Overview

Discover the ultimate trekking adventure on our 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via the Northern Circuit Route, the longest, newest, and most successful route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Renowned for having the highest summit success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes, the Northern Circuit offers unmatched acclimatization, breathtaking scenery, and a truly remote wilderness experience. Beginning on the scenic Lemosho Route, you'll cross the spectacular Shira Plateau before circling the quiet northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Unlike the more popular southern routes, the Northern Circuit remains peaceful and uncrowded, allowing you to experience the mountain's untouched beauty while enjoying panoramic views of Kibo Peak, Mawenzi Peak, the Kenyan plains, glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and endless alpine wilderness. This carefully designed 9-day itinerary follows the internationally recommended "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization strategy, giving your body ample time to adjust to the altitude. As a result, the Northern Circuit consistently records the highest summit success rates, making it the ideal choice for first-time climbers and anyone seeking the safest and most rewarding way to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

At Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, we highly recommend the Northern Circuit Route for climbers who want the best possible Kilimanjaro experience. Our professional mountain guides, experienced cooks, dedicated porters, premium camping equipment, and personalized service ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha / Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your adventure begins with pickup from Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or Arusha Airport (ARK) before driving to Londorossi Gate for registration. Continue to the Lemosho trailhead and begin hiking through the beautiful rainforest filled with towering trees, giant ferns, blue monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro before arriving at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m) for dinner and your first overnight beneath Africa's spectacular night sky.

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Distance: 6 km
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 :

Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Leave the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone while climbing onto the magnificent Shira Plateau. Enjoy incredible views of volcanic landscapes, giant lobelias, everlasting flowers, and the distant summit of Kibo Peak.

Arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m), where you'll enjoy a freshly prepared dinner while watching one of Kilimanjaro's unforgettable sunsets.

Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours
Distance: 8 km
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

Today's trek crosses the spectacular Shira Plateau, offering some of the best panoramic views on Mount Kilimanjaro. The gradual climb provides excellent acclimatization while allowing time to enjoy the dramatic scenery of glaciers, volcanic rocks, and Kibo Peak.

Spend the afternoon resting or taking a short acclimatization walk with your guide before overnighting at Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m).

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Distance: 7 km
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut

Follow the important climb high, sleep low principle as you ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 m). After enjoying spectacular volcanic scenery and lunch, continue toward the peaceful Moir Hut (4,200 m), located beneath dramatic cliffs on Kilimanjaro's northern slopes.

This quiet campsite provides outstanding acclimatization and beautiful sunset views across the mountain.

Hiking Time: 6–7 Hours
Distance: 11 km
Accommodation: Moir Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp

Today's hike enters the remote Northern Circuit, one of the least visited sections of Mount Kilimanjaro. Trek through alpine landscapes with uninterrupted views toward the Kenyan plains, Kibo Peak, and the mountain's northern glaciers.

Arrive at Buffalo Camp (4,020 m), where you'll enjoy the peaceful wilderness and one of the most secluded camps on Kilimanjaro.

Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours
Distance: 12 km
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06 :

Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp

Continue around the northern slopes while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views and remarkable solitude. The trail gradually climbs across alpine desert with spectacular scenery, allowing your body to acclimatize naturally before summit day.

Reach Third Cave Camp (3,870 m) for dinner and overnight as your guides prepare you for the final stages of the climb.

Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours
Distance: 8 km
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07 :

Third Cave Camp – School Hut

Today's hike leads toward School Hut (4,800 m), your final base camp before the summit. The trail gradually climbs through the alpine desert while offering breathtaking views of Kibo Peak, glaciers, and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

After arriving at camp, enjoy an early dinner, organize your summit gear, receive a final briefing from your guides, and rest before your midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Distance: 5 km
Accommodation: School Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 08 :

School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Around midnight, begin your summit climb beneath a sky filled with countless stars. Reach Gilman's Point (5,685 m) before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point on the African continent.

Celebrate your achievement while watching a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds. Capture unforgettable photographs before descending via Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for your final overnight on the mountain.

Hiking Time: 12–15 Hours
Distance: 17 km
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 09 :

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha / Moshi

After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, enjoying your final moments on Africa's highest mountain. At Mweka Gate, receive your official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate before meeting your driver for the transfer back to Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or Arusha Airport (ARK).

Celebrate your incredible achievement and leave Tanzania with unforgettable memories of reaching the Roof of Africa.

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch