9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route
Trek Highlights
The Northern Circuit Route is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique experience for those seeking a quieter and more scenic trek. This trail circles the mountain’s northern slopes, providing stunning panoramic views and excellent acclimatization opportunities. With its gradual ascent, the Northern Circuit boasts one of the highest success rates for reaching the summit.
Day by Day
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Meet your guide for a detailed pre-climb briefing, gear check, and safety instructions.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meals & Drinks: Dinner (Lunch & breakfast not included).
Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Begin your trek at Lemosho Gate (2,100 meters) after a short drive. Hike through the lush rainforest, where you may spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys, to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 meters).
- Elevation: 2,100 meters to 2,750 meters.
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.
- Distance: 7 km.
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp
Continue through the forest and into the heath zone, reaching the scenic Shira Plateau and Shira Camp (3,840 meters). Enjoy stunning views of Mount Meru and the surrounding landscapes.
- Elevation: 2,750 meters to 3,840 meters.
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
- Distance: 10 km.
Accommodation: Shira Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Moir Hut
Hike across the Shira Plateau, passing dramatic volcanic formations, and ascend to Moir Hut (4,200 meters) at the base of Lent Hills. This is a great spot for acclimatization, with optional short hikes in the afternoon.
- Elevation: 3,840 meters to 4,200 meters.
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours.
- Distance: 11 km.
Accommodation: Moir Hut.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Leave Moir Hut and trek along the northern slopes, enjoying expansive views of the Kenyan plains. Reach Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) in the afternoon.
- Elevation: 4,200 meters to 4,020 meters.
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
- Distance: 12 km.
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Continue trekking around the northern circuit, passing through remote and untouched landscapes. Arrive at Third Cave Camp (3,870 meters), where you’ll rest and acclimatize.
- Elevation: 4,020 meters to 3,870 meters.
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
- Distance: 8 km.
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided.
Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut
Ascend steadily to School Hut (4,750 meters), your base camp for the summit attempt. Prepare for the summit climb with an early dinner and rest.
- Elevation: 3,870 meters to 4,750 meters.
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
- Distance: 6 km.
Accommodation: School Hut.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided.
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Begin your summit attempt at midnight, trekking to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) via Gilman’s Point. Celebrate at the summit and then descend to Mweka Camp (3,110 meters) for rest.
- Elevation: 4,750 meters to 5,895 meters (summit) and down to 3,110 meters.
- Hiking Time: 8-10 hours to summit; 6-8 hours descent.
- Distance: 20 km.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,800 meters), where you’ll collect your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for a celebratory dinner and overnight stay.
- Elevation: 3,110 meters to 1,800 meters.
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.
- Distance: 10 km.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; drinking water provided.
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure or continue your adventure with a safari or Zanzibar excursion.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast included.
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Climbing gear
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- Camping equipment
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towels
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(No tip expected)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)