9 Days Northern Circuit – Kilimanjaro Climb
9 Days & 8 Nights
Short itinerary
- Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
- Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
- Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
- Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
- Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
- Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Your journey begins with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration. After completing formalities, you will trek through the rainforest, where you may encounter Colobus monkeys and other wildlife. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp, your first overnight stop.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail climbs through the heath and moorland zones, offering stunning views. The route crosses ridgelines and leads to the vast Shira Plateau before arriving at Shira 1 Camp for the night.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
The trek continues across the scenic Shira Plateau, providing incredible views of Kibo Peak. You will hike at a steady pace, allowing time for acclimatization, before reaching Shira 2 Camp for the night.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
This day involves gradual ascent to Lava Tower at 4,600m, an important point for acclimatization. After spending time at this high-altitude landmark, you will descend slightly to Moir Hut, a secluded area with fewer trekkers.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
The route moves toward Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, rarely visited by climbers. The day includes gentle hikes through alpine desert landscapes before reaching Buffalo Camp, where you will spend the night.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
The trail continues east across the northern circuit, offering stunning views of the Kenyan plains. You will trek through rolling terrain before arriving at Third Cave Camp for overnight rest.
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
The climb gradually ascends through a barren high-altitude desert toward School Hut, the final stop before your summit attempt. You will sleep early, preparing for the midnight push to Uhuru Peak.
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
The final ascent begins around midnight, following steep switchbacks toward Gilman’s Point at the crater rim. After a short break, the last stretch leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you will descend through various ecological zones to Mweka Camp, where you will spend the night.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final descent takes you through lush rainforest as you make your way to Mweka Gate. After completing park formalities and receiving your summit certificate, you will return to Moshi, where the adventure concludes.
Summary
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Night
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and one of the most scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and breathtaking views. This 9-day adventure takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to high-altitude deserts and glaciers. With fewer crowds, this route provides a unique and immersive experience, significantly increasing the chances of a successful summit.