Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route 9 Days

Mount Kilimanjaro

From

$3400.00

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Trekking

Tour Overview

Embark on Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route 9 Days an extraordinary 11-day journey along Mount Kilimanjaro’s Northern Circuit Route, the mountain’s newest and most scenic path. This route offers unparalleled panoramic views, a tranquil trekking experience away from the crowds, and the highest success rate for summiting due to its extended acclimatization period. Traversing diverse ecosystems—from lush rainforests and alpine deserts to the arctic summit—you’ll experience the full grandeur of Africa’s tallest peak.

Tour Highlights on Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route 9 Days

Extended Acclimatization: The longer duration allows for better adaptation to altitude, increasing summit success rates.
Scenic Diversity: Traverse varied landscapes, including rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers.
Secluded Trails: Experience the serenity of less-traveled paths, offering a more intimate connection with nature.
360° Mountain Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas from the northern slopes, rarely seen on other routes.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot unique flora and fauna, including colobus monkeys and diverse bird species.

Tour Plan

Day 1 Arrival in Moshi

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. This day is reserved for rest and preparation. In the evening, you'll meet your trekking guide for a detailed briefing about the upcoming adventure. They will also conduct an equipment check to ensure you're fully prepared for the climb. Missing gear can be rented at this time.

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Dinner
Elevation: Approximately 800 meters (2,625 feet)

Day 2 Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2,350m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m)

After breakfast, you'll be driven to Londorossi Gate for registration. The trek begins through the lush rainforest, offering chances to spot wildlife like colobus monkeys. The trail leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you'll spend the night.

Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation Gain: 400 meters (1,312 feet)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 3 Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,550m)

Leaving the rainforest, the trail ascends into the heather and moorland zone. You'll cross several streams and continue up to the Shira Plateau, reaching Shira 1 Camp by late afternoon.

Accommodation: Camping at Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation Gain: 800 meters (2,625 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Day 4 Shira 1 Camp (3,550m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m)

Today's trek is a gentle walk across the Shira Plateau, with panoramic views of the mountain. You'll pass through moorland and volcanic rock formations before arriving at Shira 2 Camp.

Accommodation: Camping at Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation Gain: 290 meters (951 feet)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Day 5 Shira 2 Camp (3,840m) to Moir Hut (4,200m)

The trail continues east towards the Lava Tower, a 300-foot tall volcanic rock formation. This is an important acclimatization day as you ascend to higher altitudes before descending slightly to Moir Hut for the night.

Accommodation: Camping at Moir Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation Gain: 360 meters (1,181 feet)
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6 Moir Hut (4,200m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

After breakfast, you'll climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (4,375m) for acclimatization. The path then joins the northern circuit trail and continues through a field of rock slabs before reaching Buffalo Camp.

Accommodation: Camping at Buffalo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation Gain: 175 meters (574 feet)
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7 Buffalo Camp (4,020m) to Third Cave Camp (3,870m)

The trail climbs to the top of Buffalo Ridge and then drops down into the Pofu Camp. The route continues east through valleys and across ridges before arriving at Third Cave Camp.

Accommodation: Camping at Third Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation Loss: 150 meters (492 feet)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 8 Third Cave Camp (3,870m) to School Hut (4,750m)

A steady ascent through the alpine desert leads you to the Saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here, you'll continue upwards to reach School Hut, where you'll rest and prepare for the summit attempt. Accommodation: Camping at School Hut Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Elevation Gain: 880 meters (2,887 feet) Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) Hiking Time: 4–5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 9 School Hut (4,750m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then down to Millenium Camp (3,820m)

Around midnight, you'll begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The trail is steep and challenging, with cold temperatures and high altitude. Upon reaching the summit, you'll have time to take photos and savor your achievement. The descent follows the same path back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Millenium Camp.

Accommodation: Camping at Millenium Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters (3,757 feet)
Elevation Loss: 2,075 meters (6,808 feet)
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Habitat: Arctic at the summit, descending through alpine desert and rainforest

Day 10 Millenium Camp (3,820m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m), then transfer to Moshi

After breakfast, you'll continue your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. This final stretch is a gentle walk, allowing you to reflect on your journey. At the gate, you'll receive your summit certificate before being transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Elevation Loss: 2,180 meters (7,152 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 11 Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Moshi or relax at the hotel. When it's time, you'll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Included/Exclude

Transfers: Round-trip airport transfers and transportation to/from the mountain gate.
Accommodation: 2 nights in a hotel (pre- and post-trek) with breakfast. Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain tents with sleeping mats.
Meals: 3 nutritious meals daily while on the mountain; breakfast at the hotel.
Water: Filtered and purified drinking water throughout the trek.
Professional Team: Experienced, English-speaking guides certified in wilderness first aid. Cooks and porters to support the trek.
Equipment: Dining tent with tables and chairs. Emergency oxygen cylinder and oximeter.
Permits and Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park entry, camping, and rescue fees. 18% VAT on tour fees and services.
Support Staff Compensation: Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by relevant authorities.

Flights: International and domestic airfare.
Visa: Tanzania entry visa fees.
Personal Expenses:
Travel insurance (mandatory).
Tips for guides, cooks, and porters.
Personal trekking gear (available for rent upon request).
Meals not specified in the itinerary (e.g., lunch and dinner in Moshi).
Beverages, laundry, and other personal items.
Optional Add-ons: Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent.
Additional hotel nights or excursions (e.g., safaris, Zanzibar trips).

Tour Map

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Mode of Travel:

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Max Guests

120

Min Age

12+

Tour Location

Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages Support

English, French, German, Spanish

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Photography

You should always ask permission before taking anyone’s photograph. Many of the people in places that receive a steady stream of travelers are used to having their pictures taken and some may ask for money. You can usually tell the people who will ask for money, as they pose for pictures as their “job” and will be standing around looking for tourists, asking if you want to photograph them.

Do we need a tourist visa to enter Tanzania?

A valid visa is required for travel to Tanzania. A passport with a minimum validity of 6 months prior to expiry is required.

A single-entry visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Visas-on-arrival are available at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)for US$50. (For U.S. Citizens, the cost is US$100 for a multiple entry visa.) However, it is advised that visitors traveling from a country where visa services are available should obtain a visa prior to arrival in order to avoid potential delays at the airport.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.

Will I see wildlife?

Prior to the climb, you’ll enjoy an acclimatization day with wildlife viewing and nature walks. Trekking through the rain forest, you’re likely to spot black-and-white Colobus monkeys, tropical birds and more.

What kind of food will I eat?

Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!

What are the Kilimanjaro accommodations like?

Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp. Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.

How high is Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.

What kind of experience do I need?

None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.

How long is the hike?

There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (which can be done in five), but we use six days for this route.