Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/u213050852/domains/gokilimanjarotreks.com/public_html/tanzania-mountains-details.php on line 16
Panoramic Views of Kenya & Kilimanjaro’s Remote Wilderness
Rich Diversity of Landscapes & Ecosystems
Highest Scenic Value with Less Traffic
The 9-Day Northern Circuit Route is the longest and one of the most scenic and less crowded routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its high success rate, this route offers excellent acclimatization opportunities, making it a great choice for those who want to increase their chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
The Northern Circuit approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a trek through the lush rainforest and continuing through the scenic Shira Plateau. It then loops around the northern slopes of the mountain, offering panoramic views of Kenya and the vast plains below. This detour around the quieter northern side of Kilimanjaro is what makes the route special—trekkers enjoy peaceful trails, stunning landscapes, and a unique wilderness experience away from the crowds.
The 9-day itinerary allows climbers to adjust gradually to the increasing altitude, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness. With its gentle pace, breathtaking scenery, and high summit success rate, the Northern Circuit Route is ideal for trekkers who prefer a longer, quieter, and more rewarding Kilimanjaro adventure.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: Approx. 3 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your adventure with Go Kilimanjaro Treks begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate for park entry registration. After completing the formalities, you’ll continue by vehicle along a forest track for about an hour to reach the Lemosho Glades. From here, your trek starts with a gentle walk through the lush rainforest, following forest trails that lead to Mti Mkubwa Camp (meaning "Big Tree"), where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: Approx. 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today’s hike ascends out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone filled with giant heathers. You’ll trek through scenic hills and cross several small streams as you climb up to the Shira Ridge. After reaching the ridge, you’ll descend slightly to arrive at Shira Camp 1. The vast Shira Plateau opens up stunning views of Kibo peak and the surrounding landscapes.
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: Approx. 2 hours
Habitat: Moorland
A relaxed day as you cross the expansive Shira Plateau towards Shira Camp 2. The walk is gentle and provides a good opportunity for acclimatization. There are optional short hikes around the area for those wanting to explore more. Shira Plateau is among the highest plateaus on the planet, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Moir Hut
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert
Today’s journey continues across the high plateau towards Moir Hut, a lesser-visited campsite nestled at the base of Lent Hills. For those interested, acclimatization walks on the Lent Hills are possible in the afternoon. This area offers a sense of remoteness and tranquility.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Leaving Moir Hut, you’ll ascend out of the valley with an optional detour to summit Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for acclimatization. The trail then continues around Kilimanjaro’s northern flank, with stunning views of the plains stretching towards the Kenya-Tanzania border. You’ll reach Buffalo Camp by midday for lunch and rest after a fulfilling trek.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Zone
The path today leads over Buffalo Ridge and descends to Porfu Camp, where lunch is served. The trek continues through untouched wilderness areas on the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, eventually reaching Third Cave Camp for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Zone
You’ll ascend steadily across the Saddle, a vast expanse of alpine desert between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The trail leads towards School Hut, your final base camp before the summit attempt. After an early dinner, you’ll rest in preparation for the midnight summit push. Be sure to organize your gear, warm clothing, snacks, and headlamp before going to bed.
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Distance: 6 km ascent, 11 km descent
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours ascent, 4–6 hours descent
Habitat: Glacial Zone & Various Zones
Around midnight, the final ascent begins. After a light snack, you'll begin the challenging climb up Kibo's slopes. The first milestone is Hans Meyer Cave, followed by a steep push to Gilman’s Point (5,681m). After a short rest, you’ll continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you’ll descend back to Millennium Camp, stopping briefly at Barafu Camp to rest. This will be a long day, with a total trekking time of 14–16 hours, so pacing and hydration are crucial.
Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The final descent takes you through the lush Mweka rainforest. The trail follows a scenic ridge until you reach Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive summit certificates from Kilimanjaro National Park (gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Stella Point). A Go Kilimanjaro Treks vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
Included
Kilimanjaro park fees
Climbing permits and fees (gate, camp/hut fees)
Salaries for guide, assistant guides, cook, and porters
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
Porters to carry luggage from one camp to the next
Three meals per day and bottled water/drinks (1.5 litres per person per day)
Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
Transport to and from the hotel to the park gate
All camping equipment including foam sleeping pads, pillows, sleeping bags with cotton liners (suitable for Kilimanjaro temperatures), cooking equipment, tables, chairs, and eating utensils
The 9-Day Northern Circuit Route is the longest and one of the most scenic and less crowded routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its high success rate, this route offers excellent acclimatization opportunities, making it a great choice for those who want to increase their chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
The Northern Circuit approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a trek through the lush rainforest and continuing through the scenic Shira Plateau. It then loops around the northern slopes of the mountain, offering panoramic views of Kenya and the vast plains below. This detour around the quieter northern side of Kilimanjaro is what makes the route special—trekkers enjoy peaceful trails, stunning landscapes, and a unique wilderness experience away from the crowds.
The 9-day itinerary allows climbers to adjust gradually to the increasing altitude, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness. With its gentle pace, breathtaking scenery, and high summit success rate, the Northern Circuit Route is ideal for trekkers who prefer a longer, quieter, and more rewarding Kilimanjaro adventure.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: Approx. 3 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your adventure with Go Kilimanjaro Treks begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate for park entry registration. After completing the formalities, you’ll continue by vehicle along a forest track for about an hour to reach the Lemosho Glades. From here, your trek starts with a gentle walk through the lush rainforest, following forest trails that lead to Mti Mkubwa Camp (meaning "Big Tree"), where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: Approx. 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today’s hike ascends out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone filled with giant heathers. You’ll trek through scenic hills and cross several small streams as you climb up to the Shira Ridge. After reaching the ridge, you’ll descend slightly to arrive at Shira Camp 1. The vast Shira Plateau opens up stunning views of Kibo peak and the surrounding landscapes.
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: Approx. 2 hours
Habitat: Moorland
A relaxed day as you cross the expansive Shira Plateau towards Shira Camp 2. The walk is gentle and provides a good opportunity for acclimatization. There are optional short hikes around the area for those wanting to explore more. Shira Plateau is among the highest plateaus on the planet, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Moir Hut
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert
Today’s journey continues across the high plateau towards Moir Hut, a lesser-visited campsite nestled at the base of Lent Hills. For those interested, acclimatization walks on the Lent Hills are possible in the afternoon. This area offers a sense of remoteness and tranquility.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Leaving Moir Hut, you’ll ascend out of the valley with an optional detour to summit Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for acclimatization. The trail then continues around Kilimanjaro’s northern flank, with stunning views of the plains stretching towards the Kenya-Tanzania border. You’ll reach Buffalo Camp by midday for lunch and rest after a fulfilling trek.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Zone
The path today leads over Buffalo Ridge and descends to Porfu Camp, where lunch is served. The trek continues through untouched wilderness areas on the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, eventually reaching Third Cave Camp for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Zone
You’ll ascend steadily across the Saddle, a vast expanse of alpine desert between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The trail leads towards School Hut, your final base camp before the summit attempt. After an early dinner, you’ll rest in preparation for the midnight summit push. Be sure to organize your gear, warm clothing, snacks, and headlamp before going to bed.
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Distance: 6 km ascent, 11 km descent
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours ascent, 4–6 hours descent
Habitat: Glacial Zone & Various Zones
Around midnight, the final ascent begins. After a light snack, you'll begin the challenging climb up Kibo's slopes. The first milestone is Hans Meyer Cave, followed by a steep push to Gilman’s Point (5,681m). After a short rest, you’ll continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you’ll descend back to Millennium Camp, stopping briefly at Barafu Camp to rest. This will be a long day, with a total trekking time of 14–16 hours, so pacing and hydration are crucial.
Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The final descent takes you through the lush Mweka rainforest. The trail follows a scenic ridge until you reach Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive summit certificates from Kilimanjaro National Park (gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Stella Point). A Go Kilimanjaro Treks vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
Included
Kilimanjaro park fees
Climbing permits and fees (gate, camp/hut fees)
Salaries for guide, assistant guides, cook, and porters
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
Porters to carry luggage from one camp to the next
Three meals per day and bottled water/drinks (1.5 litres per person per day)
Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
Transport to and from the hotel to the park gate
All camping equipment including foam sleeping pads, pillows, sleeping bags with cotton liners (suitable for Kilimanjaro temperatures), cooking equipment, tables, chairs, and eating utensils
Excluded
International flights
Optional activities and personal expenses
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Visa fees
Tips for the mountain crew
Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc.
Travel insurance