated in such hikes before to maximize their chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. The extra day at the beginning aids acclimatization and helps you adjust to the trekking routine.

Unlike the shorter variations, the Lemosho 8-day trek begins in a tropical forest, offering more scenic experiences.

Regardless of the route, Kilimanjaro requires at least an average fitness level – even for the beginner-friendly 8-day Lemosho trek. Learn more about fitness requirements in our article on training for Kilimanjaro.

Lemosho Route – Northern Circuit Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1: Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)

    Your adventure begins after breakfast, when your guide collects you from your hotel for the drive of about 113km/70.5 miles through the western slopes of the mountain to Lemosho Gate.

    After registration and lunch at Lemosho Gate, we begin trekking through dense rainforest. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys.

    This short trek takes us to Mti Mkubwa, the Big Tree Camp, where we will find the tents already erected and dinner being prepared in the kitchen tent. A full dinner follows before we sleep

    Elevation: 2,389m to 2,785m | Distance: 4.8km | Time: 3–4 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 2: Big Tree Camp/Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

    This second day starts in a rather similar fashion as the first day – a scenic walk beneath the dense forest canopy. This peaceful forest trek is soon replaced by heath and moorland as the trail ascends steadily. A moderately steep climb through the forest leads onto the northern slopes of the Shira Plateau, where expansive views of the mountain begin to unfold.

    On arrival at Shira 1 Camp, we will find our tents erected and lunch awaiting.

    Elevation: 2,785m to 3,504m | Distance: 7.19km | Time: 5–6 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 3: Shira 1 to Moir Hut Camp

    We cross the Shira Plateau with panoramic views toward Kibo. The trail is gentle but steadily gains altitude. We pass the Fischer's picnic area, named after Scott Fischer who pioneered this route. Moir Hut Camp sits beneath the Moir Ridge, offering a quiet and remote base for the night.

    Optional acclimatisation hikes to the Moir Ridge are available after lunch depending on the weather and how everyone is feeling at this point.

    Elevation: 3,504m to 4,161m | Distance: 10km | Time: 5-6 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 4: Moir Hut to Third Cave Camp

    We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, a 30-45 minutes uphill trek to Moir Ridge which gives us a great start of the day. The path crosses a rock field which takes us to the highest point of today's hike which is 4,402m and gently navigates across a good number of valleys before reaching Pofu Campsite, located on top of exposed hills giving you perfect views of the Northern Kilimanjaro and stretching toward Kenya.

    From here, it is a gentle trek across remote valleys on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, with views of the rugged terrain and distant plains to Third Cave.

    Third Cave Camp lies in a quiet, open area with views of the eastern crater rim.

    Elevation: 4,161m to 3,963m | Distance: 17 km | Time: 10 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 5: Third Cave to School Hut

    We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi, ascending to School Hut — our base camp for the summit push. The terrain becomes more barren and lunar as we enter the high alpine zone. Today is a short but steep hike with a lot of altitude gain which gives us a good taste of tonight's hike to the summit.

    Dinner is served early, and rest is essential before the midnight ascent.

    Elevation: 3,936m to 4,717m | Distance: 4.9km | Time: 4-5 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Night 5: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit)

    We begin the final push around midnight. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Taking about 5-6 hours we will arrive at Gilman’s Point, right at the edge of the crater rim, and if you started the trek at midnight you will be able to watch the beautiful sunrise over the Mawenzi Peak.

    We continue to Stella Point (5,745m) on the rim of the Kibo crater and from there, we continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa!

    Elevation: 4,717m to 5,895m | Distance: 6km | Time: 7-8 hours

  • Day 6: Uhuru Peak down to Mweka Camp

    After celebrating at the summit and a brief rest, we continue back down to Barafu Camp - a tough walk given that you've used up almost your entire energy reserves going up. At Barafu we take breakfast and relax for an hour, before continuing our walk down the mountain, this time on the Mweka Trail to Mweka Camp. Note that, judging from your condition after a long and brutal walk to the summit and down to Barafu, your guide will decide on the final stop of the day between Millennium and Mweka Campsite.

