Northern Circuit Route – 9 Days

9-Day Northern Circuit Route Itinerary

The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s longest route, offering excellent acclimatization, incredible scenery, and minimal crowds. This 9-day itinerary traverses the mountain’s northern slopes and increases your chances of a successful summit.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

• Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Start the trek through lush rainforest. Watch for wildlife as you make your way to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

• Elevation: 2,650m to 3,500m
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Ascend out of the forest into the moorland zone. Enjoy expansive views as you reach the Shira Plateau.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Continue across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp. This day aids acclimatization with gentle elevation gain.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, then to Moir Hut

• Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m (Lava Tower), then down to 4,200m (Moir Hut)
• Distance: 14 km
• Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Trek to Lava Tower for high-altitude exposure, then descend to Moir Hut for the night. Great for acclimatization.

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

• Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m
• Distance: 12 km
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Climb out of the Moir Valley and circle around the northern slopes with fantastic views of Kenya’s plains.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

• Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert

A gentle hike through remote alpine terrain. You’ll camp at Third Cave with fewer trekkers in sight.

Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut

• Elevation: 3,870m to 4,750m
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Gradually ascend to School Hut — your base camp for the summit. Rest early before the big climb.

Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 4,750m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100m
• Distance: 16 km
• Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
• Habitat: Arctic to rainforest

Midnight summit push via Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. Celebrate at the top, then descend to Mweka Camp.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Final descent through the lush rainforest. Receive your summit certificate and say goodbye to Kilimanjaro.

Included in the Package:

• All park entry fees and rescue fees
• Camping accommodations with tents and sleeping mats
• Three meals per day during the trek
• Drinking water and hot beverages
• Professional, English-speaking guides
• Experienced porters and cooks
• First aid kit and emergency oxygen
• Transfers to and from the trailhead

Excluded from the Package:

• International and domestic flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
• Personal hiking gear (available for rent)
• Extra hotel stays before or after the trek

Price:

Please contact us for more details and pricing.