Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an inspiring challenge, guiding you from lush forests to alpine deserts and a snowy summit. With the right preparation, steady acclimatization, and expert support, trekkers can conquer Africa’s highest peak with confidence and pride.
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
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About This Tour
Discover the Northern Circuit, Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest route, celebrated for its exceptional summit success and breathtaking tranquility. Begin along the scenic Lemosho trail before circling the untouched northern slopes toward Gilman’s Point and the iconic Uhuru Peak at 19,340 ft. Traverse six stunning ecological zones, from lush Tanzanian rainforest to the dramatic arctic summit. Guided by experienced local experts, enjoy Signature Camping with spacious tents, warm hospitality, and delicious meals, creating a deeply memorable and soulful Kilimanjaro journey.
Trip Info
Arrival City
Arusha ,Tanzania
Departure City
Arusha,Tanzania
Duration
3 Days
Language
English, French, Swahili
Trip Highlights
Scenic Lemosho Forest Trails
Walk through lush rainforest alive with birds, towering trees and peaceful pathways leading toward Kilimanjaro’s higher zones.
Quiet Northern Mountain Slopes
Enjoy quiet trekking on pristine northern slopes, with wide-open views and peaceful landscapes few climbers witness.
Expansive Shira Plateau Views
Cross wide open highlands with sweeping views of Kilimanjaro’s rugged beauty and striking volcanic formations.
Rich Alpine Desert Crossing
Navigate rocky paths and ancient lava fields carved by wind, revealing Kilimanjaro’s dramatic high-altitude wilderness.
Sunrise Ascent To Gilman’s
Climb under starlight, reaching sunrise that lights the glaciers and paints Kilimanjaro’s summit in gold.
Uhuru Peak Summit Victory
Reach Africa’s highest peak and celebrate sweeping views, deep emotion, and the joy of completing a world-class adventure.
Itinerary Details
Arrival in Tanzania – Settle & Prepare
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a warm Tanzanian welcome at KIA/JRO. Our driver transfers you to your Moshi hotel. After settling in, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and gear check to ensure everything is in place for your Northern Circuit climb. Missing equipment can be rented. The evening is yours to rest, acclimatize, and enjoy views of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain your challenge begins tomorrow.
Day 1 : Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Your journey into Kilimanjaro National Park begins with registration at Londorossi Gate before driving to the trailhead at 2,360m. After lunch, you start the day’s gentle ascent through thick rainforest, surrounded by towering trees, tropical birdlife, and the chance to spot buffalo or elephant. The short hike eases you into the rhythm of the climb as you move deeper into lush vegetation. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where dinner awaits under a star-filled African sky, setting the emotional tone for your mountain adventure.
- Trekking Duration: 3–4 hours
- Total Distance: 6 km
- Overnight Camp: Mti Mkubwa Camp – 2,820m
- Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
- Habitat: Montane Rainforest
Day 2 : Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1
You begin the morning trekking through the last stretch of rainforest before transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone. The trail gently climbs toward the vast Shira Plateau, offering sweeping views as vegetation shifts from forest to open landscapes. With cool breezes and increasing altitude, the day provides a beautiful introduction to high-altitude hiking. You’ll reach Shira Camp 1 by early afternoon, allowing time to rest, hydrate, and take in one of Kilimanjaro’s most iconic plateaus.
- Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
- Total Distance: 8 km
- Overnight Camp: Shira Camp 1 – 3,610m
- Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3 : Shira 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Camp
Today’s trek crosses the expansive Shira Plateau toward Shira Camp 2, where you stop for lunch. The scenery transforms dramatically as you enter the “Garden of the Senecios” a surreal landscape filled with giant groundsels and volcanic formations. Afterward, you continue into the high alpine desert and turn onto the Northern Circuit, eventually descending gently into the secluded Moir Camp. The views, silence, and remoteness begin to capture Kilimanjaro’s true wilderness, helping your body acclimatize before the higher demands ahead.
- Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
- Total Distance: 8 km
- Overnight Camp: Shira Camp 1 – 3,610m
- Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 4 : Acclimatization via Lava Tower to Moir Camp
This crucial acclimatization day starts with a steady ascent toward Lava Tower (4,600m). The dramatic volcanic formations around Shark’s Tooth highlight Kilimanjaro’s raw volcanic history. You enjoy lunch at high altitude, allowing your body to adjust before descending to Moir Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” day significantly improves your summit success chances. The landscape becomes harsher, colder, and more rugged yet incredibly beautiful. You’ll end the day feeling stronger, more acclimatized, and mentally prepared for the journey ahead.
