9-Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Grand Northern Circuit Route

The 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via the Northern Circuit Route is the longest and one of the most complete trekking itineraries on Africa’s highest mountain. It offers a gradual climb, varied scenery and a quieter journey around Kilimanjaro’s less-travelled northern slopes before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.

The Northern Circuit begins on the western side of the mountain through the Lemosho Gate. It passes through rainforest and the Shira Plateau, reaches Lava Tower, then turns north around the mountain instead of following the busier southern route through Barranco and Karanga. You will camp at Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, Third Cave and School Hut before making the final summit attempt.

This extended route gives climbers more time at altitude than shorter Kilimanjaro itineraries. The gradual ascent and several acclimatisation stages are the main reason many serious trekkers choose the Northern Circuit. It is still a demanding climb, but the longer schedule allows a more measured pace and gives you time to experience Kilimanjaro’s changing landscapes properly.

EKO Tanzania Adventures provides professional mountain guides, assistant guides, porters and cooks for this private Kilimanjaro climb. We arrange park fees, mountain tents, meals, safety support and transfers. Our guides monitor each climber throughout the trek and always put safe decision-making ahead of summit pressure.

Northern Circuit Route Highlights

• Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on its longest established trekking route
• Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa
• Spend nine days moving gradually through five climate zones
• Begin through the rainforest on the quieter western Lemosho approach
• Cross the Shira Plateau and climb high at Lava Tower
• Follow Kilimanjaro’s remote northern slopes
• Camp at Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, Third Cave and School Hut
• Enjoy wide views towards Kenya and the northern plains
• Descend via Mweka Route through rainforest
• Trek with professional guides, cooks and porters

Trek at a Glance

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights on the mountain
Route: Northern Circuit Route
Summit: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 metres
Start: Lemosho Gate
Finish: Mweka Gate
Accommodation: Mountain tents at designated campsites
Difficulty: Challenging, but gradual in its altitude profile
Best for: Climbers who have enough time and want a longer, quieter Kilimanjaro route

About the Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit Route is one of the newest established routes on Kilimanjaro and follows a wide loop around the mountain’s northern side. It starts like the Lemosho Route, passing through forest and across the Shira Plateau. After Lava Tower, instead of descending into Barranco Valley, it turns north towards Moir Hut and continues through quieter, more remote camping areas.

This route is ideal for travellers who want more time to acclimatise. You gain altitude gradually, spend several nights above 3,500 metres and avoid the very fast height gain found on routes such as Umbwe.

The Northern Circuit is still physically demanding. You will camp for eight nights, walk on rocky and uneven trails, cope with cold nights and make a long summit-day climb. Good preparation is essential. However, the slower route profile can make the overall experience more comfortable for climbers who are able to spend extra days on the mountain.

Detailed 9-Day Northern Circuit Itinerary

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your Kilimanjaro climb begins with pickup from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. You will drive to Lemosho Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.

At the gate, your EKO Tanzania Adventures guide will assist with Kilimanjaro National Park registration. You will meet the mountain crew, check your equipment and prepare your daypack. Porters carry your main bag and shared equipment, while you carry water, rain gear, snacks, warm layers and personal necessities.

The first day’s walk takes you through lush rainforest. The trail can be muddy after rain and is surrounded by tall trees, ferns, moss and thick vegetation. You may hear forest birds or see monkeys, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, although wildlife sightings vary.

After approximately three to four hours, arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp. Mti Mkubwa means “big tree” in Swahili. Your tents will be set up by the mountain crew before you arrive.

Elevation: 2,100m to 2,750m
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Walking time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals included: Lunch and dinner
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, leave the rainforest and climb into the moorland zone. The route rises steadily, and the vegetation begins to change from dense forest to tall heather, grasses and open volcanic slopes.

This is a longer day of walking, but the scenery becomes increasingly wide and open. On a clear day, you may see views towards the Shira Plateau and the Kibo summit cone in the distance.

The pace remains slow and deliberate. Your guide will use the phrase pole pole, meaning slowly in Swahili. Moving slowly helps preserve energy and supports safe acclimatisation.

Arrive at Shira 1 Camp at approximately 3,505 metres. This camp sits on the Shira Plateau, a vast landscape formed by the remains of an old volcanic caldera.

Dinner and overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Elevation: 2,750m to 3,505m
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Walking time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest to moorland
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, continue across the Shira Plateau towards Shira 2 Camp. This is a relatively short and gentle day, allowing your body more time to adjust to the altitude.

The landscape is open and broad, with volcanic rock formations, low vegetation and views across the western side of Kilimanjaro. The plateau can be windy, and the temperature often drops quickly in the evening.

You may take a short acclimatisation walk after reaching camp, depending on your guide’s assessment and the group’s condition. This additional time at altitude is one of the reasons the Northern Circuit has a gradual profile.

Shira 2 Camp is located at approximately 3,840 metres. Enjoy lunch, rest and prepare for the next day’s climb towards Lava Tower.

Elevation: 3,505m to 3,840m
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Walking time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut

After breakfast, trek east towards Lava Tower. The route rises through dry, rocky alpine desert. As you gain altitude, vegetation becomes scarce and the mountain environment feels more exposed.

Lava Tower stands at approximately 4,630 metres. You will reach this volcanic formation around midday and stop for lunch. Spending time at this altitude is an important acclimatisation stage. Some climbers may feel mild symptoms, such as headache or fatigue, and it is important to communicate openly with the guides.

After Lava Tower, leave the main southern route and turn north towards Moir Hut. The trail descends slightly and passes through a quieter, more remote area of the mountain.

Moir Hut is located at approximately 4,200 metres near the Lent Hills. It is a peaceful campsite with wide views and fewer climbers than the more common southern camps. If conditions allow, your guide may offer a short acclimatisation walk around the nearby hills before returning to camp.

