9 Days Northern Circuit

Tents under the Milky Way below Mount Kilimanjaro's summit

9 Days Northern Circuit

Londorossi Gate, Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira 1 Camp, Shira 2 Camp, Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, Third Cave Camp, School Hut, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate

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*Price per person includes: professional mountain guide, park entry fees, all camping accommodations, meals during the trek, transfers to/from the park gate, and hotel stay in Moshi/Arusha after the climb.

At Asili Climbing Kilimanjaro, we believe every trekker is unique. That's why all our itineraries are flexible and can be tailored to match your pace, preferences, and goals. Let us help you craft a once-in-a-lifetime mountain adventure.

9 Days Northern Circuit

Trek Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro's newest and most exciting trail โ€” and arguably its most rewarding. It offers unmatched 360ยฐ views, fewer crowds, and the best acclimatization profile of all Kilimanjaro routes. Spanning nine days, this trek begins on the remote western side of the mountain and wraps around the rarely-traveled northern slopes before summiting from the east. It's ideal for those looking for a more immersive and scenic experience with a very high summit success rate.

Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route map
Kilimanjaro above the acacia savanna
Climbers approaching the summit through snow
7 Days Machame Route
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
7 Days Rongai Route
6 Days Umbwe Route

Full Itinerary

Day0

Arrival & Briefing

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be transferred to your accommodation, where your guide will conduct a full briefing and equipment check to prepare you for the adventure ahead.

Lodge ยท Overnight Stay

Ameg Lodge

Ameg Lodge

Kaliwa Lodge

Kaliwa Lodge

Day1

Londorossi Gate โ€“ Mti Mkubwa Camp

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Londorossi Gate (2,100m/6,890ft) โ†’ Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m/8,694ft)

Elevation Gain: 550m / 1,804ftDuration: 3โ€“4 hours

Hike through dense rainforest teeming with birdlife and monkeys. This short first day helps with acclimatization.

Mti Mkubwa Camp ยท Overnight Stay

Mti Mkubwa Camp
Londorossi Gate
Day2

Mti Mkubwa โ€“ Shira 1 Camp

Shira 1 Camp

Mti Mkubwa (2,650m/8,694ft) โ†’ Shira 1 Camp (3,610m/11,844ft)

Elevation Gain: 960m / 3,150ftDuration: 5-6 hours

Climb steadily out of the forest into moorland. Enjoy wide views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance.

Shira 1 Camp ยท Overnight Stay

Shira 1 Camp
Shira Plateau
Day3

Shira 1 โ€“ Shira 2 Camp

Shira 2 Camp

Shira 1 Camp (3,610m/11,844ft) โ†’ Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,631ft)

Elevation Gain: 240m / 787ftDuration: 4-5 hours

Today is a gentle walk across the high-altitude plateau. You'll begin to feel the mountain's vastness as you cross volcanic landscapes.

Shira 2 Camp ยท Overnight Stay

Shira 2 Camp
Shira 2 Camp view
Day4

Shira 2 โ€“ Lava Tower โ€“ Moir Hut

Moir Hut

Shira 2 (3,850m/12,631ft) โ†’ Lava Tower (4,600m/15,091ft) โ†’ Moir Hut (4,200m/13,780ft)

Elevation Gain: 750m / 2,460ftElevation Loss: 400m / 1,311ftDuration: 6โ€“7 hours

Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Moir Hut. This is a critical day for adjusting to altitude.

Moir Hut ยท Overnight Stay

Day5

Moir Hut โ€“ Buffalo Camp

Buffalo Camp

Moir Hut (4,200m/13,780ft) โ†’ Buffalo Camp (4,020m/13,188ft)

Elevation Gain: 200m / 656ftElevation Loss: 380m / 1,247ftDuration: 5-6 hours

Explore the unspoiled northern slopes with sweeping views of Kenya. A peaceful route with minimal foot traffic.

Buffalo Camp ยท Overnight Stay

Day6

Buffalo Camp โ€“ Third Cave Camp

Third Cave Camp

Buffalo Camp (4,020m/13,188ft) โ†’ Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,697ft)

Elevation Gain: 150m / 492ftDuration: 5โ€“6 hours

A gentle day heading east across alpine desert terrain. Fewer crowds, more tranquility.

