9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Trek

9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Trek Overview

The 9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Trek is one of the most rewarding and scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique chance to experience the beauty and diversity of the mountain in peace and solitude. The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, providing ample time for acclimatization and ensuring a higher success rate for summiting. This trek offers a quiet alternative to the more trafficked routes, making it perfect for those seeking a tranquil adventure with some of the best panoramic views on the mountain.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time trekker, this trek guarantees an unforgettable journey filled with stunning landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and the ultimate challenge: reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak.

  • Exceptional Acclimatization: The 9-day itinerary includes multiple acclimatization opportunities, making it the route with one of the highest summit success rates.
  • Unmatched Solitude: Traverse the lesser-known northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, far from the busy southern routes.
  • Panoramic Views: Enjoy changing perspectives of the mountain, including stunning views of Kenya’s plains and the rugged Mawenzi Peak.
  • Fully Supported Trek: Travel with experienced guides, cooks, and porters who ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable journey.

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m
  • Distance: 6 km | 3–4 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest
    Start with registration and a peaceful walk through thick rainforest to your first camp. Look out for monkeys and exotic birds as you begin your adventure.

Description: Arrive at Lemosho Gate and begin your trek through lush rainforest. As you ascend, keep an eye out for unique wildlife, such as monkeys and colorful birds. The trail leads you to Simba Camp, where you’ll rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

 

Day 2: Simba Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,550m)

  • Distance: 8km
  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
  • Terrain: Moorland
  • Description: Begin your ascent through the dense forest, gradually transitioning into moorland. As you reach Shira 1 Camp, the view of the Shira Plateau opens up, giving you a stunning view of Kilimanjaro’s peak in the distance.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

  • Distance: 6km
  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Terrain: Alpine Desert
  • Description: Enjoy a relatively short day as you trek to Shira 2 Camp, where you’ll acclimatize and marvel at the expansive views of Kibo and the surrounding area. This is a great day to take photos and enjoy the serenity of the plateau.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut (4,200m)

  • Distance: 8km
  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
  • Terrain: Alpine Desert
  • Description: The trail takes you on a detour through the remote Moir Hut. This secluded camp is less crowded, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a perfect opportunity for acclimatization. The views from Moir Hut are magnificent, with vistas of the rugged landscape and Kibo’s glacier.

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,200m)

  • Distance: 6km
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Terrain: Moorland and Desert
  • Description: This day offers some of the most stunning views as you cross through alpine desert terrain, moving towards Buffalo Camp. The path takes you through rocky ridges and barren land, offering a quiet and solitary trekking experience.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Rongai 3 Camp (3,700m)

  • Distance: 10km
  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Terrain: Moorland and Alpine Desert
  • Description: As you leave Buffalo Camp, the terrain starts to change, with more rocky and exposed landscapes. Rongai 3 Camp offers a great place for a rest before your final summit attempt.

Day 7: Rongai 3 Camp to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

  • Distance: 6km
  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
  • Terrain: Alpine Desert
  • Description: The journey to Kibo Hut marks the last rest before your summit attempt. The path becomes increasingly barren and windswept as you ascend. Kibo Hut is located at the base of the summit cone, where you’ll rest and prepare for the final climb.

Day 8: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

  • Distance: 14km
  • Hiking Time: 11–13 hours
  • Terrain: Glacial Desert
  • Description: Begin your summit push around midnight. The final ascent takes you up through steep scree slopes to Gilman’s Point, and then on to the highest point on the continent: Uhuru Peak. After reaching the summit, descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

  • Distance: 10km
  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Terrain: Rainforest
  • Description: After the challenging summit day, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate where you’ll celebrate the successful completion of your trek and receive your certificate of achievement.

What’s Included

  • Park Fees & Entry Permits
  • Professional Kilimanjaro Guides & Porters
  • Accommodation: Mountain huts or campsites
  • Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Trekking Equipment: Tents, mattresses, and other gear
  • Transportation: Transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha

Not Included

  • Flights to/from Tanzania
  • Personal Gear (e.g., hiking boots, sleeping bags)
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Travel Insurance

Northern Circuit Route Key Scenic Highlights

Shira Plateau
  • Overview: Cross the wide expanse of the ancient Shira caldera at over 3,500 m.
  • Experience: The open landscape reveals the mountain’s grand scale and beauty.
  • Tip: Early mornings and evenings here offer spectacular lighting for photography.
  • Elevation: 4,200 m
  • Characteristics: A quiet, high-altitude outpost with optional acclimatization hikes to the Lent Hills.
  • Experience: Offers a peaceful retreat with dramatic views of the Shira Ridge and the northern plains.
  • Overview: A remote northern camp with views into Kenya.
  • Experience: The trail here feels untouched and raw, offering solitude and wildlife sightings.
  • Quote: “The silence here is broken only by the crunch of your boots and the call of birds—Kilimanjaro at its most peaceful.” – Chiefs Tours Team
  • Overview: Nestled between the mountain’s remote northern slopes and the looming Mawenzi Peak.
  • Experience: Offers a serene and strategic stop for acclimatization.
  • Elevation: 4,673 m
  • Characteristics: Your summit launch pad with sweeping views of Mawenzi and Kibo.
  • Experience: Rest here before the thrilling midnight summit attempt under a starry sky.

