9-Day Northern Circuit Route – Kilimanjaro - 9 days

9-Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Trek

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Route: Northern Circuit Route
Highest Point: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m
Starting Point: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Ending Point: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) / onward destination
Accommodation: Hotel before and after the trek + mountain camps during the trek

Overview

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins the moment you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Our representative will warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and recover from your journey.

Before beginning the climb, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing and equipment check. The following day, your adventure begins on the Northern Circuit Route, one of Kilimanjaro's most scenic routes and one that provides excellent opportunities for gradual acclimatization.

You will trek through rainforest, moorland, the spectacular Shira Plateau and the remote northern slopes before approaching the summit. After reaching Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa, you will descend to the lower slopes and eventually return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JRO) → HOTEL

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi/Arusha
Meals: Dinner

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will meet and welcome you.

You will then be transferred comfortably to your hotel. After check-in, you will have time to relax, recover from your flight and prepare mentally for your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Your mountain guide will meet you at the hotel for a pre-trek briefing, where you will receive important information about the route, safety, altitude acclimatization, trekking equipment and the summit attempt.

Overnight: Hotel.

DAY 2 – LONDOROSSI GATE → MTI MKUBWA CAMP

Elevation: 2,100 m → 2,780 m
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, you will leave the hotel and drive to Londorossi Gate, where your guide will complete the park registration and other necessary procedures.

You will then begin your trek through the beautiful montane rainforest. The forest is rich in vegetation and birdlife, and you may have opportunities to see monkeys along the trail.

After several hours of trekking, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where your mountain crew will have prepared your camp.

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp.

DAY 3 – MTI MKUBWA CAMP → SHIRA 1 CAMP

Elevation: 2,780 m → 3,505 m
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, you continue climbing through the changing vegetation. The rainforest gradually gives way to moorland as you gain altitude.

You will eventually reach the magnificent Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro's most beautiful landscapes.

Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery before arriving at Shira 1 Camp.

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp.

DAY 4 – SHIRA 1 CAMP → MOIR HUT

Elevation: 3,505 m → approximately 4,200 m
Distance: Approximately 14 km
Trekking time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today you cross the expansive Shira Plateau and continue toward Moir Hut.

The landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic as you approach the higher elevations of Kilimanjaro.

This is an important acclimatization day. Your guide will maintain a slow and comfortable pace to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude.

Overnight: Moir Hut Camp.

DAY 5 – MOIR HUT → POFU CAMP

Elevation: Approximately 4,200 m → 4,000 m
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Trekking time: 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today you enter the remote northern side of Kilimanjaro.

The Northern Circuit is particularly special because it is quieter than some of the more popular routes. You will trek through impressive alpine landscapes while enjoying views of Kibo and the surrounding wilderness.

After a rewarding day on the trail, arrive at Pofu Camp for dinner and rest.

Overnight: Pofu Camp.

DAY 6 – POFU CAMP → THIRD CAVE CAMP

Elevation: Approximately 4,000 m → 3,930 m
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Trekking time: 4–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Continue around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro toward Third Cave Camp.

The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as you move through the alpine desert environment.

Your guide will continue monitoring your condition and helping you maintain a comfortable pace. Plenty of rest and hydration are important as you prepare for the final stages of the climb.

Overnight: Third Cave Camp.

DAY 7 – THIRD CAVE CAMP → SCHOOL HUT

Elevation: 3,930 m → approximately 4,750 m
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Trekking time: 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, you continue toward School Hut, your final camp before the summit attempt.

As you climb higher, the landscape becomes increasingly barren and volcanic. The summit of Kibo becomes more prominent as you approach the highest part of the mountain.

Upon arrival at School Hut, you will have an early dinner and receive a final briefing from your guide.

You will then rest and sleep as much as possible because the summit attempt begins around midnight.

Overnight: School Hut Camp.

DAY 8 – SCHOOL HUT → UHURU PEAK → MILLENNIUM CAMP

Summit elevation: 5,895 m
Trekking time: Approximately 12–15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Summit Day – The Roof of Africa

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

You will wake around midnight, have a light breakfast and begin your summit ascent under the stars.

The climb toward the crater rim is slow and steady. Your guide will set a comfortable pace and provide support throughout the ascent.

After reaching the crater rim, continue toward Uhuru Peak – 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa.

UHURU PEAK

Standing at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is a moment you will never forget.

Take photographs, celebrate your achievement and enjoy the incredible views when conditions allow.

After spending a short time at the summit, begin your descent.

You will continue down to Millennium Camp, where you can enjoy a well-earned meal and rest.

Overnight: Millennium Camp.

DAY 9 – MILLENNIUM CAMP → MWEKA GATE → HOTEL / DEPARTURE

Elevation: Approximately 3,800 m → 1,640 m
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Trekking time: 4–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, you begin your final descent through the beautiful rainforest toward Mweka Gate.

At the gate, you will complete the park formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate as recognition of your achievement.

Our vehicle will then meet you and transfer you back to your hotel.

After several days on the mountain, you can finally enjoy a hot shower, comfortable bed and relaxing evening.

If your travel schedule permits, you can continue with a Tanzania safari, Zanzibar holiday or airport transfer.

End of the Kilimanjaro adventure.

INCLUSIONS
Airport pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Airport transfer to hotel
Hotel accommodation before the trek
Professional and experienced mountain guide
Professional mountain support crew
Kilimanjaro National Park fees
Camping fees
Mountain rescue/emergency fees as required
Tents and camping equipment
Sleeping arrangements during the trek
Three meals per day during the mountain trek
Drinking water during the trek
Hotel accommodation after the trek
Transportation to and from the mountain
Summit certificate
Transfer back to the airport or onward destination according to your travel plan
EXCLUSIONS
International flights
Tanzania visa
Travel insurance
Personal trekking equipment
Tips for the mountain crew
Personal expenses
Alcoholic and other personal beverages
Laundry
Additional hotel nights not included in the itinerary
Medical expenses or evacuation beyond the standard arrangements
Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
IMPORTANT NOTE

Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude mountain and reaching the summit depends on weather conditions, altitude acclimatization and the trekker's physical condition. Our guides prioritize your safety and may recommend changes to the itinerary if necessary.

Pole Pole – slowly, steadily and safely.

Your goal is not simply to climb Kilimanjaro, but to enjoy the journey and reach the summit safely.