9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb via northern circuit Route
9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climbing Overview
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climbing is the longest and most successful route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Designed for maximum acclimatization, this route offers the highest summit success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes.
Unlike other trails, the Northern Circuit approaches the mountain from the western side and circles around the quieter northern slopes. This provides a unique experience with fewer crowds, unspoiled wilderness, and breathtaking panoramic views.
The extended duration of the 9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climbing allows climbers to adapt gradually to altitude, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers seeking a safer and more enjoyable climb.
Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro stands out for:
- Highest summit success rate
- Longest and best acclimatization profile
- Least crowded route on Kilimanjaro
- Stunning 360° views around the mountain
- Premium and less rushed experience
👉 This is considered the safest and most successful way to climb Kilimanjaro.
How Difficult is the Northern Circuit Route?
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climbing is:
- Moderately challenging
- Suitable for beginners due to longer duration
- Ideal for high success rates
👉 The longer itinerary makes it easier to adapt to altitude.
Tour Plan
Your 9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climbing adventure begins with a morning transfer from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After completing park registration, you’ll drive to the trailhead and start your trek through dense rainforest. This area is rich in biodiversity, and you may spot colobus monkeys and other wildlife along the way.
The trail is relatively short and gentle, allowing your body to begin adjusting to the altitude.
- Altitude: 2,250m → 2,650m
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
As you walk along the thin trail through the rainforest, you will notice the vegetation becoming scarcer and scarcer until you finally reach moorland filled with lobelia and erica plants.
Ascending through rolling hills, you will reach Shira Camp 1 in about 3 to 4 hours.
Looking over the Shira Plateau from your camp you will be able to see the unmistakable snow-capped summit of Kibo. A hearty evening meal and a last glimpse at the starry sky will bring the day to a close.
This is a relatively gentle trekking day across the Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic areas on Kilimanjaro.
The slow pace helps with acclimatization, which is a key advantage of the 9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climbing route.
- Altitude: 3,500m → 3,850m
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Your first goal today will be the intimidating form of the Lava Tower (4,640m) and you’ll set off for this distinctive landmark immediately after breakfast.
After ascending 700m to the Lava Tower, you’ll divert from the regular routes and make your way to the secluded Moir Hut to overnight.
For those wanting some extra exercise and acclimatisation, there are a number of short hikes that can be taken in the nearby Lent Hills.
You’ll trek up through moderately steep trails today as you make your way to the peak of the Lent Hills, where you’ll rejoin the main Kilimanjaro trail.
From here, the hiking gets a little easier, as you’ll cross over undulating fields of rock-strewn earth on your way to Buffalo Camp.
You’ll camp with breathtaking views of the plains stretching out to the Tanzania-Kenya border.
As you continue your 9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climbing, the trail offers expansive views of the Kenyan plains to the north.
This day is less demanding, allowing for continued acclimatization.
- Altitude: 4,020m → 3,800m
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Overnight: Third Cave
Today sees you climbing up and over the ‘saddle’ between the Kibo and Mawenzi glaciers.
A shorter day’s hiking through the alpine desert region, you’ll set up camp and eat dinner early, as you’re aiming to summit tomorrow.
You’re starting your day early today – just after midnight, in fact!
Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead.
You’ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there’s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak.
Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it!
After snapping your photos and soaking it all in, you’ll begin the descent back down towards Barafu Camp, where you’ll stop for lunch and some celebration.
After a bit of rest, you’ll continue down to Mweka Camp to overnight.
It’s a day of celebration today, as you’ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Mweka Gate.
Here, you’ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion.
Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest.
Yes, it offers the highest success rate and best acclimatization.
It is longer and more remote than other routes.
Yes, due to its gradual ascent and longer duration.
- included
- Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Two nights’ accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek).
- Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
- Services of a professional guide, porters, and cook.
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Drinking water during the trek.
- Tents, sleeping mats, and camping equipment.
- Daily health check-ups, first aid kit, and oxygen for emergencies.
- Certificate of achievement for reaching Uhuru Peak or Stella Point.
- excluded
- International flights.
- Visa fees for Tanzania.
- Personal climbing gear (available for rent).
- Travel insurance (including medical evacuation).
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and snacks.
- Meals and drinks at the hotel.
- Any additional services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
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