Kilimanjaro Tours

Northern Circuit Route – 9 Days – Ultimate Kilimanjaro Journey

The Northern Circuit Route 9 Days - Climb Kilimanjaro

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most comprehensive trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering unmatched acclimatization and the highest summit success rate. Over nine days, the route circles the remote northern slopes of the mountain, far from the crowded southern trails, delivering solitude, dramatic scenery, and a deep connection with Kilimanjaro’s wild landscapes.

This carefully paced itinerary allows climbers to adjust gradually to altitude while experiencing every major ecological zone of the mountain. From untouched rainforest to high alpine wilderness and sweeping views into Kenya, the Northern Circuit is ideal for trekkers seeking both challenge and refinement in their Kilimanjaro adventure.

Trip Itinerary

Arrival – Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha/Moshi

You arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and are transferred to your lodge in Moshi or Arusha. After check-in, you meet your mountain team for a full briefing, equipment inspection, and final preparations. The evening is reserved for rest ahead of the climb.
Day 1 – Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp

The adventure begins at Londorossi Gate, where park registration is completed before entering the lush rainforest. The trail winds through towering trees and dense vegetation alive with birdlife and black-and-white colobus monkeys. You arrive at Big Tree Camp at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 2 – Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Leaving the forest behind, the route ascends into open moorland and heather zones. The terrain widens and reveals expansive views across the Shira Plateau. You reach Shira 1 Camp at 3,500 meters (11,480 feet), where the vast scale of Kilimanjaro begins to unfold.
Day 3 – Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

A gentle trek across the Shira Plateau takes you over ancient lava flows and rocky terrain. The gradual ascent to Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 meters (12,630 feet) supports acclimatization while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain’s western slopes.
Day 4 – Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower and Moir Camp

Today’s route climbs toward Lava Tower at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet), providing vital altitude exposure. After time spent at high elevation, you descend into the remote northern valleys to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), a quiet and rarely visited campsite ideal for acclimatization.
Day 5 – Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp

The trail continues across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, revealing dramatic views toward the Kenyan plains. The landscape feels vast and isolated, emphasizing the uniqueness of this route. You reach Buffalo Camp at 4,020 meters (13,190 feet) for rest and overnight stay.
Day 6 – Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Trekking across high alpine terrain, the path rises gradually with sweeping views of Kilimanjaro’s northern ice fields. You arrive at Third Cave Camp at 3,870 meters (12,700 feet), allowing further acclimatization in this rarely traveled section of the mountain.
Day 7 – Third Cave Camp to School Hut

The route climbs steadily toward School Hut at 4,800 meters (15,750 feet). The environment becomes stark and silent as you enter the high alpine desert. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the summit attempt later that night.
Day 8 – Summit Day & Descent to Mweka Camp

Shortly after midnight, the final ascent to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) begins. The climb is slow and demanding, but the reward at sunrise is extraordinary. After celebrating at the summit, you descend past Barafu Camp and continue to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) for overnight rest.
Day 9 – Descent to Mweka Gate & Transfer

The final descent leads through lush montane forest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. You are then transferred to Moshi or Arusha for an overnight stay and well-earned rest.
Departure Date

Departure takes place the day after the trek, following an overnight stay in Moshi or Arusha, with transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for onward travel.

Suggested Lodges & Camps

Safari Cost Include

Transfers
All transfers as outlined in the itinerary, including airport to lodge, lodge to Londorossi Gate, and post-trek transfer to Moshi or Arusha.

Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation in mountain camps and lodges as described in the program.
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Bottled water provided throughout the trek.

Guiding & Trekking
Services of certified and experienced English-speaking mountain guides.
Professional porters to carry equipment and supplies.
All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, including park entry, camping permits, and rescue fees.
Onboard first-aid kit and emergency support.
Trekking equipment available on request (sleeping bags, walking poles).

Safari Cost Excludes

Flights & Transfers
International flights to and from Tanzania.
Transfers not specified in the itinerary.

Personal Gear & Supplies
Hiking boots, jackets, gloves, and other personal trekking gear.
Snacks, drinks, and personal items not specified in the program.

Insurance & Tips
Travel and medical insurance (required).
Tips for guides, porters, and support crew.

Please Note

By default, our mountain adventures include shared accommodation in twin or double rooms unless otherwise requested and agreed upon. Single room supplements are available upon request. Please refer to your itinerary for specific accommodation details.
Accommodations in Moshi, Arusha, or nearby towns typically include breakfast only, unless otherwise arranged. Check your program for detailed meal plans for each night of your adventure.
Most lodges and mountain huts do not include tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages in their standard packages, allowing you to order and pay only for what you need directly at the facility.
Tented camps or mountain lodges, the most common type of accommodation during off-the-beaten-path adventures, may operate on solar power. This can result in features such as bucket showers, limited Wi-Fi, or the absence of hair dryers, reflecting efforts to minimize environmental impact. We recommend reviewing your accommodations in advance to ensure they meet your expectations for comfort and convenience.

Northern Circuit Route – 9 Days – Ultimate Kilimanjaro Journey

The Northern Circuit Route 9 Days - Climb Kilimanjaro

Trip Itinerary

Arrival – Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha/Moshi

Day 1 – Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp

Day 2 – Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Day 3 – Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Day 4 – Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower and Moir Camp

Day 5 – Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp

Day 6 – Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Day 7 – Third Cave Camp to School Hut

Day 8 – Summit Day & Descent to Mweka Camp

Day 9 – Descent to Mweka Gate & Transfer

Departure Date

Suggested Lodges & Camps

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Safari Cost Excludes

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