    Elevation: 5,895m to 3,106m | Distance: 11.5km | Time: 6-7 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

    A gentle descent through the rainforest to the gate, where we celebrate with your certificate and a well-earned rest. A bus will be waiting to take you to your celebratory lunch and then back to your hotel for you to treat yourselves with warm showers and cold beers. Your trek is at an end. Your guide will tell you what to do and you will have a chance to say thanks to the whole team before you part ways.

    Elevation: 3,106m to 1,633m | Distance: 9.1km | Time: 3–4 hours
    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

  • Day 1: Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)

    Your adventure begins after breakfast, when your guide collects you from your hotel for the drive of about 113km/70.5 miles through the western slopes of the mountain to Lemosho Gate.

    After registration and lunch at Lemosho Gate, we begin trekking through dense rainforest. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys.

    This short trek takes us to Mti Mkubwa, the Big Tree Camp, where we will find the tents already erected and dinner being prepared in the kitchen tent. A full dinner follows before we sleep

    Elevation: 2,389m to 2,785m | Distance: 4.8km | Time: 3–4 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 2: Big Tree Camp/Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

    This second day starts in a rather similar fashion as the first day – a scenic walk beneath the dense forest canopy. This peaceful forest trek is soon replaced by heath and moorland as the trail ascends steadily. A moderately steep climb through the forest leads onto the northern slopes of the Shira Plateau, where expansive views of the mountain begin to unfold.

    On arrival at Shira 1 Camp, we will find our tents erected and lunch awaiting.

    Elevation: 2,785m to 3,504m | Distance: 7.19km | Time: 5–6 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 3: Shira 1 to Moir Hut Camp

    We cross the Shira Plateau with panoramic views toward Kibo. The trail is gentle but steadily gains altitude. We pass the Fischer's picnic area, named after Scott Fischer who pioneered this route. Moir Hut Camp sits beneath the Moir Ridge, offering a quiet and remote base for the night.

    Optional acclimatisation hikes to the Moir Ridge are available after lunch depending on the weather and how everyone is feeling at this point.

    Elevation: 3,504m to 4,161m | Distance: 10km | Time: 5-6 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 4: Moir Hut to Pofu Camp

    We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, a 30-45 minutes uphill trek to Moir Ridge which gives us a great start of the day. The path crosses a rock field which takes us to the highest point of today's hike which is 4402m and gently navigates across a good number of valleys before reaching our destination for today - Pofu Campsite for an overnight stay. Located on top of exposed hills this campsite gives you perfect views of the Northern Kilimanjaro and stretching toward Kenya.

    Pofu Camp is nestled in a sheltered valley, offering a peaceful night under the stars.

    Elevation: 4,161m to 4,033m | Distance: 9.2 km | Time: 6–7 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 5: Pofu Camp to Third Cave

    A gentle trek across remote valleys on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, with views of the rugged terrain and distant plains. This is a short day, great for acclimatisation since we experience loss of altitude, with plenty of time to rest and adjust.

    Third Cave Camp lies in a quiet, open area with views of the eastern crater rim.

    Elevation: 4,033m to 3,936m | Distance: 6.8km | Time: 4-5 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut

    We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi, ascending to School Hut — our base camp for the summit push. The terrain becomes more barren and lunar as we enter the high alpine zone. Today is a short but steep hike with a lot of altitude gain which gives us a good taste of tonight's hike to the summit. Dinner is served early, and rest is essential before the midnight ascent.

    Elevation: 3,936m to 4,717m | Distance: 4.9km | Time: 4-5 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Night 6: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit)

    We begin the final push around midnight. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Taking about 5-6 hours we will arrive at Gilman’s Point, right at the edge of the crater rim, and if you started the trek at midnight you will be able to watch the beautiful sunrise over the Mawenzi Peak.

    We continue to Stella Point (5,745m) on the rim of the Kibo crater and from there, we continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa!

    Elevation: 4,717m to 5,895m | Distance: 6km | Time: 7-8 hours

  • Day 7: Uhuru Peak down to Mweka Camp

    After celebrating at the summit and a brief rest, we continue back down to Barafu Camp - a tough walk given that you've used up almost your entire energy reserves going up. At Barafu we take breakfast and relax for an hour, before continuing our walk down the mountain, this time on the Mweka Trail to Mweka Camp. Note that, judging from your condition after a long and brutal walk to the summit and down to Barafu, your guide will decide on the final stop of the day between Millennium and Mweka Campsite.

