9 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Northern Circuit Route
9 Days 9-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route is renowned for its panoramic views, diverse ecosystems, and lower traffic compared to other trails. This 9-day trek promises an unforgettable experience, allowing trekkers to witness the transition from lush surroundings to desolate landscapes. Each day brings new challenges and rewards as you ascend Kilimanjaro's slopes. Get ready to explore, adapt, and conquer the majestic peak.
Travel Highlights
- Day 1: Moshi Londorossi Gate Big Tree Camp
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Shira 1 Camp
- Day 3: Shira 1 Camp Shira 2 Camp
- Day 4: Shira 2 Camp Lava Tower Moir Hut
- Day 5: Moir Hut Buffalo Camp
- Day 6: Buffalo Camp Third Cave
- Day 7: Third Cave School Hut
- Day 8: School Hut Uhuru Peak (Summit Point) Mweka Camp
- Day 9: Mweka Camp Mweka Gate Back to Moshi/Arusha
Itinerary
Length: Approximately 7 km Hours: 4-5 hours Temperature: 20°C - 30°C Begin the trek at Londorossi Gate, delving into the lush rainforest. The trail unveils the Big Tree Camp, surrounded by verdant landscapes. Embrace the transition from the urban hustle to the serene wilderness.
Destination: Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp
Accommodation: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Length: About 8 km Hours: 5-7 hours Temperature: 15°C - 25°C Navigate through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa and ascend to Shira 1 Camp. Witness the landscape shift as you move from the forested terrain to more open heathland, offering glimpses of Kilimanjaro's majestic summit.
Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp
Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Length: Around 10 km Hours: 6-8 hours Temperature: 10°C - 20°C The trail leads to Shira 2 Camp, where the surroundings become more rugged. As you ascend, notice the temperature drop and the vegetation transforming into alpine desert.
Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp
Accommodation: Shira 2 Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Length: Approximately 14 km Hours: 7-9 hours Temperature: 5°C - 15°C Experience the challenging ascent to Lava Tower and descend to Moir Hut. The journey reveals the stark beauty of the alpine desert, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Moir Hut Camp
Accommodation: Moir Hut Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Length: About 12 km Hours: 6-8 hours Temperature: 0°C - 10°C Traverse the high desert landscape to Buffalo Camp, gaining altitude as you approach the majestic peak. Feel the temperature drop and witness the surroundings transform into an otherworldly environment.
Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp
Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Length: Around 10 km Hours: 5-7 hours Temperature: -5°C - 5°C Descend to Third Cave, experiencing the shift from high desert to a more barren landscape. The challenge intensifies as temperatures decrease, preparing you for the final ascent.
Destination: Buffalo Camp Third Cave
Accommodation: Third Cave Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Length: Approximately 8 km Hours: 4-6 hours Temperature: -10°C - 0°C Approach School Hut, the base for the summit push. Notice the stark contrast in landscape, with the icy and rocky surroundings symbolizing the final push to Uhuru Peak.
Destination: Third Cave Camp To School Hut Camp
Accommodation: School Hut Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Length: About 21 km Hours: 12-16 hours Temperature: -15°C - -5°C The most challenging day leads to Uhuru Peak. Marvel at the sunrise from the summit and then descend to Mweka Camp through varying landscapes, from glaciers to moorlands.
Destination: School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Mweka camp
Accommodation: Mweka Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Length: Approximately 10 km Hours: 4-6 hours Temperature: 5°C - 15°C Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, completing the circuit. Celebrate your achievement and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha.
Destination: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch
What's Included
Price Includes
- Sleeping bag or bed linen
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Park fees
- A professional driver/guide
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
Price Excludes
- Bath towels
- International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Altitude sickness can affect trekkers, but the gradual ascent of the Northern Circuit helps acclimatization, reducing the risk.
The best time is during the dry seasons from January to March and June to October.
Basic restroom facilities are available at campsites, but be prepared for rustic conditions
The trek requires a good level of fitness, with daily hikes ranging from 4 to 16 hours.
• Pack essentials like warm clothing, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, and a good pair of hiking boots.
While wildlife is present, encounters are rare due to the high-altitude terrain.
Yes, solo travelers can join group treks, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
Dress in layers and be prepared for varying temperatures by bringing both warm and lightweight clothing.
Limited charging facilities may be available at some campsites, but it's advisable to bring portable chargers
Bottled water is available at campsites, but it's recommended to bring a reusable water bottle and use water purification tablets.
Experienced guides and porters, along with well-established safety protocols, ensure a secure trekking experience
Reviews for 9 Days 9-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Northern Circuit Route
By John Doe
Visited: April 2022
The guides were knowledgeable, ensuring our safety. The landscapes were awe-inspiring, and the transition from lush to desolate was surreal. A life-changing experience!"
By Emma Smith
Visited: February 2023
The guides were knowledgeable, ensuring our safety. The landscapes were awe-inspiring, and the transition from lush to desolate was surreal. A life-changing experience!"
By Mohan Patel
Visited: March 2023
The guides' expertise made the trek enjoyable, and the daily transitions in landscapes kept the trek exciting. Truly an unforgettable experience."
By Sophie Martin
Visited: December 2023
. The temperatures and terrain variations challenged me, but the guides' professionalism and camaraderie with fellow trekkers made it a rewarding adventure."
By Alexei Ivanov
Visited: February 2022
The shift from lush greenery to barren landscapes was surreal. The team's organization, coupled with the breathtaking views, made this trek a must for any adventurer seeking a challenge."