Explore 9 Days Northern Circuit Route

Overview

Climbing the highest mountain in Africa on the Northern Circuit route is a draw card for any avid trekker, but especially with a full moon summit! Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m), fondly known as Kili, being a free-standing mountain commands panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Having nine days to acclimatise and encountering limited numbers of fellow trekkers, this route is truly remote and one for the trekking enthusiast. Commencing from the western side, catch a glimpse of Mt Meru floating on the clouds from the Shira Plateau before traversing the less visited northern flanks to enjoy fabulous vistas across vast Kenyan lowlands. Then, approaching the summit from the east in the light of the full moon, experience the tremendous feeling of space generated before standing on the top of Africa. Finally, a descent to the south completes an almost-circumnavigation of the mountain. This less-visited northern route provides opportunity for a truly remarkable adventure to the top of Kilimanjaro.

What's Included

Airport pickup & drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Pre-climb and post-climb accommodations in Moshi
Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees; all taxes included
Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks
All meals while on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
High-quality tents, sleeping mats, and trekking gear setup
Filtered drinking water throughout the trek
Fair wages for mountain crew approved by KINAPA & KIATO

What's Excluded

International flights to Tanzania
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
Travel insurance and medical coverage
Laundry and personal expenses
Optional activities outside the itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Drive to Lemosho Gate, commence climb to Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2,650 m)

Elevation: 2,100/6,890ft at Lemosho gate to 2,650m/8,694ft at Mti Mkubwa camp
Walking distance: 7km/4.35 miles
Estimate walking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: montane forest

After completing the necessary registration formalities, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho Gate roadhead. The last section of the road is of poor quality and difficult to drive after rain, sometimes we start walking a kilometre or two below the roadhead. We often have our lunch at the roadhead before starting to walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. We camp at Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2,650 m); [2-3 hours walking]

Day 2 To Shira One camp (3550m)

Elevation: 2,650m/8,694ft at Mti Mkubwa camp to 3,610m/11,844ft at Shira 1 camp
Walking distance: 7km/4.35 miles
Estimate walking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: montane forest and moorland

We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in! We camp in the centre of the plateau at “Shira One” (3,550 m). [6-7 hours walking]

Day 3 To Shira Two camp (3840m)

Elevation: 3,850m/12,631ft at Shira 2 camp to 4,600m/15,092ft at Lava Tower to 4,200m/13,780ft at Moir camp
Walking distance: 14km/8.7 miles
Estimate walking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland to high alpine

We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut (3,840 m). This campsite has stunning views, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [5-7 hours walking]

Day 4 To Moir Hut (4200m)

Elevation: 4,200m/13,780ft at Moir huts camp to 4,020m/13,189ft at Buffalo camp
Walking distance: 12km/7.5 miles
Estimate walking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High alpine

In the morning we follow the main trail up to Lava Tower, and for those feeling strong there is a possibility to climb up to the ruined hut at Arrow Glacier around 4,800m. We then continue from Lava Tower to reach our campsite at Moir Hut (4,200m). [5-7 hours walking]

Day 5 To Buffalo Camp (4,150m)

Elevation: 4,020m/13,189ft at Buffalo camp to 3,800m/12,467ft at Third Cave camp
Walking distance: 8km/5 miles
Estimate walking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High alpine to moorland

We climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Little Lent hill at 4,375 metres. After admiring the views we return to the trail and head eastwards around the northern circuit trail. Here the trail passes through a field of rock slabs that clink as they are walked on. The final section of today's walk undulates until reaching the location of Buffalo Camp (4,150m). At the camp there is a huge feeling of space as the Kenyan plains stretch out far below to the north. [4-7 hours walking]

Day 6 To Third Cave Camp (3,900m)

Elevation: 3,800m/12,467ft at Third Cave camp to 4,800m/15,748ft at School Hut
Walking distance: 10km/6.2 miles
Estimate walking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

From Buffalo Camp we climb up to the top of 'Buffalo Ridge' and drop down the other side to reach Pofu, nearby the is a small spring and some vegetation. The trail continues eastwards through a landscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp (3,900m). [5-7 hours walking]

Day 7 To School Hut Campsite (4,700m)

Elevation: 3,800m/12,467ft at Third Cave camp to 4,800m/15,748ft at School Hut
Walking distance: 10km/6.2 miles
Estimate walking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

There is a steady ascent to reach The Saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here we continue upwards and reach School Hut Campsite (4,700m) in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit day. [4-5 hours walking]

Day 8 Summit day (5,896 m) to Millenium Camp (3,800 m)

Elevation: 4,800m/15,748ft at School Hut to 5,895m/19,340ft at Uhuru, down to 3,100m/10,170ft at Mweka camp
Walking distance: 6km/3.7 miles up to summit; 12km/7.5 miles down to Mweka cam
Estimate walking time: 6-8 hours up to summit; 4-6 hours down to Mweka camp
Habitat: High alpine to arctic

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. On selected Non-Exclusive departure dates each month, the climb will be particularly beautiful as we ascend in the light of the Full Moon. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Gilmans Point (5,685 m) in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. The trail leads west along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. We retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descends down through Barafu Camp to reach Millenium Camp (3,800 m). [11-15 hours walking]

Day 9 Descend to Mweka, then to Moshi or Arusha

Walking distance: 10km/6.2 miles
Estimate walking time: 3-4 hours

A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m). Here we sign out from the national park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalizingly close!

How Much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 9 Days 8 Nights

No: of Days	1 Climber	2-4 Climber	5-7 Climber	8-10 Climber	11 + Climber
9 Days	$3,375	$2,925	$2,700	$2,475	$2,250

Following are the recommended tips to pay on the Mountain when everything works out well as agreed:

1. (Porters)Support crew - $10.00 each Support Crew per day
2. Summit Porters - $20.00 per Trip
3. Waiter - $12.00 per day
4. Tent Crew - $12.00 per day
4. Toilet Crew - $12.00 per day
4. Cook - $17.00 per day
3. Assistant Guide 20$ per day
4. Chief Guide - $25.OO per day

Why Choose Kilita Safaris?

✅ Best Price Guarantee – We offer the most competitive rates for all our tours.

✅ 24/7 Customer Support – Always available to help before, during, and after your trip.

✅ Small Groups & Private Tours – Personalized experience with attentive guides.

✅ Local Expertise – All tours organized by local Tanzanian experts for authentic experiences.

✅ Fully Customized Tours – Tailor-made trips to suit your interests, pace, and budget.

Kilimanjaro Pre-Climb Preparation

🏋️‍✅ Training for Kili Trek – Build stamina and endurance for a successful climb.

✅ How to Avoid Altitude Sickness – Tips to stay safe and enjoy the climb.

✅ Food & Drinks – Proper nutrition and hydration during your climb.

✅ Climbing Gear List – Essential items to pack for a safe and comfortable trek.

✅ Best Time to Climb – Optimal seasons for a successful and scenic ascent.

Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

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Kilimanjaro - Remote Northern Circuit 9 Days 8 Nights

Northern Circuit 9 Days

9 Days

Climbing, Hiking, Trekking

No size limit

Kilimanjaro National Park