9 Days Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic path up Mount Kilimanjaro, offering trekkers a combination of stunning views, solitude, and a high chance of summit success. As the newest route, it circles the peak from the less-traveled northern slopes and provides panoramic vistas unmatched by other routes.
We offer both a 9-day and an 8-day Northern Circuit Route itinerary, though we highly recommend the full 9 days. Trekkers join Machame route climbers near Lava Tower, but the Northern Circuit continues farther, providing access to remote wilderof ness and varied terrain.
The longer Northern Circuit Route is ideal for those with more time, as it goes farther, allowing for better acclimatization and greatly reducing the risk of altitude sickness. This gives you the best chance to reach the summit successfully.
Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Itinerary & Prices
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a driver will transfer you to your lodge in Arusha, known for its comfort and views of Mount Meru. Upon arrival, you will attend a detailed briefing with your climbing manager and lead guide. They will review your equipment, explain the route, answer questions, and ensure you are prepared for the trek. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
ACCOMODATIONS
Samora River Lodge ( Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Forest Camp)
You will begin your ascent through the rainforest, where the trail is often wet and muddy. Please use gaiters and trekking poles for stability. The forest features diverse flora and occasional wildlife sightings. Midway, you will pause for lunch. Arrival at Mti Mkubwa Camp is in the late afternoon.
The camp, named for the surrounding large trees, will be set up by your porters. Upon arrival, you will receive boiled drinking water and hot water for washing. Dinner will be served in the mess tent. Overnight at Kilimanjaro Camping. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
- Distance: 4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
ACCOMODATIONS
Day 3 : Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
- Distance: 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
ACCOMODATIONS
Day 4: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast, continue across the Shira Plateau toward Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 meters (12,500 feet). This shorter, gentler day allows for acclimatization. Enjoy views of the valley and the Western Breach. At Shira 2 Camp, you will join trekkers from the Machame Route, making the camp more active. Prepare for a cold night, as temperatures often fall below freezing. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
- Distance: 4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
ACCOMODATIONS
Day 5: Shira 2 to Moir Hut Camp (via Lava Tower)
Today is key for acclimatization. You will cross the high-altitude Shira Caldera to Lava Tower at 13,580 feet, the highest point so far. Afterward, descend to Moir Hut Camp at 13,200 feet, following the ‘climb high, sleep low’ principle to aid acclimatization. Enjoy views of Arrow Glacier along the way. Overnight at Kilimanjaro Camping. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Elevation: 12,500 ft to 13,580 ft (at Lava Tower), then down to 13,200 ft
- Distance: 8 miles
- Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
ACCOMODATIONS
Day 6: Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp (Pofu Camp)
After breakfast, ascend from Moir Valley and take a short detour to Lent Hills at 15,400 feet for further acclimatization. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi before returning to the main trail and heading east along the less-traveled Northern Circuit. The final section is undulating until you reach Pofu (Buffalo) Camp. Overnight at Pofu Camp. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
- Distance: 7 miles
- Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
ACCOMODATIONS
Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Continue eastward across the mountain, crossing several small valleys as the landscape becomes increasingly sparse and rocky. The trek offers expansive views of the African plains and brings you closer to Kibo Peak. Arrive at Third Cave Camp, named for nearby caves once used by climbers, at 12,700 feet. Overnight at Third Cave Camp. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
- Distance: 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
ACCOMODATIONS
Third Cave Camp ( Full Board Service)
Day 8: Third Cave to School Hut Camp
Today’s hike is shorter but steep and challenging due to the altitude. You will ascend steadily to the saddle, a flat, rocky area between Kibo and Mawenzi. Continue to School Hut Camp at 15,600 feet, your final stop before the summit. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, eating a good dinner, and preparing your gear. Your guide will provide a detailed summit briefing. Aim to go to bed early, as you will be woken around midnight. Overnight at School Hut Camp. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
- Distance: 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
ACCOMODATIONS
Day 9: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit!) to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft (summit), then down to 10,065 ft
Ascent Distance: 4 miles | Descent Distance: 7 miles
Ascent Time: 6 to 8 hours | Descent Time: 4 to 6 hours
This is summit day. You will wake around 1:00 AM in cold conditions. After a light snack and tea, dress warmly, use your headlamp, and begin the final ascent. The trail is a steep switchback through loose volcanic scree, requiring a slow, steady pace—“pole, pole,” meaning “slowly, slowly” in Swahili. After several hours, you will reach Gillman’s Point at 18,600 feet, where you can rest and watch the sunrise over Mawenzi Peak.
