9 days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Route
Tanzania
Availability
Any DateGroup Size
1 – 6+ PeopleTour Type
PrivateTour Overview
Explore the remote and scenic northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro on an unforgettable adventure filled with diverse landscapes, peaceful trails, and breathtaking mountain views. The route offers excellent acclimatization, allowing you to gradually gain altitude while experiencing the beauty of Kilimanjaro away from the busier trails. Trek through lush rainforest, moorland, and high-altitude desert before taking on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This route is ideal for hikers looking for a quieter, scenic, and rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
Full Itinerary
Day 1
Moshi Hotel – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa (Forest Camp)
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a morning transfer from your hotel in Moshi to Londorossi Gate. After completing the park registration formalities, continue by 4WD vehicle along the forest road to the Lemosho starting point. The trek begins in the lush montane forest, where the trail winds beneath tall trees and through rich vegetation. A gradual climb leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Forest Camp, where you will settle in for the night.
Distance: 6km/3.7mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa (Forest Camp
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa (Forest Camp) to Shira 1 Camp
The trail continues through the upper forest before opening into the heath and moorland zone. Giant heathers, volcanic landscapes, and distant mountain views become increasingly prominent as you gain altitude. The route eventually reaches the western edge of the spectacular Shira Plateau, continuing toward Shira 1 Camp for an overnight stay.
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Today is a relatively gentle trek across the expansive Shira Plateau. The open landscape provides impressive views of Kilimanjaro and, when conditions are clear, Mount Meru in the distance. The gradual elevation gain is ideal for acclimatization, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while preparing for the higher sections of the Northern Circuit.
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Day 4
Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut Camp
Leaving the Shira Plateau behind, the route heads toward the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The landscape becomes drier and more rugged as you enter the alpine desert zone, with dramatic volcanic formations and wide mountain views along the way. A steady ascent brings you to Moir Hut Camp, providing an important opportunity to acclimatize before continuing around the northern circuit.
Distance: 11km/6.8mi
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Moir Hut Camp
Day 5
Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp/Pofu Camp
The journey continues through one of the more remote sections of the Northern Circuit. The trail follows the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro across a series of gradual ascents and descents, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The peaceful setting and low traffic on this section make it a memorable part of the trek before reaching Buffalo Camp, also known as Pofu Camp.
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Buffalo Camp/Pofu Camp
Day 6
Buffalo Camp/Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp
From Buffalo Camp, the trail continues eastward around the northern side of Kilimanjaro. The route passes through a stark but beautiful alpine environment, with sweeping views across the mountain and surrounding plains. Gradual changes in elevation help with acclimatization as the trek approaches Third Cave Camp, where you will spend the night.
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Third Cave Camp
Day 7
Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp
The trail climbs steadily toward School Hut Camp, located close to the summit zone. The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as you move deeper into the alpine desert, while the summit of Kilimanjaro appears closer with every step. Reaching School Hut marks the final stage before the summit attempt. The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest, an early dinner, and a briefing with your mountain guides.
Distance: 5km/3.1mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: School Hut Camp
Day 8
School Hut Camp to Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
The summit attempt begins around midnight, with the trail leading into the darkness toward the crater rim. A challenging ascent over steep scree and rocky terrain takes you to Gilman's Point, followed by the final section toward Stella Point and Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895m/19,341ft. After reaching the summit, celebrate your achievement before beginning the long descent to Mweka Camp. The dramatic change in altitude takes you from the alpine desert toward the upper forest zone.
Distance: 18km/11.2mi
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic, Alpine Desert and Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Day 9
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Moshi Hotel
The final descent takes you through the cool, lush montane forest toward Mweka Gate. The trail becomes easier as you lose altitude, with thicker vegetation marking the end of the high-altitude environment. At the gate, complete the park procedures and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. A private transfer will then take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-earned rest.
Distance: 10km/6.2mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight: Moshi Hotel
Included
- 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Moshi
- Mountain Tent Accommodation
- Professional and Experienced Mountain Guides
- All Park Fees
- Rescue Fees
- All Meals on the Mountain
- Arrival & Departure Transfers
- Camping Equipment
- Sleeping Mattress
- Dining Tent with Tables and Chairs
- Fresh, Healthy and Nutritious Meals
- Purified Drinking Water
- Safety and Emergency Support
Not Included
- Tanzania Visa: $50 / $100 (American residents) per person on arrival at airport
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
- Tips and any items of personal nature
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