9 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking-Northern circuit Route

$ 2409

/pax

Overview

The 9-day Northern Circuit route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a serene and less-traveled trail, growing in popularity due to its breathtaking panoramic views and excellent acclimatization advantages. Starting at Londorossi Gate, this trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, from vibrant rainforests and vast moorlands to the stark, dramatic alpine desert. Key highlights include crossing the iconic Shira Plateau, navigating the rugged lava ridges beneath the Western Breach, and savoring the tranquility of the northern slopes with expansive views of the Kenyan plains. Climbers are treated to a memorable sunrise at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, before descending through the picturesque Mweka Route. This route offers not only an increased chance of summit success but also a diverse and unforgettable trekking experience

Itinerary

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha/Moshi

Welcome to your adventure with African Landscape Adventures! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly representative will be there to greet you. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi, located at an elevation of 890m/2,920ft.

After settling in, you’ll meet with your guide for an in-depth climb briefing, where we’ll go over the details of your upcoming trek to ensure you’re well-prepared and informed. We will also perform an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary gear for a successful and safe climb. If anything is missing, you can rent or purchase it at our Store.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Moshi, relax, and get ready for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, allowing you to rest and acclimate to the local climate.

DAY 1: LONDROSSI GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP

Distance: 6 km (4 mi)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Elevation: 2360m (7,743ft) to 2895m (9,497ft)
Altitude Gained: 535m

After departing from Moshi, enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive through picturesque mountainside villages, heading toward the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Upon arrival, we will wait for our permits to be issued, giving you a chance to observe the vibrant atmosphere as various crews prepare for their own treks. As you begin your journey, immerse yourself in the enchanting rainforest, where your guide will share insights about the unique flora, fauna, and local wildlife. The trail at these lower elevations can be muddy and slippery, so we strongly recommend wearing gaiters and using trekking poles for added stability and comfort.

DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA I CAMP

Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
Duration: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Elevation: 2895m (9,497ft) to 3500m (11,485ft)
Altitude Gained: 605m

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and begin our ascent. Leaving the forest behind, the trail gradually climbs, offering expansive views as we reach the edge of the Shira Plateau. The landscape transforms into moorland, and the temperatures start to drop, marking the transition to higher altitudes. This steady climb leads us toward the plateau’s rim, where we will continue our journey

DAY 3: SHIRA I CAMP –SHIRA II CAMP

Distance: 7 km (4 mi)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Elevation: 3500m (11,485ft) to 3850m (12,631ft)
Altitude Gained: 350m

Today’s trek takes you across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, as you journey from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. For those on the 9-day climb, you’ll spend the night at Shira II, joining climbers ascending from the Machame Route. Once at Shira II Camp, consider a short additional hike to gain some elevation and savor breathtaking views across the valley, with the Western Breach of Mount Kilimanjaro towering above. As the plateau is exposed, be prepared for a chilly night with temperatures potentially dropping below freezing.

Note: For those on the 8-day climb, the trek continues east to the Shira Plateau Ridge, before heading towards Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and descending to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

DAY 4: SHIRA II CAMP- LAVA TOWER – MOIR

Distance: 9 km (5.6 mi)
Duration: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3850m (12,631ft) to 4200m (13,780ft)
Altitude Gained: 350m

Today’s journey, though ending at a similar elevation to where you started, plays a crucial role in acclimatization. We begin by ascending from Shira Plateau, heading east up a ridge and passing the junction toward Kibo Peak. Continuing southeast, we reach the impressive Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m / 15,250ft). After passing the tower, we approach a second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. We then begin our descent, arriving at Barranco Camp where we will overnight, ready to rest and acclimatize for the next stage of your Kilimanjaro adventure

DAY 5: MOIR CAMP – BUFFALO CAMP

Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Duration: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4200m (13,780ft) to 4020m (13,188ft)
Altitude Lost: 180m

The day begins with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley, offering breathtaking views along the way. For those interested, a short detour allows you to summit Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. The route then traverses a series of gentle inclines and declines, skirting the northern slopes of Kibo, and heading towards Buffalo Camp. As you walk, you’ll enjoy spectacular vistas of the expansive plains stretching northward toward the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. You will reach Buffalo Camp around midday, where a delicious lunch awaits, followed by time to rest and take in the stunning surroundings

DAY 6: BUFFALO CAMP – RONGAI 3RD CAVE

Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
Duration: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4020m (13,188ft) to 3870m (12,700ft)
Altitude Lost: 150m

Day six begins with a steady ascent up Buffalo Ridge, followed by a descent to Pofu Camp where you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Afterward, we continue heading east along the northern slopes towards the Rongai Third Cave. The day’s climb is shorter compared to previous days, allowing you to feel more acclimatized to the altitude. You’ll reach the Third Cave by mid-afternoon, ready to rest and prepare for the next stages of your journey

DAY 7: RONGAI 3RD CAVE – SCHOOL HUT

Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)
Duration: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3870m (12,700ft) to 4800m (15,748ft)
Altitude Gained: 930m

Embark on a steady ascent across the Saddle, the high plateau nestled between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. Continue southwest toward School Hut, your overnight stop, where you’ll enjoy an early dinner and take time to rest. This will prepare you for the summit attempt, which will begin just before midnight. Make sure to prepare all your essential gear, including warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamps, and your camera, as you ready yourself for the challenging yet exhilarating climb ahead.

DAY 8: SCHOOL HUT – SUMMIT – MWEKA CAMP

Distance Up: 6 km (3.7 mi)
Duration Up: 6–8 hours
Distance Down: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Duration Down: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit, Alpine Desert
Elevation Up: 4800m (15,748ft) to 5895m (19,341ft)
Altitude Gained: 1095m
Descent to: 3106m (10,190ft)
Altitude Lost: 2789m

The excitement builds as your adventure reaches its pinnacle. With an early start between midnight and 2 a.m., you begin the most mentally and physically demanding section of the trek. Ascending between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, your focus remains on the incredible achievement ahead. As you navigate switchbacks in a northwesterly direction, you’ll climb through challenging scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. A well-earned rest here rewards you with breathtaking sunrise views. If you’re a faster hiker, you may have the privilege of watching the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you face a final, exhilarating hour-long ascent to Uhuru Peak, where you’ll likely encounter snow-covered paths. At the summit, congratulations are in order—you’ve reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent! Take in the awe-inspiring views, snap photos, and celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, perhaps even shedding a few tears of joy.

After relishing the moment, it’s time to begin the steep descent to Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Due to loose gravel and volcanic ash, we recommend wearing gaiters and using trekking poles for better stability. As you continue the descent, your well-deserved rest awaits at Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend your last night on the mountain, reflecting on the unforgettable experience.

DAY 9: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – ARUSHA/MOSHI

Distance: 9.1 km (6 mi)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m (10,190ft) to 1633m (5,358ft)
Altitude Lost: 1473m

On your final descent, you’ll journey through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll be presented with your summit certificates in recognition of your incredible achievement. From there, a vehicle will transfer you back to Arusha or Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved shower, a delicious dinner, and celebrate the successful completion of your Kilimanjaro Trek with African Landscape Adventure