9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route Trek
The 9-Day Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most comprehensive trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering the highest summit success rate of all climbing routes. Beginning on the remote western side of the mountain, the trail circles the rarely visited northern slopes before joining the summit ascent, providing unmatched scenery, excellent acclimatization, and a true wilderness experience. This route combines the spectacular landscapes of the Lemosho Route with the solitude of Kilimanjaro’s northern wilderness, making it the ultimate choice for trekkers seeking the best possible chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Designed with gradual altitude gain and multiple acclimatization days, the Northern Circuit Route allows climbers to fully appreciate the mountain’s incredible diversity while significantly reducing the effects of altitude sickness. From lush rainforest and volcanic plateaus to alpine desert and the glacier-covered summit, every day introduces new landscapes and unforgettable panoramic views, making it one of the finest high-altitude trekking experiences anywhere in the world.
Day to Day
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with an early morning drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration and briefing before continuing to the trailhead. The trek starts through untouched rainforest filled with towering trees, colorful birds, and playful colobus monkeys. The peaceful surroundings offer an excellent introduction to Kilimanjaro before arriving at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where your mountain crew prepares dinner and your first overnight stay.
Walking Time: 3–4 Hours
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Leaving the rainforest behind, today’s trail climbs steadily through heath and moorland with magnificent views opening across the famous Shira Plateau. Giant lobelias, volcanic rocks, and wide-open landscapes create one of the mountain’s most scenic sections. Upon arrival at Shira 1 Camp, you’ll enjoy spectacular sunset views while continuing your gradual acclimatization.
Walking Time: 5–6 Hours
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Today’s shorter trek allows additional time for acclimatization while crossing the vast Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic formations. The gentle ascent provides breathtaking views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru in the distance. Arriving early at Shira 2 Camp gives you the opportunity to rest or enjoy an optional acclimatization hike with your guide.
Walking Time: 3–4 Hours
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower (4,630m) then Moir Hut (4,200m)
Following the “climb high, sleep low” principle, today’s route ascends to the impressive Lava Tower before descending slightly to Moir Hut. This important acclimatization day greatly improves your body’s ability to adapt to the altitude while showcasing dramatic volcanic landscapes unlike anywhere else on the mountain.
Walking Time: 6–7 Hours
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Today’s journey leaves the more popular Kilimanjaro trails and enters the remote Northern Circuit. Crossing peaceful alpine ridges with very few other climbers, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across northern Tanzania and neighboring Kenya. Buffalo Camp sits on a scenic ridge, offering one of the mountain’s most tranquil and picturesque overnight locations.
Walking Time: 5–7 Hours
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
Continuing across Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, today’s trek follows gently rolling terrain beneath the towering summit cone. The route remains quiet and uncrowded while providing spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak and the surrounding wilderness. Third Cave Camp offers another excellent opportunity for acclimatization before the final ascent toward the summit.
Walking Time: 5–6 Hours
Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut (4,800m)
Today’s climb gradually ascends through alpine desert toward School Hut, the final base camp before your summit attempt. The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you approach the base of Kibo Peak. After an early dinner, you’ll rest for several hours while preparing for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Walking Time: 4–5 Hours
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) then Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Shortly after midnight, your summit attempt begins beneath a sky filled with stars. Climbing slowly and steadily, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Watching the sunrise illuminate Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and the vast plains below is an unforgettable reward for your determination. After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs, you’ll descend via Barafu Camp before continuing to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Walking Time: 12–15 Hours
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
After breakfast, your final descent passes through lush rainforest filled with towering trees, tropical birds, and curious monkeys before reaching Mweka Gate. Here you’ll receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate before meeting your driver for the transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Your Northern Circuit adventure concludes with the incredible achievement of standing on the Roof of Africa and completing Kilimanjaro’s most rewarding trekking route.
Walking Time: 3–5 Hours
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- What's included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Professional licensed mountain guides
- Assistant guides, porters, and mountain cook
- Quality camping accommodation
- Sleeping mattresses
- Dining tent and camping equipment
- All meals during the trek
- Drinking water
- Emergency oxygen and pulse oximeter
- First aid kit
- Transfers to and from the mountain gate
- Summit certificate
- Government taxes
- What's NOt included
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- International and domestic flights
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary