The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the west, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes about two hours from Moshi and longer from Arusha. Registration with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate, followed by a drive further up the mountain to the trailhead. Most tour operators serve lunch here before starting the short trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters). You may spot large wildlife like elephants and buffalo emerging from the rainforest as you head to your first camp, where dinner will be served.

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the west, the same starting point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes about two hours from Moshi and longer from Arusha. After registering with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, you'll be driven to the trailhead. Most tour operators serve lunch here before starting the short trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters). You might spot large wildlife like elephants and buffalo emerging from the rainforest on your way to the first camp, where dinner will be served.

On day three, the trek progresses across the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 for lunch. Typically, nine-day trekkers spend the night at Shira Camp 2, where they join trekkers from the Machame Route. However, for eight-day trekkers, the journey continues eastward, traversing the 'Garden of the Senecios' before entering the high alpine desert zone. Subsequently, you'll join the northern circuit, descending to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters.

Day six begins with a climb up Buffalo Ridge and descends into Porfu Camp, where lunch is typically served. The route then proceeds eastward around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. This leg of the trek is shorter than the previous day, and by now, you should be well acclimatized to the altitude. You'll arrive at the Third Cave around mid-afternoon.

Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle, nestled between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue southwest up to School Hut (4,800 meters). Upon arrival at School Hut, an early dinner will be served, and you should rest as you'll be woken before midnight to begin your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and camera, before going to bed..

The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.