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9 Days-Northern Circuit Route

  • Mt. Kilimanjaro
9 Days
Starting from
N/A
per person*
  • +255 762 982 004

9 Days-Northern Circuit Route

  • Immerse Yourself in Solitude and Scenic Beauty. The Northern Circuit is the least crowded route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique sense of tranquility. Enjoy the serene landscapes, from the Shira Plateau’s sweeping views to the rugged northern slopes with vistas extending into Kenya.
  • Take Advantage of Extended Acclimatization. With 9 days on the trail, this route provides the best acclimatization opportunities, significantly increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. Take it slow, listen to your guide, and allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
  • Prepare for Varied Terrain. The Northern Circuit covers diverse ecosystems, including lush rainforests, volcanic desert, and alpine tundra. Ensure you have sturdy, well-broken-in boots and layered clothing to handle the changing terrain and temperatures.
  • Capture Unique Perspectives of Kilimanjaro. The trail offers less-common angles of the mountain, including the dramatic views of the Kibo massif and the rarely seen northern slopes. Don’t forget a good camera or smartphone to document the stunning scenery and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Trip Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and one of the most scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and the highest success rate for reaching the summit. This 9-day itinerary is designed for climbers seeking a more remote and less crowded experience while enjoying diverse landscapes, including lush forests, alpine deserts, and panoramic vistas of the mountain.

Trip Itinerary

  • Arrival in Moshi/Arusha

    Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Here, you will rest, acclimatize, and prepare for the climb ahead. A pre-climb briefing with your guides will ensure you're ready for the adventure.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel in Arusha or Moshi

  • Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m/8,690ft)

    After breakfast, you’ll drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and permits. A short drive will then take you to the trailhead where your trek begins. Starting in the rainforest, the trail ascends gradually through lush greenery with chances to spot wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds. The trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) takes approximately 3-4 hours.

  • Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,610m/11,840ft)

    The trail leads out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. This day features a steady climb with stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. The trek takes around 5-6 hours, bringing you to Shira 1 Camp for an overnight stay.

  • Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,630ft)

    After breakfast, you’ll trek from Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp. This is a shorter day, taking about 4-5 hours. The trail crosses the expansive Shira Plateau, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscapes. The gradual altitude increase helps with acclimatization as you reach Shira 2 Camp, where you’ll rest and prepare for the next day.

  • Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut (4,200m/13,780ft)

    The trail ascends further into the alpine desert zone. The hike takes about 6-7 hours, passing dramatic landscapes of volcanic rocks and sparse vegetation. You’ll hike to a higher altitude during the day before descending slightly to Moir Hut for the night. Optional short acclimatization hikes around the camp are available.

  • Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,020m/13,190ft)

    This day takes you along the less-traveled Northern Circuit route, offering stunning views of the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro and Kenya’s landscapes. The trek takes 5-6 hours through rolling terrain, ending at Buffalo Camp, a serene and secluded site where you’ll spend the night.

  • Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft)

    Today’s trek continues along the Northern Circuit trail, traversing the alpine desert with majestic views of Kilimanjaro’s summit. This day is shorter and less strenuous, lasting about 4-5 hours, giving you time to relax and prepare for the upcoming summit push. You’ll camp overnight at Third Cave Camp.

  • Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut (4,750m/15,580ft)

    The trail ascends steadily towards the high-altitude base camp, School Hut. The trek takes approximately 4-5 hours, allowing plenty of time to rest upon arrival. You’ll prepare for the summit attempt, which begins in the early hours of the next day.

  • Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,204ft)

    The summit push begins around midnight. You’ll trek under the starlit sky up steep switchbacks to Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft) on the crater rim. From there, it’s a final gradual ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp for an overnight stay, with a total trekking time of 10-14 hours.

  • Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)

    On the final day, you’ll descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trek takes about 3-4 hours. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and then drive back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest or onward travel.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel at Arusha or Moshi

  • Departure

    Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Trip Includes

  • Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
  • Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
  • Airport Transfers
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
  • Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
  • Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
  • Gate Transfers

Trip Does Not Includes

  • Flights
  • Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendations
  • Visa fees
  • Medication
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
  • Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Gamow Bag
Starting from
N/A
  • +255 762 982 004
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