9 Days Northern Circuit Route Trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro

Quick Logistics

  • Mid Range tour

    This mid range tour uses lodges and hotels.

  • Private tour

    This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.

  • Can start any day

    If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

  • Can be customized

    You can request changes to this tour.

  • For solo and group travelers

    Solo travelers and groups can book this tour.

  • Minimum age of 3 years

    The minimum age for this tour is 3 years.

Kilimanjaro Tours

9 Days Northern Circuit Route Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro | Ultimate Climb Experience

The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro is the longest, most scenic, and least crowded path to the Roof of Africa. This exceptional Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climb offers outstanding acclimatization, 360-degree panoramic views, and a remarkably high summit success rate. It’s the perfect choice for trekkers seeking a peaceful, immersive journey on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Your adventure on the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro begins in Moshi with a detailed pre-climb briefing and overnight stay at a comfortable lodge. From Londorossi Gate, you’ll hike through lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp, spotting monkeys and tropical birds along the way. The trail continues across the scenic Shira Plateau to Shira 1 and Shira 2 Camps, where magnificent views of Kibo Peak and the western slopes await.

From Shira 2, the Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Trek ascends to Lava Tower (4,600m) for acclimatization before descending to Moir Hut, nestled beneath the striking Lent Hills. The route then winds across the remote northern terrain to Buffalo Camp and Third Cave Camp, offering solitude and spectacular vistas of the Kenyan plains — a signature highlight of the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route Climb.

As the trek reaches School Hut, anticipation builds for the ultimate summit push. Around midnight, you’ll ascend to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa. Watching the sunrise from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is the crowning moment of your Northern Circuit Route Trekking Adventure.

After celebrating your achievement, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate to collect your summit certificate. With professional guides, quality camping gear, and diverse landscapes, the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro promises an unforgettable and rewarding experience to the Roof of Africa.

9 Days Northern Circuit Route Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro

Itinerary Summary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania

Your adventure begins as you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. After check-in, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed pre-climb briefing covering safety, gear checks, and trekking expectations for the Northern Circuit Route.
The evening is free for relaxation at your lodge with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

  • Trekking Time: 3–4 hours 
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Zone: Rainforest

After breakfast, drive to Lemosho Gate (about 3–4 hours). Complete park registration and meet your climbing crew before starting the trek through lush rainforest filled with wildlife.
You’ll hike gently uphill under a canopy of towering trees, spotting colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vibrant birds along the way. The trail leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp (“Big Tree Camp”), your first overnight stop.

  • Trekking Time: 5–6 hours 
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Zone: Moorland

Today the trail leaves the forest and ascends into the heath and moorland zone, offering your first panoramic views of Shira Ridge and Mount Meru in the distance.
You’ll cross several small streams and open ridges before arriving at Shira 1 Camp, located on the Shira Plateau — one of Kilimanjaro’s ancient volcanic cones.

  • Trekking Time: 4–5 hrs 
  • Distance: 7 km
  • Zone: Moorland

A gradual day’s hike across the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful sections of the mountain. You’ll enjoy magnificent views of Kibo Peak and possibly spot large antelope like eland.
This day is essential for acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to higher altitudes. You’ll reach Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon — a scenic spot to watch the sun set behind Mount Meru.

  • Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
  •  Distance: 10 km
  • Zone: Alpine Desert

Today is a crucial acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” approach. You’ll trek upward to the famous Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic formation.
Enjoy lunch at Lava Tower before descending into the barren alpine desert to reach Moir Hut, a quiet and less-crowded camp nestled beneath Lent Hills.

  • Trekking Time: 5–6 hours 
  • Distance: 12 km
  • Zone: High Alpine

Begin with a steep ascent out of Moir Valley, passing Lent Hills with optional detours for scenic views. You’ll trek across high alpine terrain, surrounded by sweeping panoramas of the Kenyan plains.
This section of the Northern Circuit Route is tranquil and remote — far from the busier southern paths. You’ll arrive at Buffalo Camp for rest and dinner.

  • Trekking Time: 5–6 hours 
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Zone: Moorland

After breakfast, trek over undulating terrain across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, with spectacular views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya.
This day offers a steady rhythm, allowing more acclimatization time as you gradually descend to Third Cave Camp, your final stop before the summit approach.

  • Trekking Time: 4–5 hours 
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Zone: Alpine Desert

Climb steadily up the northern face of Kibo, traversing lunar-like landscapes of volcanic rock and sparse vegetation. You’ll reach School Hut, located just below Kibo’s summit base.
After an early dinner, prepare your gear and rest for the midnight summit attempt.

  • Trekking Time: 10–14 hours 
  • Distance: 14 km
  • Zone: Arctic to Moorland

Wake around midnight and begin the final ascent under starlit skies. The climb to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) is steep and challenging, but the reward is spectacular — watching the sunrise over the African continent.
Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement, take photos, and then begin your descent through Stella Point to Millennium Camp for a well-deserved rest.

  • Trekking Time: 4–5 hours 
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Zone: Rainforest

Descend through lush montane rainforest, enjoying the change in scenery and temperature. At Mweka Gate, collect your well-earned summit certificate before returning to Moshi.
Celebrate your success with a hot shower, delicious meal, and a relaxing evening.

  • All park entrance fees and government taxes

  • Professional, English-speaking mountain guide(s) certified by Kilimanjaro National Park

  • Experienced cook and porters to carry camping equipment and supplies

  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with clean drinking water

  • Accommodation in mountain tents with sleeping mats

  • Two nights’ accommodation in Moshi/Arusha (one before and one after the trek)

  • Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport to hotel and return)

  • Rescue fee (Kilimanjaro National Park Authority requirement)

  • Oximeters and first-aid kit for daily health monitoring

  • Filtered water for refilling bottles throughout the trek

  • Private chemical toilet tent (for comfort and hygiene on the mountain)

  • Celebration meal and summit certificate after completing your climb

  • International and domestic flights

  • Tanzania entry visa fees

  • Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, hiking boots, etc.)

  • Travel and medical insurance

  • Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended $15–$25 per day)

  • Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, and snacks

  • Additional hotel nights beyond the included nights before and after the trek

  • Optional single supplement for private tent accommodation

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