9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Tour Details

The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the West at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. The Northern Circuit is longer than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, taking a minimum of eight or nine days to complete. The eight-day trek skips the additional acclimatization day that is usually spent at Shira Camp 2 and continues straight on to Moir Camp.

Route Map

Tour Plan

We’ve meticulously crafted each day to ensure you enjoy the ultimate experience. From delving into historical landmarks to savoring delectable local flavors, every moment is filled with adventure and thrill. Come along with us as we embark on a journey through some of the most captivating Africa destinations .

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

Hotel: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – Start Point 2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)

Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)

On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. Nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: Trekkers on an eight day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

Distance: ~7km / 4 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)

Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.

Distance: ~14km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)

Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.

Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)

Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatised to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8: 3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)

Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.

Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 9: School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Millennium Camp (3790m)

You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.

Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 10: Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)

The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.

Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 11: Depart Tanzania

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

Meals: Breakfast Included

Price Includes & Excludes

2 night’s accommodation in Moshi or Arusha is included
Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your Accommodations in Moshi.
Park entry fees
Hut fees
Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees & services
Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
Hot water for washing
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)

Airfare Tips for porters, Guide, Cook and Assistant Guide
Flights
Visas
Tips to the mountain staff
Meals other than breakfast while in Arusha or Moshi
Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
Hotel upgrade costs if you decide to request an alternative hotel to the standard
Items considered to be non-essential, such as alcohol, beverages, cigarettes, snacks, etc

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the commonly asked questions by our visitors. If there’s something crucial that we haven’t covered, please Contact Us. Our team is available to assist you at any time.

What is Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It’s actually a dormant volcano and comprises three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.

How tall is Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro stands at approximately 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level.

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

The duration of the climb varies based on the route chosen. Typically, it takes around 5 to 9 days to complete the ascent and descent, depending on the route and the climber’s pace.

What routes are available to climb Kilimanjaro?

There are several routes, including Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and more. Each route has its own characteristics, varying in difficulty, scenery, and success rates.

What are the accommodation options during the climb?

Accommodations vary depending on the route. Typically, climbers stay in tents at designated campsites or huts along the trails. Some routes offer more basic camping experiences, while others have better amenities.

How should I prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro?

Physical fitness is essential. Cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hiking with a loaded backpack are recommended. Altitude acclimatization is crucial, so consider spending a few days at high altitudes before the climb.

What about altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is a real concern when climbing Kilimanjaro. Acclimatization days are built into most routes to help climbers adjust gradually to the altitude. It’s essential to listen to your guides, stay hydrated, and descend if symptoms worsen.

What gear do I need for the climb?

Essential gear includes proper hiking boots, clothing suitable for varied weather conditions, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, a daypack, and other personal items. It’s crucial to have proper gear for both warmth and protection against the elements.

Do I need a guide or porter to climb Kilimanjaro?

Yes, it’s required to climb Kilimanjaro with a licensed guide and it’s highly recommended to hire porters for carrying equipment. Guides are familiar with the routes, provide safety, and understand altitude-related issues.

What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

The best times are during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October. These periods offer clearer skies and more stable weather conditions, making the climb safer and more enjoyable.

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