9-Day Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Trek

Overview

The Northern Circuit is the longest and most comprehensive route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization, fewer crowds, and panoramic views from all sides of the mountain.

This nine-day itinerary circles the northern slopes, providing one of the highest summit success rates while delivering a quiet and scenic trekking experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Begin at Londorossi Gate after registration and briefing. Transfer to the trailhead and trek through rainforest.

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Distance: ~6 km
  • Altitude: 2,100 m to 2,650 m

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Leave the forest and enter the moorland zone with wide views of the Shira Plateau.

  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
  • Distance: ~8 km
  • Altitude: 2,650 m to 3,500 m

Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Continue across the plateau with a gradual ascent.

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Distance: ~7 km
  • Altitude: 3,500 m to 3,850 m

Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then continue to Moir Hut on the northern side.

  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Distance: ~10 km
  • Altitude: 3,850 m to 4,630 m to 4,200 m

Accommodation: Moir Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Traverse the northern slopes with expansive views and minimal traffic.

  • Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
  • Distance: ~12 km
  • Altitude: 4,200 m to 4,020 m

Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Continue across remote terrain with views toward the Kenyan plains.

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Distance: ~8 km
  • Altitude: 4,020 m to 3,800 m

Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 7: Third Cave Camp to Kibo Hut

Join the main summit route and trek across the alpine desert to Kibo Hut.

  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
  • Distance: ~10 km
  • Altitude: 3,800 m to 4,700 m

Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 8: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Begin your summit attempt at midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.

  • Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
  • Altitude: 4,700 m to 5,895 m to 3,100 m

Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate and receive your summit certificate.

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Distance: ~10 km
  • Altitude: 3,100 m to 1,640 m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Include:

  • Park fees and rescue fees
  • Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
  • Hut accommodation (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo)
  • All meals during the trek
  • Drinking water throughout the climb
  • Transfers between hotel and park gate
  • Safety equipment including oxygen cylinder and first aid kit
  • Government taxes and VAT

Exclude

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook
  • Personal climbing gear and equipment
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Accommodation before and after the trek (can be arranged)
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs

Price per person

Tour Pricing Table
Pax Budget (USD) Mid Range (USD) Luxury (USD)
1 $1,000 $2,000 $3,000
2 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000
3 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000
4 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000
5 $5,000 $6,000 $7,000
6 $6,000 $7,000 $8,000
7 $7,000 $8,000 $9,000
8 $8,000 $9,000 $10,000

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