- Trekking Duration: 6–7 hours
- Total Distance: 6–7 hours
- Overnight Camp: Moir Camp – 4,200m
- Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5 : Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp
You begin with a steep ascent out of Moir Valley, with optional detour to climb Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for panoramic views. The Northern Circuit trail continues along Kilimanjaro’s remote northern slopes, offering vast open plains stretching toward Kenya. Gentle ascents and descents characterize the path, rewarding you with breathtaking scenery throughout. Arriving at Buffalo Camp after midday, you’ll enjoy lunch and well-earned rest, appreciating how far you’ve come across this untamed landscape.
- Trekking Duration: 5–7 hours
- Total Distance: 9km
- Overnight Camp: Buffalo Camp – 4,020m
- Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6 : Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
The morning begins with a climb up Buffalo Ridge before descending into Porfu Camp for lunch. The trail continues east across Kilimanjaro’s remote northern flank, offering peaceful, uncrowded trekking. By now, most climbers feel well-adjusted to altitude, making the journey smoother. You arrive at the Third Cave in the afternoon, surrounded by volcanic panoramas and the impressive sight of Mawenzi Peak in the distance.
- Trekking Duration: 4–5 hours
- Total Distance: 8km
- Overnight Camp: Rongai Third Cave – 3,800m
- Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
- Habitat: High Moorland
Day 7 : Third Cave to School Hut
A steady ascent takes you across the lunar-like Saddle, a vast high-altitude desert stretching between Mawenzi and Kibo. The scenery is surreal, silent, and emotionally powerful as you approach the final camp before the summit push. You reach School Hut by early evening, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare your summit gear. Rest is essential tonight as your ascent to Uhuru Peak begins just before midnight. Expect a mix of anticipation, excitement, and determination.
- Trekking Duration: 4–5 hours
- Total Distance: 8km
- Overnight Camp: Rongai Third Cave – 3,800m
- Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
- Habitat: High Moorland
Day 8 : Summit to Uhuru Peak & Descent to Millennium Camp
Your summit night begins around midnight, moving slowly under a star-lit sky toward Hans Meyer Cave, then Gilman’s Point. This demanding push tests your strength and spirit, but dawn breaks with unforgettable views over Mawenzi and Africa’s vast horizon. The final stretch along the crater rim leads you to Uhuru Peak—5,895m of triumph, emotion, and pure achievement. After summit photos, you descend to Barafu for rest, then continue to Millennium Camp for a well-deserved night’s sleep.
- Trekking Duration: 14–16 hours
- Total Distance: 14 km
- Overnight Camp: Millennium Camp – 3,950m
- Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 9 : Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate – Departure
Your final descent passes through lush montane forest, filled with birdsong and soft ground underfoot. On reaching Mweka Gate, you receive your official Kilimanjaro certificate, a proud reminder of your accomplishment. Your driver transfers you back to Moshi for lunch and relaxation before heading to the airport, depending on your flight schedule. With heart full and spirit renewed, you say goodbye to Kilimanjaro, the mountain that has transformed you.
- Trekking Duration: 4–5 hours
- Total Distance: 12km
- Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch Provided
Included & Excluded
- Professional, licensed mountain guides (WFR-certified)
- Experienced mountain crew: cooks, porters, and support team
- Fair porter treatment according to KPAP standards
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees
- Camping fees & rescue fees (Kilimanjaro SAR)
- Emergency oxygen cylinder & first aid kit for summit night
- All meals on the mountain: breakfast, lunch, dinner & hot drinks
- Private 4-season sleeping tents
- Thick sleeping mattresses
- Mess tent & dining tent with tables and chairs
- Portable hand-washing station
- Safe drinking water throughout the climb
- Two-way private airport transfers (JRO–hotel–JRO)
- All government taxes & VAT
- Hot water for washing every day
- Pulse oximeter monitoring (twice daily)
- Transfer from hotel to Umbwe Gate & return from Mweka Gate
- Luggage storage at the hotel during the climb
- Summit certificate from Kilimanjaro National Park
- International & domestic flights
- Accommodation before and after the climb (unless specified)
- Personal climbing gear rentals: sleeping bag, trekking poles, etc.
- Personal summit gear: headlamp, thermal clothing, gloves, boots, gaiters
- Travel insurance (mandatory for high-altitude trekking)
- Altitude medications: Diamox, painkillers, personal prescriptions
- Tips for porters (recommended guidelines provided)
- Snacks & energy supplements: chocolates, energy bars, gels
- Personal expenses: laundry, souvenirs, drinks in the hotel
- Optional upgrades: private portable toilet, extra mattress, private tent
- Any increase in park fees or government taxes
- Evacuation costs if not covered by insurance
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