9 Day Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Trek
- Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Route: Northern Circuit
- Highest Point: Uhuru Peak – 5,895m
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping
The 9-day Northern Circuit is an extended Kilimanjaro adventure designed to provide a gradual approach to the summit. The route crosses the scenic Lemosho forests and Shira Plateau before circling around the quieter northern slopes of the mountain. With additional time on the trail, trekkers can enjoy a slower pace, varied scenery, and valuable acclimatization before the summit attempt.
DAY 1: LEMOSHO GATE (2,100m) – MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2,650m)
Your journey begins with a private transfer from Moshi to Lemosho Gate, covering approximately 80 km.
After reaching the park entrance, complete the required registration and entry procedures while the porters organize the group’s food, camping equipment, and luggage.
Once preparations are complete, begin the first hike through the beautiful forest zone of Kilimanjaro. The trail provides a gentle introduction to the mountain as you gradually ascend through the lush surroundings.
Continue toward Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, where your tents will be prepared for the night.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: Approximately 7 km
- Elevation Gain: 550 m
- Maximum Altitude: 2,650 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2,650m) – SHIRA 1 CAMP (3,610m)
After breakfast, continue eastward as the trail gradually leaves the forest and enters the open moorland landscape.
The route climbs toward the expansive Shira Plateau, with spectacular views of Shira Cathedral and the surrounding volcanic terrain.
Cross the broad moorland meadows before arriving at Shira 1 Camp, situated at approximately 3,610m.
As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, and on clear days you may see the impressive glaciers around the Western Breach. Nighttime temperatures can be very cold at this elevation and may fall below freezing.
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 9 km
- Elevation Gain: 960 m
- Maximum Altitude: 3,610 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 3: SHIRA 1 CAMP (3,610m) – SHIRA 2 CAMP (3,850m)
Today’s trek explores more of the magnificent Shira Plateau.
The trail leads toward Shira Cathedral, a striking rock formation surrounded by steep volcanic spires and rugged pinnacles. This remote section of the mountain offers a strong sense of wilderness, particularly when clouds and afternoon mist begin to move across the plateau.
Continue through the high-altitude landscape toward Shira 2 Camp. From the area around camp, enjoy memorable views toward Mount Meru and the surrounding terrain.
The relatively moderate elevation gain today provides an excellent opportunity to continue adjusting to the increasing altitude.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: Approximately 10 km
- Elevation Gain: 240 m
- Maximum Altitude: 3,850 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 4: SHIRA 2 CAMP (3,850m) – MOIR HUT (4,200m)
Leave the Shira moorlands behind as you continue across the high-altitude Shira Caldera.
The trail gradually rises toward Shira Cave, with impressive views across the surrounding volcanic landscape and toward the Arrow Glacier area.
As you progress, the environment becomes increasingly barren and rugged, marking the transition into Kilimanjaro’s higher alpine terrain.
Continue to Moir Hut at approximately 4,200m, where you will establish camp and spend the night.
- Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
- Distance: Approximately 12 km
- Elevation Gain: 350 m
- Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 5: MOIR HUT (4,200m) – BUFFALO CAMP (4,100m)
After breakfast, climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour toward Lent Hills, reaching approximately 4,200m.
Pause to appreciate the panoramic views before returning to the main trail and continuing eastward along the remote Northern Circuit.
Today’s route passes through a rugged high-altitude environment with a series of gentle ups and downs. The final section continues toward the area of Pofu Camp before reaching Buffalo Camp.
- Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
- Distance: Approximately 12 km
- Elevation Gain: 100 m
- Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 6: BUFFALO CAMP (4,100m) – THIRD CAVE CAMP (3,800m)
Continue your journey around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro after breakfast.
From the Pofu area, the trail winds through a number of small valleys and across increasingly sparse terrain. The vegetation becomes limited as you remain in the high-altitude zone.
The route gradually descends toward Third Cave Camp, providing a shorter hiking day that allows time to recover and prepare for the higher stages ahead.
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: Approximately 8 km
- Elevation Loss: 300 m
- Maximum Altitude: 4,100 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 7: THIRD CAVE CAMP (3,800m) – SCHOOL HUT (4,800m)
Today’s trek involves a steady climb toward the Saddle, the broad and barren area positioned between Kibo and Mawenzi.
As you ascend, the vegetation gradually disappears, giving way to an impressive lunar-like landscape.
Cross the Saddle before continuing upward toward School Hut, situated at approximately 4,800m.
Arrive in the early afternoon and use the remaining hours to rest, hydrate, organize your summit gear, and prepare mentally for the demanding climb ahead.
An early night is recommended because the final ascent begins during the early hours of the following morning.
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 10 km
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 m
- Maximum Altitude: 4,800 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 8: SCHOOL HUT (4,800m) – UHURU PEAK (5,895m) – MILLENNIUM CAMP (3,950m)
Today is the summit day, bringing the most challenging and rewarding part of your Kilimanjaro journey.
Begin the ascent at approximately 1:00 AM, following a series of switchbacks over steep and loose volcanic scree.
The climb continues toward Gillman’s Point, located on the crater rim. After reaching this major milestone, take a short rest and, weather permitting, enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi Peak.
Continue around the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895m, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa.
The final section may include snow, and the route passes close to the dramatic glaciers and ice formations surrounding the summit area.
After reaching Uhuru Peak, celebrate your achievement and take photographs before beginning the descent. Retrace the crater-rim route toward Stella Point, then descend through the high-altitude terrain toward Barafu Camp.
Your porters will meet you with a packed lunch before you continue the long descent toward Millennium Camp, where you will spend the night.
- Hiking Time: 14–16 hours
- Distance: Approximately 16 km
- Elevation Gain: 1,095 m
- Elevation Loss: 1,945 m
- Maximum Altitude: 5,895 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 9: MILLENNIUM CAMP (3,950m) – MWEKA GATE (1,640m)
After breakfast, begin the final descent of your Kilimanjaro trek.
The trail drops approximately 2,310m as you make your way from Millennium Camp toward Mweka Gate. The landscape gradually changes as you lose altitude and approach the lower slopes of the mountain.
Upon reaching the Mweka Park Gate, complete the necessary exit procedures and collect your Kilimanjaro summit certificates from the park headquarters.
Your private vehicle will then meet you for the transfer back to your hotel, where you can enjoy a well-earned shower, relax, and celebrate the successful completion of your trek.
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 13.5 km
- Elevation Loss: 2,310 m
- Maximum Altitude: 3,950 m
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
- Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Route: Northern Circuit
- Starting Point: Lemosho Gate
- Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895m
- Exit Point: Mweka Gate
- Accommodation: Mountain camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner during the trek
- Key Landscapes: Rainforest, Shira Plateau, moorland, high-altitude desert, volcanic terrain, and summit zone
- Major Scenic Areas: Shira Cathedral, Shira Caldera, Lent Hills, Mawenzi, Kibo, Gillman’s Point, and Uhuru Peak
- Summit Start: Approximately 1:00 AM on Day 8
- Final Transfer: Mweka Gate to hotel by private vehicle
