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Moshi · Kilimanjaro Region · Tanzania
9-Day Mt Kilimanjaro Trekking (the Northern Circuit Route)
Starting From
From $3,982.95 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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The Experience
What your day looks like
Embark on the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure with our 9-day Northern Circuit trek, offering unparalleled beauty and exclusivity. This route, renowned for its stunning panoramic views and less-traveled paths, provides a peaceful, immersive experience through Kilimanjaro's diverse ecosystems. From lush rainforests to the dramatic alpine desert, you'll trek along the quieter northern slopes, all the way to the majestic Uhuru Peak. The highlight? An unforgettable night of crater camping beneath Kilimanjaro's towering glaciers, a once-in-a-lifetime experience few adventurers get to enjoy. With expert guides, personalized service, and the best acclimatization schedule, this is the ideal trek for those seeking both challenge and serenity on Africa’s highest mountain. Duration: 9 or 10 days Scenery: Excellent Traffic: Low
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Explore Kilimanjaro's quiet side on the Northern Circuit
- Enjoy unmatched panoramic views and peaceful, uncrowded trails
- Trek through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert landscapes
- Crater camp beneath towering glaciers — a rare experience
- Excellent acclimatization boosts success and safety on summit night
- Ideal for adventurers seeking beauty, solitude, and challenge
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Moshi
Londrossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp: 4.8k /3mi | 3-4 Hrs | Rainforest Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft Altitude gained: 396m. Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.
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Eco Tour. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
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Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Day 2
Moshi
Eco Tour. Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira I Camp: 7.9km/5mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft Altitude gained: 719m After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
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Overnight at Shira One Camp
Day 3
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Hiking. Shira I Camp –Shira Ii Camp: 6.9km/4mi | 3-4hrs | Low Alpine Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft To 3895m/12,779ft Altitude Gained: 391m. Our trek crosses the Shira one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. Nine-day climbs will stay the night at Shira II Camp joining climbers ascending from the Machame Route.
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Sightseeing at Mount Kilimanjaro. At Shira II Camp it is worth the extra energy to go a bit higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero.
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Overnight at Shira Two camp.
Day 4
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Sightseeing. Shira Ii Camp- Lava Tower – Moir: 17.7km/11.1mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft To 3986m/13,077ft Altitude Gained: 91m Although You End The Day Around The Same Elevation As When You Began, This Day Is Very Important For Acclimatization.
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Sightseeing. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend overnight at Barranco Camp.
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Overnight at Moir Camp.
Day 5
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Hiking. Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp: 9.2km/5.7mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine Zone Elevation: 4155m/13,632ft To 4033m/13,232ft Altitude Loss: 122m We begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Spectacular views of plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretch as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border.
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Relaxation & Fun. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest.
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Overnight at Buffalo Camp.
Day 6
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Hiking. Buffalo Camp – Rongai 3rd Cave: 6.8km /4.3mi | 5-7hrs | Alpine Desert Elevation: 4033m/13,232ft To 3936m/12,193ft Altitude Lost: 97m Day Six Starts With A Climb Up The Buffalo Ridge And Down Into Pofu Camp Where Lunch Is Served. We Continue East Around The Northern Slopes To The Rongai Third Cave.
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Hiking. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before and you should be feeling better acclimatized to the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon
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Overnight at Rongai 3rd Cave.
Day 7
Moshi
Sightseeing at Mawenzi. Rongai 3rd Cave – School Hut:4.8km /3mi | 5-7hrs | Glacial Zone Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft To 4717m/15,476ft Altitude Gained: 781m A steady ascent and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue Southwest to School Hut where you will be served an early dinner and the rest as you will begin just before midnight to start your summit attempt.
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Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamps, and cameras before going to bed. Overnight at School Hut.
Day 8
Moshi
Hiking. School Hut – Summit: 5.9km /3.7mi | 6-8hrs | – Mweka Camp: 13km /8mi Down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit Elevation: 4717m/15,476ft To 5895m/19,341ft Altitude Gained: 1178m Descent To 3106m/10,190ft Altitude Lost:2789m Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
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Eco Tour. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
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Hiking. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
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Sightseeing at Mount Kilimanjaro. Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.
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Hiking. After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest.
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Relaxation & Fun. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain.
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Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 9
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Local Flavor. Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi: 9.1km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft Altitude lost: 1473m After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
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From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!!
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
All Fees and Taxes Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi and Moshi to Kilimanjaro airport Hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with breakfast included Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summit aid) and a Basic first aid kit Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook + wages as per the standard set by KINAPA Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattress) Fresh Water for drinking & Hot water for a wash daily
Not Included
Visas and Flights Travel and Health Insurances (Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory) Gratuities Items of Personal Nature Personal hiking/trekking gear–you opt to rent the gears from equipment stores in Moshi Optional but highly recommended Portable toilet Personal medicine and water purifying tablets + Meals & drinks not specified and snacks
What to Bring
Passport required
Restrictions
Not stroller accessible Not suitable for pets No public transportation nearby Infants must not sit on laps Infant seats are unavailable Not recommended for pregnant travelers Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Meeting & Pickup
Moshi Urban - Moshi Urban, Kilimanjaro Region.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 1 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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