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KILIMANJARO
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9 Days Northern Circuit is the longest and most successful route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers the best acclimatization profile of any standard itinerary, resulting in summit success rates of 95% or higher.
The route starts at Lemosho Gate on the western side, crosses the Shira Plateau, then continues around the remote northern slopes of Kibo before joining the summit path. Compared to shorter options such as the 7 Days Lemosho or 8 Days Lemosho, the extra days on the northern side allow excellent adaptation to altitude.
This is the ideal choice for climbers who want the highest possible chance of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) while enjoying diverse scenery and fewer crowds. It is widely regarded as the premium route on the mountain.
For preparation, see our guides on the best time to climb, packing list, and altitude sickness prevention.
Chat with our mountain specialists for dates, private vs group options, gear advice, and preparation tips. We reply quickly.
Chat on WhatsAppJoin a scheduled group or request a private trek on any date.
| Departure | Return | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Sep 2026 | 20 Sep 2026 | Available | Reserve Spot |
| 28 Sep 2026 | 06 Oct 2026 | Available | Reserve Spot |
| 15 Oct 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 | Limited | Reserve Spot |
| 02 Nov 2026 | 10 Nov 2026 | Available | Reserve Spot |
| 09 Dec 2026 | 17 Dec 2026 | Available | Reserve Spot |
| 05 Jan 2027 | 13 Jan 2027 | Available | Reserve Spot |
Private departures available any day. Message us on WhatsApp for custom dates.
Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Lemosho Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After registration and a final briefing, you start trekking through lush montane rainforest. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing your body to begin adapting. You may see colobus monkeys and a variety of birdlife. You arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) in the afternoon and settle in for your first night on the mountain.
Elevation: 2,100 m → 2,650 m · Distance: 6 km · Time: 3–4 hrs · Habitat: Rainforest · Meals: Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast you leave the forest and climb steadily through the heath and moorland zone onto the vast Shira Plateau. The landscape opens dramatically with excellent views of Kibo. You arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon. This day marks the transition into higher altitude and supports early acclimatization.
Elevation: 2,650 m → 3,610 m · Distance: 8 km · Time: 5–6 hrs · Habitat: Moorland · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A shorter acclimatization day across the Shira Plateau. You trek to Shira 2 Camp with optional afternoon walks to aid adaptation. The open plateau offers spectacular panoramic views. This extra time at moderate altitude is one of the key advantages of the Northern Circuit.
Elevation: 3,610 m → 3,850 m · Distance: 6–7 km · Time: 3–5 hrs · Habitat: Moorland · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You leave the main southern trails and begin the northern circuit. The path climbs toward the Lent Hills and continues to Moir Hut, nestled in a scenic valley. This is a quieter and more remote section of the mountain. Optional short acclimatization hikes are available in the afternoon.
Elevation: 3,850 m → 4,200 m · Distance: 9 km · Time: 5–7 hrs · Habitat: Alpine Desert · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you trek across the remote northern slopes of Kibo. The landscape is open and dramatic, with fewer climbers than the southern routes. You continue to Buffalo Camp, enjoying expansive views. This long traverse is excellent for further acclimatization.
Elevation: 4,200 m → 4,020 m · Distance: 12 km · Time: 5–7 hrs · Habitat: Alpine Desert · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You continue around the northern side of the mountain toward Third Cave Camp. The trail remains relatively quiet and offers unique perspectives of Kibo. This day further prepares your body for the higher elevations ahead.
Elevation: 4,020 m → 3,870 m · Distance: 8 km · Time: 5–6 hrs · Habitat: Alpine Desert · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You climb steadily toward School Hut (also known as Kibo School Hut), the high camp for the summit attempt on the Northern Circuit. The trail joins the standard approach near the crater. After arriving you rest, hydrate, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight departure.
Elevation: 3,870 m → 4,750 m · Distance: 5 km · Time: 4–5 hrs · Habitat: Alpine Desert · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Summit day begins around midnight. You climb slowly through the steep scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim, then continue along the crater edge to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you begin the long descent via Barafu and continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Elevation: 4,750 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m · Distance: 6 km up / 12 km down · Time: 6–8 hrs up / 5–7 hrs down · Habitat: Stone Scree & Summit · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast you complete the final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. At the gate you finish park formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Your driver meets you and transfers you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved celebration after nine days on the mountain.
Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,640 m · Distance: 10 km · Time: 3–4 hrs · Habitat: Forest · Meals: Breakfast
Deposit: 20% of the total booking amount, payable by bank transfer or card. A 5% fee applies on card payments (non-refundable).
Balance: Payable by bank transfer, card, or cash on arrival. Bank transfer is recommended 15–30 days before the tour. Card payments are accepted up to 1 day before departure.
8 days or more before departure — No cancellation fees.
0–7 days before departure — 50% of the total tour price is charged. The trek can be postponed to a new date at no extra cost. Card surcharges remain non-refundable.
Hotels
Gear
Transfers
Useful guides and information before your Kilimanjaro climb.
“The Northern Circuit was outstanding. Excellent acclimatization and we all felt strong on summit day. Highest success rate for a reason.”
“Best route on the mountain. Remote, beautiful, and perfectly paced. We reached the summit without major issues. Highly recommended.”
“Long but worth every day. The northern side is quiet and spectacular. Professional team and great organization throughout.”