9 Days Northern Circuit route Kilimanjaro Trekking

9 DAYS NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE KILIMANJARO TREKKING

Overview

The 9-day Northern Circuit Route on Kilimanjaro is widely regarded as one of the best routes for summiting the mountain. This scenic journey offers nearly 360 degrees of breathtaking views, including the quiet, rarely explored northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit allows for ample acclimatization, making it the route with the highest success rate for reaching the summit. Its combination of stunning landscapes and optimal altitude gain makes it highly recommended for climbers seeking a rewarding and scenic experience.

What to Expect

The Northern Circuit is a spectacular 9-day trek that offers not only the longest climb but also one of the most visually captivating experiences on Kilimanjaro. The extended duration of the hike provides climbers with the opportunity for gradual acclimatization, a key factor contributing to its high summit success rate.
Throughout your journey, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of unspoiled wilderness, as well as the chance to witness diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. As you trek along secluded paths, you’ll experience parts of the mountain that few have ever seen, making this route a true adventure.
The Northern Circuit remains a hidden gem on Kilimanjaro, offering a chance to be among the early pioneers of this newly accessible route. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore one of the mountain’s most pristine and untouched areas.

Tour Plan

Arrival in Tanzania - Transfer from Airport to Moshi
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Moshi town. You will meet our Kilimanjaro trekking expert who will brief you on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trekking, then rest until the next day morning.

Day 1 - Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Day 3 - Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

Day 4 - Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 9 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Day 5 - Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

Day 6 - Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

Day 7 - Third Cave to School Hut
Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Day 8 - Shool Hut to Uhuru – Millennium camp
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
We start off at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Gilmans point 5685m as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

Day 9 - Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate
Distance: 12km/7miles.
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
Eleven: 12,434 ft – 5,380 ft.
Vegetation: Rain forest.
A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower then celebrate with cold drinks. Overnight at your arranged Hotel.

The Pamoja Kilimanjaro & Safari team will ensure that your dream of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro becomes a reality.

PRICE INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Standard Included & Excludes.

Includes For Standard Trekking

✔ Oxygen Cylinder
✔ Medically qualified guides
✔ Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope.
✔ Midrange accommodations before & after the climb, bed & breakfast basis, double occupancy (Key’s Hotel, Nguchiro Palace Hotel)
✔ Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
✔ Pick up and drop off to the Airport (Private transfers)
✔ Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees.
✔ Government tax (18% VAT ON TOUR FEE AND SERVICE)
✔ Mobile toilet
✔ Mountain climbing certificate
✔ Team Kilimanjaro rescue fees
✔ Fair Wages for the mountain crew as approved by Kilimanjaro national park Authority, and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour operator (KIATO)
✔ 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs/ 13.6 Kgs. of your personal gear.
✔ 4-season mountain tents, double occupancy.
✔ Mess tent, tables, chairs, double layer sleeping bag -250 C, 3 inches thick mattress and trekking poles.
✔ All meals while on the climb + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
✔ As much treated water you can drink while climbing.
✔ Hot water for washing up daily.

Excludes For Standard Trekking

× Airfares and taxes
× Tip to your guides, porters and cook.
× Lunch, dinner and drinks at hotel
× Health requirements (Yellow Fever - compulsory depending on how you travel to Tanzania, Meningitis & Hepatitis A optional but recommended)
× Personal travel insurance
× Laundry (available at the hotel)
× Items of a personal nature
× Optional travel insurance
× Personal hiking/trekking gear- Some gears available for rent
× Snacks and personal medicine
× Personal Porter ($ 17 usd per day )
× Fast flight from the mountain to Moshi/ Airport price per trip $ 3000 and maximum 2 Pax. Pickup points Kosovo High Camp, Barafu Camp, Kibo Hut and Horombo Hut.
× Camping at Kosovo High Camp above Barafu Camp $ 150 per person and Crater Camping $ 200 per person.

Luxury Included & Excludes.

Includes For Luxury Trekking

✔ Oxygen Cylinder
✔ Medically qualified guides
✔ Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope.
✔ 4 STARS accommodations before & after the climb, HB. (WERUWERU RIVER LODGE, KIBO PALACE, KILI WONDERS HOTEL , MARIDADI HOTEL )
✔ Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
✔ Pick up and drop off to the Airport (Private transfers)
✔ Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees.
✔ Government tax (18% VAT ON TOUR FEE AND SERVICE)
✔ Mobile toilet
✔ Mountain climbing certificate
✔ Team Kilimanjaro rescue fees
✔ Fair Wages for the mountain crew as approved by Kilimanjaro national park Authority, and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour operator (KIATO)
✔ 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs/ 13.6 Kgs. of your personal gear.
✔ 4-season mountain tents, double occupancy.
✔ Mess tent, tables, chairs, double layer sleeping bag -250 C, 3 inches thick mattress and trekking poles.
✔ All meals while on the climb + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
✔ As much treated water you can drink while climbing.
✔ Hot water for washing up daily.

Excludes For Luxury Trekking

× Airfares and taxes
× Tip to your guides, porters and cook.
× Drinks at hotel
× Health requirements (Yellow Fever - compulsory depending on how you travel to Tanzania, Meningitis & Hepatitis A optional but recommended)
× Personal travel insurance
× Laundry (available at the hotel)
× Items of a personal nature
× Optional travel insurance
× Personal hiking/trekking gear- Some gears available for rent
× Snacks and personal medicine
× Personal Porter ($ 17 USD per day )
× Walk in tents with camping beds (pay extra cost 250 $ single and double 300 $ per tour
× Fast flight from the mountain to Moshi/ Airport price per trip $ 3000 and maximum 2 Pax. Pickup points Kosovo High Camp, Barafu Camp, Kibo Hut and Horombo Hut.
× Camping at Kosovo High Camp above Barafu Camp $ 150 per person and Crater Camping $ 200 per person.