Northern Circuit Route
This is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro. It begins at Londorossi Gate in the west and initially shares the path with the Lemosho route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira Plateau it turns north near Lava Tower, following the extended Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit through Barranco Valley.
9 Days Northern Circuit
The trail encircles the quieter northern slopes and reaches the eastern side of the mountain. Because it is longer than other routes, a minimum of eight to nine days is required. The 9-day version includes the full acclimatisation profile and is widely regarded as one of the best options for summit success.
What to Expect on the Trek
Longest route
Nine days on the mountain give the body maximum time to adapt – one of the highest success-rate profiles available.
Quiet northern slopes
After leaving the Lemosho path you circle the less-visited northern side of Kilimanjaro.
Scenic variety
Rainforest, Shira Plateau, high alpine desert, the northern circuit and classic southern descent via Mweka.
Excellent acclimatisation
Gradual altitude gain and multiple “climb high, sleep lower” opportunities prepare you well for summit night.
Northern Circuit 9 Days Quick Facts
| Route type | Camping route (longest on Kilimanjaro) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 days on the mountain plus arrival day |
| Start | Londorossi Gate (west) |
| Finish | Mweka Gate |
| Summit | Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m (19,341 ft) |
| Accommodation | Private four-season mountain tents |
| Key feature | Northern Circuit around the quieter slopes |
| Technical skills | None required |
Explore the Detailed Itinerary
Day 0Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Kilimanjaro Joyful Adventures representative and transfer to your hotel. The hotel provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay, and your guide will brief you and check your gear.
Day 1Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Forest) Camp
After breakfast and a briefing you drive to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After registration and preparation of equipment you continue to Lemosho Glades and begin the trek through dense rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Camp. Gaiters and trekking poles are useful if the trail is wet.
Day 2Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Ascend through podocarpus and juniper forest onto the heather and lichen-covered volcanic rock of the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on the trail. You reach Shira 1 Camp by mid-afternoon with a breathtaking view of Kibo.
Day 3Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Continue across and up the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp. Enjoy stunning views across the valley and of the Western Breach. The plateau is exposed, so nights can be cold.
Day 4Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
Leave the forest behind and walk across the high-altitude Shira Caldera. Near Lava Tower the route turns north onto the Northern Circuit instead of continuing south. Camp at Moir Hut with fabulous views of Arrow Glacier.
Day 5Moir Hut to Buffalo / Pofu Camp
Climb out of the Moir Valley with an optional short detour to the summit of Lent Hills (≈ 4,700 m) for panoramic views. Return to the trail and head eastwards around the northern circuit. The final section undulates until you reach Buffalo / Pofu Camp.
Day 6Buffalo / Pofu Camp to Third Cave
From Pofu Camp cross numerous small valleys as the trail continues eastwards through increasingly sparse vegetation to Third Cave Camp.
Day 7Third Cave to School Hut
Ascend steadily to the lunar landscape of the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. Continue upwards and reach School Hut in the early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the summit attempt.
Day 8Summit Day: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Begin the final and most demanding part of the climb around 1 a.m. Take a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. Rest briefly to watch the sunrise over Mawenzi, then continue to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the glaciers and ice cliffs. Retrace your steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and descend through Barafu to Mweka Camp.
Day 9Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
After a final celebratory breakfast, make the scenic 3–4 hour descent to Mweka Gate. After signing out and lunch you are transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower and certificate presentation.
Elevations, distances and times are approximate and can change with weather and group pace.
Camps and Altitude at a Glance
| Night | Camp | Approx. altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mti Mkubwa (Forest) Camp | ≈ 2,895 m / 9,500 ft |
| 2 | Shira 1 Camp | ≈ 3,505 m / 11,500 ft |
| 3 | Shira 2 Camp | ≈ 3,850 m / 12,630 ft |
| 4 | Moir Hut | ≈ 4,140 m / 13,580 ft |
| 5 | Buffalo / Pofu Camp | ≈ 4,020 m / 13,200 ft |
| 6 | Third Cave | ≈ 3,870 m / 12,700 ft |
| 7 | School Hut | ≈ 4,750 m / 15,580 ft |
| 8 | Mweka Camp (after the summit) | ≈ 3,100 m / 10,170 ft |
Price Includes & Excludes
Includes
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- Professional, experienced mountain guides
- All park fees
- Airport transfers
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the mountain
- Guides, porters and cook salaries and park fees
- Quality mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Oximeter
- Medical kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Moshi/Arusha before and after the climb
Excludes
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips and personal spending money for souvenirs, etc.
- Travel insurance
Read our booking terms and check the Tanzania visa guide before you travel.
How to Prepare for the Northern Circuit
Train for endurance
Nine days on the mountain reward good overall fitness. Practise multi-day hiking with a daypack.
Pack for every climate
You move from rainforest to alpine desert and arctic summit conditions. See our equipment and gear list.
Go slowly
Drink plenty of water, walk at a steady “pole pole” pace and tell your guide about any symptoms. Read about safety on Kilimanjaro.
Choose your season
The dry seasons (January–mid-March and June–October) usually give the best conditions. See the best time to trek.
Northern Circuit 9 Days: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Northern Circuit considered the best for acclimatisation?
It is the longest route (9 days), giving the body more time to adapt. The gradual gain and the northern circuit profile produce some of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro.
How does the Northern Circuit differ from Lemosho?
It shares the first two days with Lemosho. After the Shira Plateau it turns north near Lava Tower instead of continuing on the Southern Circuit through Barranco Valley.
Is the Northern Circuit quiet?
Yes. After leaving the Lemosho path it circles the quieter northern slopes and is one of the least crowded routes on the mountain.
Do we sleep in tents?
Yes. You sleep in quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain tents at all camps.
What is not included in the price?
Flights, alcoholic and soft drinks, visa fees, tips and personal spending money for souvenirs, and travel insurance are not included.