9 Days Northern Circuit Route

Overview

The 9-Day Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most panoramic route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering unmatched acclimatization, minimal crowds, and a full 360-degree trek around the mountain. Beginning on the western side via the Lemosho Route, it follows a beautiful, remote trail across the Shira Plateau before turning north to circle the mountain’s rarely visited northern slopes.

This route boasts the highest summit success rate due to its gradual ascent profile and extra acclimatization days, making it ideal for trekkers seeking the safest and most rewarding climb. Below is the complete day-by-day itinerary.

Itinerary In Details

Day 1: Lemosho Gate (2,100m) → Big Tree Camp (2,780m)

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Your adventure begins with a drive to the Lemosho Gate for registration and a final briefing. After meeting your guides and porters, you enter Kilimanjaro’s pristine rainforest. The trail is lush, vibrant, and alive with wildlife, offering a gentle introduction to trekking.
You arrive at Big Tree Camp for your first night under towering forest canopy and the soothing sounds of the jungle.

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Leaving the forest behind, you ascend steadily through heather and moorland. As the trees thin out, the expansive Shira Plateau opens before you, offering spectacular views of ridges and valleys.
Shira 1 Camp sits on wide moorland plains with your first unobstructed views of Kibo Peak.

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Today is a short, slow ascent across the high-altitude Shira Plateau. The wide views of the western glaciers and surrounding plains create excellent photographic opportunities.
You arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the early afternoon, allowing time for acclimatization hikes and rest while enjoying commanding views of the summit cone.

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Desert

A key acclimatization day, you ascend to the iconic Lava Tower at 4,600m for lunch. This challenging but rewarding climb helps prepare your body for higher altitudes.
Afterward, you descend into the remote Moir Valley—one of the quietest and most dramatic corners of the mountain.
Moir Hut offers a peaceful, secluded campsite surrounded by towering cliffs and glacial landscapes.

Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Desert

Your day begins with a steep acclimatization hike out of Moir Valley, followed by a gentle traverse along the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. This remote region is rarely visited, providing a sense of true wilderness.
The trail offers sweeping views over Kenya’s vast plains before reaching Buffalo Camp, beautifully perched above the northern landscapes.

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Desert

The trek continues eastward across rolling high-desert terrain with minimal vegetation but dramatic open views. The gradual altitude profile provides excellent acclimatization as you circle around the base of Kilimanjaro.
You arrive at Third Cave, a quiet and remote campsite known for its tranquility and pristine night skies.

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today you make a steady ascent toward School Hut, your final base camp before the summit push. The scenery becomes increasingly stark and lunar-like as you approach the upper slopes.
At School Hut, you rest early, hydrate well, and prepare mentally and physically for the summit attempt, which begins around midnight.

Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic Zone to Rainforest

Your summit night begins in the cold darkness on the steep path to Gillman’s Point. Energy, determination, and a slow, steady pace are key.
After reaching Gilman’s Point (5,685m), you follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point at 5,895m. Enjoy the sunrise, take photos, and celebrate your incredible achievement.
Descend back to School Hut briefly before continuing down the mountain to Mweka Camp through dramatically changing vegetation zones.
Tonight, you rest after one of the most unforgettable days of your life.

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Your final descent winds through lush rainforest filled with wildlife, bird calls, and rich vegetation.
At Mweka Gate, you sign out, receive your summit certificates, and celebrate with your guides and porters.
A waiting vehicle transfers you back to your hotel for a warm shower and a well-earned rest.

Price Include

  • All park fees, camping fees, and government taxes
  • Professional, English-speaking mountain guides and porters
  • Cook and full board meals during the climb
  • Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, chairs, table)
  • Drinking water and hot beverages
  • Round-trip airport or hotel transfers
  • Rescue fees

Price Exclude

  • Flights and visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Sleeping bag and personal climbing gear
  • Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
  • Extra nights in Arusha or Moshi (pre/post-climb)

Plan your Dream Trip

Whatever you’re dreaming of for your Tanzania adventure, our expert travel team is here to make it happen.

    Your Name

    Email Address

    Your Number

    Your Nationality

    Number Of Adults

    Number Of Children

    Date of Arrive

    Anything you would like to share with us!

    Why Choose the 9-Day Northern Circuit Route?

    • Highest summit success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes
    • Unmatched acclimatization with gradual elevation gain
    • 360-degree trek around Kilimanjaro, including remote northern slopes
    • Very low traffic, offering peace, space, and natural beauty
    • Most scenic and varied landscapes—forest, moorland, high desert, glaciers
    • Perfect for photographers, adventure seekers, and those wanting the safest ascent