A full-circle Kilimanjaro ascent through remote wilderness, dramatic ridgelines, and the most spectacular high-altitude views.
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.
Remote, stunning, and beautifully challenging from start to summit
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.Some of the key activities
Airport pickup and hotel transfer
Pre-climb briefing and gear check
Free time to explore Moshi or relax
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.
Zone: Montane Forest
Distance: 6 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Starting Elevation: 2,250 m (7,380 ft)
Ending Elevation: 2,820 m (9,250 ft)
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
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
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
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.
Habitat: Alpine Desert to Moorland
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
High Point: 4,630 m (Lava Tower)
Sleeping Elevation: 3,976 m (13,044 ft)
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.
Zone: Alpine Desert
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Starting Elevation: 3,976 m
Ending Elevation: 3,995 m (13,106 ft)
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
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
Include
- 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
Exclude
- 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
Tanzania Safari FAQs
The Northern Circuit Route is the most scenic route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It takes a full circuit around the northern slopes of the mountain, offering stunning views, fewer crowds, and excellent acclimatisation. The route takes 9 days and is considered one of the best for summit success.
Choosing the 9-day version allows for:
Better acclimatisation to altitude
Higher summit success rate (over 90%)
More time to enjoy diverse landscapes and wildlife
Avoiding the more crowded southern routes
However, it is ideal for all the trekkers who want a challenging yet rewarding experience with a slower ascent profile.
Yes. Your mid-range tour offers a comfortable and safe stay at luxury lodges, providing seclusion, spa services, and concierge support.
This safari is suitable for solo travellers, couples, and families. You can also form your own group and travel to Tanzania together.