9 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour via Northern Circuit Route

Welcome to our 9 day Kilimanjaro hiking via the northern circuit route Conquer Africa highest peak

9 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour via Northern Circuit Route

The 9-day Northern Circuit Route is a remarkable and less-traveled path to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience, this route is perfect for adventurers seeking a longer and more scenic hike. As the newest and longest route, the Northern Circuit provides ample time for acclimatization, increasing your chances of reaching the summit successfully.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1
From Moshi to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2
Hiking Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Day 3
Shira 1 Camp Hike to Shira 2 Camp
Day 4
Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp
Day 5
Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp
Day 6
Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
Day 7
Third Cave to School Hut
Day 8
School Hut Hiking to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Day 9
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
Duration 9 Days
🚙
Tour Mode -
🎯
Main Tour Focus -
Tour Type -
Destination/Accommodation
Start/End
moshi
Tour Starting & Ending Point
1
Day 1
Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp
Overnight: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite
2
Day 2
Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp
Overnight: Shira 1 Campsite
3
Day 3
Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp
Overnight: Shira 2 Campsite
4
Day 4
Shira 1 Camp To Moir Hut Camp
Overnight: Moir Hut Campsite
5
Day 5
Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp
Overnight: Buffalo Campsite
6
Day 6
Buffalo Camp To Pofu Camp
Overnight: Third Cave Campsite
7
Day 7
Third Cave Camp To School Hut Camp
Overnight: School Hut Campsite
8
Day 8
School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Millenium (High) camp
Overnight: Millenium Campsite
9
Day 9
Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Overnight: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

Arrival Day: Arrival in Moshi

Arrival in Moshi

Welcome to Tanzania. Our team will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer you to your comfortable hotel in Moshi. Take this day to relax and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation: Kilimanjaro White House Hotel

  budget 2 star lodge

Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation
Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation
Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation
Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation
Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation
Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation
Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation
Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation
Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation
Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation

Meals & Drinks: Drinking water

Day 1: From Moshi to Mti Mkubwa Camp

 From Moshi to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After a hearty breakfast and a comprehensive briefing, we drive to Londorossi Park Gate, which takes about 3 hours. From there, a forest track accessible only by 4WD vehicles leads us to the Lemosho Glades. The hike begins through lush Montane Forest trails, and we reach the picturesque Mti Mkubwa campsite, known for its towering trees. Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft Hiking Distance: 6km/4mi Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Destination: Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp

Accommodation: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite

  public camp site

Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite
Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite
Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite
Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite
Big Tree (Mti Mkibwa) Campsite Kilimanjaro
Big Tree (Mti Mkibwa) Campsite Kilimanjaro
Big Tree (Mti Mkibwa) Campsite Kilimanjaro
Big Tree (Mti Mkibwa) Campsite Kilimanjaro
Big Tree (Mti Mkibwa) Campsite Kilimanjaro
Big Tree (Mti Mkibwa) Campsite Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Day 2: Hiking Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Hiking  Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Today, the trail gradually ascends as we enter the enchanting heather moorland zone. Crossing several streams, we make our way over the Shira Ridge and descend gently to Shira 1 camp, nestled by a serene stream. The views of the moorland are stunning, making it a perfect day for acclimatization. Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft Hiking Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp

Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite

  public camp site

Shira 1 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 1 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 1 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 1 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 1 Campsite
Shira 1 Campsite
Shira 1 Campsite
Shira 1 Campsite
Shira 1 Campsite

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp Hike to Shira 2 Camp

Shira 1 Camp Hike to Shira 2 Camp

Continuing our hike after breakfast, we enjoy a pleasant hike across the plateau, surrounded by moorland meadows and a serene stream. Shira 2 camp awaits, offering even more opportunities for acclimatization and stunning panoramic views. Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft Hiking Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp

Accommodation: Shira 2 Campsite

  public camp site

Shira 2 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 2 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 2 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 2 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 2 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 2 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 2 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 2 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 2 Campsite Kilimanjaro
Shira 2 Campsite Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp

Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp

Embark on a longer hike today, heading eastward through the "Garden of the Senecios" and entering the high alpine desert zone. Reach the iconic Shark's Tooth rock formation and the Lava Tower at 4,600 meters, where we'll have lunch. Descend to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters, an important step for acclimatization, as we experience high altitude and then sleep at a lower elevation. Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13,780ft Hiking Distance: 14km/8mi Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Moir Hut Camp

Accommodation: Moir Hut Campsite

  public camp site

Moir Hut Campsite
Moir Hut Campsite
Moir Hut Campsite
Moir Hut Campsite
Moir Hut Campsite
Moir Hut Campsite
Moir Hut Campsite
Moir Hut Campsite
Moir Hut Campsite
Moir Hut Campsite

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Day 5: Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp

Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp

Today's hike includes a moderately steep hike out of Moir Valley, with an optional hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters for breathtaking views. We then continue along the Northern Circuit trail, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo until we reach Buffalo Camp. Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft Hiking Distance: 12km/7mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: High Alpine Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp

Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite

  public camp site

Bufallo Campsite
Bufallo Campsite
Bufallo Campsite
Bufallo Campsite

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave

Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave

Starting the day with a hike up Buffalo Ridge and descending into Porfu Camp for lunch, we continue eastward around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. With well-acclimatized bodies, we reach the Third Cave by mid-afternoon. Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft Hiking Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: High Alpine Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Destination: Buffalo Camp To Pofu Camp

Accommodation: Third Cave Campsite

  public camp site

Third Cave Campsite
Third Cave Campsite
Third Cave Campsite
Third Cave Campsite
Third Cave Campsite
Third Cave Campsite
Third Cave Campsite
Third Cave Campsite
Third Cave Campsite
Third Cave Campsite

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut

Third Cave to School Hut

Today, we face a steady incline up and over the Saddle, nestled between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Continuing south-west, we ascend to School Hut, where we will have an early dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit attempt later in the night. Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft Hiking Distance: 15km/8mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Destination: Third Cave Camp To School Hut Camp

Accommodation: School Hut Campsite

  public camp site

School Hut Campsite Kilimanjaro
School Hut Campsite Kilimanjaro
School Hut Campsite Kilimanjaro
School Hut Campsite Kilimanjaro
School Hut Campsite Kilimanjaro
School Hut Campsite Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Day 8: School Hut Hiking to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

 School Hut Hiking to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

Around 11:30 PM, we begin the steep ascent up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Passing Hans Meyer Cave and Gilman's Point, we push forward, arriving at the magnificent Uhuru Peak at or just after sunrise. After savoring the awe-inspiring views, we retrace our steps, reaching Millennium Camp for our final night on the mountain. Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Uhuru Peak) Down to 3950m/12,959ft Hiking Distance: 6km/3.5mi up / 11km/6mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Destination: School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Millenium (High) camp

Accommodation: Millenium Campsite

  public camp site

Millenium Campsite
Millenium Campsite
Millenium Campsite
Millenium Campsite
Millenium Campsite
Millenium Campsite
Millenium Campsite
Millenium Campsite
Millenium Campsite
Millenium Campsite

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

After breakfast, we begin the descent to Mweka Park Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificates. Lower elevations might be wet and muddy, but our team will be there to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can celebrate your incredible achievement. Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft Hiking Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest Meals: Breakfast

Destination: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast

TOUR PRICE/COST

We offer two pricing options:

  •   Private Tour (Sharing Price)
  • The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.

  •   Group Joining Tour
  • Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.

    Private (Shared) Price

    Pricing Notice: No activities or park fees were found for this itinerary (ID: 546). Please check the admin panel and ensure fees are selected and saved.

    PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

    Inclusions
  •  Sleeping bag or bed linen
  •  Rescue fee
  •  Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
  •  All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
  •  Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)
  •  All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
  •  All Taxes/VAT
  • Exclusions
  •  Bath towels
  •  Climbing gear
  •  International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
  •  Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  •  Tips: tipping guideline
  •  Personal items
  •  Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • The Booking Form

    RELATED FAQS ABOUT 9 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour via Northern Circuit Route

    Is the 9-day Northern Circuit Route suitable for beginners? Answer

    The 9-day Northern Circuit Route is more challenging than some other routes, requiring a good level of physical fitness and previous hiking experience at high altitudes. It is recommended for intermediate to experienced hikers who are prepared for the demanding terrain and changing weather conditions.

    What is the best time to hike the Northern Circuit Route?

    The best time for Kilimanjaro hiking via the Northern Circuit Route is during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October. These months offer clearer skies and more stable weather, providing better chances of summit success

    What is the maximum altitude reached during the 9-day hike?

    The highest point on the Northern Circuit Route is Uhuru Peak, standing at an impressive 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.

    Are there age restrictions for the Northern Circuit hike?

    While there is no specific age limit, hikekers must be at least 16 years old to join the Kilimanjaro hike. It's essential to consult with a doctor and assess your physical fitness before attempting the hike.

    What type of accommodation is provided during the hike?

    Accommodation on the Northern Circuit Route is in tents at designated campsites along the trail. These are basic camping setups, and our team will handle setting up and taking down the tents for you

    Do I need special permits for the Northern Circuit Route?

    Yes, you will need permits to hike Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route. Our hiking company will handle the permit application process on your behalf.

    Is it possible to rent hiking gear locally?

    Yes, you can rent some essential hiking gear locally, such as sleeping bags, hiking poles, and warm clothing. However, it's recommended to bring your own well-fitted and comfortable gear for a more enjoyable experience.

    How much weight can I carry during the hike?

    You will only need to carry a daypack during the hike, which typically includes essentials like water, snacks, a camera, and personal items. Porters will carry the main luggage and equipment.

    Are there any wildlife encounters during the hike?

    While the Northern Circuit Route is less frequented, encounters with wildlife are rare. However, the rainforest sections may present opportunities to spot various bird species and some wildlife.

    Are there emergency evacuation options in case of altitude sickness or other health issues?

    Yes, our hiking team is equipped to handle emergencies, including evacuations. We have trained guides who can assess and provide first aid, and evacuation plans are in place if necessary. It is crucial to inform your guide of any health concerns before the hike begins.

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