9 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

The 9 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most comprehensive route to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. Renowned for its exceptional acclimatization profile, breathtaking scenery, and the highest summit success rates on Mount Kilimanjaro, this route is the ideal choice for climbers who want to maximize their chances of reaching Uhuru Peak while enjoying a quieter and more remote trekking experience.

Beginning on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, the Northern Circuit gradually circles the remote northern slopes of the mountain before approaching the summit from the east. Unlike other routes, which become crowded as they merge together, the Northern Circuit remains peaceful for much of the journey, allowing climbers to fully appreciate the mountain’s untouched beauty.

The route passes through five distinct ecological zones, including dense rainforest, heathland, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone. Every day reveals a different landscape, from ancient volcanic formations and giant groundsels to endless alpine plains and spectacular glacier views.

At Wakati Safari Adventure, we believe climbing Kilimanjaro should be about more than simply reaching the summit. It should be a safe, enjoyable, and life-changing journey. Our experienced mountain guides, dedicated porters, and professional support team work together to ensure every climber enjoys the highest standards of safety, comfort, and personal attention throughout the expedition.

Route Overview

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Route: Northern Circuit Route

Starting Point: Londorossi Gate

Ending Point: Mweka Gate

Highest Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895 metres)

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

Accommodation: Mountain Camping

Summit Success Rate: Excellent

Best Climbing Seasons

• January to March
• June to October
• December

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?

The Northern Circuit is widely considered the best route on Mount Kilimanjaro for climbers who value safety, scenery, and a high probability of reaching the summit.

Its longer itinerary allows your body to acclimatize naturally to increasing altitude, greatly reducing the risk of altitude sickness. The route also provides unmatched scenery, including panoramic views across Kenya, Mount Meru, the Shira Plateau, and Kilimanjaro’s remote northern wilderness.

Because relatively few climbers choose this route, you will spend much of your journey enjoying peaceful trails away from larger groups.

For those seeking the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience, the Northern Circuit offers everything—beautiful landscapes, excellent acclimatization, fewer crowds, and one of the highest summit success rates on the mountain.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation

• Start: 2,100 metres
• Camp: 2,820 metres

Distance: Approximately 6 Kilometres

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with an early morning departure from Moshi or Arusha after breakfast.

The drive to Londorossi Gate takes you through coffee plantations, rural villages, and beautiful mountain scenery before arriving at Kilimanjaro National Park.

After registration and meeting your mountain crew, a short vehicle transfer brings you to the Lemosho trailhead.

Today’s hike passes through lush rainforest filled with towering trees, colourful flowers, moss-covered branches, and fresh mountain air.

Keep watch for black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and numerous colourful bird species that inhabit the forest.

The trail climbs gradually toward Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp.

Upon arrival, your mountain crew will have your tents prepared while a freshly cooked dinner awaits.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation

• Start: 2,820 metres
• Camp: 3,505 metres

Distance: Approximately 8 Kilometres

Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours

After breakfast, the trail leaves the rainforest behind and enters the heath and moorland zone.

The scenery changes dramatically as giant heather, volcanic rocks, and open mountain landscapes replace dense forest.

Throughout the day you will enjoy magnificent views of Mount Meru and the expansive plains stretching below.

Eventually you arrive at Shira 1 Camp, situated on the western edge of the beautiful Shira Plateau.

Relax while watching the sunset over one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

Elevation

• Start: 3,505 metres
• Camp: 4,200 metres

Distance: Approximately 11 Kilometres

Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours

Today’s hike crosses the impressive Shira Plateau before gradually ascending toward Moir Hut.

This section of the mountain is known for its striking volcanic scenery, giant groundsels, and panoramic views.

The steady ascent allows your body to continue acclimatizing while enjoying one of Kilimanjaro’s most peaceful areas.

If time and energy allow, you may take a short acclimatization walk on nearby ridges before returning to camp.

Your guides will continue monitoring your health throughout the day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Moir Hut

Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Elevation

• Start: 4,200 metres
• Camp: 4,020 metres

Distance: Approximately 12 Kilometres

Hiking Time: 6–7 Hours

Today marks the beginning of the famous Northern Circuit.

The trail leaves the more popular climbing routes behind as you head north around the mountain.

This remote section offers spectacular views across Kenya while the dramatic northern slopes stretch into the distance.

The descent to Buffalo Camp follows the important “climb high, sleep low” principle, giving your body additional time to acclimatize.

Few climbers visit this side of Kilimanjaro, making it one of the quietest and most peaceful parts of the mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Buffalo Camp

Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Elevation

• Start: 4,020 metres
• Camp: 3,870 metres

Distance: Approximately 8 Kilometres

Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours

After breakfast, you continue traversing Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes.

