9 Days Northern Circuit Route
Tour Overview
The 9-days Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique and less crowded experience. Your journey begins with arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a smooth transfer to Moshi for a comprehensive briefing, equipment check, and final preparations with your expert mountain guide. The climb starts on the renowned Lemosho Route, celebrated for its exceptional scenery, low traffic, and excellent acclimatisation profile. Trekking through ancient rainforest, you ascend gradually into heath and moorland before emerging onto the vast Shira Plateau.
The Northern Circuit then curves around Kilimanjaro’s remote northern slopes, visiting secluded camps such as Moir Huts, Buffalo Camp, and Third Cave, where silence and scale define the experience. Crossing the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi leads to School Hut, the final staging point before summit night. After standing on Africa’s highest point, the descent follows the Mweka Route through lush forest back to the gate and Moshi. This itinerary prioritises safety, scenery, and success, delivering an unhurried, immersive climb suited to both first-time trekkers and seasoned mountaineers seeking adventure, challenge, and unforgettable mountain memories together.
Tour Highlights
Scenic Lemosho Route
Diverse Ecological Zones
Quiet Wilderness Camps
Remote Northern Circuit
Shira Plateau Views
Saddle Lunar Landscape
Excellent Acclimatisation Profile
Lava Tower Acclimatisation
Professional Mountain Guides
Includes & Excludes
- Park Fees
- Camping Fees
- Rescue Fees
- Head Guide
- Assistant Guides
- Cook, & Porters’ Salaries
- All Food & Drinking Water
- Tents
- Emergency Oxygen
- Transport To/From Park Entry Gate & 18% VAT Tax
- Accommodation in Moshi including dinner & breakfast pre-climb
- Hiring of personal equipment including clothing, sleeping mat, sleeping bag etc.
- Tipping to your crew. (The standard recommendation is USD$20 per day to the head guide, $12 per day per assistant guide, $12 per day to the cook and $5-7 per day per porter)
- Private Toilet upon request
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Spending money
- Any drinks and lunches in Moshi
- Soft and alcoholic beverages
Tour Details
Arrival Day – Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later in the day, your head mountain guide will conduct a full pre-climb briefing, review the route, check your equipment, and assist with hiring any additional gear if required. This is a relaxed day designed to prepare you mentally and physically for the climb ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Moshi with dinner included, allowing you to rest, hydrate, and acclimatise before your Kilimanjaro adventure begins.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Dinner
Day 1 – Moshi to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)
After breakfast, you will drive to Londorossi Gate for registration before continuing to the Lemosho trailhead. Following lunch, the trek begins through lush rainforest rich in wildlife, including colobus monkeys and tropical birdlife. The trail gently undulates with some steeper sections as you make your way to Big Tree Camp. This short trekking day allows you to ease into the climb while enjoying the peaceful forest environment. Upon arrival at camp, your crew will have tents set up and a hot meal prepared.
Accommodation: Big Tree Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Leaving the forest behind, today’s trek ascends into heath and moorland as the landscape opens dramatically. The trail climbs steadily through giant heather and volcanic rock, offering expanding views of the Shira Plateau. As you gain altitude, temperatures cool and vegetation thins, marking a clear transition in ecosystems. After a full day of trekking, you reach Shira 1 Camp, positioned on the edge of the plateau with impressive views across the mountain. A warm dinner is served, followed by a well-earned rest under the stars.
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Today is a shorter and more relaxed trekking day across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. The terrain is relatively gentle, allowing time to enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding volcanic landscape. An optional acclimatisation hike to Shira Cathedral is available for those feeling strong, providing additional altitude exposure. You then continue gradually to Shira 2 Camp. The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and acclimatising while your team prepares another nourishing evening meal.
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Shira 2 Camp to Moir Huts (via Lava Tower)
This is an important acclimatisation day as you trek higher before descending slightly to camp. The route climbs through alpine desert terrain toward Lava Tower, reaching a higher altitude to help your body adjust. If conditions allow, you may scramble partway up the tower for spectacular views. From here, the trail turns northwest toward the remote Moir Huts, located on quiet ridgelines above the Shira Plateau. The isolation of this camp offers a true wilderness experience. Enjoy a hearty dinner and overnight rest.
Accommodation: Moir Huts
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Moir Huts to Buffalo (Pofu) Camp
The trek continues along the Northern Circuit, climbing gently onto a ridge and then traversing remote alpine desert terrain. This is one of the quietest sections of Kilimanjaro, offering uninterrupted views across the northern plains toward Kenya. If time permits, a short detour to Little Lent Hill adds further acclimatisation. The trail eventually descends slightly to Buffalo Camp, set in a broad valley below the mountain. The peaceful surroundings make this an ideal place to rest, refuel, and enjoy dinner prepared by your mountain crew.
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Today’s trek continues eastward around the mountain through rolling valleys and ridges of alpine desert and moorland. The gradual ups and downs support continued acclimatisation while showcasing Kilimanjaro’s immense scale and solitude. This lesser-travelled route allows for a quiet, reflective trekking experience far from the busier southern trails. After several hours on the trail, you arrive at Third Cave Camp, located beneath the slopes of Kibo. Dinner is served early, giving you time to rest and prepare for the higher days ahead.
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Third Cave Camp to School Hut
The trail climbs steadily toward the Saddle, a stark, lunar-like landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. As altitude increases, the environment becomes more barren and dramatic. Despite the relatively short distance, the thin air makes the ascent challenging. You arrive at School Hut in the early afternoon, where the remainder of the day is dedicated to rest, hydration, and summit preparation. Your guide will brief you on the summit climb while an early dinner is served before retiring for the night.
Accommodation: School Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Summit Day and Descent to Mweka Camp
You start the summit attempt shortly after midnight, ascending slowly toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The climb is demanding but deeply rewarding as you reach the summit at sunrise. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend back to School Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp. The descent leads back into warmer air and richer vegetation. Dinner is served at camp, and the night is spent resting after an unforgettable achievement.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
After breakfast, you descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, keeping an eye out for monkeys along the trail. At the gate, you complete park formalities and receive your summit certificates. From here, you are transferred back to Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower and relaxation. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, celebrating the successful completion of your Kilimanjaro climb with fellow trekkers.
Accommodation: Ameg Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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