The Climb Experience
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route is one of the best and most scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is famous for its quiet trails, breathtaking panoramic views, excellent acclimatization profile, and very high summit success rate. Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes, the Northern Circuit circles around the remote northern side of the mountain, offering climbers a peaceful and less crowded trekking experience.
During the climb, you will pass through beautiful rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacier zones before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. The longer itinerary allows your body more time to adjust to the altitude, making the Northern Circuit one of the safest and most successful Kilimanjaro routes for climbers seeking a comfortable and unforgettable mountain adventure.
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Day by day
Route Itinerary
Day
1
Day 1: Arrive in Moshi, at the Base of Mt Kilimanjaro
900m / 2,952ft1 hour
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, located at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. After your journey, you can relax at the hotel and prepare for your upcoming mountain adventure. In the evening, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed climb briefing, equipment check, and preparation for the trek. Overnight stay in Moshi.
Day
2
Day 2: Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)
2,780m6 km3–4 hours
After breakfast, you will drive to Londorossi Gate for registration before continuing to the Lemosho trailhead where your climb officially begins. The trail passes through lush rainforest filled with giant trees, colorful birds, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. This first hiking day is gentle and comfortable, allowing your body to begin adjusting naturally to the altitude. Dinner and overnight at Big Tree Camp.
Day
3
Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)
3,500m8 km5–6 hours
Today the trail gradually leaves the rainforest behind and enters the moorland zone. The landscape becomes more open with beautiful mountain views and volcanic rock formations. As you continue ascending, the scenery changes dramatically and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding wilderness. Dinner and overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Day
4
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)
3,900m7 km3–4 hours
This day focuses on gradual acclimatization as you cross the beautiful Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The hike is relatively gentle, allowing your body to continue adjusting comfortably to the altitude. The open landscape provides stunning views of the mountain, valleys, and distant peaks. Dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
Day
5
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Moir Camp (4175m)
4,175m9 km5–7 hours
Today you leave the main Machame Route and begin exploring the quieter northern side of Kilimanjaro. The trail becomes more remote and peaceful with dramatic alpine scenery and fewer climbers. This is an important acclimatization day, and optional short hikes around Moir Camp may be done in the afternoon to help your body adapt to the altitude. Dinner and overnight at Moir Camp.
Day
6
Day 6: Moir Camp (4175m) to Pofu Camp (4030m)
4,030m12 km5–7 hours
Today you continue around the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro while enjoying breathtaking views toward Kenya and the vast African plains below. The Northern Circuit is known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful wilderness, and excellent acclimatization profile, making it one of the best Kilimanjaro routes. Dinner and overnight at Pofu Camp.
Day
7
Day 7: Pofu Camp (4030m) to Third Cave (3900m)
3,900m8 km4–6 hours
The trail continues across the northern circuit with incredible mountain scenery and gradual altitude changes that help improve acclimatization. This is a moderate hiking day that allows you to conserve energy and prepare for the summit attempt ahead. Dinner and overnight at Third Cave Camp.
Day
8
Day 8: Third Cave (3900m) to School Hut Camp (4750m)
4,750m5 km4–5 hours
Today you hike steadily toward School Hut Camp, the final base camp before your summit attempt. The landscape becomes rocky and alpine with colder temperatures and thinner air. After arriving at camp, you will rest, hydrate, and receive a detailed summit briefing from your guide before enjoying an early dinner and preparing for the midnight climb. Dinner and overnight at School Hut Camp.
Day
9
Day 9: School Hut (4750m) ↑ to UHURU PEAK (5895m) ↓ to Millennium Camp (3790m)
5,895m16 km10–14 hours
Around midnight, you begin your summit attempt under the stars. The climb is slow and steady as you make your way toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit at sunrise is an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking glacier views and incredible achievement. After celebrating at the summit, you descend to Millennium Camp for rest and overnight stay. This is the most challenging but also the most rewarding day of the entire climb. Dinner and overnight at Millennium Camp.
Day
10
Day 10: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
1,630m12 km4–5 hours
After breakfast, you descend through the beautiful rainforest toward Mweka Gate where you will receive your summit certificate as recognition of your successful climb. You will then be transferred back to Moshi for a hot shower, relaxation, and celebration. We also welcome you to spare an hour of your day to plant a tree as part of our environmental conservation efforts in the Kilimanjaro region. Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Day
11
Day 11: Depart Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey home. For travelers wishing to continue exploring Tanzania, this is also the perfect opportunity to extend your adventure with a safari to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, or the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
Mountain scenes
Gallery
Included
- check_circle2 nights at Park View Inn (or similar) in Moshi on a bed-and-breakfast basis (1 night before and 1 night after the trek)
- check_circleAirport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
- check_circleTransportation to and from the Kilimanjaro park gate
- check_circleKilimanjaro Park entrance fees
- check_circleCamping or hut accommodation fees
- check_circleCrater fees (if applicable)
- check_circleKilimanjaro rescue team fees
- check_circleHigh-quality 4-season tents
- check_circleDouble-thickness (10 cm) foam mattresses
- check_circleProfessional, experienced, and friendly guides, cooks, and porters
- check_circleThree freshly prepared meals per day during the trek
- check_circleFiltered and treated drinking water throughout the climb
- check_circleHot water for washing
- check_circleFair wages for the mountain crew according to KINAPA and KIATO regulations
- check_circleAll government taxes
- check_circlePortable oxygen cylinders for emergency use
- check_circleEnglish- or French-speaking certified mountain guide
- check_circleOximeter, first aid supplies, and stethoscope
- check_circlePrivate portable toilet with a tent (1 toilet for groups of 1–5 climbers, 2 toilets for groups of 6–10 climbers)
- check_circleMountain communication radio
- check_circleOfficial Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
Excluded
- remove_circleMeals and drinks at the hotel (before and after the trek)
- remove_circleTravel insurance
- remove_circleShower tent (available at an additional cost) -USD 450 for 1 person, USD 300 per person for groups of 2 or more
- remove_circleInternational and local flights
- remove_circleLaundry services at the hotel
- remove_circlePersonal gear, items, and toiletries
Packing Notes
Climbers should pack warm layered clothing, waterproof hiking boots, thermal wear, gloves, trekking poles, a warm sleeping bag, headlamp, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a waterproof jacket. Temperatures change greatly during the climb, especially near the summit.
Safety Notes
Your safety is always the top priority during the climb. Professional mountain guides perform daily health checks, monitor altitude sickness symptoms, and carry emergency oxygen and first aid equipment throughout the trek.
Acclimatization
The Northern Circuit Route offers excellent acclimatization because of its longer duration and gradual ascent. The route follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, helping climbers adjust better to the altitude and increasing summit success.
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