Today’s relatively gentle hike provides another valuable acclimatization opportunity while offering uninterrupted views across the Kenyan plains.

The unique volcanic landscape, fresh mountain air, and peaceful surroundings create an unforgettable hiking experience.

Upon arriving at Third Cave Camp, you’ll have time to relax before dinner while enjoying another beautiful sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Third Cave Camp

Day 6: Third Cave Camp to School Hut

Elevation

• Start: 3,870 metres
• Camp: 4,800 metres

Distance: Approximately 15 Kilometres

Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours

Today’s climb gradually ascends toward School Hut, your final campsite before the summit attempt.

As you gain altitude, vegetation becomes increasingly sparse until only volcanic rock and alpine desert remain.

The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing your equipment for summit night.

Your guides will carefully review safety procedures, clothing, hydration, and pacing before encouraging everyone to sleep early.

Around midnight, your summit adventure begins.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: School Hut

Day 7: School Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Millennium Camp

Elevation

• Summit: 5,895 metres
• Overnight: 3,820 metres

Distance: Approximately 16 Kilometres

Hiking Time: 11–15 Hours

Shortly after midnight, your summit climb begins beneath an incredible blanket of stars.

The trail climbs steadily toward Gilman’s Point before continuing around the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak.

Watching sunrise illuminate Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and the endless African plains is one of the most unforgettable moments of the expedition.

Eventually you stand at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 metres above sea level.

Celebrate your remarkable achievement, take photographs, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery before beginning your descent.

After returning to School Hut for a short rest, continue descending to Millennium Camp where the richer oxygen helps your body recover after summit day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Millennium Camp

Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Camp

Elevation

• Start: 3,820 metres
• Camp: 3,100 metres

Distance: Approximately 10 Kilometres

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours

Today’s descent takes you back into Kilimanjaro’s beautiful rainforest.

The air becomes noticeably warmer while colourful vegetation and birds gradually return.

The relaxed pace allows your body to recover after the previous day’s challenging summit climb.

Spend the evening celebrating your success with your mountain crew while enjoying your final dinner on the mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation

• Start: 3,100 metres
• Finish: 1,640 metres

Distance: Approximately 10 Kilometres

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours

After breakfast, your final descent continues through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest.

The peaceful forest provides one last opportunity to appreciate the incredible biodiversity that surrounds Africa’s highest mountain.

Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will complete the exit formalities before receiving your official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate.

Your driver will then transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Although your climb has come to an end, the memories of standing atop Africa’s highest mountain and the friendships formed throughout the journey will remain with you for a lifetime.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Package Includes

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro National Park
• Professional English-speaking mountain guides
• Assistant mountain guides
• Experienced mountain porters
• Professional mountain cook
• Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees
• Camping fees
• Rescue fees
• High-quality mountain tents
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Sleeping mattress
• Three freshly prepared meals daily
• Boiled, filtered, and treated drinking water
• Daily health monitoring using pulse oximeter
• Emergency oxygen cylinder
• Comprehensive first aid kit
• Government taxes and VAT
• Official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate

Package Excludes

• International and domestic flights
• Tanzania Visa
• Travel and high-altitude evacuation insurance
• Sleeping bag (available for hire)
• Personal hiking equipment
• Tips for guides, porters, and cook
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Personal expenses
• Laundry services
• Accommodation before and after the climb unless included in your chosen package

Recommended Packing List

To ensure a safe and comfortable climb, every climber should bring waterproof hiking boots, thermal base layers, fleece jackets, insulated outerwear, waterproof jacket and trousers, warm gloves, woollen hat, sun hat, sunglasses with UV protection, trekking poles, a headlamp with spare batteries, refillable water bottles or a hydration system, sunscreen, lip balm, toiletries, personal medication, and a four-season sleeping bag. Layering your clothing is essential because temperatures vary greatly between the rainforest at the base of the mountain and the freezing conditions near the summit.

Why Choose Wakati Safari Adventure?

At Wakati Safari Adventure, we understand that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of life’s greatest achievements. Our experienced guides are trained in high-altitude safety, wilderness first aid, and emergency response, ensuring you receive professional support throughout your expedition. We provide nutritious meals, quality camping equipment, daily health checks, and personalised attention to help maximise both your safety and summit success. Our dedicated team is passionate about sharing the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro while ensuring every climber enjoys a memorable, comfortable, and rewarding journey. From your arrival in Tanzania to your celebration at Uhuru Peak and your return to the hotel, we are committed to making your Northern Circuit adventure an experience you will treasure for the rest of your life.