9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
Experience Mount Kilimanjaro's longest, newest, and most grand trail on the 9-Day Northern Circuit Route with Tanzania Kili Adventures. Enjoy a 360-degree mountain traverse, nearly 100% summit success rate, low crowds, and breathtaking high-altitude wilderness!
9 Days
Moderate
98.00 km
From $2,600
9
Days
5,895m
Max Altitude
98.00 km
Distance
Moderate
Difficulty
Overview
Ranked third in summit success rates with 85%. Extended 8-9 day duration allows ample acclimatization. Particularly recommended for first-time climbers or those with lower fitness levels.
About This Route
Embark on the ultimate high-altitude adventure with Tanzania Kili Adventures on our flagship 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route Trek. As the newest and longest official route on Mount KilimanjaroClick to open side panel for more information, the Northern Circuit circles around the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes, offering trekkers a complete 360-degree panoramic tour of the mountain.
Spanning 9 full days on the mountain, this route offers the absolute best acclimatization profile of any trail. By spending nearly a week above 3,800m with slow, steady elevation gain, your body adjusts naturally to decreasing oxygen, yielding the highest summit success rate on the entire mountain (nearly 100%). Approaching from the west through undisturbed rainforest, traversing the Shira Plateau, trekking along the remote northern slopes overlooking Kenya, and descending via the southern Mweka route, this fully supported wilderness expedition provides an unforgettable journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Spanning 9 full days on the mountain, this route offers the absolute best acclimatization profile of any trail. By spending nearly a week above 3,800m with slow, steady elevation gain, your body adjusts naturally to decreasing oxygen, yielding the highest summit success rate on the entire mountain (nearly 100%). Approaching from the west through undisturbed rainforest, traversing the Shira Plateau, trekking along the remote northern slopes overlooking Kenya, and descending via the southern Mweka route, this fully supported wilderness expedition provides an unforgettable journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1: Base Hotel to Londorossi Gate to Lemosho Trailhead to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Your grand Northern Circuit expedition begins with an early morning pickup from your base hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After a comprehensive safety briefing and gear check with your lead guide, drive west toward Londorossi Gate. Complete park registration formalities while your mountain crew organizes supplies and luggage. Continue driving along a bumpy forest track to the Lemosho Glades trailhead.
The hike begins along a peaceful, quiet trail winding through undisturbed rainforest. The pace is slow and steady (Pole Pole), allowing your body to adapt smoothly to the altitude. Keep an eye out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and exotic birds feeding in the dense canopy. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa ("Big Tree") Camp in the late afternoon, where your mountain crew will have set up your private wilderness tents. Enjoy hot drinks, relax, and savor a freshly cooked dinner under the forest canopy.
The hike begins along a peaceful, quiet trail winding through undisturbed rainforest. The pace is slow and steady (Pole Pole), allowing your body to adapt smoothly to the altitude. Keep an eye out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and exotic birds feeding in the dense canopy. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa ("Big Tree") Camp in the late afternoon, where your mountain crew will have set up your private wilderness tents. Enjoy hot drinks, relax, and savor a freshly cooked dinner under the forest canopy.
2
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Wake up to warm washing water and a hot breakfast before exiting the rainforest canopy. Today's trail ascends steadily through open heath and moorland zones filled with giant heather shrubs, flowering proteas, and wild mountain grasses. You will cross several clear mountain streams fed by glacial runoff as you climb across a steep ridge onto the vast Shira Plateau one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
As you enter the plateau, take in sweeping panoramic views of Kibo’s snow-capped peak standing in the distance. The terrain opens up completely, offering wide horizons and crisp, clean mountain air. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp by mid-afternoon. Spend the remainder of the day resting, hydrating, and watching the sunset over the western ridge of the mountain. Your chef will serve a hot, multi-course dinner followed by an evening health check.
As you enter the plateau, take in sweeping panoramic views of Kibo’s snow-capped peak standing in the distance. The terrain opens up completely, offering wide horizons and crisp, clean mountain air. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp by mid-afternoon. Spend the remainder of the day resting, hydrating, and watching the sunset over the western ridge of the mountain. Your chef will serve a hot, multi-course dinner followed by an evening health check.
3
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Today is designed as a gentle, high-altitude walk across the Shira Plateau to assist with acclimatization. Leaving Shira 1 Camp, trek east across the rocky alpine desert landscape toward Kibo Peak. You will explore the volcanic geological formations around Shira Cathedral, a massive rock spire rising above the plateau floor.
Because the distance is short, you will arrive at Shira 2 Camp in time for a warm, freshly prepared lunch. The short hiking day allows your body to build up red blood cells without physical exhaustion. Spend the afternoon resting in your tent, photographing the dramatic high-altitude scenery, or chatting with your mountain crew. In the evening, witness spectacular views as the clouds roll below the plateau, leaving the summit illuminated in golden sunlight.
Because the distance is short, you will arrive at Shira 2 Camp in time for a warm, freshly prepared lunch. The short hiking day allows your body to build up red blood cells without physical exhaustion. Spend the afternoon resting in your tent, photographing the dramatic high-altitude scenery, or chatting with your mountain crew. In the evening, witness spectacular views as the clouds roll below the plateau, leaving the summit illuminated in golden sunlight.
4
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut Camp
Today puts the crucial "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization rule into full effect. Trek east through barren alpine desert terrain toward the massive volcanic plug of Lava Tower (4,630m). Here, you will stop for a hot lunch and allow your body to adapt to the thin air at high elevation.After lunch, instead of following the crowded southern route down to Barranco, branch off toward the quiet northern circuit trail leading to Moir Hut Camp (4,200m). Nestled in a sheltered gorge at the base of the Lent Hills, Moir Hut is an isolated camp offering total peace and solitude. After arriving and resting, take a brief evening acclimatization walk up the surrounding ridges for breathtaking views across the northern slopes before dinner.
