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Home โ€บ Kilimanjaro Treks โ€บ Northern Circuit Route

9-Days Northern Circuit Route

“The Ultimate Acclimatization Route” โ€” 9 Days Northern Circuit Route is the longest route with the highest success rate ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ 9 Days / 8 Nights ๐Ÿ“ˆ Challenging ๐Ÿ•๏ธ Camping ๐ŸŽฏ 97%
$2,950 per person

๐Ÿ“Œ Pricing varies based on group size.
Larger groups enjoy better rates. Contact us for a personalized quote.

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Day 1

Londorossi Gate โ†’ Mti Mkubwa Camp

๐Ÿ“ Londorossi Gate (2,100m) โ†’ Mti Mkubwa (2,750m)

Distance: 6 km Walking Time: 3โ€“4 hours Elevation Gain: +650m Habitat: Montane Forest

Your 9 Days Northern Circuit Route journey begins at Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete park registration. The trail winds through pristine montane forest, with towering trees and abundant birdlife. The path is gentle and shaded, making for a pleasant introduction to the mountain. You’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (“Big Tree Camp”) in the afternoon, surrounded by giant forest trees.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: Trekking through pristine montane forest with the famous “Big Tree.”
Day 2

Mti Mkubwa โ†’ Shira 1 Camp

๐Ÿ“ Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) โ†’ Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)

Distance: 8 km Walking Time: 5โ€“6 hours Elevation Gain: +860m Habitat: Forest โ†’ Heath / Moorland

Leaving the forest, the trail opens onto the Shira Plateau. The vegetation changes dramatically, with giant groundsels and lobelias appearing. Shira 1 Camp is perched on the edge of the plateau, with sweeping views of Mount Meru and the surrounding plains.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: The dramatic transition from forest to the vast Shira Plateau.
Day 3

Shira 1 โ†’ Shira 2 Camp

๐Ÿ“ Shira 1 Camp (3,610m) โ†’ Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

Distance: 7 km Walking Time: 3โ€“4 hours Elevation Gain: +240m Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert

A shorter, easier 9 Days Northern Circuit Route designed for gentle acclimatization. You’ll cross the Shira Plateau at a leisurely pace, enjoying expansive views in every direction. Shira 2 Camp sits on a rocky outcrop with commanding views of Kibo Peak โ€” a perfect spot to rest and adjust to the altitude before the days ahead.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: Panoramic views across the Shira Plateau toward Kibo Peak.
Day 4

Shira 2 โ†’ Lava Tower โ†’ Moir Hut

๐Ÿ“ Shira 2 (3,850m) โ†’ Lava Tower (4,630m) โ†’ Moir Hut (4,200m)

Distance: 11 km Walking Time: 5โ€“7 hours Elevation Gain: +780m (to Lava Tower), then -430m Habitat: Alpine Desert

A key acclimatization day using the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. You’ll hike up to Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch โ€” a dramatic volcanic rock pinnacle โ€” then descend to Moir Hut. This exposure to higher altitude followed by sleeping lower helps your body produce more red blood cells. Moir Hut is a remote camp on the northern slopes with beautiful views over the Lent Hills.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: Reaching Lava Tower โ€” the surreal 300m volcanic rock formation โ€” and the quiet solitude of Moir Hut.
Day 5

Moir Hut โ†’ Buffalo Camp

๐Ÿ“ Moir Hut (4,200m) โ†’ Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

Distance: 12 km Walking Time: 6โ€“7 hours Elevation Loss: -180m (with significant ups and downs) Habitat: Alpine Desert

A long day traversing the northern slopes of Kibo. The trail passes through the scenic Pofu Valley and climbs to Buffalo Ridge, offering spectacular views of the northern landscape. You’ll see the Kibo summit from a completely different perspective. Buffalo Camp is a wild and remote campsite with incredible views.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: Traversing Buffalo Ridge with panoramic views of Kibo’s northern face.
Day 6

Buffalo Camp โ†’ Third Cave Camp

๐Ÿ“ Buffalo Camp (4,020m) โ†’ Third Cave Camp (3,870m)

Distance: 8 km Walking Time: 4โ€“5 hours Elevation Loss: -150m Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today you continue along with 9 Days Northern Circuit Route in the remote northern circuit, passing through the beautiful Rongai Valley. The trail is less steep, allowing you to enjoy the unique landscape of the northern side of the mountain. You’ll have great views of the summit and the Kibo massif. Third Cave Camp is a peaceful campsite with views of the summit.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: The peaceful Rongai Valley with views of Kibo’s northern face.
Day 7

Third Cave Camp โ†’ School Hut

๐Ÿ“ Third Cave Camp (3,870m) โ†’ School Hut (4,800m)

Distance: 5 km Walking Time: 4โ€“5 hours Elevation Gain: +930m Habitat: Alpine Desert

A steady climb up the northern slopes to School Hut, the final camp before summit night. The trail offers incredible views and is less crowded than the southern routes. You’ll cross the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, arriving at School Hut in the afternoon. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: Crossing the Saddle with views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Day 8

School Hut โ†’ SUMMIT โ†’ Mweka Camp

๐Ÿ“ School Hut (4,800m) โ†’ Uhuru Peak (5,895m) โ†’ Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Distance: 6 km (up) + 12 km (down) Walking Time: 6โ€“8 hr up, 5โ€“7 hr down Elevation Gain: +1,095m to peak Habitat: Arctic โ†’ Ice Cap โ†’ Moorland

Summit night! You’ll wake around midnight and begin the steep ascent towards the crater rim. The trail is rocky and steep, but the sunrise from Uhuru Peak makes every step worth it. After celebrating, you descend the Mweka Route to Mweka Camp.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: Witnessing the sunrise from the Roof of Africa โ€” an unforgettable moment.
Day 9

Mweka Camp โ†’ Mweka Gate

๐Ÿ“ Mweka Camp (3,100m) โ†’ Mweka Gate (1,650m)

Distance: 10 km Walking Time: 3โ€“4 hours Elevation Loss: -1,450m Habitat: Montane Forest

Your final descent for 9 Days Northern Circuit Route through the lush rainforest. The trail is often muddy, but the joy of completing the Northern Circuit keeps spirits high. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and enjoy a celebration with your crew.

๐ŸŒŸ Highlight: Receiving your summit certificate and celebrating the achievement of a lifetime.

โœ… Included

  • โœ“ Park fees and permits
  • โœ“ All accommodations in mountain tents
  • โœ“ All meals during the trek
  • โœ“ Experienced mountain guide & assistant
  • โœ“ Porters for luggage and camping equipment
  • โœ“ Tents, sleeping mats, and camping furniture
  • โœ“ Drinking water (boiled/filtered)
  • โœ“ Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
  • โœ“ Summit certificate

โŒ Not Included

  • โœ— International flights
  • โœ— Visa fees
  • โœ— Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • โœ— Personal gear (sleeping bag, clothing)
  • โœ— Tips for guide and porters
  • โœ— Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • โœ— Hotel stays before/after the trek

Ready to Conquer Kilimanjaro?

Book your 9-day Northern Circuit trek with Exceed Expectations Tours today.

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For more details about Kilimanjaro route, visit Tanzania National Park official page. Also get more insight from wikipedia about Northern circuit route.