Why Choose 9-Day Northern Circuit Route?

Highest Success Rate

With 95-98% summit success due to optimal acclimatization profile and gradual ascent.

Least Crowded

The newest and least traveled route, offering solitude and pristine wilderness.

Complete Circuit

Full circumnavigation of Kilimanjaro with 360-degree views and diverse landscapes.

Pricing Options

Choose the duration that fits your schedule and budget

9 Day Trek

Premium

The ultimate Northern Circuit experience with maximum acclimatization

  • Highest success rate (95-98%)
  • Complete circuit of the mountain
  • Extra acclimatization day

Prices:

  • 1 person: $2,800
  • 2-5 persons: $2,300/person
  • 6+ persons: $2,250/person

Route Overview

9
Days
98km
Distance
95-98%
Success Rate
Challenging
Difficulty

Route Highlights

The 9-day Northern Circuit is the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience, offering the highest summit success rate of any route. This extended version includes an additional acclimatization day and completes a full circumnavigation of the mountain, providing unparalleled views and the most comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience available.

This premium itinerary builds on the standard Northern Circuit by adding an extra day at high altitude for optimal acclimatization. The route combines elements of the Lemosho Route with a complete circuit around Kilimanjaro's northern side before ascending via the quieter Rongai route descent path.

Why Choose the 9-Day Option

The 9-day Northern Circuit offers the absolute best chance of summit success while providing the most complete Kilimanjaro experience. The extra day allows for perfect acclimatization, while the full circuit provides constantly changing perspectives of the mountain. This is the ideal choice for those who want to maximize their chances while enjoying the most scenic and varied route.

Pro Tip

The 9-day Northern Circuit is the gold standard for Kilimanjaro climbs, offering the highest success rate of any route. The extra acclimatization day makes this the safest option, especially for those concerned about altitude. While it's the most expensive option due to the additional day, the dramatically higher success rate makes it worth the investment for many climbers.

Detailed Itinerary

9-day Northern Circuit Route schedule with elevation profile

0

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you'll meet your guide and have a pre-climb briefing to discuss the adventure ahead.

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Kilimanjaro International Airport

1

Moshi to Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, you'll drive to the Lemosho Gate. From there, you begin your trek through the rainforest, gradually ascending to Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Duration
3-4 hours
Distance
7 km
Elevation Gain
+650m
Camp Altitude
2,750m
Mti Mkubwa Camp

Mti Mkubwa Camp

2

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

The trek continues through the moorland zone to Shira 1 Camp. You will pass the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, with incredible views.

Duration
5-6 hours
Distance
8 km
Elevation Gain
+850m
Camp Altitude
3,600m
Shira 1 Camp

Shira 1 Camp

3

Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

Today, we cross the Shira Plateau, a beautiful expanse offering views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru in the distance. We reach Shira 2 Camp by afternoon for acclimatization.

Duration
5-6 hours
Distance
10 km
Elevation Gain
+250m
Habitat
Alpine Desert
Shira Plateau

Shira Plateau

4

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower (Acclimatization) to Moir Hut

Today features a crucial acclimatization hike. You'll ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch, allowing your body to experience higher altitude before descending to Moir Hut (4,116m). This "climb high, sleep low" strategy significantly improves acclimatization.

Duration
6-8 hours
Distance
14 km
Elevation
+1,000m/-484m
Camp Altitude
4,116m
Lava Tower

Lava Tower - Acclimatization Point

5

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Hike from Moir Hut through Lent Hills, with breathtaking views across the northern plains to Buffalo Camp, situated in an alpine desert zone.

Duration
5-7 hours
Distance
12 km
Elevation Gain
+514m
Camp Altitude
4,630m
Buffalo Camp

Buffalo Camp

6

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

The trail becomes more remote and wild as you traverse through sparse terrain to reach Third Cave, a quiet camp offering stunning views of the mountain.

Duration
5-7 hours
Distance
8 km
Elevation Loss
-595m
Camp Altitude
4,035m
Third Cave

Third Cave

7

Third Cave to School Hut

Ascend through alpine desert terrain to School Hut, located at the base of the "Saddle" between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. This is a short but crucial day for acclimatization before summit night.

Duration
4-6 hours
Distance
5 km
Elevation Gain
+605m
Camp Altitude
4,640m
School Hut

School Hut

8

Summit Day: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Summit day begins with an early morning ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, followed by a descent to Mweka Camp. This challenging day includes breathtaking views and a variety of ecosystems as you descend.

Duration
12-16 hours
Distance
15 km
Elevation
4,640m → 5,895m → 3,100m
Camp Altitude
3,100m
Uhuru Peak

Uhuru Peak - Highest Point in Africa

9

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The final descent takes you through lush rainforest back to the Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificates before transferring back to Moshi for a well-deserved celebration.

Duration
3-4 hours
Distance
10 km
Descent
-1,460m
Gate Altitude
1,640m
Mweka Gate

Mweka Gate - Journey's End

Trip Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Two nights accommodations in Moshi
  • Transfer to and from the mountain
  • 18% VAT (Value Added Tax) on tour fees and service
  • Park fees
  • 4-season mountain tent
  • Mess tents, lanterns, chairs, tables
  • Three hot meals daily on the mountain
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew: guides, cook, and porters
  • Emergency oxygen tank

Exclusions

  • Visa fees
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • All items of personal nature
  • Lunch, dinner, and drinks at your hotel
  • Tips for the team: guides, cooks, and porters

Recommendation Tips:

  • Guide: $20-$25/day
  • Cook: $15-$20/day
  • Porters: $10/day

Additional Costs

  • Portable flash toilet: $100 for the entire trek
  • Extra hotel night in Moshi: Double room $100, Single $80
  • Extra porters for excess gear: $10/day

Requirements:

  • Good physical condition (for hiking and safaris)
  • Travel insurance covering medical emergencies
  • Visa
  • Appropriate clothing for hot and cold temperatures
  • Camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing (Optional)

Pricing Information

Our Kilimanjaro pricing is subject to availability and may change without notice. The price is only guaranteed once paid for in full or in installments. Prices quoted are subject to changes outside our control, which may increase the cost of the product or service.

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