5
Day 5: Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp
Begin your journey around the isolated northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Leaving Moir Hut, climb out of the gorge and traverse a series of steep ridges across the northern flanks of the mountain. Today's trail offers true wilderness solitude, as very few climbers choose this extended path.
The views looking north are vast and endless, extending across the border into Kenya's Amboseli National Park. Pass sparse alpine flora, volcanic scree fields, and unique rock formations. Enjoy a trail lunch while taking in the quiet surroundings. Arrive at Buffalo Camp (also known as Pofu Camp) in the late afternoon. Settle into your tent, enjoy hot beverages, and relax in one of the most serene and untouched wilderness settings on Kilimanjaro.
The views looking north are vast and endless, extending across the border into Kenya's Amboseli National Park. Pass sparse alpine flora, volcanic scree fields, and unique rock formations. Enjoy a trail lunch while taking in the quiet surroundings. Arrive at Buffalo Camp (also known as Pofu Camp) in the late afternoon. Settle into your tent, enjoy hot beverages, and relax in one of the most serene and untouched wilderness settings on Kilimanjaro.
6
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Wake up to another beautiful morning on the northern slopes. Today’s trek continues east through a landscape of valleys, ridges, and high-altitude moorland. Because you have spent several consecutive days above 3,800m, your body will feel remarkably strong and well-acclimatized.As you hike, enjoy changing perspectives of Kibo’s northern ice fields and the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak ahead.
Cross several small valleys before reaching Third Cave Camp by early afternoon. This camp connects with the upper section of the Rongai Route. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing mentally for the summit push arriving in two days. Enjoy a warm, nutritious dinner prepared by your chef.
Cross several small valleys before reaching Third Cave Camp by early afternoon. This camp connects with the upper section of the Rongai Route. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing mentally for the summit push arriving in two days. Enjoy a warm, nutritious dinner prepared by your chef.
7
Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut Base Camp
Leave Third Cave Camp and begin your steady climb up into the stark alpine desert zone toward School Hut (4,800m). The terrain becomes increasingly rocky and barren, crossing the high-altitude Saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Reach School Hut by early afternoon, which serves as your quiet base camp for the midnight summit attempt. Settle into your tents immediately to rest and protect yourself from high mountain winds. Your lead guide will perform a thorough summit safety check, inspect your winter layers, headlamps, and thermal flasks, and measure your blood oxygen levels.
Eat an early, carbohydrate-rich dinner at 5:00 PM and retire to your sleeping bag by 7:00 PM to maximize rest before the midnight wake-up call.
Eat an early, carbohydrate-rich dinner at 5:00 PM and retire to your sleeping bag by 7:00 PM to maximize rest before the midnight wake-up call.
8
Day 8: SUMMIT DAY! School Hut to Uhuru Peak down to Mweka Camp
Your guide will wake you at 11:30 PM with hot tea and light snacks. Layer up in all your thermal gear, adjust your headlamp, and begin your midnight summit push around 12:00 AM. Navigate steep, loose volcanic scree under a brilliant canopy of stars, following your guide's steady pace (Pole Pole).Reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim at dawn, greeted by a breathtaking golden sunrise over Mawenzi Peak and the cloud layer below.
Continue another hour along the snow-draped crater rim past ancient glaciers to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) the Roof of Africa! Celebrate your triumph, take photographs at the famous summit sign, and absorb the breathtaking 360-degree views. Descend back to School Hut for a warm lunch and rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Continue another hour along the snow-draped crater rim past ancient glaciers to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) the Roof of Africa! Celebrate your triumph, take photographs at the famous summit sign, and absorb the breathtaking 360-degree views. Descend back to School Hut for a warm lunch and rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
9
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi / Arusha
Enjoy your final breakfast on the mountain surrounded by the morning calls of rainforest birds. Begin a pleasant descent through the lush, green rainforest down to Mweka Gate. The air becomes rich in oxygen with every downward step, making the walk light and refreshing.
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, sign out with the national park authorities. Hikers who reached Gilman's Point receive green certificates, while those standing on Uhuru Peak earn official gold summit certificates! Join your mountain guides, chef, and porters for a joyous tipping and singing ceremony to celebrate your successful climb. Your private Tanzania Kili Adventures vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a long-awaited hot shower and celebration.
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, sign out with the national park authorities. Hikers who reached Gilman's Point receive green certificates, while those standing on Uhuru Peak earn official gold summit certificates! Join your mountain guides, chef, and porters for a joyous tipping and singing ceremony to celebrate your successful climb. Your private Tanzania Kili Adventures vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a long-awaited hot shower and celebration.
What's Included
Park fees camping fees & rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees
3 Season Mountain tents
Sleeping Bag
3-inch foam sleeping mat
Mess tent with tables and chairs
Transportation to & from mountain gate
Airport transfers
Professional guides cooks and porters
Three meals daily on mountain
Katadyn filtered water
Hotel lodging night before and after with breakfast & dinner
Fair wages for mountain crew (KINAPA & KIATO approved)
Tree donation for conservation
Supplemental Oxygen tanks & Pulse Oximeter
Portable flush toilet with tent (groups 4+)
Free storage room at lodge
Celebration dinner after trek
Not Included
International and Domestic Flights
Visa
Tips to mountain crew (recommended USD 250-350)
Single supplement (USD 20/day)
Rental Gears
Laundry Services
Travel Insurance
Portable toilet for groups less than 4
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