9-Day Kilimanjaro Climb · Northern Circuit Route

9-Day Kilimanjaro Climb · Northern Circuit Route

The longest route, the highest summit success rate, and the quietest trail. The best of all worlds on Kilimanjaro.

TOUR OVERVIEW

The Northern Circuit is the longest and quietest route on Kilimanjaro, with the highest summit success rate of any route - over 95% with proper acclimatization. Starting from the Londorossi Gate on the western side, the route circles the northern slopes of the mountain before joining the southern circuit for the final approach. The nine-day itinerary provides the best acclimatization profile of any route, and the trail is virtually empty compared to the more popular Machame.

The longest route, the highest summit success rate, the quietest trail. The best of all worlds on Kilimanjaro.

KEY EXPERIENCES

Tour Highlights

9-day Northern Circuit itinerary - the longest and quietest route
Highest summit success rate of any route (95%+ with proper acclimatization)
Traverse of the remote northern slopes - virtually empty
Best acclimatization profile of any route on Kilimanjaro
Includes the Barranco Wall scramble
Professional mountain guide, cook, and full porter team

DAILY SCHEDULE

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Moshi

Welcome to Tanzania. Met at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your lodge in Moshi. Gear check and a thorough climb briefing with your head guide.

Stay: Moshi lodge (pre-climb briefing)
Day 02

Londorossi Gate to Shira 1 Camp

A morning drive to the Londorossi Gate (2,250m), where we complete park registration. The trail begins in lush montane forest. We climb steadily to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) on the eastern edge of the Shira Plateau.

Camp: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Day 03

Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

A gentle climb across the Shira Plateau, with stunning views of Kibo Peak. We reach Shira 2 Camp (3,900m) by early afternoon, with time to rest and acclimatize.

Camp: Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
Day 04

Shira 2 to Moir Hut

A short climb to Moir Hut (4,200m), at the base of the Lent Hills. This is a quiet corner of the mountain, with spectacular views and excellent acclimatization terrain.

Mountain hut: Moir Hut (4,200m)
Day 05

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

A steady climb through the northern slopes, with views of the northern plains. We reach Buffalo Camp (4,020m) by early afternoon, with time to rest and acclimatize.

Camp: Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Day 06

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

A steady climb around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, with views of the Mawenzi spires. We reach Third Cave (3,880m) by early afternoon.

Camp: Third Cave (3,880m)
Day 07

Third Cave to School Hut

A short climb to School Hut (4,800m), the high camp from which we will make the summit attempt. We arrive by early afternoon, with time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight departure.

Mountain hut: School Hut (4,800m)
Day 08

School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

A midnight start. We climb through the alpine desert under starlight, reach Gilman's Point (5,681m) at sunrise, and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the roof of Africa. Time for photos, then a long descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m).

Camp: Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Day 09

Mweka to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi & Departure

A final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m), where we receive summit certificates. Transfer back to your lodge in Moshi for a hot shower, a celebration dinner, and a well-earned rest. Transfer to the airport for your departure.

Departure day

What's Included

  • All airport transfers in Tanzania
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guide (Wilderness First Responder certified)
  • Assistant guides, cook, and full porter team
  • All park, rescue, and camping fees
  • Quality mountain tents and sleeping mats
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Pre-climb briefing and gear check
  • Summit certificate
  • Flying Doctor emergency evacuation insurance

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Tanzania
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel insurance (mandatory, including helicopter rescue)
  • Tips for guides, cook, and porters
  • Personal climbing gear (boots, jackets, sleeping bag - available for hire)
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Meals in Moshi (except those specified)
WhatsAppChat on WhatsApp