9-Day Northern Circuit Route

Overview

The nine-day Northern Circuit Route is one of the longest and most gradual routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It takes a scenic path around the quieter northern slopes of the mountain, offering a more remote trekking experience with fewer hikers and beautiful views across the surrounding landscapes.

Starting on the western side of Kilimanjaro, the route passes through lush rainforest, open moorlands, alpine desert, and high-altitude terrain before reaching the summit. Unlike shorter routes, the Northern Circuit includes more time for acclimatization, allowing climbers to adjust gradually to the increasing altitude.

The longer itinerary also provides a more relaxed trekking pace, with additional time to rest and enjoy the changing scenery. The final summit attempt begins from the high camp, leading to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, before descending to lower elevations.

For climbers who have enough time and want a gradual ascent, excellent acclimatization opportunities, and a quieter trail, the 9-Day Northern Circuit Route offers a rewarding and memorable way to experience Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 1 Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

DAY 2 Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

DAY 3 Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath

We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

DAY 4 Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

DAY 5 Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

DAY 6 Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

DAY 7 Third Cave to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

DAY 8 Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp to Mweka camp

Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Artic

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 9 Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

BOOK THIS TOUR

Two nights’ accommodation at a hotel.
Private transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport and your hotel in Moshi.
Experienced, qualified mountain guides and support crew.
Kilimanjaro National Park fees.
18% VAT on tour fees and services.
All camping equipment, including mountain tents, and sleeping mats.
All transportation as required for the trek.
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Accommodation and mountain entry fees for guides and porters.
Pulse oximeter for monitoring oxygen levels.
First aid kit.
Emergency oxygen.
Katadyn-filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
Fair wages for guides and porters, in accordance with Kilimanjaro National Park Authority guidelines.

Kilimanjaro Climbing faq

What is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year, but the best conditions are generally during the drier months, especially from June to October and January to February.

How many days does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

Most Kilimanjaro climbs take between 5 and 9 days, depending on the route. Longer routes allow more time for acclimatization and a more gradual ascent.

Which Kilimanjaro route is best for beginners?

Several routes are suitable for first-time climbers. Machame and Lemosho are popular choices because they offer beautiful scenery and good opportunities for gradual acclimatization.

How difficult is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is a challenging trek, but you do not need technical climbing skills. Good preparation, proper pacing, and choosing a suitable route can make the experience more manageable.

What should I pack for a Kilimanjaro climb?

You will need warm and comfortable hiking clothes, waterproof gear, hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a daypack, water bottles, and other essential trekking equipment. Your tour operator can provide a detailed packing list before your climb.