9 Days Northern Circuit Route Trek – Kilimanjaro Climb
Tour Overview
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route is the longest and one of the most scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers the highest summit success rate due to excellent acclimatization and provides breathtaking views from all sides of the mountain. The route begins on the western side at Londorossi Gate, follows the Lemosho Route to Lava Tower, then circles the quieter northern slopes before reaching the summit via Gilman's Point and Uhuru Peak.
- Climb Africa’s highest mountain (5,895m)
- Summit at Uhuru Peak
- One of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic routes
- Excellent acclimatization profile
- High summit success rate
- Cross five unique ecological zones
- Professional mountain guides and porters
- Stunning sunrise from the summit
- Ideal for adventurous travelers and photographers
Itinerary
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Meet and greet by your guide and transfer to your hotel in Arusha.
Trek briefing, equipment inspection, and final preparations.
Overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
- Drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate for registration.
- Continue to the trailhead and begin your trek through lush rainforest.
- Watch for black-and-white colobus monkeys and diverse birdlife.
- Reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Shira Plateau and Mount Meru.
- Arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon.
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Cross the scenic Shira Plateau.
- Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo Peak.
- A relatively short trekking day allows time for acclimatization.
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Trek gradually to Lava Tower for acclimatization.
- Descend to Moir Hut to sleep at a lower elevation, following the "climb high, sleep low" principle.
- Excellent day for improving altitude adaptation.
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Moir Hut Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Continue along the remote Northern Circuit.
- Enjoy peaceful trails with very few climbers.
- Spectacular views over the Kenyan plains.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Trek across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
- Experience unique scenery and continued acclimatization.
- Reach Third Cave Camp for overnight.
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- A steady climb toward School Hut.
- Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
- Early dinner and sleep.
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: School Hut Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Begin the summit climb around midnight.
- Reach Gilman's Point (5,685m) at sunrise.
- Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
- Celebrate your achievement before descending via Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp.
Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
- Receive your summit certificate.
- Transfer back to Arusha for relaxation or onward travel.
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
