Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route 9 Days

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented.

Accommodation at Panama Garden Resort
Meals
Breakfast

The Northern Circuit Route 9 days begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, which is also the starting point for the Lemosho Route. The drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate typically takes about three hours, while the journey from Arusha is considerably longer.

Upon arrival at Londorossi Gate, you’ll complete registration with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. From there, you will be transported further up the mountain to the trailhead. Most tour operators provide a lunch stop before commencing the brief first-day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 meters). As you trek through the lush rainforest toward your first campsite, you may have the chance to encounter large wildlife, such as elephants and buffalo, which occasionally wander onto the trail. Upon reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp, you will be served a hearty dinner and can unwind after the day’s trek.

Elevation:2,100 m to 2,750m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals
Full board
 

On the third day, the trek takes you across the expansive Shira Plateau, moving from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. For those on a nine-day trek, the night is spent at Shira Camp 2, where you’ll converge with trekkers following the Machame Route. While at Shira Camp 2, it’s highly recommended to ascend a bit further up the plateau to take in the breathtaking views of the valley below and the imposing Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The Shira Plateau is exposed, so prepare for a cold night as temperatures can drop below zero.

Note: Trekkers on the eight-day route will continue eastward, ascending the Shira Plateau ridge towards the Lava Tower at 4,600 meters, before descending via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters.

Elevation: 3,540m to 3,800m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland and rocky.

On day four, you’ll embark on a challenging trek eastward, passing through the renowned ‘Garden of the Senecios’ before entering the high alpine desert zone. The morning will be dedicated to ascending towards Lava Tower, where you’ll encounter the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at an elevation of 4,600 meters. Here, you’ll pause for a well-deserved lunch. Post-lunch, the trek continues as you join the Northern Circuit, descending to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This day is crucial for your acclimatization, as you’ll experience high altitude and then descend to a lower elevation for overnight rest—an essential aspect of adapting to the altitude on Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: 3,850m to 4,200m
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert

Day five begins with a moderately steep ascent out of Moir Valley. For those seeking an extra challenge, a short detour offers the opportunity to summit Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. The route then navigates a series of inclines and declines, meandering around the northern slopes of Kibo en route to Buffalo Camp, situated at 4,020 meters. This leg of the trek provides breathtaking vistas of the plains stretching north of Kilimanjaro, extending to the Kenyan-Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp shortly after midday, where a well-earned lunch awaits, followed by time to rest and recover from the day’s exertions.

Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 12 km
Zone: High alpine zone

Meals
Full Board

As the journey continues, we ascend Buffalo Ridge and descend towards Pofu Camp, where a nourishing lunch will be served. This less-traveled route offers an authentic mountain wilderness experience, far from the more frequented paths. Trekking through remote valleys along the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, we immerse ourselves in the solitude and raw beauty of the landscape. By afternoon, we will reach the secluded Third Cave, a tranquil resting spot nestled within this rugged terrain.

Keep on Northern circuit Route 9  Days, 8 nights on the mountain.

Elevation:4,020m to 3,800m
Distance: 8km
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone

Meals
Full Board

Today’s journey involves a steady ascent over the iconic Saddle, the expansive plateau nestled between the majestic peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The trail continues southwest, guiding you towards School Hut, where an early dinner will be served. It’s essential to rest well, as you’ll be awakened before midnight to begin your summit attempt. Be sure to prepare all necessary gear in advance, including warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera, before settling in for the night.

Keep on Northern circuit Route 9  Days, 8 nights on the mountain.

Elevation:3,800m to 4,800m
Distance: 15km
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone

Meals
Full Board

Around 11:30 PM, you’ll be awakened with hot tea and biscuits to begin the challenging ascent up the steep slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first checkpoint will be Hans Meyer Cave, where you’ll take a brief rest. As the climb intensifies, you’ll approach Gilman’s Point at 5,681 meters, approximately 5-6 hours after departing from School Hut. Pause to take in the breathtaking dawn and the panoramic views of Mawenzi Peak, but keep in mind that the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, still lies ahead. Draw on your inner reserves for the remaining 2-hour trek.

As the slope levels out, you’ll traverse westward along the crater rim, aiming to reach the summit at or just after sunrise. Your time at Uhuru Peak will be short, so capture as many photos as possible of the awe-inspiring vistas and the surrounding glaciers. Afterward, you’ll retrace your steps along the crater rim to Stella Point at 5,739 meters before descending the scree-covered slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp at 4,680 meters.

Most trekkers take a short break at Barafu Camp before continuing the descent to Millennium Camp at 3,950 meters for your final night on Kilimanjaro. With a total trekking time of 14-16 hours on day eight, it’s crucial to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and maintain your energy levels.

Note: Some tour operators may guide you back via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.

Elevation: 4,800m to 5,895m to 3,950m
Distance: 16 km
Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some gifts shop before heading to the airport.

*You can extend your stay by going to  safari or relaxing on Zanzibar beach and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania

Meals: Breakfast Included