9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climb

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9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Experience the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure with the 9-day Northern Circuit Route. This unique path around the mountain's northern slopes offers unparalleled views, fewer crowds, and an excellent acclimatization profile, increasing your chances of a successful summit. Beginning from the western side, the Northern Circuit allows you to immerse in diverse ecosystems—from lush rainforests to stark alpine deserts—making it the perfect route for climbers seeking a comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience.

Discover Kilimanjaro's 9-day Northern Circuit Route, ideal for optimal acclimatization and breathtaking landscapes.
Explore unique, scenic trails with fewer trekkers, enhancing your overall climbing experience.
Enjoy improved summit success with the longest route and excellent acclimatization schedule.

Itinerary Highlights

The 9-day Northern Circuit Route provides a comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience, offering scenic landscapes, unique viewpoints, and a higher chance of summit success. Here’s what each day entails:

Day 0: Arrival in Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to your hotel in Moshi, and meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing and equipment check.

Elevation: 915m/3000ft

Meals: Dinner
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Start from Londorossi Gate, trekking through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp. Take in the lush environment as you adjust to the altitude.

Elevation: 2360m/7743ft to 2780m/9121ft

Distance: 6km/3.7mi

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Ascend through moorland to Shira 1 Camp, enjoying views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes as you acclimatize.

Elevation: 2780m/9121ft to 3500m/11483ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
Cross the Shira Plateau to reach Shira 2 Camp, with breathtaking views and more time to acclimatize at higher altitudes.

Elevation: 3500m/11483ft to 3850m/12631ft

Distance: 7km/4.3mi

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut
Continue through the moorlands and up to the Lava Tower before reaching Moir Hut, a great spot for further acclimatization.

Elevation: 3850m/12631ft to 4200m/13780ft

Distance: 9km/5.6mi

Walking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Explore the northern slopes as you head towards Buffalo Camp, experiencing Kilimanjaro from a unique perspective.

Elevation: 4200m/13780ft to 4020m/13190ft

Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Walking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Proceed towards the eastern side of Kilimanjaro, making your way to Third Cave, an ideal spot to rest before the summit attempt.

Elevation: 4020m/13190ft to 3870m/12696ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
Ascend to School Hut, the final base camp before the summit, where you’ll rest and prepare for the early-morning trek to Uhuru Peak.

Elevation: 3870m/12696ft to 4750m/15584ft

Distance: 5km/3.1mi

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Summit Attempt to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp
Make your final ascent to Uhuru Peak in the early hours, then descend to Mweka Camp for rest after reaching the summit.

Elevation: 4750m/15584ft to 5895m/19341ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3100m/10171ft

Distance: 14km/8.7mi

Walking Time: 12-15 hours

Habitat: Arctic, Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi
Conclude your Kilimanjaro adventure with a descent to Mweka Gate for your certificate before returning to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.

Elevation: 3100m/10171ft to 1640m/5380ft

Distance: 10km/6.2mi

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Pricing

Category	Per Person Price (USD)
1 Person (Solo)	$3000
2-4 People	$2900
5+ People	$2700

* Prices include transportation, entry fees, meals, and drinking water. Contact us for further information.

Included / Excluded

Included

Professional guide certified in wilderness first aid and CPR.
Accommodations for 2 nights before and after the trek (Bed and Breakfast).
Airport transfers.
All meals during the trek.
Drinking water and full board meals.
All National Park and hut fees, crew permits, and VAT.
Fair and sustainable wages for mountain crew.
Complimentary oxygen cylinder.
Portable private toilet and porter.
Quality imported equipment.

Excluded

Flights to and from the trek starting point.
Visa fees.
Travel or Medical Insurance is mandatory and recommended; please seek recommendations.
Medications.
Tips and gratuities for the porters and mountain crew (20% industry standard recommended).
Personal expenses for souvenirs or other purchases.
Energy food and beverages, including alcoholic and soft drinks.
Personal gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Any extra lodge nights required due to early descent from the mountain (additional charges apply).