🗻 9-Day Kilimanjaro Trek Northern- Circuit Route

Experience Kilimanjaro's longest and most scenic route, the Northern Circuit (also known as the Grand Traverse Route). This incredible trail starts on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, winds around the quiet northern side, and approaches Uhuru Peak from the east. The descent is via the Mweka Route, offering trekkers a beautiful and varied journey.

The Northern Circuit is known for excellent acclimatization, stunning scenery from all sides of the mountain, and fewer crowds compared to other Kilimanjaro routes — making it the perfect choice for trekkers seeking a unique adventure.

✈️ Arrival & Preparation Day

When you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our friendly driver will meet you — no need to worry if you are delayed at customs, we'll wait for you. Once you arrive at your hotel in Moshi, you'll have time to settle in and rest. We'll conduct a full equipment check to ensure you have everything you need, and any missing gear can be rented locally. Your guide will hold a detailed pre-climb briefing to answer all your questions and prepare you for your trek.

Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Travel Time: 45-minute transfer
Meals: —

🥾 Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Bigin the 9-Day Kilimanjaro Trek Northern Circuit Route. After breakfast, you'll drive to Londorossi Gate for park registration, then continue by 4×4 up to Lemosho Glades. Here you'll start your trek through the lush rainforest — keep an eye out for monkeys and exotic birds! Tonight's camp is at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp).

Overnight: Camping (2,780m / 9,120 ft)
Trekking: 2–3 hours, 6 km, +820 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🌄 Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Today's trail climbs out of the forest and up the Shira Ridge. As the trees thin out, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and plains. Reach Shira 1 Camp on the western edge of the Shira Plateau.

Overnight: Camping (3,600m / 11,811 ft)
Trekking: 4–5 hours, 8 km, +850 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🌿 Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

Continue to Kilimanjaro Hike and Cross the beautiful open meadows of the Shira Plateau at a gentle pace, perfect for acclimatization. There's time to explore short trails and take in the high-altitude scenery.

Overnight: Camping (3,850m / 12,631 ft)
Trekking: 4–5 hours, 8 km, +250 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🏔️ Day 4: Shira 2 to Lava Tower and Moir Camp

Hike Kilimanjaro through the dramatic Garden of Senecios and enter the alpine desert. Stop for lunch at the iconic Lava Tower (4,630m). After a rest, you'll descend to the secluded Moir Camp, away from the busier southern trails.

Overnight: Camping (4,200m / 13,780 ft)
Trekking: 5–7 hours, 14 km, +350 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🗻 Day 5: Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp

Ascend out of the Moir Valley with an optional detour to climb Little Lent Hill for sweeping views. Rejoin the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trail, crossing undulating ridges to the peaceful Buffalo Camp, which is used exclusively by Northern Circuit trekkers.

Overnight: Camping (4,020m / 13,180 ft)
Trekking: 5–6 hours, 12 km, -180 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🌌 Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Hike up Buffalo Ridge to Pofu Camp for lunch. Continue across the remote Mount Kilimanjaro northern slopes until you reach Third Cave Camp for the night. By now, you'll be well-acclimatized for your summit push.

Overnight: Camping (3,875m / 12,713 ft)
Trekking: 5–7 hours, 8 km, -145 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

⛰️ Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp

Continue to Trek Kilimanjaro and Cross the wide saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks, enjoying impressive views. Reach School Hut Camp, your base camp for the final ascent. After an early dinner, rest well for summit night!

Overnight: Camping (4,800m / 15,748 ft)
Trekking: 4–5 hours, 15 km, +1,000 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🗻 Day 8: Summit Uhuru Peak & Descend to Millennium Camp

Rise around midnight for your Kilimanjaro summit push! Hike by headlamp up the steep slope to Gilman's Point, then traverse the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement at the Roof of Africa before beginning your descent via Stella Point and Barafu to Millennium Camp, where you'll rest and recover.

Overnight: Camping (3,950m / 12,960 ft)
Trekking: 10–15 hours, 17 km, +1,095 m ascent, -1,945 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🌳 Day 9: Descend to Mweka Gate & Return to Moshi

Today Enjoy the changing scenery into Kilimanjaro hike as you leave the high alpine desert behind and re-enter the lush rainforest. Reach Mweka Gate, where your Hazzes Adventure driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower and celebration.

Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Trekking: 3–4 hours, 10 km, -2,270 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

✈️ Departure Day

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Our driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, or to your next adventure if you're combining your climb with a safari or beach holiday.

Travel Time: 45-minute drive to Kilimanjaro Airport
Meals: Breakfast

✅ Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?

• Highest summit success rate thanks to excellent acclimatization
• Incredible 360-degree mountain views
• Remote northern slopes with fewer crowds
• Unique wilderness camping experience

Book your 9-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek today and stand on the Roof of Africa with confidence!