Mount Kilimanjaro climbing
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
From $2,350 Per Person
Duration
9 Days
Accommodation
Camping
Starting Date
Any day of your choice
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and one of the highest summit success rates of all Kilimanjaro routes.
This route begins on the western side of the mountain at Lemosho Gate, crossing the beautiful Shira Plateau before circling around the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. Because fewer climbers use this route, it provides a quieter and more wilderness-focused experience compared to other routes.
The 9-day itinerary allows climbers to gradually adjust to the altitude while enjoying diverse landscapes including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone.
The trek culminates at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa and the ultimate goal for every Kilimanjaro climber.
The Northern Circuit is ideal for climbers seeking maximum acclimatization, fewer crowds, breathtaking scenery, and the best chance of reaching the summit.
Price (Per Person)
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,750 |
| 2–4 People | $2,550 |
| 5+ People | $2,350 |
(Prices may vary depending on travel season and group size.)
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m)
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Distance: 6 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, depart from Arusha or Moshi and drive to Lemosho Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After registration with Kilimanjaro National Park, begin trekking through the lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and many bird species.
Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) where you will enjoy dinner and your first night on the mountain.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Mti Mkubwa Camp)
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m) – Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)
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Distance: 8 km
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Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
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Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, the trail climbs steadily out of the rainforest into the moorland zone.
You will gain fantastic views as you approach the Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp where you will spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Shira 1 Camp)
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
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Distance: 7 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Habitat: Moorland
Today is a relatively gentle hike across the Shira Plateau, offering spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape.
Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where you will relax and continue acclimatizing to the altitude.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Shira 2 Camp)
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) – Lava Tower (4,630 m) – Moir Hut (4,200 m)
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Distance: 14 km
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Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today you climb gradually toward Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation at 4,630 m where you will stop for lunch.
Afterwards, the trail leaves the popular Machame route and heads toward the quieter northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Descend slightly to Moir Hut, located in a remote alpine desert area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Moir Hut)
Day 5: Moir Hut (4,200 m) – Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)
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Distance: 12 km
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Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek leads you around the northern side of Kilimanjaro, offering a completely different perspective of the mountain.
The route is remote and rarely crowded, with spectacular views toward the Kenyan plains.
Arrive at Buffalo Camp, where you will spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Buffalo Camp)
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
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Distance: 4 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today you hike to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt.
The terrain becomes more rugged and barren, with incredible views of the glaciers above.
After arriving at camp, enjoy an early dinner and rest before the midnight summit attempt.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Barafu Camp)
Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3,870 m) – School Hut (4,750 m)
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Distance: 5 km
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Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today you hike toward School Hut, the final base camp before the summit attempt.
The trail climbs steadily with stunning views of the summit glaciers.
After arriving, enjoy an early dinner and rest before beginning the midnight summit climb.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (School Hut)
Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
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Distance: 16 km
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Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Around midnight, begin the final ascent toward the summit.
You will reach Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim before continuing along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating your achievement, descend to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Mweka Camp)
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
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Distance: 10 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
At the gate, climbers receive their Kilimanjaro summit certificates before being transferred back to their hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
From $2,350 per person
Price varies by group size
Price Includes
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Kilimanjaro National Park fees
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Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
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Accommodation
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All meals during the trek
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Drinking water on the mountain
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Airport transfers
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Transport from hotel to the mountain gate and back
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Rescue fees and emergency oxygen
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Government taxes
Price Excludes
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International and domestic flights
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Tanzania visa
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Travel insurance
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Personal climbing gear
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Tips for guides, porters, and cook
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Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, etc.)
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Hotel accommodation before and after the climb