9 Day Northern Circuit Route

Northern Circuit Route stands as Kilimanjaro’s newest and most breathtaking path to the summit.

Overview

Being one of the longest routes on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit allows ample time for acclimatization, significantly enhancing your chances of a successful summit.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi town or Arusha city

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, our friendly transfer driver will greet you and escort you to your overnight accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Moshi town or Arusha city or simply relax by your hotel’s pool. Later, our operations team will provide a comprehensive briefing to prepare you for your upcoming trek.

Day 2: Arusha City – Lemosho Gate (2385 m) – Big Tree Camp (2780 m)

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your lodging and transported to the western side of Kilimanjaro, specifically Lemosho Gate. Here, your head guide will handle the formalities. The trail leads you through unique flora, offering the chance to spot the endemic and vibrant Impatiens Kilimanjari and possibly some rare primates. Your destination for today, Big Tree Camp (2780 m), is about 3 to 4 hours away, with your mountain crew setting up your tents before your arrival. You can unwind and savor the beautiful forest surroundings that will be your campsite for the night.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2780 m) – Shira Camp 1 (3500 m)

Today’s journey will take you to Shira Camp 1, nestled at an altitude of 3500 meters. You’ll start your day on a narrow trail through the rainforest, transitioning into heath and moorland where the landscape is adorned with Lobelia plants and Erica trees. Climbing around the northern slopes of the Shira Ridge, you’ll reach Shira Camp 1, where you can relax and enjoy a satisfying meal. The camp boasts magnificent views across the plateau towards Kibo.

 Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner.

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3500 m) – Moir Camp (4175 m)

Following a hearty breakfast, your trek continues across the Shira Plateau. The landscape transforms, and you’ll pass by towering Senecios, reaching astonishing heights of about 9 meters. Your destination for the night is Moir Camp, situated at 4175 meters. After a brief rest, you can embark on a short journey to the ridgeline for further acclimatization. The ridgeline is approximately 2 km away and about 130 meters higher than the camp. Dinner will be served upon your return to the camp.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 5: Moir Camp (4175 m) – Pofu Camp (4030 m)

Today marks your entry into the remote northern circuit of the mountain. You’ll face the most challenging part of the day at the start, conquering a stark and imposing slope ascending to 4300 meters. Moving up and down through the undulating valleys on the northern face of Kibo, you’ll reach the first Pofu Campsite after 3 to 4 hours. The second Pofu Campsite is just an hour away, allowing you to pass through an area of rock slabs and potentially catch glimpses of Kibo and exceptional views over the sprawling plains below.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 6: Pofu Camp (4030 m) – Third Cave Camp (3935 m)

After breakfast, you’ll continue your journey through remote valleys around the northern slopes. The vegetation becomes sparser during this stretch, which takes approximately 5 hours. Although there are no steep sections to tackle today, you may still feel the altitude as you reach Third Cave Camp.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3935 m) – School Hut (4715 m)

Despite having acclimatized over the past days, you might feel the altitude as you steadily ascend higher toward School Hut (4715 m). Stay well-hydrated, maintain your guide’s slow pace, and take breaks to rest and admire the breathtaking views across the saddle to Mawenzi. After 4 to 5 hours, you’ll arrive at School Hut, where you’ll have an early dinner before resting for a few hours in preparation for the final climb.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 8: School Hut (4715 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3080 m)

Your guide will rouse you around midnight, and after enjoying some hot tea and snacks, you’ll commence the gradual ascent to Kibo’s crater rim. After a brief stop at Hans Meyer Cave (5520 m), you’ll proceed to Gilman’s Point (5681 m) on the crater rim. As you make your way to Stella Point (5730 m) and finally to the summit, Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters, the sun should be rising, offering an unforgettable spectacle. Capture the awe-inspiring views from Africa’s highest point before retracing your steps to Stella Point and then to Barafu Camp. The descent will be swift and dusty, bringing you to Mweka Camp (3080 m) in about 3 to 4 hours.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner 

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3080 m) – Mweka Gate (1630 m) – Moshi town or Arusha city

After breakfast, your adventure’s final day begins with a traditional farewell ceremony with your entire crew. The 2 to 3-hour descent to Mweka Gate allows you to savor the beauty of the rainforest once more. Upon reaching the gate, our driver will transfer you to Meru View Lodge in Usa River. Here, you can choose to relax by the pool, enjoy a refreshing swim, or celebrate your remarkable achievement with a drink or two at the bar.

Breakfast; Dinner

Moshi town or Arusha city – Kilimanjaro Airport

The next morning, you’ll be transported to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure. Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a thrilling safari or extend your stay on Zanzibar.

Breakfast