Experience the adventure of a lifetime on the 9-Day Northern Circuit Route trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. This scenic route approaches the mountain from the west before circling its remote northern slopes, offering spectacular views, varied landscapes, and a quieter trekking experience.
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest established trekking route. Its extended itinerary allows more time for acclimatization compared with shorter routes, which may improve a climber's opportunity to adapt to altitude. However, altitude sickness remains a risk, and reaching the summit is never guaranteed.
From lush rainforest and open moorland to alpine desert and the glaciers near the summit, every stage brings a new perspective on Kilimanjaro. With experienced mountain guides, a dedicated support team, and carefully planned overnight camps, this trek combines adventure, natural beauty, and the challenge of reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Meet your mountain guide for a trek briefing, equipment check, and review of the route and safety procedures.
Activities: Airport transfer, trek briefing, and equipment check
Meals: Dinner, depending on arrival time and hotel plan
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha
After breakfast, travel to Londorossi Gate for registration and the start of your climb. Enter the lush montane rainforest and begin trekking through a rich natural environment where you may spot birds and other forest wildlife.
Continue to Mti Mkubwa, also known as Big Tree Camp, where your mountain crew will prepare camp for the evening.
Trekking time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Elevation: Londorossi Gate, approximately 2,100 m; Mti Mkubwa Camp, approximately 2,820 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain camp
Leave the rainforest behind as you climb toward the Shira Plateau. The landscape gradually opens into moorland, with views of the surrounding highlands and, when conditions permit, Kibo Peak.
The trek provides a gradual transition to higher elevations as you approach the Shira area.
Trekking time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Elevation: Mti Mkubwa Camp, approximately 2,820 m; Shira 1 Camp, approximately 3,610 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain camp
Continue across the scenic Shira Plateau toward Shira 2 Camp. Enjoy broad views of Kilimanjaro's volcanic landscape while maintaining a steady walking pace.
Your guide will monitor your condition and encourage a slow, consistent pace to support acclimatization.
Trekking time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Elevation: Shira 1 Camp, approximately 3,610 m; Shira 2 Camp, approximately 3,850 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain camp
Leave the main plateau and trek toward the northern side of the mountain. The route passes through increasingly rugged high-altitude terrain, offering a more remote atmosphere and impressive mountain scenery.
Arrive at Moir Hut, where you can rest and prepare for the next stage of the circuit.
Trekking time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Elevation: Shira 2 Camp, approximately 3,850 m; Moir Hut, approximately 4,200 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain camp
Continue around Kilimanjaro's northern slopes through alpine desert terrain. The trail features undulating paths, open views, and a quieter side of the mountain away from some of the busier routes.
Take regular breaks, drink water, and follow your guide's instructions as the altitude increases.
Trekking time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Elevation: Moir Hut, approximately 4,200 m; Buffalo Camp, approximately 4,020 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain camp
Trek across the northern slopes toward Third Cave Camp. This section includes rolling terrain with opportunities to appreciate the scale and remoteness of Kilimanjaro.
The itinerary provides another night on the mountain before the approach to the summit area.
Trekking time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Elevation: Buffalo Camp, approximately 4,020 m; Third Cave Camp, approximately 3,870 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain camp
Continue toward School Hut, the high camp used before the summit attempt. The trail climbs into a stark alpine environment, where the air becomes thinner and temperatures can drop significantly.
After an early dinner, rest as much as possible and prepare your clothing, headlamp, and essential equipment for the midnight or late-night summit departure.
Trekking time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Elevation: Third Cave Camp, approximately 3,870 m; School Hut, approximately 4,800 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain camp
Begin the summit attempt during the night, climbing steadily toward Gilman's Point or Stella Point, depending on the route and conditions. Continue toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa, if your health, weather, and conditions allow.
Celebrate your achievement and take photographs before beginning the descent. Continue to Millennium Camp, where you can rest after the demanding summit day.
Trekking time: Approximately 10–15 hours or longer, depending on conditions and individual pace
Elevation: School Hut, approximately 4,800 m; Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m; Millennium Camp, approximately 3,800 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain camp
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