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9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

From $ 2,670 pp

Duration: 9 Days

Tour Type: Hiking

Trip Overview

The 9-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route offers the longest and most scenic path to Africa’s highest peak. This route circles the mountain, allowing trekkers to experience diverse landscapes—from lush rainforests and moorlands to alpine deserts—while enjoying spectacular panoramic views. With more days for gradual acclimatization, it increases your chances of reaching the summit successfully. Guided by experienced staff and supported by dedicated porters, this trek combines adventure, natural beauty, and cultural insights for a truly unforgettable journey to Uhuru Peak.

Cultural Encounters & Expert Support: Meet local guides and porters who share stories and ensure a safe, memorable trekking experience.

Longest & Scenic Route: Travel along Kilimanjaro’s full northern circuit, taking in untouched landscapes and remote wilderness.

Diverse Ecosystems: Experience lush rainforests, high-altitude moorlands, and dramatic alpine desert on one continuous journey.

Summit Kilimanjaro at Uhuru Peak: Celebrate reaching Africa’s highest point with a sunrise that will leave you in awe.

Itinerary In Details

Day 1 : Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

  • Elevation: 2,100m to 2,750m
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2 : Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Leaving the rainforest behind, you emerge into the moorland zone, characterized by open grasslands and heather. The trail ascends steadily, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You trek for approximately 6-7 hours, covering a distance of about 8 kilometers, until you reach Shira 1 Camp at 3,500 meters. Here, you are treated to expansive vistas of the Shira Plateau and its unique geological features.

  • Elevation: 2,750m to 3,500m
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
  • Habitat: Moorland
Day 3 : Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. Nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: Trekkers on an eight-day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

  • Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Moorland to Alpine Desert
Day 4 : Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatization process.

  • Elevation: 3,850m to 4,200m
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 7 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
  • Habitat: High-Alpine Desert
Day 5 : Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters). The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.

  • Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
  • Habitat: High-Alpine Desert
Day 6 : Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatised to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

  • Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: High-Alpine Desert
Day 7 : Third Cave Camp to School Hut

Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.

  • Elevation: 3,870m to 4,800m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 8 : School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut.

Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).

Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route

  • Elevation: 4,800m to 5,895m (summit) then down to 3,080m
  • Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
  • Distance: 20 km
  • Difficulty: Very Strenuous
  • Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Day 9 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The final day of the trek involves a descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you officially complete your Kilimanjaro climb. The trail winds its way down the mountain, offering glimpses of exotic flora and fauna along the way. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your guides and fellow trekkers. A transfer will be waiting to take you back to Moshi, where you can reflect on your incredible journey and celebrate your achievement.

  • Elevation: 3,080m to 1,640m
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Includes

  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
  •  Fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel

Excludes

  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Sleeping bag
  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs
  • Travel insurance
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Customer Reviews

What our customers say

At Sweet Memory Adventure, we are honored to receive wonderful feedback from our guests, with many praising our exceptional service, unforgettable experiences, and dedication to creating memorable journeys.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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Great first Safari experience!!
We did 3 different game drives and saw every animal in abundance except for a lion-- although we did see vultures but couldn't pin point it. Moses was super helpful in communicating all of the prices and plans in advance and our guide, Hassan, was amazing. It was sad leaving him at the end of the trip but we will for sure stay in contact. The lodging both inside the camp and the nicer one outside for the 2nd night were both nice. All of the food was so so good and visiting the Maasai village on the 2nd day was a huge highlight of our trip. 100% would recommend to anyone.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Artix 
 
 
 
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Unforgettable Adventure!
We had an amazing four-day safari in Mikumi and Selous with unforgettable memories. The start was great, the communication was easy and Moses was very flexible to our needs. From the first moment Zack was the perfect guide with an impressive knowledge about animals, their behaviour and the ecosystem. He knows the huge biodiversity of Tanzania very well and identifies animals easily by voices and tracks. It was a breathtaking feeling to see elephants close enough to touch. Besides nature and wildlife, Zack takes us on a journey through the impressive culture and daily life of people in Tanzania. We are very thankful. Zack was not just a top tour guide but also a very kind and friendly company. Moreover, accommodations were wonderful and the food was really good. It was an adventure of a lifetime. Next safari is safe! We are very thankful and highly recommend Sweet Memory Adventure. Asante sana!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kristina K 
 
 
 
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6stars experience
3days 2nights Safari at Mikumi NP with our super friendly and profesional guide/driver Nico was over our expectations!!! We saw hundreds of animals, we saw them really all🦓🐘🦛🦒🦁🐊🦌🐃 Highly recommend this company! Thank you Moses for organizing all this for us 🙏 and as you don't need much staff to bring with you please fill your luggage with some toys, pencils,exercise books, dresses. Local kids will fill your heart with the gratitude 💝💝💝
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Explendid adventure for the whole family!
Had the most exciting trip with Sweet Memories Adventures with my family and enjoyed the holidays to the maximum.Keep up with the good work guys👌
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Personally I should admit by saying that i was extremely satisfied with Sweet Memories Adventures.
The owner is courteous and very very helpful from the beginning organizing our trip to Tanzania, always available. Professional, organized, simply superb. I highly recommend it. Sweet memories Adventures will make your dreams come true. thanks for the awesome unforgettable experience
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Excellent Hospitality
I must say that i was extremely satisfied with Sweet Memories Adventures. The owner is courteous and very very helpful from the beginning organizing our trip to Tanzania, always available. Professional, organized, simply superb. I highly recommend it. Sweet memories Adventures will make your dreams come true. thanks for the awesome unforgettable experience

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