Third Cave Camp ยท Overnight Stay

Third Cave Camp
Third Cave Camp
Day7

Third Cave Camp โ€“ School Hut

School Hut

Third Cave (3,870m/12,697ft) โ†’ School Hut (4,750m/15,584ft)

Elevation Gain: 880m / 2,887ftDuration: 4โ€“5 hours

A steep ascent through increasingly barren landscapes. Rest early for your midnight summit push.

School Hut ยท Overnight Stay

School Hut
School Hut signpost
Day8

Summit Day (Uhuru Peak) โ€“ Mweka Camp

Mweka Camp

School Hut (4,750m/15,584ft) โ†’ Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) โ†’ Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)

Elevation Gain: 1,145m / 3,757ftElevation Loss: 2,795m / 9,169ftDuration: 12โ€“14 hours

Start your climb at midnight. Reach Stella Point at sunrise, then the summit of Uhuru Peak. Descend through scree and moorland to Mweka Camp.

Mweka Camp ยท Overnight Stay

Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp huts
Day9

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Mweka Gate

Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) โ†’ Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)

Elevation Loss: 1,280m / 4,220ftDuration: 2-3 hours

The final descent takes you through lush rainforest, with a chance to spot playful monkeys along the way.

At Mweka Gate, you'll receive your summit certificates, and from Mweka Village, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi.

Departure or Onward Travel

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, or continue your Tanzanian adventure!

Turn your dream vacation into reality with a Tanzania Expert.

With Tanzania Expert, you can personalize your adventure. Our suggested itineraries can be tailored to suit your preferences. Our specialists collaborate with you to design your perfect journey!

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Tour Includes

  • Entrance fees/Admission fee
  • Conservation Fees
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • All accommodations as stated in the itinerary
  • All transportation
  • All Taxes/VAT 18%
  • Airport Pickup and Drop off
  • All Meals as stated in the itinerary

Tour Excludes

  • Any International or Local flights (from/to home)
  • Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees application, etc.)
  • Travel insurance and medical repatriation
  • Items of a personal nature

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Testimonial

What Client Say About us

Climb of a lifetime! Our Kilimanjaro climb with Asili Explorer African Safaris was truly extraordinary! From start to finish, the team ensured an unforgettable experience, making our summit journey smooth, safe, and memorable.

Obazee

2023-11-28

It's no surprise that Asili Explorer African Safaris maintains a 5-star reputation. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to customer satisfaction set them apart. If you're looking for the best Kilimanjaro trekking company, look no further!

Romy H

2023-11-28

In October 2023, we completed a six-day trek to the Kilimanjaro summit with Asili Explorer African Safaris. The experience was phenomenal, and I highly recommend them for anyone planning this adventure.

Rony V

2023-12-27

Frequently asked questions

9 Days Northern Circuit Route FAQs

Have questions about climbing Kilimanjaro with us? Explore our Northern Circuit Route FAQs below for clear, helpful answers. If you don't see what you're looking for, feel free to reach outโ€”our mountain experts at Asili Climbing Kilimanjaro are here to help you plan a safe, successful, and unforgettable summit adventure.

It's a moderate-to-challenging route, but its long duration makes it one of the easiest in terms of acclimatization. With nine days, your body has plenty of time to adjust to the altitude.
The Northern Circuit is the longest and quietest route on Kilimanjaro. It wraps around the remote northern slopes, offering stunning views and a high summit success rate.
Not at all. The extended time allows gradual elevation gain, better acclimatization, and fewer altitude-related problems, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak safely.
You'll start your climb at midnight from School Hut. The goal is to reach the summit by sunrise, then descend to Mweka Camp the same day โ€” a total of 12โ€“14 hours of hiking.
All nights are spent in mountain tents provided by Asili Climbing Kilimanjaro. The tents are warm, waterproof, and set up by our crew before you arrive at camp.
Absolutely. We follow KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) standards to ensure all porters and crew are paid fairly and work under safe conditions.
Not necessarily. You need to be physically fit and mentally prepared. Our guides help pace the trek to suit your ability and ensure proper acclimatization.
June to October and January to early March are ideal. These months offer clear skies, lower rainfall, and better trail conditions.
We offer both private climbs and open group treks. You can choose your preferred style when booking.
Your guide monitors your health daily. If symptoms arise, we act immediately โ€” adjusting pace, offering oxygen support, or arranging evacuation if needed.

If your question is not listed, please contact us to chat with our expert for assistance.

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