9 Days Northern Circuit Route – Kilimanjaro Trek

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Tour Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers excellent acclimatization due to its gradual ascent profile and extended time on the mountain. Starting on the western side of Kilimanjaro at Londorossi Gate, the route takes trekkers across the Shira Plateau, around the quiet northern slopes of the mountain, and finally approaches the summit from the east via Gilman’s Point.

This route offers panoramic views, low traffic, and the highest summit success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes. Perfect for adventurers seeking a more private and immersive mountain experience.

From $4,295 USD per person
Most remote and scenic route with the highest success rate
Duration: 11 Days (9 days trekking + 2 nights hotel stay)
Starting Point: Arusha, Tanzania
Route Type: Long, circular route with excellent acclimatization

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Arusha

You will be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport by our team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Rest, recover, and attend a pre-trek briefing with your lead guide in the evening.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Lodge or similar

Day 2: Arusha – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate (2,250m) to register with the park authorities. Continue driving to Lemosho Glades (2,350m) where the trek begins. Hike through the lush montane forest to reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp).

• Elevation: 2,350m to 2,785m (7,710ft to 9,120ft)

• Distance: 7 km (4 mi)

• Trekking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest
  Meals Included: B, L, D
  Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tent)

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp

Today the trail steepens as you ascend into moorland. You’ll pass through rolling hills and emerge onto the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. Views of Kibo Peak begin to appear.

• Elevation: 2,785m to 3,610m (9,120ft to 11,840ft)

• Distance: 8 km (5 mi)

• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Moorland
  Meals Included: B, L, D
  Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (tent)

Day 4: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp

Cross the Shira Plateau, enjoying views of Mount Meru in the west and Kibo in the east. You’ll camp near Shira Cathedral with an optional acclimatization hike to a viewpoint.

• Elevation: 3,610m to 3,850m (11,840ft to 12,630ft)

• Distance: 10 km (6 mi)

• Trekking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Moorland
  Meals Included: B, L, D
  Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (tent)

Day 5: Shira 2 – Lava Tower – Moir Hut

Ascend to the prominent Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch and acclimatization. Then descend slightly to the rarely used Moir Hut, a peaceful camp tucked beneath Lent Hills.

• Elevation: 3,850m to 4,200m (12,630ft to 13,780ft) via Lava Tower (4,600m)

• Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi)

• Trekking Time: 6–7 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert
  Meals Included: B, L, D
  Overnight: Moir Hut (tent)

Day 6: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp

Begin the Northern Circuit Trail, trekking along the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The views are exceptional, and few trekkers are seen. This is a long but gradual acclimatization day.

• Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m (13,780ft to 13,190ft)

• Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)

• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert
  Meals Included: B, L, D
  Overnight: Buffalo Camp (tent)

Day 7: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp

Continue east across the mountain’s northern flank, where the landscape turns more rugged and open. You’ll have wide views across Kenya and Tanzania’s highlands.

• Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m (13,190ft to 12,700ft)

• Distance: 8 km (5 mi)

• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Heath and Moorland
  Meals Included: B, L, D
  Overnight: Third Cave Camp (tent)

Day 8: Third Cave – School Hut (Summit Base Camp)

Today’s trek leads up to the high-altitude School Hut Camp, a quiet base camp near Gilman’s Point. Eat early dinner and rest before your summit attempt.

• Elevation: 3,870m to 4,750m (12,700ft to 15,580ft)

• Distance: 5 km (3 mi)

• Trekking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert
  Meals Included: B, L, D
  Overnight: School Hut (tent)

Day 9: Summit Day – School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Begin the ascent at midnight. Trek through scree to reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) at sunrise, then continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the Roof of Africa! Descend to Barafu for brunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4,750m to 5,895m to 3,100m

• Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi)

• Trekking Time: 12–14 hours

• Habitat: Arctic to Forest
  Meals Included: B, L, D
  Overnight: Mweka Camp (tent)

Day 10: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Arusha

A gentle descent through lush rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Celebrate your successful climb and receive your certificate. Return to Arusha for a hot shower and celebration dinner.

• Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m (10,170ft to 5,380ft)

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)

• Trekking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Forest
  Meals Included: B
  Accommodation: Lodge (or similar)

Day 11: Departure – Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport

Enjoy breakfast and check out. You’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or start your safari extension or Zanzibar beach holiday.

Meals Included: B

Pricing – Valid Through December 31, 2025

All prices based on shared twin/double tents and rooms. Private upgrades available.

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