9 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking-Northern Circuit Route
9 Days, 8 Nights
Price On Request
Tour Overview
The 9-day Kilimanjaro Trekking-Northern Circuit Route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, with nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery, including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, with the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate. Thus, the Northern Circuit route comes highly recommended.
The 9-day Kilimanjaro Trekking-Northern Circuit Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, starting with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. The first two days involve trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge and then crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north, clockwise around Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, and School Hut before summiting from the east. The descent is made via the Mweka route.
Tour Map
Day by day
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
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Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
We depart from Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes approximately 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then, drive to the Lemosho Trailhead. After arriving at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest to the first campsite.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
levation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Health
We continue along the trail that leads out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we arrive at Shira Ridge before gently descending to Shira 1 Camp. Here we get our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
We investigate the Shira Plateau. Shira 2 Camp is accessible via a gentle walk east through moorland meadows. The heath zone is characterized by an abundance of wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Moir Hut.
Elevation: 15,190 to 13,580 feet
Distance: 7 kilometers (4 miles)
Hiking Duration: 2-3 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.rt
We continue east up a ridge before heading southeast to the Lava Tower, a 300-foot-tall volcanic rock formation. Then we deviate from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used location at the base of Lent Hills. Lent Hills offers a variety of walks, making it an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of Earth’s highest plateaus.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Moir Valley via a moderately steep climb and hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. Before arriving at Buffalo Camp, the path winds through a rock field and gently undulates. This section of the trail provides spectacular views of the plains north of Kilimanjaro, which extend to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
As we continue up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes more sparse. This route is rarely traveled, and we will enjoy the mountain wilderness feel. We hike through remote valleys to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, where we arrive at Third Cave.
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which connects Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our campsite, School Hut. Once here, we rest and eat an early dinner in preparation for the summit day.
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp.
Elevation ranges from 19,341 feet to 10,065.
Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
Hiking Duration: 4-6 hours.ic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
On the final day, we descend to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it may be wet and muddy. From the gate, we travel another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village and drive us back to the Moshi hotel.
Price
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Inclusions
- Safety Equipment:
- Professional Mountain Guides, all head guides (at least 1 per trip) currently certified by NOLS USA as WFR (Wilderness First Responder)
- Park Fees
- Campsite fees
- Emergency Rescue Fees
- Camping equipment and other gears:
- Mountain Meals
- Transfer from the hotel to the starting point
- Transfer from the last point to the hotel
Exclusions
- Accommodation upon arrival and last day
- Tips for a mountain guide, recommended 15-20 per group per day
- Porters 5 – 10$ per porter per group per day
- Personal expenses
- Personal items
- Personal insurance/travel insurance
- Personal medicines/first aid kit
- Personal trekking gears
- Sleeping bag
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes. All climbs include professional guides, porters, and cooks, who ensure your safety, carry equipment, and provide meals throughout the trek.
The Northern Circuit offers higher summit success rates, fewer crowds, and diverse scenery. It is ideal for climbers who want a more remote and less congested experience on Kilimanjaro.
This is a camping route, with tents set up at each campsite. Trekkers are supported by a team of guides, porters, and cooks who handle logistics and meals.
Pack layered clothing, warm gear, trekking boots, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, trekking poles, a headlamp, a daypack, and reusable water bottles. Proper gear is essential for comfort and safety.
Yes, the 9-day Northern Circuit trek can be tailored to include additional acclimatization days, private climbs, or be combined with a safari experience.