9 Days | 8 Nights Kilimanjaro Northern circuit Route Trekking
Kilimanjaro's longest route circling the mountain with 95%+ summit success and unmatched wilderness solitude.
Overview
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest and newest route, taking 9 days to circumnavigate nearly the entire mountain. Starting via the Lemosho trailhead and traversing the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes, this route offers the best acclimatization of any itinerary and achieves summit success rates of 95% or higher. With panoramic views from every angle of Kilimanjaro and minimal foot traffic, it is the ultimate choice for trekkers seeking the highest chance of summiting with a true wilderness experience.
Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive to Londorossi Gate (2,100m) on Kilimanjaro's western flank. Trek 3-4 hours through pristine tropical rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp (2,650m).which marks the begining of the scenic Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro Listen for colobus monkeys and spot blue turaco in the canopy.
Activities
This section takes you out of the dense rainforest and directly into the dramatic, wide-open moorland zone, Emerge from rainforest into the heather zone on a 5-6 hour trek to Shira 1 Camp (3,610m) on the western Shira Plateau. Views of Kibo open up as you gain altitude.
Activities
Cross the expansive Panoramic Views of Shira Plateau ,Kibo’s glaciered peak a head and Mount Meru behind,on a relatively flat 4-5 hour trek to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m). The open moorland offers 360-degree views and is rich with unique alpine flora.
Activities
head east up a rocky ridge toward the dramatic volcanic plug known as the Lava Tower (or the "Shark's Tooth"). This section features steady elevation gain. Most groups stop at Lava Tower for a hot lunch and to spend 1–2 hours at peak height to aid blood oxygen adaptation ,Ascend to the imposing Lava Tower (4,600m) for an acclimatization lunch, then descend to Moir Hut (4,200m) a secluded camp beneath dramatic rock pinnacles. The 'climb high, sleep low' strategy is vital today.
Activities
The route is a crucial, remote section of the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route, Begins in the unique northern traverse. Cross alpine ridges with sweeping views over the Shira Plateau to the south and the vast Kenyan plains to the north. Arrive at the rarely visited Buffalo Camp (4,020m). You may be the only group here.
Activities
The trek from Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp is a major segment of the Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro. This stage offers a remote, off-the-beaten-path wilderness experience across the northern slopes and the alpine desert of the mountain, The trail offers stunning views of Mawenzi's sheer eastern face. Arrive at Third Cave Camp (3,870m) at the junction where the Rongai route merges.
Activities
The final approach to base camp on Mount Kilimanjaro's Northern Circuit Route and some variations of the Rongai Route. This critical section transitions hikers from the lower alpine desert Cross the saddle ,into the high alpine zone to prepare for the midnight summit push Cross the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi, ascending gradually through barren landscape to School Hut (4,800m). This camp is slightly higher than Kibo Hut, providing a small altitude advantage for summit night. Rest and prepare for the final push.
Activities
Depart at midnight for the summit push ultimate mental and physical test of the expedition. This grueling day spans 11 to 15 hours of hiking over a massive altitude variation, taking you to the "Roof of Africa" before dropping back down into the rainforest Climb through volcanic scree to the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5,685m), then traverse to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise. Descend to Barafu, then continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m).
Activities
the final, celebratory leg of most Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, taking you through a dramatic landscape change over a fast downhill hike 3-4 hour rainforest descent to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Collect your summit certificate, bid farewell to the crew, and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Activities
What's Included
- 1 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha/Moshi (before the climb)
- All park entrance and camping fees
- Professional English-speaking mountain guide and assistant guides
- Mountain cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner,)
- Purified drinking water on the mountain
- Emergency portable oxygen and first-aid kit
- Mountain rescue fees
- Camping equipment (4-season tents, dining tent, toilet tent)
- Sleeping mats
- Summit certificate
- Pre-climb briefing
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees (USD 50)
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- Sleeping bag (available for hire at USD 30)
- Tips for guides and porters (recommended USD 100-150 per climber)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional extra night in Arusha/Moshi
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if required)
What to Bring
Where to stay
Curated places to stay near Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing — handy for the nights before and after your 9 Days | 8 Nights Kilimanjaro Northern circuit Route Trekking.
$2500
per person
5% group discount
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