Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route 9 Days
Price
Tour Overview
Embark on Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route 9 Days an extraordinary 11-day journey along Mount Kilimanjaro's Northern Circuit Route, the mountain's newest and most scenic path. This route offers unparalleled panoramic views, a tranquil trekking experience away from the crowds, and the highest success rate for summiting due to its extended acclimatization period. Traversing diverse ecosystems—from lush rainforests and alpine deserts to the arctic summit—you'll experience the full grandeur of Africa's tallest peak.
Tour Highlights on Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route 9 Days
- Extended Acclimatization: The longer duration allows for better adaptation to altitude, increasing summit success rates.
- Scenic Diversity: Traverse varied landscapes, including rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers.
- Secluded Trails: Experience the serenity of less-traveled paths, offering a more intimate connection with nature.
- 360° Mountain Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas from the northern slopes, rarely seen on other routes.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot unique flora and fauna, including colobus monkeys and diverse bird species.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Moshi
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. This day is reserved for rest and preparation. In the evening, you'll meet your trekking guide for a detailed briefing about the upcoming adventure. They will also conduct an equipment check to ensure you're fully prepared for the climb. Missing gear can be rented at this time.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
- Meals: Dinner
- Elevation: Approximately 800 meters (2,625 feet)
Day 2 Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2,350m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m)
After breakfast, you'll be driven to Londorossi Gate for registration. The trek begins through the lush rainforest, offering chances to spot wildlife like colobus monkeys. The trail leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you'll spend the night.
- Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation Gain: 400 meters (1,312 feet)
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 3 Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,550m)
Leaving the rainforest, the trail ascends into the heather and moorland zone. You'll cross several streams and continue up to the Shira Plateau, reaching Shira 1 Camp by late afternoon.
- Accommodation: Camping at Shira 1 Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation Gain: 800 meters (2,625 feet)
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 4 Shira 1 Camp (3,550m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m)
Today's trek is a gentle walk across the Shira Plateau, with panoramic views of the mountain. You'll pass through moorland and volcanic rock formations before arriving at Shira 2 Camp.
- Accommodation: Camping at Shira 2 Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation Gain: 290 meters (951 feet)
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 5 Shira 2 Camp (3,840m) to Moir Hut (4,200m)
The trail continues east towards the Lava Tower, a 300-foot tall volcanic rock formation. This is an important acclimatization day as you ascend to higher altitudes before descending slightly to Moir Hut for the night.
- Accommodation: Camping at Moir Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation Gain: 360 meters (1,181 feet)
- Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6 Moir Hut (4,200m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
After breakfast, you'll climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (4,375m) for acclimatization. The path then joins the northern circuit trail and continues through a field of rock slabs before reaching Buffalo Camp.
- Accommodation: Camping at Buffalo Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation Gain: 175 meters (574 feet)
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7 Buffalo Camp (4,020m) to Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
The trail climbs to the top of Buffalo Ridge and then drops down into the Pofu Camp. The route continues east through valleys and across ridges before arriving at Third Cave Camp.
- Accommodation: Camping at Third Cave Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation Loss: 150 meters (492 feet)
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 8 Third Cave Camp (3,870m) to School Hut (4,750m)
A steady ascent through the alpine desert leads you to the Saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here, you'll continue upwards to reach School Hut, where you'll rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
- Accommodation: Camping at School Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation Gain: 880 meters (2,887 feet)
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 9 School Hut (4,750m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then down to Millenium Camp (3,820m)
Around midnight, you'll begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The trail is steep and challenging, with cold temperatures and high altitude. Upon reaching the summit, you'll have time to take photos and savor your achievement. The descent follows the same path back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Millenium Camp.
- Accommodation: Camping at Millenium Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters (3,757 feet)
- Elevation Loss: 2,075 meters (6,808 feet)
- Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic at the summit, descending through alpine desert and rainforest
Day 10 Millenium Camp (3,820m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m), then transfer to Moshi
After breakfast, you'll continue your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. This final stretch is a gentle walk, allowing you to reflect on your journey. At the gate, you'll receive your summit certificate before being transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Elevation Loss: 2,180 meters (7,152 feet)
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Day 11 Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Moshi or relax at the hotel. When it's time, you'll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure.
-
Meals: Breakfast
Pricing Includes
- Transfers: Round-trip airport transfers and transportation to/from the mountain gate.
- Accommodation: 2 nights in a hotel (pre- and post-trek) with breakfast. Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain tents with sleeping mats.
- Meals: 3 nutritious meals daily while on the mountain; breakfast at the hotel.
- Water: Filtered and purified drinking water throughout the trek.
- Professional Team: Experienced, English-speaking guides certified in wilderness first aid. Cooks and porters to support the trek.
- Equipment: Dining tent with tables and chairs. Emergency oxygen cylinder and oximeter.
- Permits and Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park entry, camping, and rescue fees. 18% VAT on tour fees and services.
- Support Staff Compensation: Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by relevant authorities.
Pricing Excludes
- Flights: International and domestic airfare.
- Visa: Tanzania entry visa fees.
- Personal Expenses: Travel insurance (mandatory). Tips for guides, cooks, and porters. Personal trekking gear (available for rent upon request). Meals not specified in the itinerary (e.g., lunch and dinner in Moshi). Beverages, laundry, and other personal items.
- Optional Add-ons: Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent. Additional hotel nights or excursions (e.g., safaris, Zanzibar trips).
FAQs
Do You Offer Private and Fully Customizable Climbs For Kilimanjaro
Do You Offer Crater Camp Option On Kilimanjaro Climbs
How many hours will I trek each day?
Will I see wildlife?
What kind of food will I eat?
What are the Kilimanjaro accommodations like?
Who are your operators in Tanzania?
Where is Kilimanjaro?
How high is Kilimanjaro?
What kind of experience do I need?
How long is the hike?
Do you speak spanish?
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Other Tour Details
Tour Accommodations
| Classic Package | Premium Package |
|---|---|
| 2 nights Accommodations at your own choice of hotel according to your budget | 2 nights Accommodations on BB at either of the following Panama Garden resort or Ameg Lodge |
Tour Map
You may like
Book this tour
Daily Short Day Tour Deals
Got a Question or Want Help?
Why Book With Us?
- Middle-man Free Pricing
- Customer care available 24/7
- Hand-picked Tours & Activities
- Evacuation by AMREF Flying Doctors
- 100% Customizable
- Safety and trust
- Local Knowledge