    Elevation: 5,895m to 3,106m | Distance: 11.5km | Time: 6-7 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

    A gentle descent through the rainforest to the gate, where we celebrate with your certificate and a well-earned rest. A bus will be waiting to take you to your celebratory lunch and then back to your hotel for you to treat yourselves with warm showers and cold beers. Your trek is at an end. Your guide will tell you what to do and you will have a chance to say thanks to the whole team before you part ways.

    Elevation: 3,106m to 1,633m | Distance: 9.1km | Time: 3–4 hours
    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

  • Day 1: Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)

    Your adventure begins after breakfast, when your guide collects you from your hotel for the drive of about 113km/70.5 miles through the western slopes of the mountain to Lemosho Gate.

    After registration and lunch at Lemosho Gate, we begin trekking through dense rainforest. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys.

    This short trek takes us to Mti Mkubwa, the Big Tree Camp, where we will find the tents already erected and dinner being prepared in the kitchen tent. A full dinner follows before we sleep

    Elevation: 2,389m to 2,785m | Distance: 4.8km | Time: 3–4 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 2: Big Tree Camp/Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

    This second day starts in a rather similar fashion as the first day – a scenic walk beneath the dense forest canopy. This peaceful forest trek is soon replaced by heath and moorland as the trail ascends steadily. A moderately steep climb through the forest leads onto the northern slopes of the Shira Plateau, where expansive views of the mountain begin to unfold.

    On arrival at Shira 1 Camp, we will find our tents erected and lunch awaiting.

    Elevation: 2,785m to 3,504m | Distance: 7.19km | Time: 5–6 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 3: Shira 1 to Moir Hut Camp

    We cross the Shira Plateau with panoramic views toward Kibo. The trail is gentle but steadily gains altitude. We pass the Fischer's picnic area, named after Scott Fischer who pioneered this route. Moir Hut Camp sits beneath the Moir Ridge, offering a quiet and remote base for the night.

    Optional acclimatisation hikes to the Moir Ridge are available after lunch depending on the weather and how everyone is feeling at this point.

    Elevation: 3,504m to 4,161m | Distance: 10km | Time: 5-6 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 4: Moir Hut to Pofu Camp

    We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, a 30-45 minutes uphill trek to Moir Ridge which gives us a great start of the day. The path crosses a rock field which takes us to the highest point of today's hike which is 4402m and gently navigates across a good number of valleys before reaching our destination for today - Pofu Campsite for an overnight stay. Located on top of exposed hills this campsite gives you perfect views of the Northern Kilimanjaro and stretching toward Kenya.

    Pofu Camp is nestled in a sheltered valley, offering a peaceful night under the stars.

    Elevation: 4,161m to 4,033m | Distance: 9.2 km | Time: 6–7 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 5: Pofu Camp to Third Cave

    A gentle trek across remote valleys on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, with views of the rugged terrain and distant plains. This is a short day, great for acclimatisation since we experience loss of altitude, with plenty of time to rest and adjust.

    Third Cave Camp lies in a quiet, open area with views of the eastern crater rim.

    Elevation: 4,033m to 3,936m | Distance: 6.8km | Time: 4-5 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut

    We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi, ascending to School Hut — our base camp for the summit push. The terrain becomes more barren and lunar as we enter the high alpine zone. Today is a short but steep hike with a lot of altitude gain which gives us a good taste of tonight's hike to the summit. Dinner is served early, and rest is essential before the midnight ascent.

    Elevation: 3,936m to 4,717m | Distance: 4.9km | Time: 4-5 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 7: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) then to Crater Camp

    We begin the final push around 5am, setting off by headtorch in the early morning light, while taking frequent, but short, breaks. As we climb, you may catch a beautiful sunrise over Mawenzi Peak at some point on the ascent, depending on pace and conditions. After about 5-6 hours we reach Gilman’s Point, on the edge of the crater rim.

    From Gilman’s Point, we continue to Stella Point (5,745m) on the rim of the Kibo crater and from there, to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa!

    After celebrating at the summit and taking photos, we descend directly into the Kibo Crater. We trek to Crater Camp, arriving in the afternoon. At Crater Camp, we have lunch and rest at very high altitude. Later, around 4pm, we take a special walk inside the crater to visit the famous Ash Pit, which is about a 45 minute walk from Camp. We return to Crater Camp for dinner and overnight.

