9 Days Northern Circuit Route

Overview

The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic Kilimanjaro route.

offering a true wilderness experience with exceptional acclimatization. This route circles the mountain, taking you through Shira Plateau, Moir Hut, Poff Camp, Third Cave, School Hut, and finally the summit, providing stunning views and fewer climbers on the trail.

Operated by Kilimania Adventure, one of the best tour companies in Africa, this route guarantees safety, professional guidance, and an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.

Highlights

Explore more on our Kilimanjaro Routes page.

Includes/Excludes

1 night before the climb at a Moshi hotel
1 night after the climb for recovery
Clean, comfortable rooms with breakfast included
All days and nights on the mountain according to your chosen route
Kilimanjaro National Park fees and entry fees
Camping or hut fees (depending on route)
Rescue fees and emergency support
Professional, licensed Kilimanjaro mountain guides
Assistant guides, cooks, and experienced porters
Ethical porter treatment following responsible tourism standards
High-quality mountain tents and sleeping mattresses (for camping routes)
Mess tent with tables and chairs
All group camping equipment
Porters carry shared equipment and client luggage (within weight limits)
All meals on the mountain: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Nutritious, freshly prepared food
Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek
Airport transfers: Kilimanjaro International Airport ↔ Moshi hotel
All transfers to and from Kilimanjaro National Park gates
Pre-climb briefing and gear check
Daily health monitoring by guides
Emergency oxygen & first-aid kits
Fair wages and insurance for mountain staff
Kilimanjaro summit certificate upon successful climb

International & domestic flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel & medical insurance (mandatory)
Sleeping bag
Hiking boots & trekking poles
Personal clothing & gear
Headlamp, sunglasses, gloves
Tips for guides, cooks, and porters (recommended guidelines provided during briefing)
Personal snacks or energy bars
Alcoholic & soft drinks
Single room supplement
Extra hotel nights before or after the climb
Private toilet tent
Gear rental

Tour Itinerary

Day 0: Pre-Climb Briefing & Gear Check (Hotel Day)

Location: Moshi Town

Full pre-climb briefing to prepare for the Northern Circuit Route.

Activities Include:

Detailed climb briefing and safety orientation
Gear and equipment check
Meet your professional mountain guides
Review the 9-day Northern Circuit itinerary
Final Q&A and preparation

A proper briefing day improves comfort, safety, and summit success.

Overnight at your hotel in Moshi.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,200m) → Big Tree Camp (2,600m)

Hiking Time:3–4 hours
Habitat:Rainforest

Start at Londorossi Gate and trek through lush rainforest. Big Tree Camp is your first peaceful overnight stop.

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2,600m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)

Hiking Time:5–6 hours
Habitat:Moorland

Trek onto the Shira Plateau with panoramic views. Shira 1 Camp offers a scenic high-altitude start to acclimatization.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) → Moir Hut (4,200m)

Hiking Time:5–6 hours
Habitat:Alpine moorland

Ascend gradually to Moir Hut, passing rocky landscapes and enjoying expansive views of Kibo and Mawenzi. This camp provides excellent acclimatization before moving higher.

Day 4: Moir Hut (4,200m) → Poff Camp (4,400m)

Hiking Time:4–5 hours
Habitat:Alpine desert

Continue across the rugged alpine desert to Poff Camp. The trail offers spectacular views of glaciers and valleys. Shorter hiking day to allow rest and altitude adjustment.

Day 5: Poff Camp (4,400m) → Third Cave (4,600m)

Hiking Time:4–5 hours
Habitat:Alpine desert

Climb steadily to Third Cave, the last camp before School Hut. Enjoy remarkable glacier views and dramatic landscapes along the way.

Day 6: Third Cave (4,600m) → School Hut (4,900m)

Hiking Time:3–4 hours
Habitat:Alpine desert

Shorter hike to School Hut to allow proper rest and final acclimatization before summit night. Early dinner and preparation for the summit attempt.

Day 7: School Hut (4,900m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Hiking Time:12–15 hours
Habitat:Alpine desert / summit

Summit night begins around midnight. Ascend steadily to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, passing Gilman’s Point on the way. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp to rest.

Sunrise at Uhuru Peak is an unforgettable experience.

Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,640m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Hiking Time:5–6 hours
Habitat:Rainforest

Continue your descent through alpine desert and rainforest to Mweka Camp, the final mountain camp. Celebrate your climb with the team.

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate → Hotel in Moshi

Hiking Time:3–4 hours

Finish your trek at Mweka Gate, where you receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificates. Private transfer brings you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower, relaxation, and celebration.

Day 10: Post-Climb Hotel Stay & Departure

Location: Moshi Town

Relax at your hotel in Moshi. Depending on your schedule, transfer to the airport or extend your adventure with a Tanzania Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire.

Northern Circuit Route vs Other Kilimanjaro Routes – Comparison Table

Feature	Northern Circuit Route	Machame Route	Lemosho Route	Marangu Route	Rongai Route
Total Duration	8–9 days	6–7 days	7–8 days	5–6 days	6–7 days
Scenery Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Most scenic)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Crowd Level	Very Low	High	Medium	High	Low
Accommodation	Camping	Camping	Camping	Huts	Camping
Acclimatization	Excellent	Good	Very Good	Fair	Good
Summit Success Rate	Very High	High	Very High	Moderate	High
Route Profile	Long, gradual	Steep, popular	Gradual, scenic	Direct, fast	Remote, dry
Summit Approach	Northern Slopes (via School Hut)	Barafu	Barafu	Kibo Hut	Kibo Hut
Best For	Best success & solitude	Adventure seekers	Balanced experience	Budget & time-limited	Quiet northern ascent
Beginner Friendly	✅ Yes	⚠️ Moderate	✅ Yes	❌ Not ideal	✅ Yes
Cost Level	Higher	Medium	Medium–High	Lower	Medium
Recommended by Kilimania Adventure	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tour Map

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Faq's

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro?

The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It circles the northern slopes of the mountain, offering outstanding acclimatization, fewer crowds, and some of the highest summit success rates.

Which camps are used on the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route?

This itinerary follows an extended northern path using:

Shira 1 Camp
Moir Hut
Poff Camp
Third Cave
School Hut
Barafu Camp
Mweka Camp

This route allows gradual altitude gain for safer acclimatization.

Is the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route good for first-time climbers?

Yes. The 9-day Northern Circuit is excellent for first-time climbers due to its slow ascent profile and excellent acclimatization, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

What is the success rate of the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route?

The success rate is among the highest of all Kilimanjaro routes. With professional guiding from Kilimania Adventure, summit success rates are very high due to extended acclimatization and careful pacing.

How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route?

The route is physically demanding but not technical. No climbing experience is required. The challenge comes mainly from altitude and summit night, both managed with proper acclimatization.