Northern Circuit Route – 9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb

Safari Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 9-day Kilimanjaro trek offers unmatched acclimatization and breathtaking 360° views as you traverse the northern slopes of the mountain. Known for its high success rate and low traffic, the Northern Circuit is ideal for climbers seeking a quiet, gradual ascent with the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully.

Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

– Drive from Moshi/Arusha to Londorossi Gate (2,250m)
– Begin trek through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
– Wildlife sightings possible along the trail
– Hike duration: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp

– Ascend through forest to moorland
– Cross Shira Ridge and reach Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
– Spectacular views of Mount Meru and Shira Plateau
– Hike duration: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp

– Trek across the flat Shira Plateau
– Gentle hike helps further acclimatization
– Arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
– Hike duration: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 – Lava Tower – Moir Hut

– Climb to Lava Tower (4,600m) for acclimatization
– Descend to remote Moir Hut (4,200m)
– Less crowded, beautiful and quiet area
– Hike duration: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Moir Hut

Day 5: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp

– Ascend out of Moir Valley, optional hike to Little Lent Hill (4,375m)
– Traverse northern slopes with panoramic views
– Reach Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
– Hike duration: 5–7 hours
Overnight: Buffalo Camp

Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp

– Continue through the remote northern circuit
– Pass through alpine desert toward Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
– Hike duration: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Third Cave Camp

Day 7: Third Cave – School Hut

– Final preparation day before summit
– Steady climb to School Hut (4,750m)
– Early dinner and rest before midnight summit
– Hike duration: 4–5 hours
Overnight: School Hut

Day 8: Summit – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

– Midnight summit push via Gilman’s Point
– Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the roof of Africa
– Descend via Stella Point back to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
– Hike duration: 12–14 hours
Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi/Arusha

– Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
– Receive summit certificates and drive back to hotel
– Hike duration: 3–4 hours
End of trek