Elevation: 3,840m to 4,630m to 4,200m
Distance: Approximately 14 km
Walking time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Moir Hut

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

After breakfast, continue around Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes towards Buffalo Camp. This is one of the route’s most distinctive days because it takes you away from the busier trails and into open country with broad views towards Kenya.

The trail rises and falls across high moorland and volcanic terrain. The walking is gradual but takes place at significant altitude, so maintain a slow pace and drink water regularly.

Buffalo Camp is located at approximately 4,020 metres. The camp is named for the buffalo-like appearance of the surrounding terrain, though buffaloes do not live at this high altitude. From here, the northern plains stretch out below on clear days.

Arrive in the afternoon, enjoy a warm meal and rest.

Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Walking time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: High moorland
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Buffalo Camp

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

After breakfast, continue east along the northern circuit towards Third Cave Camp. The route remains relatively gradual, making this another valuable acclimatisation day.

The landscape is dry and open, with low plants, volcanic rock and long views across the northern side of the mountain. You may notice that the summit cone looks closer, but the altitude means that every day must still be taken seriously.

Third Cave Camp is located at approximately 3,870 metres. Despite being slightly lower than Buffalo Camp, the day still supports acclimatisation because you have already spent time at higher elevations.

Arrive in the afternoon, rest, eat well and prepare for the approach to School Hut.

Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: High moorland
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Third Cave Camp

Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut

After breakfast, begin the final approach towards School Hut. The trail gradually climbs into the higher alpine desert zone below Kibo Peak.

School Hut is located at approximately 4,750 metres and is one of the final camps used before summit day. The area is dry, rocky and exposed, with very little vegetation. Temperatures can be cold, especially after sunset.

Arrive in the afternoon. Spend the remaining time resting, eating and preparing your summit equipment. Your guides will check your clothing, headlamp, water, snacks, gloves and other essentials.

Dinner is served early because the summit climb begins around midnight. Try to sleep, even if only for a few hours.

Elevation: 3,870m to 4,750m
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: School Hut

Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Summit day is the longest and most challenging day of the Northern Circuit climb.

Around midnight, wake up for a light snack before beginning the ascent towards Uhuru Peak. The route climbs steeply over loose volcanic scree in darkness. Temperatures are often below freezing, and the wind can make conditions feel colder.

Your guides will set a very slow pace. The goal is not speed—it is to manage energy and altitude carefully. Take small steps, breathe steadily and report any serious symptoms to your guide immediately.

After several hours, you will reach the crater rim near Stella Point, at approximately 5,756 metres. From there, continue along the rim towards Uhuru Peak.

Uhuru Peak stands at 5,895 metres above sea level. Take photographs at the summit sign, enjoy the achievement and begin your descent soon afterwards. You will not stay at the summit for long because of the extreme altitude and cold.

Descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp at approximately 3,080 metres. The descent is long and tiring, but the lower altitude makes breathing easier.

Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 4,750m to 5,895m to 3,080m
Distance: Approximately 17 km
Walking time: 11–15 hours
Habitat: Arctic summit zone to rainforest edge
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, begin the final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. The path can be muddy after rain, and trekking poles are useful for the downhill terrain.

At Mweka Gate, you will sign out with Kilimanjaro National Park. Climbers who reach Uhuru Peak receive an official summit certificate.

Meet your driver and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can rest, shower and celebrate the completion of your Kilimanjaro climb.

Elevation: 3,080m to 1,640m
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Walking time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Best Time to Climb the Northern Circuit

The main Kilimanjaro climbing periods are:

• January to early March: Cooler upper-mountain conditions and often fewer trekkers
• June to October: Generally dry weather and clearer mountain views
• December to early January: Popular holiday climbing period

The long rainy season is usually from April to May, with shorter rains often occurring in November. The Northern Circuit can still be climbed outside dry months, but good waterproof gear and flexible expectations are essential.

What Is Included

• Kilimanjaro National Park fees
• Professional mountain guides and assistant guides
• Porters and mountain cook
• Quality mountain tents and sleeping mats
• All meals during the trek
• Drinking water and hot drinks on the mountain
• Safety equipment, first-aid kit and emergency oxygen
• Daily health monitoring
• Transfers from Moshi to Lemosho Gate and Mweka Gate back to Moshi
• Government taxes and VAT where applicable

What Is Not Included

• International flights
• Tanzania visa
• Travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation cover
• Hotel accommodation before and after the climb
• Sleeping bag and personal trekking equipment
• Tips for guides, porters and cook
• Drinks outside the included mountain meal plan
• Personal expenses

Preparing for the Northern Circuit Route

Prepare before travelling with hiking, long walks, stair climbing and cardiovascular training. The route is longer than other Kilimanjaro options, so endurance and patience are important. Practise walking over uneven ground while carrying a light backpack.

Bring comfortable hiking boots that are already broken in, waterproof clothing, thermal base layers, a warm insulated jacket, gloves, hat, trekking poles and a dependable headlamp.

Fitness helps, but it does not eliminate altitude risk. Your guide’s safety decision is final. The summit is important, but returning safely is always the priority.

Book Your 9-Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb

EKO Tanzania Adventures can organise a private Northern Circuit climb for solo travellers, couples, families and groups. We can also arrange airport transfers, Moshi or Arusha accommodation, Tanzania safari extensions and Zanzibar beach holidays after your trek.

Contact our travel team for availability, a personalised quotation and a full Kilimanjaro packing list.

WhatsApp: Chat with EKO Tanzania Adventures
Email: info@ekotanzaniaadventures.com
Alternative email: ekotanzaniaadventure@gmail.com