From Gillman’s Point, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at 19,341 feet. Pass glaciers and ice cliffs before reaching the summit, where you can celebrate and enjoy panoramic views. After a brief stay, begin your descent via Stella Point and Barafu Camp. The descent is long and can be tiring, but you will reach Mweka Camp at 10,065 feet for a hot dinner and rest. Overnight at Mweka Camp. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft (summit), then down to 10,065 ft
- Ascent Distance: 4 miles | Descent Distance: 7 miles
- Ascent Time: 6 to 8 hours | Descent Time: 4 to 6 hours
ACCOMODATIONS
Mweka Camp ( Full Board Service)
Day 10: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha
On your final morning, breakfast is a celebration with the entire team, often featuring singing and dancing. Afterward, pack up and begin the final three-hour descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail is downhill and scenic, with warmer air as you descend. At Mweka Gate, sign out with the park authorities and receive your summit certificate. Enjoy lunch, bid farewell to your mountain team, and return to your hotel in Arusha for a well-deserved rest. Overnight at Arusha Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
ACCOMODATIONS
Samora River Lodge ( Half Board Service)
Day 11 – Departure Day
Costs & Inclusions for Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro
| Pax | 1 pax | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax+ |
| Price | $5,290 | $4,220 | $3,720 | $3,890 |
- Airport Transfers (we pick you up on arrival day, and we take you back after the climb)
- Accommodation in Arusha at Samora River Lodge (two nights, bed and breakfast)
- Transfers from the Hotel to Lemosho Gate and from Mweka Gate to the hotel
- Quality Sleeping tents shared by 2 clients
- Mess tents, Crew tents, Table, Chairs, eating utensils, cooking equipment.
- Sleeping Mats
- Clean, purified drinking water
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Kilimanjaro entrance fees/conservation fees
- Kilimanjaro Camping fees
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Cylinder
- Oxygen Saturation Meter
- First Aid Kit
- Flying Doctors Emergency Service (before or after the climb)
- International and local airfare
- Local transportation before and after the climb
- Personal expenses, for example, Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Lunch and Dinner at Samora River Lodge
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Yellow fever vaccinations, Covid 19 test
- Passport and Visa
- Travelers Insurance ( recommended insurance covers up to 6000 meters )
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Helicopter Evacuation Cost in High Altitude (Kilimanjaro SAR)
- Optional tours not mentioned in this itinerary
Booking Process
If you’re satisfied enough with the information, you can book this tour directly, remember to confirm your booking with a deposit of 40% of the total cost per person. This is needed to secure accommodation and other services which belong to third parties.
At that point, we will issue you with an invoice that includes a balance due date. We must receive the full payment not less than thirty (30) days before the departure date.
In the case of holidays booked within less than thirty (30) days of the departure date, we must receive the full cost within seven (7) working days of our sending written confirmation and invoice.
In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and retain your deposit, as well as any other cancellation charges.
Before you do any payment don’t hesitate to discuss with your tour planner the best option. Your satisfaction is our happiness.
HOW TO MAKE PAYMENTS
Kilimanjaro Climbing Tips
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Choosing the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is the most critical decision you’ll make after deciding to take on Africa’s highest peak. Your timing directly impacts your Kilimanjaro weather experience, summit success rate, and overall enjoyment on any Kilimanjaro climbing route you choose for your trek.
