🏔️ Northern Circuit Route – 9 Days to the Summit
Route Type: Camping Route (Tent Accommodation)
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights on Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Starting Point: Londorossi Gate (Western Approach)
Ending Point: Mweka Gate
Kilimanjaro’s Longest, Quietest, and Best-Acclimatized Trail
The Northern Circuit Route is the most extended trek on Mount Kilimanjaro — and arguably the most rewarding. With a full 9 days on the mountain, this route offers unmatched acclimatization, incredible panoramic scenery, and the highest summit success rate of any trail.
Starting on the remote western side at Londorossi Gate, the trail passes through Shira Plateau, skirts the north flank of the mountain, and approaches the summit from the east. It’s less crowded than Machame or Marangu, making it perfect for those who want a quiet, immersive wilderness experience with the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary (9 Days)
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
Transfer from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (~3–4 hours)
Begin trek through dense rainforest
Camp at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
Climb through moorland to reach the Shira Plateau
Stunning views of Kibo Peak and surrounding valleys
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp
Day 3: Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Cross the wide, open Shira Plateau
Acclimatization walk in the afternoon recommended
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp
Day 4: Shira 2 → Moir Hut (4,200m)
Gentle ascent through high-altitude desert
Afternoon acclimatization hike from Moir Hut (optional)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp
Day 5: Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Trek along the remote Northern Circuit with few other climbers
Stunning views of Kenya’s plains and northern glaciers
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp
Day 6: Buffalo Camp → Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
Cross several ridges with mild elevation gain and loss
Relaxing day before summit preparations
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp
Day 7: Third Cave → School Hut (4,750m)
Steady climb to School Hut Base Camp
Early dinner and rest before summit night
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp
Day 8: School Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Midnight summit push via Gilman’s Point, arriving at Uhuru by sunrise
Celebrate at the summit before descending to Mweka Camp
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp
Day 9: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi
Final descent through lush rainforest
Certificate presentation at Mweka Gate and return transfer to Moshi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (on request)
Book Climbing
✅ What’s Included
All Kilimanjaro park fees, permits, and rescue fees
Certified English-speaking guide, porters, and mountain chef
8 nights camping with quality tents, sleeping mats, and mess tent
Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and drinking water
Oxygen cylinder, first aid kit, and pulse oximeter
Transport to/from Londorossi and Mweka gates
❌ What’s Not Included
Pre- and post-trek hotel accommodation in Moshi (available on request)
Personal trekking gear (clothing, poles, headlamp, boots)
Tipping for mountain crew
Snacks and personal expenses
Travel and evacuation insurance (required)