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9-Day Kilimanjaro Climb-Northern Circuit Route

Offered by: USD Safaris & Tours

4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)

Journey Snapshot

🗺 Tanzania ⏱ 9 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof

Northern Circuit

Overview Day by Day Rates Inclusions Getting There Offered By

The Longest, Most Scenic & Best Acclimatization Route. The Northern Circuit Route is longest and most gradual trail to Kilimanjaro’s summit, offering acclimatization and high success rate. Starting from the Lemosho trail, this unique route loops around the remote northern slopes of the mountain. Trekkers experience diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert, and enjoy panoramic views across Kenya and Tanzania. This 9-day climb is perfect for adventurers seeking a quiet and scenic.

Route

Start	Northern Circuit (Day 1)
Day 2	Mti Mkubwa (2820m) – Shira 1 Camp (3610m)
Day 3	Shira 1 (3610m) – Shira 2 Camp (3850m)
Day 4	Shira 2 (3850m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Moir Hut (4200m)
Day 5	Moir Hut (4200m)– Buffalo Camp (4020m)
Day 6	Buffalo Camp (4020m) – Third Cave Camp (3870m)
Day 7	Third Cave (3870m) – School Hut (4750m)
Day 8	Summit Day– Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3100m)
Day 9	Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1640m) – Transfer to Moshi/Arusha
End	Northern Circuit

Tour Features

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2250m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2820m) Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2820m) – Shira 1 Camp (3610m) Day 3: Shira 1 (3610m) – Shira 2 Camp (3850m) Day 4: Shira 2 (3850m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Moir Hut (4200m) Day 5: Moir Hut (4200m)– Buffalo Camp (4020m) Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4020m) – Third Cave Camp (3870m) Day 7: Third Cave (3870m) – School Hut (4750m) Day 8: Summit Day– Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3100m) Day 9: Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1640m) – Transfer to Moshi/Arusha

Activities & Transportation

Route: Northern Circuit
Duration: 9 days
Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day

Accommodation

Meals

1

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

2

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

3

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

4

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

5

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

6

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

7

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

8

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

9

No accommodation (End of tour)

Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day by Day

Day 1 Londorossi Gate (2250m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2820m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate, begin your trek through dense rainforest, watching for monkeys and colorful birds. Camp at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp).

Day 2 Mti Mkubwa (2820m) – Shira 1 Camp (3610m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ascend through lush forest into the open moorland and cross the Shira Plateau, with panoramic views of the mountain. Camp at Shira 1 for the night.

Day 3 Shira 1 (3610m) – Shira 2 Camp (3850m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

A shorter day to aid with acclimatization. Trek across the scenic Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp, with views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru in the distance.

Day 4 Shira 2 (3850m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Moir Hut (4200m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Climb to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend slightly to the remote and quiet Moir Hut. This is a great place to enjoy solitude and the dramatic high-altitude landscape.

Day 5 Moir Hut (4200m)– Buffalo Camp (4020m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Follow a rarely used trail around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro with sweeping views into Kenya. Pass through alpine terrain and arrive at Buffalo Camp.

Day 6 Buffalo Camp (4020m) – Third Cave Camp (3870m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Continue through the remote northern circuit to Third Cave Camp, gradually gaining altitude while allowing for further acclimatization. Expect fewer trekkers and stunning landscapes.

Day 7 Third Cave (3870m) – School Hut (4750m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ascend steadily toward School Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. Arrive early, rest, and prepare for the midnight push to Uhuru Peak.

Day 8 Summit Day– Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3100m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Start your summit climb around midnight, reaching Gilman’s Point, then Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. Celebrate at the top, then descend to Barafu Camp for a rest, and continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night.

Day 9 Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1640m) – Transfer to Moshi/Arusha

⏱Morning 🏨No accommodation (End of tour) 🍽Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.