9 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Northern Circut Route
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9 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Route via Northern Circuit Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest trail, offering the best acclimatization profile and highest summit success rate. It begins from the western side of the mountain and traverses around the northern slopes, providing unmatched panoramic views and minimal crowds.
With nine days on the mountain, this route gives you ample time to adapt to altitude, enjoy diverse scenery, and maximize your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the Roof of Africa.
Itinerary at Glance
- Day 1: Arusha – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
- Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp (3,840m)
- Day 4: Shira 2 – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Moir Hut (4,200m)
- Day 5: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
- Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
- Day 7: Third Cave – School Hut (4,800m)
- Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
- Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Itinerary In Details
Day 1: Arusha – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Distance: 6 km | Time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate (2,100m) for registration. Continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead and begin your trek through lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and colorful birds. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Distance: 8 km | Time: 5–6 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Leave the forest behind and enter the open moorland zone. You’ll climb steadily with stunning views across the Shira Plateau. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp (3,840m)
Distance: 7 km | Time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Enjoy a relaxed hike across the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic areas. Marvel at views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru in the distance. This gradual climb aids in acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Moir Hut (4,200m)
Distance: 10 km | Time: 6–7 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Continue upward to Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch and acclimatization before descending slightly to Moir Hut, located in a peaceful valley. This “climb high, sleep low” approach enhances your body’s adaptation to altitude.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Moir Hut
Day 5: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Distance: 12 km | Time: 5–7 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Begin the trek across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro — one of the most remote and beautiful sections of the route. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Kenyan plains before reaching Buffalo Camp for dinner and rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
Distance: 8 km | Time: 5–6 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trek continues eastward through alpine terrain. It’s a relatively gentle hike, allowing you to rest and continue acclimatizing. Arrive at Third Cave Camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Day 7: Third Cave – School Hut (4,800m)
Distance: 6 km | Time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Make your way to School Hut, the final base camp before the summit attempt. Arrive early to rest, prepare your gear, and get a briefing for the midnight climb to Uhuru Peak.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: School Hut
Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 16 km | Time: 10–14 hours | Habitat: Arctic to Forest
Wake around midnight for your summit attempt. Trek through the cold night to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa!
After celebrating your incredible achievement, descend via Kibo Crater and Barafu route to Mweka Camp, where you’ll rest after an unforgettable day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where climbers receive their summit certificates. Meet your driver and transfer back to Arusha or Moshi for a well-earned rest or onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: None (End of tour)
Price Includes
- All park entrance, camping, and rescue fees
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Porters and cooks
- Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, chairs, table)
- Full board meals during the climb
- Drinking water and hot beverages
- Round-trip transfers between Arusha/Moshi and Londorossi Gate
- Certificate of achievement
Price Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Sleeping bag and personal climbing gear
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
- Extra accommodation before/after the climb
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
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