9 Days Kilimanjaro Trek – Northern Circuit Route

Duration

8 days

Max People

12+

Min Age

Tour Type

Add-On Safaris

Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a high success rate due to excellent acclimatization. Known for its panoramic vistas, solitude, and gradual ascent profile, this route circles the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro rarely traversed by most trekkers. It is ideal for those seeking a remote and less crowded path to the summit, with time to adjust comfortably to the altitude.

Beginning from the western Lemosho Gate, the trail merges briefly with the Lemosho and Machame routes before veering north at Lava Tower. Trekkers spend extra days traversing across the remote northern flank of the mountain, taking in awe-inspiring views of Kenya’s Amboseli plains. After a summit push from School Hut via Gilman’s Point, the descent follows the Mweka Route.

With a slower ascent, fewer crowds, and diverse ecosystems from rainforest to alpine desert, the Northern Circuit is the most comprehensive Kilimanjaro trekking experience available. All logistics, including expert guides, porters, chef services, and top-notch camping equipment, are handled to ensure safety and comfort throughout.

Tour Highlights

Departure and Return Place: Start/end from any hotel in Moshi/Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport
Departure Time: Please be ready by 7:00 AM for a prompt 7:30 AM departure
Return Time: Approximately 2:30 PM on the final day
Dress Code: Layered trekking attire, thermal base layers, fleece jacket, waterproofs, gloves, sun hat
Customizations: Fully customizable upon request
Extensions: Add Zanzibar beach, cultural tours, or safari post-climb
Season: January–March and June–October are the best months for favorable weather and summit success
Support: 24/7 local support, professional English-speaking guides, chefs, porters, and a dedicated travel concierge

What to Expect on Tour

A slower, more gradual ascent with the highest success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes
Incredible scenery along the remote northern slopes and sweeping views over Kenya
High-altitude acclimatization for a safer, more comfortable climb
Personalized attention from experienced mountain crew
Diverse flora and fauna, from rainforest monkeys to high alpine plateaus

Includes/Excludes

Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
All meals on the hike
2-night accommodation in lodge.
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
Complete Expedition medical kits
Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority.
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
Portable tented private flush toilet

International Flights.
All items of a personal nature.
Tips and Gratuities
Personal climbing gears
Drinks and Beverage at Lodge during Safari
Travel insurance we are highly recommends.
Single Supplement (Single room) will be $150 per person.
Visa fee (50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival).

📍Day 1: Lemosho Gate (2,100m) – Mti Mkubwa (2,820m)

Begin your trek through lush rainforest after registration at the Lemosho Gate. Enjoy sightings of black-and-white colobus monkeys, rich birdlife, and dense vegetation. The path climbs gently to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, your first night’s stop nestled in the forest. This gentle first day eases you into the rhythm of the mountain.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp

📍 Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira Camp 1 (3,500m)

Hike out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. The trail ascends steadily to Shira Ridge, providing your first expansive views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. Descend gently to Shira Camp 1, situated in an open, scenic moorland landscape.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

📍 Day 3: Shira Camp 1 – Shira Camp 2 (3,850m)

Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the Shira Plateau with a gradual trek toward Shira 2 Camp. You’ll pass volcanic formations and bizarre giant lobelias. In the afternoon, acclimatization hikes are optional for improving summit chances. Expect a spectacular sunset behind Mount Meru.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

📍 Day 4: Shira Camp 2 – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Moir Hut (4,200m)

Climb steadily toward Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic plug offering a vital acclimatization opportunity. After lunch near Lava Tower, descend slightly to Moir Hut—an isolated and peaceful camp tucked beneath Mount Lent. This day introduces high-altitude hiking and the “climb high, sleep low” principle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Moir Hut

📍 Day 5: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

Depart Moir Camp with a steep ridge ascent offering stunning views, then head across the northern flank of Kilimanjaro. The path is serene and far from the crowds. Arrive at Buffalo Camp, where you’ll rest in silence with views toward the plains of Kenya.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Buffalo Camp

📍 Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp (3,870m)

Trek across the remote alpine landscape to Third Cave Camp. With minimal elevation gain, this is a great acclimatization day, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude while continuing to enjoy vast views of the Saddle area between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Third Cave Camp

📍Day 7: Third Cave – School Hut (4,750m)

The trail steepens as you ascend toward School Hut, your final base camp before summit night. Arrive early for rest and preparation. Guides will give a summit briefing, and you’ll pack for the midnight ascent. Hydrate well and prepare mentally for the challenge ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: School Hut

📍Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Summit night begins before midnight. Ascend slowly to Gilman’s Point, then along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness sunrise from the roof of the continent. After photos and celebration, descend to Barafu then further to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mweka Camp

📍Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi

Descend through lush montane forest toward Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi. The adventure ends, but the memories of Kilimanjaro will last forever.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (optional on request)

How fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit?

You need to be in good physical condition. The Northern Circuit is long but allows more gradual acclimatization. Regular cardio (running, hiking, swimming), strength training, and high-altitude preparation hikes are recommended 2–3 months before the climb. It’s not a technical trek, but the endurance needed for long days and cold summit conditions should not be underestimated.

What is the success rate on the Northern Circuit Route?

The Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate of any Kilimanjaro route—around 90% or higher. This is due to the longer duration (9 days), which allows your body more time to adjust to the altitude. Combined with proper guidance, slow ascent, and rest days, this greatly increases your chance of reaching Uhuru Peak safely and successfully.

What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?

You’ll sleep in high-quality, weather-resistant mountain tents provided and set up by your porters. Each trekker has a sleeping mat, and sleeping bags can be arranged if needed. Meals are served in a mess tent, and a private toilet tent is available for added comfort. All accommodations are wilderness-based but well-supported with professional staff ensuring safety and hygiene.

What meals are provided and can dietary needs be accommodated?

Three hot meals are provided daily—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—prepared by a dedicated mountain chef. Meals are nutritious and energy-rich, including porridge, soups, pasta, rice, meat, vegetables, and fruit. Special diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, etc.) can be accommodated with advance notice. Drinking water is treated and refilled regularly along the route.

When is the best time to hike the Northern Circuit Route?

The best months are January to March and June to October, when conditions are dry, clear, and stable. January–March offers fewer crowds and cooler weather, while June–October is the busiest but also most reliable season. Avoid April–May and November, which are rainy months and can make trails slippery and visibility poor.

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Our guides are trained in high-altitude medical response. Daily health checks (pulse, oxygen levels, symptoms) are performed to monitor your condition. Mild symptoms are treated with rest, hydration, and slow ascent. If serious, evacuation is arranged immediately. The Northern Circuit’s longer profile helps prevent severe altitude illness by promoting safe acclimatization from the start.

Can I combine this trek with a safari or Zanzibar extension?

Absolutely! Many climbers extend their trip with a classic Tanzania safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) or a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar. We can help customize a post-climb itinerary based on your travel preferences, timeframe, and budget—whether it’s luxury lodges, cultural tours, or beachfront resorts, we handle all the arrangements seamlessly.

Pricing

Number of People	Cost Per Person
1 person	$2,100
2 people	$1,250
3 people	$1,060
4 people	$940
5 people	$890
6–10 people	$840

Accommodation

Tour Day	Budget Camping Package	Standard Package
Day 1	Outpost Lodge / Tulia Boutique Hotel / Green Mountain Hotel	Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge / Airport Planet Lodge
Day 2	Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite	Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge

Price

From

$3500.00