    Elevation: 4,717m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) to 5,730m at Crater Camp | Distance: approx. 8.5km | Time: 8-10 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 8: Crater Camp to Mweka Camp (Lunch at Millenium Camp)

    We start early from Crater Camp, descending out of the crater and continuing down toward Millenium Camp. At Millenium Camp, we stop for lunch and a rest, allowing time to recover after the summit and crater experience.

    After lunch, we continue descending on the Mweka Route through moorland and rainforest zones to reach Mweka Camp, where we will overnight.

    Elevation: 5,730m to 3,106m | Distance: 12-15km | Time: 6-8 hours
    Accommodation: Tent
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

    A gentle descent through the rainforest to the gate, where we celebrate with your certificate and a well-earned rest. A bus will be waiting to take you to your celebratory lunch and then back to your hotel for you to treat yourselves with warm showers and cold beers. Your trek is at an end. Your guide will tell you what to do and you will have a chance to say thanks to the whole team before you part ways.

    Elevation: 3,106m to 1,633m | Distance: 9.1km | Time: 3–4 hours
    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Prices for Lemosho Route – Northern Circuit

Standard Package
Pax
2 Pax
4 Pax
6 Pax
Tour Price
On Request
On Request
On Request
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets.
BOOK THIS TOUR
Premium Package
Pax
2 Pax
4 Pax
6 Pax
Tour Price
On Request
On Request
On Request
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets.
BOOK THIS TOUR
Exclusive Package
Pax
2 Pax
4 Pax
6 Pax
Tour Price
On Request
On Request
On Request
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets.
BOOK THIS TOUR

What is Included and Not Included on a Lemosho Route – Northern Circuit

Inclusions
  • Private airport transfers (JRO)
  • 2 nights hotel (Pre & Post trek - Bed & Breakfast)
  • All National Park entry, camping & rescue fees
  • Professional, certified English-speaking guides
  • Dedicated porters and specialized mountain chef
  • 3 fresh, high-energy meals daily on the mountain
  • Sleeping hut fees and communal dining access
  • Emergency oxygen and pulse oximeter monitoring
Exclusions
  • International or domestic flights
  • Tanzania Entry Visa ($50 - $100)
  • Tips for the mountain crew (highly recommended)
  • Personal trekking gear (boots, thermal layers)
  • Travel & Medical insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal medications and electrolyte snacks
  • Alcoholic beverages and sodas
  • Single room supplement at the hotel

Make an Enquiry For This Lemosho Route – Northern Circuit

Powered by NEX-Forms

If Not This Lemosho Route – Northern Circuit What Other Trips Can I choose from?

Marangu Route

  • 5 - 6 Days
Start From
  • On Request
Per Person
Read More

Machame Route

  • 6 Days
Start From
  • On Request
Per Person
Read More

Lemosho Route – Southern Circuit

  • 8 Days
Start From
  • On Request
Per Person
Read More

7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route

  • 7 Days
Start From
  • On Request
Per Person
Read More

10 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trek – Northern Circuit Route

  • 10 Days
Start From
  • On Request
Per Person
Read More

8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trek – Northern Circuit Route

  • 8 Days
Start From
  • On Request
Per Person
Read More

Why Book with Us?

Tanzanian‑Led Expertise

Guides and porters who know Kilimanjaro as home, bringing deep knowledge of its terrain, weather, and rhythms who support and encourage you every step of the way.

Ethical to the Core

Fair porter welfare, proper equipment, and transparent working conditions — because every summit should uplift the people who make it possible.

Safety First

Your safety is our priority. Wilderness First Responder–certified lead guides, daily health monitoring, and calm, professional decision‑making at altitude.

Premium Mountain Comfort

Spacious tents, quality sleeping mattresses, private camp toilets, hot washing water, and fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily.

Smart Acclimatisation

No two travellers are the same. Thoughtfully designed itineraries that support your body at altitude and maximise your chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.

Transparent, Honest Pricing

No hidden costs. No surprises. Just fair, clear pricing that reflects the quality and care behind every trek.
“Every step tells a story. Start yours with us, where Kilimanjaro meets the wild.”