Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Trek
9 – Day Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Trek
The 9-Day Northern Circuit Route is widely regarded as one of the best ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. As the longest and most scenic route, it offers nearly 360-degree panoramic views of the mountain, including the peaceful and rarely visited northern slopes. This extended itinerary provides excellent acclimatization, making it one of the routes with the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro.
Ideal for trekkers seeking breathtaking scenery, fewer crowds, and a rewarding trekking experience, the Northern Circuit combines spectacular landscapes with a gradual ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). If you’re looking for the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure, this is the route to choose.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,360 m (7,742 ft) to 2,895 m (9,498 ft)
Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a morning drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, approximately four hours away. After completing the park registration formalities, you’ll continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead.
From here, enjoy a gentle hike through the lush rainforest, home to towering trees, colorful birds, and playful colobus monkeys. The trail leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,895 m (9,498 ft) to 3,505 m (11,500 ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
Today’s trek gradually leaves the rainforest behind as you enter the heath and moorland zone. The trail winds through rolling hills covered with giant heather, volcanic rock formations, and unique mountain vegetation.
After crossing several streams and climbing onto the Shira Ridge, you’ll descend slightly to Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll enjoy your first spectacular views of Kibo Peak across the expansive Shira Plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,505 m (11,500 ft) to 3,810 m (12,500 ft)
Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
This is a relatively easy trekking day designed to aid acclimatization. You’ll cross the beautiful Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, surrounded by open moorland, wildflowers, and the iconic giant Senecio plants unique to Kilimanjaro.
Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 3,810 m (12,500 ft) to 4,630 m (15,190 ft)
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 8–9 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek follows the important “climb high, sleep low” principle for acclimatization. You’ll ascend steadily toward the impressive Lava Tower, a towering volcanic rock formation standing at 4,630 meters.
After lunch near Lava Tower, you’ll leave the main trail and continue to the peaceful Moir Hut, located at the base of the Lent Hills. Optional short hikes around the hills provide additional acclimatization and spectacular views of the surrounding alpine desert.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 4,140 m (13,580 ft) to 4,020 m (13,200 ft)
Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today you’ll leave the Moir Valley and hike toward Kilimanjaro’s remote northern slopes. After climbing Lent Hills, the trail traverses rocky terrain before descending gently to Buffalo Camp.
This less-traveled section offers incredible panoramic views stretching across northern Tanzania and into southern Kenya, making it one of the highlights of the Northern Circuit.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Elevation: 4,020 m (13,200 ft) to 3,870 m (12,700 ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Heath
Continue across the quiet northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, where few trekkers venture. As you follow Buffalo Ridge, you’ll pass through remote valleys and enjoy the peaceful wilderness before reaching Third Cave Camp.
This shorter trekking day provides additional acclimatization while allowing you to appreciate Kilimanjaro’s untouched northern landscapes.
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
Elevation: 3,870 m (12,700 ft) to 4,755 m (15,600 ft)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s route climbs steadily across the Saddle, a broad alpine plateau between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The trail leads to School Hut, your final campsite before the summit attempt.
After an early dinner, your guides will conduct a summit briefing before you rest in preparation for the climb to Uhuru Peak.
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Elevation: 4,755 m (15,600 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft), then down to 3,790 m (12,434 ft)
Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Around midnight, you’ll begin the final ascent under a blanket of stars. The climb is steep and demanding, but the reward is unforgettable.
Reach Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) at sunrise before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate your achievement while taking in breathtaking views of glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and endless horizons. After photos at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for breakfast before continuing to Millennium Camp, where you’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,790 m (12,434 ft) to 1,640 m (5,380 ft)
Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your final day begins with a leisurely descent through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. After completing park exit formalities, you’ll receive your official summit certificate—a lasting reminder of your incredible achievement.
Your driver will meet you at the gate for the transfer back to your hotel in Moshi. Enjoy a hot shower, relax, and celebrate your successful Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Trek.
Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?
- Highest summit success rate on Mount Kilimanjaro
- Excellent acclimatization over nine days
- Spectacular 360° panoramic mountain views
- Fewer crowds and a peaceful trekking experience
- Explores the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro
- Professional guides, quality equipment, and full safety support
- Ideal for first-time and experienced climbers alike
