9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Trek

Tour Overview

The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, circling the quieter northern slopes of the mountain. Its extended itinerary gives trekkers the highest summit success rate, excellent acclimatization, and fewer crowds.

Duration: 9 Days
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Starting Point: Londorossi / Lemosho Gate
Ending Point: Mweka Gate
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m

Highlights:

Longest route with highest summit success rate
Less crowded northern slopes
Scenic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks
Excellent acclimatization opportunities
Trekking via Gilman’s Point and Stella Point

Day by day itinerary

Day 1 – Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Drive (~3 hours) to Londorossi Park Gate, then via 4WD track to Lemosho Glades. Trek through montane forest to Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Elevation: 1,830 m → 2,650 m (6,000 ft → 8,700 ft)
Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Ascend gradually into heather moorland, crossing streams and Shira Ridge to Shira 1 Camp by a stream.

Elevation: 2,650 m → 3,500 m (8,700 ft → 11,500 ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Dinner and overnight at Serena Lodge.

Day 3 – Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Gentle hike across Shira Plateau, ideal for acclimatization, reaching Shira 2 Camp near streams on moorland meadows.

Elevation: 3,500 m → 3,850 m (11,500 ft → 12,600 ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 – Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp

Long trek east through the Garden of the Senecios, passing Lava Tower / Shark’s Tooth (4,600 m) for lunch. Descend to Moir Camp (4,200 m) – perfect for high-altitude acclimatization.

Elevation: 3,850 m → 4,200 m (12,467 ft → 13,780 ft)
Distance: 14 km / 8 mi
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight Staying at Ngorongoro Serena

Day 5 – Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp

Moderate climb out of Moir Valley. Optional hike to Little Lent Hill (4,375 m) for panoramic views. Continue along northern slopes to Buffalo Camp.

Elevation: 4,200 m → 4,020 m (13,780 ft → 13,188 ft)
Distance: 12 km / 7 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 – Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave

Climb Buffalo Ridge then descend to Porfu Camp for lunch. Continue east around northern slopes to Rongai Third Cave.

Elevation: 4,020 m → 3,800 m (13,188 ft → 12,467 ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 – Third Cave to School Hut

Steady incline across the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. Continue southwest to School Hut to rest before the summit push.

Elevation: 3,800 m → 4,800 m (12,467 ft → 15,748 ft)
Distance: 15 km / 8 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 – School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

Awaken ~11:30 PM for summit climb. Trek steep slopes to Hans Meyer Cave, then ascend to Gilman’s Point (5,681 m). Continue along crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Descend to Millennium Camp (3,950 m).

Elevation: 4,800 m → 5,895 m → 3,950 m (15,748 ft → 19,340 ft → 12,959 ft)
Distance: 6 km up / 11 km down
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up / 5–6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree & ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 – Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

Descend through montane forest to Mweka Gate. Collect summit certificate and transfer to hotel in Moshi.

Elevation: 3,950 m → 1,680 m (12,959 ft → 5,500 ft)
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast