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Moshi · Kilimanjaro Region · Tanzania
9 days Kilimanjaro Climb – Northern Circuit Route
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From $2,493.76 per person
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The Experience
What your day looks like
Welcome to our 9-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Northern Circuit Route. Experience the tranquility of the rarely visited northern slopes, with ample time for proper acclimatization. The Northern Circuit is the newest and most comprehensive route on Kilimanjaro, offering a nearly complete circuit around the mountain. With this extended route, you'll enjoy the serene and less-traveled northern slopes. As the longest route, it provides optimal time for acclimatization, contributing to the highest summit success rate on Kilimanjaro. Starting from the west, you'll trek through lush rainforest for the first two days, reaching the Shira Ridge and crossing the Shira Plateau. The route continues north, circling clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east. The descent is via the Mweka route.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Conquer rugged terrain, navigate through hidden valleys, and explore alpine meadows
- Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and test your hiking skills
- Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our professional guides
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Moshi
Transportation. Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania – Begin Your Northern Circuit Adventure Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, complete arrival formalities and meet the Kilimanjaro Heroes transfer team outside the customs area. You will be privately transferred to your hotel in Moshi, where you will spend your first night.
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Accommodation included
Day 2
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a drive from Kindoroko Hotel to Londorossi Park Gate, where you'll sign in. From there, you'll drive along the rainforest track for about 45 minutes to reach the Lemosho Glades, the starting point of your trek. Enjoy a 3-4 hour hike through the breathtaking rainforest, keeping an eye out for monkeys. You will camp overnight at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite, your first night on Kilimanjaro.
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Tent accommodation included
Day 3
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Big Tree Camp – Shira Camp 1 – Northern Circuit Route From Big Tree Camp, you'll follow the trail through the rainforest, which gradually steepens, leading you into the moorland zone. Here, you'll get your first view of Kibo. Continuing, you'll cross the Shira Ridge, where the trail flattens as you reach Shira Camp 1, located beside a mountain stream on the Shira Plateau.
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Tent accommodation included
Day 4
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Shira Camp 1 – Shira Camp 2 Day four offers a leisurely walk across the Shira Plateau, leading you to Shira Camp 2, situated in moorland meadows next to another mountain stream. In the afternoon, you have the option of additional acclimatization walks on the plateau. If you're feeling fatigued, use the rest of the afternoon to relax around camp.
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Tent accommodation included
Day 5
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Shira Camp 2 – Moir Camp Day five is a challenging trek heading east, passing through the 'Garden of the Senecios' before entering 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'll enjoy lunch. Afterward, you'll descend along the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This day is crucial for acclimatization, as you experience high altitude and then sleep at a lower elevation, aiding your body’s adjustment.
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Tent accommodation included
Day 6
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp Day six involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a short detour to summit Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. From there, the route traverses a series of ascents and descents, skirting the northern slopes of Kibo on the way to Buffalo Camp at 4,020 meters. Along the trek, enjoy stunning views of the plains north of Kilimanjaro, extending all the way to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. You will reach Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you’ll have lunch and time to rest after a long day of hiking.
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Tent accommodation included
Day 7
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Buffalo Camp – Rongai Third Camp Day seven begins with a climb up Buffalo Ridge, followed by a descent into Porfu Camp, where lunch is typically served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes, leading you to Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. This trek is shorter than the previous day, and by now, you should be well acclimatized to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave by mid-afternoon.
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Tent accommodation included
Day 8
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Rongai Third Camp – School Hut Day eight features a steady climb over the Saddle, which lies between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue southwest to School Hut at 4,800 meters. Upon arrival, you'll be served an early dinner, then have time to rest before being woken up before midnight for your summit attempt. Be sure to prepare all your gear, including warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera before heading to bed.
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Tent accommodation included
Day 9
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp You will be awakened around 11:30 PM with hot tea and biscuits before beginning the steep climb up Kibo’s slopes in the dark. Your first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave, where you'll take a short break. The climb becomes steeper as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), about 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to appreciate the approaching dawn and the stunning views across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember, you still have 2 more hours of trekking to reach Uhuru Peak—push through and conserve your energy. As the slope flattens, you’ll continue west along the crater rim and arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay at the peak will be brief, so capture as many photos as you can of the breathtaking views and surrounding glaciers. Then, retrace your steps around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) before descending the steep, scree-covered 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. With a trek duration of 14-16 hours on day eight, it’s essential to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and keep your blood sugar levels steady. Note: Some tour operators descend via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.
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Tent accommodation included
Day 10
Moshi
Hiking. Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate – End of Northern Circuit Route The final day involves a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate, you'll sign out with the authorities, who will present your official certificate—green for those who reached Gilman’s Point and gold for those who reached Uhuru Peak. We hope you enjoyed your stay! It is customary to tip your guides and porters at this point before being driven back to Kindoroko Hotel in Moshi.
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Thank you for visiting! We hope you enjoyed your stay! It is customary to tip your guides and porters at this point before being driven back to Kindoroko Hotel in Moshi.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Full board accommodation on the mountain All park fees Mentioned transfers Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables) Oxygen cylinder - only for emergency English speaking guide Mountain crew (cook and porters) First aid kit and pulse oximeter
Not Included
Sleeping bags Gratuities Travel Insurance Visa fees Flight Laundry All meals and drinks in Moshi town
What to Bring
Camera Sunglasses Sunscreen Hat Bag for Essentials Comfortable clothing and footwear Cash for personal use
Meeting & Pickup
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, complete arrival formalities and meet the Kilimanjaro Heroes transfer team outside the customs area.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 10 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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