9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Route

9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Route

The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest route, offering excellent acclimatization and the highest summit success rate. It begins along the Lemosho Route for two days before branching off to circle the remote northern slopes of the mountain. The summit is approached via Gilman’s Point, followed by a descent along the Mweka Route, shared with the Machame and Lemosho trails.

This route is ideal for trekkers looking for a quieter, more scenic experience with fewer crowds and more time to adjust to the altitude. The gradual ascent, panoramic views, and opportunity to explore the rarely visited northern side of Kilimanjaro make the Northern Circuit a truly unique and rewarding adventure.

9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Route

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)

Your journey begins at Londorossi Gate, where you’ll register with park authorities before being driven further up to the trailhead at 2,360m. The trek starts with a gentle walk through lush rainforest, where you may spot wildlife such as buffalo or even elephants. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and overnight stay.

  • Distance: ~5.5 km / 3 mi

  • Trekking time: 3–4 hours

  • Zone: Rainforest

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610m)

Today’s trek climbs out of the rainforest and enters the heath and moorland zone. The trail steadily ascends onto the Shira Plateau, offering expansive views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding wilderness. The night is spent at Shira Camp 1.

  • Distance: ~8 km / 5 mi

  • Trekking time: 5–6 hours

  • Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3,610m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850m)

Cross the Shira Plateau, a vast, high-altitude landscape. At Shira Camp 2, you’ll join climbers from the Machame Route. In the afternoon, you may take a short acclimatization hike to enjoy panoramic views of the Western Breach and valleys below.

  • Distance: ~7 km / 4 mi

  • Trekking time: 3–4 hours

  • Zone: Low Alpine Zone

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3,850m) to Moir Camp (4,200m) via Lava Tower (4,600m)

A long acclimatization day. The route passes through the “Garden of the Senecios” before reaching Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation. After lunch at Lava Tower, descend into Moir Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” day is key for acclimatization.

  • Distance: ~14 km / 8 mi

  • Trekking time: 5–7 hours

  • Zone: Low & High Alpine

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Moir Camp (4,200m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

Begin with a steep ascent out of Moir Valley. Optional detour to Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for acclimatization. The trail then undulates across Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, with sweeping views toward Kenya, before reaching Buffalo Camp.

  • Distance: ~12 km / 7 mi

  • Trekking time: 5–7 hours

  • Zone: High Alpine

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800m)

The day starts with a climb over Buffalo Ridge before descending into Porfu Camp for lunch. The trail continues east along the northern flanks of Kibo, finishing at Rongai Third Cave Camp. By now, your body should be well-adjusted to altitude.

  • Distance: ~8 km / 5 mi

  • Trekking time: 5–7 hours

  • Zone: High Alpine

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Third Cave (3,800m) to School Hut (4,800m)

Today’s trek ascends steadily across the Saddle, a barren alpine desert that lies between Kibo and Mawenzi. You’ll arrive at School Hut in the afternoon, have an early dinner, and rest before the summit push. Prepare all gear before bed — you’ll start before midnight.

  • Distance: ~15 km / 8 mi

  • Trekking time: 4–5 hours

  • Zone: High Alpine & Glacial

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8: School Hut (4,800m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3,790m)

Summit day! Wake around 11:30 pm for tea and biscuits before starting the steep ascent. Trek past Hans Meyer Cave, then up to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim by sunrise. Continue for 1–2 more hours to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. After photos and celebration, descend to Barafu Camp for a break, then continue down to Millennium Camp.

  • Distance: ~6 km / 3.5 mi ascent, ~10.5 km / 6.5 mi descent

  • Trekking time: 12–16 hours total

  • Zone: Glacial Zone & all preceding zones

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 9: Millennium Camp (3,790m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

The final descent leads through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here you’ll sign out with park authorities and receive your summit certificate. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha for a well-deserved shower and celebration.

  • Distance: ~10 km / 6.5 mi

  • Trekking time: 3–4 hours

  • Zone: Rainforest

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

From $2,840 Per Person Sharing

Inclusive & Exclusive

Trekking Includes

  • High quality mountain sleeping tents.
  • 2 Nights accommodation
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
  • All Park fees
  • Rescue fees
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Arrival and Departure transfers
  • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs:
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
  • Clean, purified drinking water:
  • Crisis management and safety procedures:
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
  • Sleeping Mattress

Trekking Exclusive

  • Tanzania Visa: $50 / $100 (American residents) per person on arrival at airport
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not listed above
  • Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
  • Tips and any items of personal nature.

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