9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Overview

This 9-day trek follows the scenic Northern Circuit, the longest and most rewarding route to Kilimanjaro’s summit. The route offers panoramic 360-degree views, varied landscapes including rainforest, moorlands, and alpine desert, and excellent acclimatization opportunities. It is ideal for trekkers seeking a less crowded path and a higher probability of reaching Uhuru Peak.

Highlights

• Northern Circuit trek with 360-degree views of Kilimanjaro.

• Diverse landscapes: rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, and glaciers.

• Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

• Gradual acclimatization for higher summit success.

• Experienced guides, porters, and full support along the trek.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
Depart from Arusha in the morning and drive to Lemosho Gate. After park registration, begin the trek through the lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Enjoy your first evening on the mountain, dinner, and overnight under the stars.

Elevation: 2,100 m → 2,900 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Trek continues through the rainforest before emerging onto the Shira Plateau. Enjoy spectacular western slope views of Kilimanjaro while gradually acclimatizing. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Elevation: 2,900 m → 3,500 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest → Heath and Moorland

Accommodation: Camping at Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Hike across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp. The route offers panoramic scenery, unique high-altitude vegetation, and excellent photo opportunities.

Elevation: 3,500 m → 3,750 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Accommodation: Camping at Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Moir Camp
Ascend gradually through semi-desert alpine terrain toward Moir Camp. Take in views of the Southern Icefields and surrounding landscapes.

Elevation: 3,750 m → 4,000 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Moir Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp
Continue trekking across rugged alpine terrain toward Buffalo Camp. The trail offers spectacular high-altitude scenery and opportunities to spot unique flora.

Elevation: 4,000 m → 4,200 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Buffalo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Rongai Third Cave
Follow the alpine desert trail toward Rongai Third Cave Camp. The high-altitude environment provides dramatic mountain vistas and a chance to prepare for higher camps.

Elevation: 4,200 m → 4,400 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Rongai Third Cave
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Third Cave – School Hut
Trek from Third Cave to School Hut, the final camp before the summit. This camp offers excellent views of Kibo and acclimatization in preparation for the night climb.

Elevation: 4,400 m → 4,750 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at School Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp
Begin the midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and witness sunrise from Africa’s roof. Descend via Barafu to Millennium Camp for recovery and overnight.

Elevation: 4,750 m → 5,895 m → 3,200 m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic → Rainforest

Accommodation: Camping at Millennium Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, collect your summit certificate, and transfer back to Arusha, concluding the 9-day Northern Circuit adventure.

Elevation: 3,200 m → 1,600 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Not applicable (day of departure)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Camping along the route

• Meals on the mountain (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

• Kilimanjaro park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

• Professional guides, porters, and cook team

• Transfers from/to Arusha and Lemosho Gate

• Summit certificate

Excluded

• International flights

• Tanzania visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bags, poles)

• Tips and gratuities

• Optional excursions in Arusha