9 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via the Northern Circuit Route
The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Adventure – The Longest, Quietest, and Most Scenic Route to Africa’s Highest Peak (5,895m)
Trekking Highlight
The 9 Day Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s newest and most comprehensive trekking route, offering the highest summit success rate of all routes on the mountain. Designed for excellent acclimatization, this route circles the remote northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro before ascending to the summit via Gilman’s Point and descending through the Mweka Route.
Unlike the busier southern routes, the Northern Circuit provides a peaceful wilderness experience with fewer crowds, spectacular panoramic views, diverse landscapes, and abundant opportunities to appreciate the mountain’s unique beauty. Over nine unforgettable days, climbers journey through lush rainforest, giant heather moorlands, alpine desert, and the Arctic summit zone before reaching the iconic Uhuru Peak.
Why Choose the 9 Day Northern Circuit Route?
The 9 Day Northern Circuit Route is widely regarded as the premier way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Its extended itinerary provides the best acclimatization profile of any route, giving climbers the highest chance of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) safely and comfortably. By exploring the mountain’s remote northern slopes, trekkers enjoy unmatched solitude, ever-changing landscapes, and extraordinary panoramic views rarely experienced on the busier routes.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where park registration and permit formalities are completed. After meeting your professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks, a short drive takes you to the trailhead.
The trek starts in the dense rainforest, where towering trees, colorful mosses, giant ferns, and tropical flowers create an enchanting atmosphere. The forest is home to black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, bushbucks, and numerous bird species. The gentle trail allows your body to begin adjusting to the altitude while you enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Upon reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), settle into your tent and enjoy your first dinner on the mountain as your guides provide an introduction to the journey ahead.
Elevation Gain: 720m
Hiking Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Habitat: Montane Rainforest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) – Shira 1 Camp (3,505m)
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail ascends into the beautiful heath and moorland zone. Giant heathers, volcanic rocks, and unique alpine plants dominate the landscape while the forest gradually disappears below. As you climb higher, spectacular views of Shira Plateau, Mount Meru, and the surrounding plains unfold. The plateau itself was formed by one of Kilimanjaro’s earliest volcanic eruptions and offers one of the widest panoramic landscapes on the mountain. Arriving at Shira 1 Camp, enjoy breathtaking sunset views before a hearty dinner and overnight rest.
Elevation Gain: 685m
Hiking Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours
Habitat: Heather Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (3,505m)
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Today’s hike is relatively short, providing valuable time for acclimatization while crossing the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The trail offers uninterrupted views of Kibo Peak, ancient lava flows, and volcanic ridges. Along the way, your guide will explain the fascinating geology and ecology of Mount Kilimanjaro. After arriving at Shira 2 Camp, there is time for a short acclimatization walk to a higher elevation before returning to camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy greatly improves your body’s adaptation to altitude.
Elevation Gain: 345m
Hiking Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Moir Hut (4,200m)
Today’s trek is one of the most important acclimatization days on the expedition.The trail climbs steadily through the alpine desert to the dramatic Lava Tower (4,630m), an impressive volcanic rock formation where you’ll stop for lunch while allowing your body to adapt to the thin mountain air.After spending time at high altitude, the trail descends to the secluded Moir Hut, located beneath towering volcanic ridges. This remote camp is rarely crowded and provides magnificent evening views of the northern slopes.The combination of climbing high and sleeping lower significantly increases your chances of a successful summit.
Elevation Gain: 780m
Descent: 430m
Hiking Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 Hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Moir Hut (4,200m)
Day 5: Moir Hut (4,200m) – Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Today marks the beginning of the spectacular Northern Circuit, where you’ll leave the busy southern routes behind and enter one of Kilimanjaro’s most remote and peaceful regions. The trail traverses broad volcanic ridges and expansive alpine plains while offering breathtaking views across Kenya’s Amboseli National Park and the vast northern wilderness. Few climbers visit this side of the mountain, making it one of the quietest and most scenic sections of the entire climb.
Upon reaching Buffalo Camp, enjoy incredible sunset views over the northern plains as your guides prepare another delicious mountain meal.
Elevation Loss: 180m
Hiking Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) – Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
Today’s trek continues around the northern slopes beneath Kilimanjaro’s towering cliffs. The route remains relatively gentle, allowing your body to continue acclimatizing while enjoying some of the mountain’s finest panoramic scenery. You’ll cross remote valleys, rocky outcrops, and volcanic terrain with magnificent views stretching toward Kenya. The peaceful environment and gradual pace make this one of the most enjoyable days of the expedition.
After arriving at Third Cave Camp, spend the afternoon relaxing, hydrating, and preparing for the final approach to the summit.
Elevation Loss: 150m
Hiking Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3,870m) – School Hut (4,800m)
Today’s climb brings you to School Hut, the final camp before the summit attempt.
The trail ascends steadily over rocky volcanic terrain with increasingly dramatic views of Kibo Peak and the glaciers above. Vegetation disappears completely as you enter the barren alpine landscape. After arriving at School Hut, enjoy an early lunch followed by several hours of rest. Your guides will conduct a comprehensive summit briefing, checking equipment and explaining the overnight ascent. Following an early dinner, everyone retires to their tents for a few hours of sleep before being awakened around midnight for the summit climb.
Elevation Gain: 930m
Hiking Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: School Hut (4,800m)
Day 8: School Hut (4,800m) – Gilman's Point (5,685m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Your summit attempt begins shortly after midnight under a brilliant canopy of stars. Following a slow and steady pace, you’ll climb steep volcanic scree toward Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. Reaching the rim at sunrise is one of Kilimanjaro’s most unforgettable moments as golden light spreads across glaciers, volcanic craters, and endless African landscapes. From Gilman’s Point, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa and the highest point on the continent. Celebrate your incredible achievement with photographs at the famous summit sign while surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and panoramic views.
After enjoying the summit, descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for a well-earned meal and a short rest before continuing down through alpine desert and moorland to Mweka Camp, where the richer oxygen and warmer temperatures provide a comfortable final night on the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Your final morning on Mount Kilimanjaro begins with breakfast before descending through the lush rainforest. Towering trees, dense vegetation, colorful birds, and the sounds of the forest provide a peaceful ending to your extraordinary adventure. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll complete the park exit formalities and receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate, recognizing your successful ascent to Africa’s highest point. Afterward, you’ll transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower, a well deserved rest, and a celebratory dinner while reflecting on the unforgettable experience of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro.
Elevation Loss: 1,460m
Hiking Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–5 Hours
Habitat: Montane Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Included
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha )
- Armed park ranger (Mount Meru trek only)
- All national park entrance fees
- All camping fees (Kilimanjaro routes) or hut accommodation fees (Mount Meru)
- High quality mountain tents (for Kilimanjaro camping routes)
- Daily health monitoring, including pulse oximeter checks
- Summit certificate upon successful completion
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania tourist visa
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses
- Laundry services
- Optional activities before or after the trek
Book Your Journey
Reserve your Tanzania Safari today and create unforgettable memories.
