9 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing via Northern Circuit Route

Commence on a 9 day journey conquering Kilimanjaro majestic heights via the Northern Circuit

9 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour via Northern Circuit Route

The 9 days Northern Circuit Route is a thrilling adventure that takes climbers through some of Tanzania most stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. This lesser-known route offers a longer and more gradual ascent, maximizing acclimatization and increasing the chances of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tour Highlights:

  • Day 1 : Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp
  • Day 2 : Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
  • Day 3 : Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
  • Day 4 : Shira 2 Camp to Moir Huts via Lava Tower
  • Day 5 : Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp
  • Day 6 : Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
  • Day 7 : Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp
  • Day 8 : School Huts to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp
  • Day 9 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
  • Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp

    Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp

    Your adventure starts as you finish the required paperwork at the Londorossi gate and then head to the Lemosho trailhead. Enjoy a tasty lunch before you begin your climb through lush, untouched forests, where you might even see Colobus monkeys. The trail goes up and down, sometimes getting steep, leading you to the first camp, Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa), after climbing for 2-3 hours.

    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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

    Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

    Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

    Leave the forest behind and climb through an area with tall heather plants and volcanic rocks. This day involves a whole day of going uphill across the green rolling hills under the Shira Plateau. Shira is one of Kilimanjaro's volcanic hills. Once you reach the edge of the plateau, you'll get amazing views of Kibo, the top part. It takes 5-6 hours of climbing to get to Shira 1 Camp.

    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 to Shira 2 Camp

    Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

    Cross the wide Shira Plateau and optionally go up Shira Cathedral (3,880m), one of the tallest flat areas on Earth. The day ends with a slow climb to Shira 2 Camp. The climb takes around 3 hours without the extra trip, plus an added hour for a climb to Shira Cathedral to help you acclimate.

    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 Huts via Lava Tower

    Shira 2 Camp to Moir Huts via Lava Tower

    Today's climb takes you up and over the long ridge lines of the high desert to Lava Tower. It takes about 4-5 hours to climb to the bottom of the tower, which is a 300-foot-tall volcanic rock. From there, go northwest and start walking around Kibo, the beautiful summit part. Moir Huts is a camp that's not often used, and it offers views over the Shira Plateau. You'll be climbing for a total of about 6-7 hours. Or, if you like, you can explore the Lent Group nearby in the afternoon.

    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 Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp

    Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp

    Go further into the bare alpine desert today. Optionally, take a short side trip to the top of Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for amazing views before continuing to Buffalo Camp. The whole climb takes around 5-7 hours and covers a distance of 12km.

    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 Third Cave Camp

    Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

    Keep moving ahead, crossing valleys and climbing ridges, through the alpine desert and moorland, as you keep going around to the east. This route is not used as much, so you can enjoy the huge mountain wilderness in peace. It takes about 5-7 hours of climbing today.

    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 Camp to School Hut Camp

    Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp

    Climb steadily to get to the saddle, a space that looks like the moon, between the tops of Kibo and Mawenzi. Then, keep going up to reach School Hut Campsite early in the afternoon. Rest and prepare for your final climb to the summit, which you'll start in the early hours of the next morning. It takes about 4-5 hours of climbing because of the high altitude and steep paths.

    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 Huts to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp

    School Huts to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp

    Start the last climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, around midnight. The next six hours will be spent climbing using your flashlight for light. The hardest part is going up to the edge of the crater, with steep turns and a rocky area called Jamaica Rocks. Celebrate when you reach the top, then come down to Mweka Camp via Barafu Camp. It takes about 6 hours to come down, and you'll be on new paths.

    Destination: School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Mweka camp

    Accommodation: Mweka Campsite

      public camp site

    Mweka Campsite
    Mweka Campsite
    Mweka Campsite
    Mweka Campsite
    Mweka Campsite Kilimanjaro
    Mweka Campsite Kilimanjaro
    Mweka Campsite Kilimanjaro
    Mweka Campsite Kilimanjaro
    Mweka Campsite Kilimanjaro
    Mweka Campsite Kilimanjaro

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

    Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

    Go down to the gate through the green forest, which takes 2-3 hours, and keep an eye out for monkeys as you walk. From Mweka Village, you'll be taken to your hotel in Moshi, where you can celebrate your amazing achievement of making it to the top of Kilimanjaro.

    Destination: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

    Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking water

    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

    No of pax Adult Child
    1 pax $2,224  pp $1,668  pp
    2–4 pax $2,199  pp $1,649  pp
    5–9 pax $2,174  pp $1,631  pp
    10–15 pax $2,149  pp $1,612  pp

    Group joining price

    AdultChild
    $2,199  pp $1,649  pp

    PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

    Inclusions
  •  Sleeping bag or bed linen
  •  Rental vehicle
  •  Rescue fee
  •  A professional driver/guide
  •  All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
  •  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
  •  Tips: tipping guideline
  • Exclusions
  •  Bath towels
  •  Climbing gear
  •  Roundtrip airport transfer
  •  All flights during the tour
  •  International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
  •  Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  •  Personal items
  •  Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • The Booking Form

    RELATED FAQS ABOUT 9 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing via Northern Circuit Route

    1. Q: Is the 9 days Northern Circuit Route suitable for beginners?

    A: While the Northern Circuit is less steep and offers better acclimatization, it's still a challenging climb. Prior climbing experience and good physical fitness are recommended.

    2. Q: What's the best time to undertake the Northern Circuit climb?

    A: The best times are from January to February and June to October. These months offer clearer skies and milder weather, maximizing the chances of a successful summit.

    3. Q: How cold does it get during the climb?

    A: Temperatures vary significantly with altitude. At the summit, temperatures can drop to -15°C to -25°C (5°F to -13°F) during the night. Proper gear, including warm clothing, is essential.

    4. Q: Are permits required for the Northern Circuit Route?

    A: Yes, a permit is mandatory to climb Kilimanjaro. Your climbing agency will handle the permits on your behalf.

    5. Q: Are there accommodation facilities along the Northern Circuit?

    A: The route includes camping at designated campsites. climbers will be provided with tents and basic amenities.

    6. Q: How difficult is the summit day?

    A: Summit day is physically and mentally demanding due to the high altitude and steep ascent. However, the slow pace and experienced guides ensure a safe journey to the Uhuru Peak.

    7. Q: What is the group size for the Northern Circuit climb?

    A: The group size can vary depending on the climbing company, but it's generally small to provide personalized attention and better chances of success.

    8. Q: How safe is the Northern Circuit Route?

    A: The Northern Circuit is considered one of the safest routes on Kilimanjaro. Experienced guides, proper acclimatization, and support staff ensure climbers' safety throughout the journey.

    9. Q: Can I extend my climb or customize the itinerary?

    A: Customizing the itinerary might be possible with some climbing companies. Extensions can include additional days for better acclimatization or visiting nearby attractions like Ngorongoro Crater.

    10. Q: Do I need to hire a porter for the climb?

    A: While it's not mandatory, hiring a porter is highly recommended. They can carry your heavy gear, allowing you to focus on the climb and increase your chances of success.

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