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?

  • Best for Acclimatization: With a longer ascent, the Northern Circuit offers the gentlest acclimatization profile of any Kilimanjaro route—ideal for those concerned about altitude sickness.
  • Most Scenic and Remote: It encircles the mountain almost entirely, offering 360-degree views and exposure to Kilimanjaro’s rarely seen northern wilderness.
  • Lowest Crowds: While other routes converge early, Northern Circuit remains uncrowded until the final ascent.
  • Top Summit Success Rate: Thanks to its length and pacing, this route boasts the highest success rate of all Kilimanjaro climbs.

How the Landscape Changes on the Northern Route

Lush Forests:

The trek starts with dense rainforest at lower altitudes, filled with vibrant plant life and a variety of wildlife.

Shira Plateau

Vast, flat, and dotted with remnants of volcanic rock, the plateau offers expansive views and a perfect vantage point to take in the surrounding beauty.

Moir Hut and Buffalo Camp:

These remote camps are nestled in alpine desert zones, providing solitude and awe-inspiring views of the mountain's upper slopes

Summit Day

The final push to the summit includes breathtaking views of glaciers and the icy dome of Kibo Peak, with the ultimate goal of reaching Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa.

Preparing for Your Kilimanjaro Trek

packing 2
pushup
packing
3

Fitness Tips:

• Fitness: Train with long hikes, cardio, and strength-building exercises.
• Altitude Acclimatization: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Packing: Bring proper gear for all conditions waterproof gear, warm clothing, and sun protection.
• Mental Readiness: Stay positive, stay hydrated, and pace yourself.

Packing Essentials:

• Broken-in hiking boots, thermal layers, waterproof jacket
• Beanie, gloves, headlamp
• Reusable water bottles, sunblock, trekking poles

Why Trek With Us?

  • Expert Guides: Our guides have decades of experience on Kilimanjaro, ensuring your safety and summit success.

  • Customized Experience: We offer personalized itineraries to match your pace and interests.

  • Sustainability: We support responsible tourism, minimizing environmental impact.

  • High Success Rate: Our acclimatization strategy and careful planning help ensure you reach the summit.

Ready to Climb Kilimanjaro

Fill out our Inquiry Form to get started or schedule a free consultation with our Kilimanjaro trekking experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Trek?

The Northern Circuit is one of the longest and least crowded routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers trekkers stunning views, diverse landscapes, and excellent acclimatization opportunities, with the ultimate goal of reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

The Northern Circuit is perfect for those who want a quieter, more scenic route with better acclimatization. Its extended duration reduces the risk of altitude sickness and offers breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s landscapes and wildlife. It’s a fantastic choice for trekkers who want a peaceful and rewarding experience.

The best time for the 9 Days Northern Circuit trek is during the dry seasons, which are from June to October and December to February. These months offer the clearest skies, the best weather for trekking, and more predictable conditions.

The Northern Circuit is considered moderate to challenging due to its long duration and the high altitude. While it is suitable for trekkers with basic fitness, those with prior hiking experience will find it easier to handle. Proper acclimatization during the trek helps reduce the difficulty.

The 5-day Marangu Route has a relatively low summit success rate of around 30%, while the 6-day option boasts a significantly higher success rate of approximately 70%.

How do I prepare for the altitude?

To acclimatize effectively, it’s essential to drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and take your time during the trek. The 9 Days Northern Circuit trek offers excellent acclimatization opportunities due to its gradual ascent, allowing your body to adjust to higher altitudes

The accommodations on the Northern Circuit are mainly in campsites or mountain huts. Some nights you will stay at high-altitude camps like Shira Camp, Moir Hut, and Kibo Hut. They offer basic facilities like tents, mattresses, and a shared dining area.

While prior hiking experience is helpful, the 9 Days Northern Circuit trek is suitable for fit beginners who are prepared for a challenging adventure. If you train and follow recommended fitness plans before the trek, you can comfortably complete the journey.

You’ll begin your trek at Lemosho Gate, located about 2 hours from Arusha or Moshi, where most trekkers stay before starting their journey. Transfers to and from the gate are provided as part of the trek package

Due to the long duration and excellent acclimatization opportunities, the Northern Circuit has a high summit success rate. With careful preparation, proper hydration, and pacing yourself throughout the trek, many trekkers reach Uhuru Peak successfully.