9-Day Northern Circuit Route Trek
trip overview
Africa's highest peak, by its longest, quietest route.
The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, starting on the quiet western side and then curving around the remote northern slopes before the summit push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. The slow, gradual profile gives your body plenty of time to adjust, and you'll enjoy far fewer crowds. You'll be supported by experienced guides, porters and a cook throughout, descending to Mweka Gate.
Trip Highlights
day-by-day itinerary
Where you walk, how high you climb, and where you sleep each night.
You'll camp at Mti Mkubwa on Night 1, Shira 1 on Night 2, Moir Hut on Night 3, Buffalo Camp on Night 4, Third Cave on Night 5, School Hut on Night 6, Millennium Camp on Night 7 and Mweka Camp on Night 8. Hours and distances are approximate and depend on your pace and the conditions.
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, your guide collects you from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and drives you to Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain, where you register with the park and meet your crew. A short drive on to the Northern Circuit trailhead follows, and you begin walking through lush montane rainforest, with a chance of spotting colobus monkeys and birdlife.
You'll arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in the late afternoon, where your tent is set up and dinner is served.
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
You'll leave the rainforest behind as the trail climbs steadily through heather and into open moorland. The pace is slow and steady to help your body adjust to the altitude, and views begin to open up across the Shira Plateau.
You'll reach Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon, with time to rest and enjoy the sunset over the plateau.
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut Camp
Today you'll leave the main Shira trails and head north-east across the Shira Plateau, passing beneath the Shira Cathedral. This is where the Northern Circuit begins to separate from the busier routes, and the landscape becomes open, quiet and remote.
You'll reach Moir Hut Camp in the afternoon, set in a peaceful valley with a long rest before dinner.
Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp
You'll climb over the Lent Hills and then descend towards the north-eastern side of the mountain, one of the least-visited parts of Kilimanjaro. Climbing high and sleeping lower helps your body adjust.
You'll arrive at Buffalo Camp in the late afternoon, with wide views across the northern slopes.
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Today you'll traverse the northern slopes of Kibo, with wide views across the plains towards the Kenyan border. The trail is rarely busy, and the long, steady day gives your body more time at altitude.
You'll arrive at Third Cave Camp in the afternoon for dinner and a good night's sleep.
Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp
You'll climb steadily through stark alpine desert to School Hut Camp, your base for the summit push. It's a shorter day, so you'll have time to rest.
You'll have an early dinner and a few hours of sleep, with your guide briefing you on the night ahead.
School Hut Camp to Uhuru Peak and Millennium Camp
You'll be woken around 11 pm for tea and a light snack, then set off in the dark for the summit. The climb up the steep scree to Gilman's Point is the hardest part of the trek, and you'll reach the crater rim around sunrise.
From there you'll continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After time at the summit, you'll descend to Millennium Camp for your night on the mountain.
Millennium Camp to Mweka Camp
After a well-earned sleep, you'll descend through alpine moorland towards the forest line, with the summit now far above you. The walk is gentle and a chance to relax and celebrate with your crew.
You'll reach Mweka Camp in the afternoon for your last night on the mountain.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate — Trek Ends
After breakfast, you'll walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate if you reached Stella Point or Uhuru Peak, and say goodbye to your crew.
You'll have lunch at the gate before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your trek.
what's included
Exactly what's covered — and what isn't.
- Licensed English-speaking mountain guide and assistant guides
- Porters and a mountain cook
- 8 nights camping on the mountain, with sleeping tents and a mess tent
- All meals on the mountain, as listed above
- Drinking water on the mountain
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping & rescue fees
- Transfers between your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and the park gates
- International flights
- Travel & medical insurance (required)
- Tips for your mountain crew — we'll share a guideline before the climb
- Personal climbing gear — ask us about rental options
- Hotel nights before or after the trek
- Meals in town and drinks not listed above
- Souvenirs & personal expenses
Important to know before booking
- Additional hotel accommodation before and after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost — ask us when booking if you need a night either side.
- You'll sleep in tents at designated camps, with a foam mattress provided by us. Facilities on the mountain are basic, so bring your own warm sleeping bag.
- The 9-day Northern Circuit is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, with a slow, gradual profile that gives your body the most time to adjust and a strong chance of reaching the summit.
- Summit night is long and cold, with temperatures well below freezing — warm layers, a headlamp and good boots are essential.
- Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 m is required for all climbers.
- A Tanzania e-Visa is required for most nationalities — apply at immigration.go.tz at least 3 weeks before travel.
- A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on your transit country. Reaching the summit depends on weather, altitude and fitness and cannot be guaranteed.
what to bring
Your packing list for the climb.
The trek passes from warm rainforest to freezing summit conditions, so layers are the key. Here's what to pack for the 9 days.
- Moisture-wicking base layers, top and bottom
- 2–3 quick-dry t-shirts and hiking trousers
- Fleece or insulated mid layer
- Warm down or synthetic jacket for summit night
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm hat and a sun hat or cap
- Neck gaiter or buff and UV sunglasses
- Thin liner gloves and warm waterproof gloves
- Waterproof hiking boots, already broken in
- Wool or synthetic hiking socks, plus warm socks for camp
- Headlamp with spare batteries — essential for summit night
- Trekking poles
- Daypack (25–35 L) with rain cover
- Soft duffel bag for the porters to carry
- Warm sleeping bag for freezing temperatures
- 2–3 litres of water bottles or a hydration bladder
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Personal first aid kit, blister plasters and any prescription medication
- Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and toilet paper
- Energy bars and snacks you enjoy
- Power bank and camera
- Quick-dry towel and toiletries
- Passport and Tanzania e-Visa
- Travel insurance details covering trekking to 6,000 m
- Yellow fever certificate, if required
- Small US dollar notes for crew tips
- Printed or saved copies of your documents
- Camp shoes or light sandals for the campsites
- Warm layers for evenings, which get cold from Shira upwards
- Earplugs for windy nights in camp
- A book, journal or cards for the evenings
- Zip-lock or dry bags to keep gear dry
Packing tips
- Your main bag is carried by the porters, while you carry only your daypack. Pack the main bag in a soft duffel, and we'll confirm the weight limit when you book.
- Dress in layers: the trek moves from warm rainforest to freezing summit conditions, so being able to add and remove layers matters more than any one item.
- Ask us if you'd rather rent some of the heavier items, such as a sleeping bag, jacket or trekking poles, than bring them.
pricing
What you'll pay — no hidden extras.
| Option | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9-day Northern Circuit Route trek 8 nights camping, all meals on the mountain, park fees included | $3,300 | Per person |
Payment & extras
A deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due before departure. Full terms are on our booking policy page.
Additional hotel accommodation before or after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost.
Ready to climb Kilimanjaro?
Reach out and we'll confirm availability for your dates and send you a full quote.
frequently asked questions
Questions we get asked most often.
The trek starts at Londorossi Gate on Day 1, with a pick-up from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, and ends at Mweka Gate on Day 9 before you are driven back to your hotel.
You'll sleep in tents at mountain camps: Mti Mkubwa, Shira 1, Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, Third Cave, School Hut, Millennium and Mweka. Our crew sets up and takes down camp each day.
The route is long but gradual, with no technical climbing, until summit night, which is steep, cold and long. A good level of fitness and some hiking experience helps. No technical climbing is needed.
Yes. Additional hotel accommodation before and after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost — just let us know when booking.
Most nationalities need a Tanzania e-Visa, available at immigration.go.tz. A yellow fever certificate may also be required depending on your transit country — check with your doctor or travel clinic before departure.
We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you confirm your booking. Full cancellation and payment terms are on our booking policy page.
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