9 Days Northern Circuit Route
- Tanzania
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Description
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s longest and most scenic trail, offering exceptional acclimatization and a high success rate. Starting from the west, it follows the Lemosho Route before veering north around the mountain’s rarely visited slopes. This extended route provides stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and a true sense of wilderness with minimal crowds.
Trekkers experience everything from lush rainforest and alpine desert to dramatic ridgelines and glacier views. The gradual ascent allows the body to adjust comfortably to altitude, making it ideal for those prioritizing a safe and enjoyable climb. With its unique route, unmatched panoramic scenery, and excellent summit success potential, the Northern Circuit is perfect for trekkers seeking a longer, quieter, and more immersive Kilimanjaro adventure.
9 Day
Tanzania
7 Total Activities
Tour Highlights
- Longest Kilimanjaro trekking route
- Excellent altitude acclimatization profile
- Stunning panoramic mountain views
- Remote and quiet experience
- High summit success rate
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi: Gateway to Kilimanjaro
The Kilimanjaro adventure mostly begins with your arrival in Moshi, a lively Tanzanian town located at the base of the mountain. Once you check in at your hotel, you will undoubtedly meet your mountain guide from Migsam Safaris for a detailed briefing, gear check, and orientation regarding the days ahead.
This is your time to rest, hydrate, and get excited for the journey.
- Airport pickup and hotel transfer
- Pre-climb briefing and gear check
- Free time to explore Moshi or relax
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp)
Soon after breakfast, you will drive to the Londorossi Gate (2,250 m) for registration purposes, then continue through the dense rainforest to the starting point. The trek begins with a gentle ascent through lush jungle, filled with exotic birds, Colobus monkeys, and butterflies.
- Distance: 6 km
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Starting Elevation: 2,250 m (7,380 ft)
- Ending Elevation: 2,820 m (9,250 ft)
- Zone: Montane Forest
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Leaving the forest behind, you will enter the moorland zone. Today's hike is an uphill and scenic route, offering your first open views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance.
Indeed, you will cross the volcanic ridges and open grasslands to reach Shira 1 Camp.
- Distance: 8 km
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Starting Elevation: 2,820 m
- Ending Elevation: 3,610 m (11,844 ft)
- Zone: Moorland
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
The trek is shorter, providing your body time to adjust to the higher altitude. You will certainly hike across the vast open Shira Plateau, surrounded by majestic views of Kilimanjaro’s glacier-capped peak. This is a perfect day for acclimatisation and photography.
- Distance: 7 km
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Starting Elevation: 3,610 m
- Ending Elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
- Habitat: Moorland
Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp
Today, you will continue across the high alpine desert, heading toward the less-travelled Moir Camp, tucked into a quiet valley below Lent Hills. Indeed, this remote campsite offers solitude and beautiful sunset views. Further perform a shirt hike in the afternoon to continue acclimatising.
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Starting Elevation: 3850 m
- Ending Elevation: 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
- Zone: Alpine desert
Moir Camp to Lava Tower (Acclimatisation) & Barranco Camp
A critical acclimatisation day. You’ll climb to the Lava Tower at 4,630 m — a sudden volcanic formation, and then descend gradually to Barranco Camp. This 'climb high, sleep low' approach is crucial for acclimating to altitude and enhancing your summit success rate.
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
- High Point: 4,630 m (Lava Tower)
- Sleeping Elevation: 3,976 m (13,044 ft)
- Habitat: Alpine Desert to Moorland
Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp
The day begins with an exhilarating climb up the iconic Barranco Wall — a steep yet non-technical ascent that offers sweeping views of the valley below. You’ll then traverse a series of ridges and descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, a crucial stop for rest before summit night.
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Starting Elevation: 3,976 m
- Ending Elevation: 3,995 m (13,106 ft)
- Zone: Alpine Desert
Summit Day – Karanga to Barafu, then to Uhuru Peak & Down to Mweka Camp
Summit day begins just after midnight. You’ll hike by headlamp through the arctic zone, reaching Stella Point (5,739 m) by sunrise, then push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you'll descend to Barafu Camp for rest, and continue to Mweka Camp for a well-earned sleep.
- Distance: 17 km
- Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
- Starting Elevation: 3,995 m
- Summit Elevation: 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
- Ending Elevation: 3,100 m
- Zone: Arctic to Rainforest
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi
Your final descent takes you back into the lush rainforest, where the trail can be muddy but vibrant with life. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out and receive your Kilimanjaro certificate. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a shower, relaxation, and celebration.
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Ending Elevation: 1,640 m (Mweka Gate)
- Zone: Rainforest
Safari Tour Details
- Day 1: Start your trip from Moshi, the gateway to Kilimanjaro
- Day 2: Observe endemic birds and plants from Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp.
- Day 3: Trek from Shira Plateau and enjoy the sunset over Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
- Day 4: Capture scenic images of dramatic highland scenery and rare flora.
- Day 5: Enjoy sweeping views of the Northern Forest and Shira Plateau valleys.
- Day 6: Trek to Lava Tower, descend into Barranco Valley, hike upto Barranco Wall.
- Day 7: Trek through moorlands and alpine desert to Karanga Valley Camp.
- Day 8: Conquer Uhuru Peak and descend into Mweka Camp.
- Day 9: Departure via Kilimanjaro Airport with memories of mightiness.
For Tour Updates, Luxury-Range Pricing Details, and Custom Itineraries
Why the Northern Circuit Package is Unique
- Longest & Scenic Route: Northern Circuit is the least-traveled route, offering panoramic views and diverse ecosystems.
- Tailored Comfort: Midrange camping provides cozy essentials; luxury camping includes private tents, gourmet meals, and attentive staff.
- High Summit Success: Gradual ascent improves acclimatization and increases the likelihood of reaching Uhuru Peak.
- Original Storytelling: Daily itinerary written with immersive sensory language rather than generic bullet points.
- Personalized Experience: Private guides, porters, and optional photography or nature sessions enhance the journey.
Include & Exclude
- Professional, experienced, and English-speaking mountain guides
- Professional cook and well-trained mountain crew (porters & waiter)
- All park fees and rescue fees
- Government taxes and VAT
- Airport transfers (to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Transfers to and from the Lemosho, Shira and northen circuit Gate
- Accommodation before and after the climb (2 nights at a hotel in Moshi/Arusha)
- Full board meals during the climb (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Clean, purified drinking water during the trek
- Hot drinks (coffee, tea, and cocoa)
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, and chairs)
- Portable chemical toilet & toilet tent
- Oxygen cylinder & oximeter (for altitude monitoring)
- Emergency first aid kit
- Fair wages for guides, cooks, and porters
- Certificate of achievement after successful climb
- International flights
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel and health insurance
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters (recommended amount: $250–$300 per climber)
- Personal hiking gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, boots, etc.)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
- Additional accommodation before or after the climb (beyond the included nights)
- Any optional tours or activities before or after the climb
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