Overview

This 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb is run by Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a locally based Tanzanian operator. You climb with experienced mountain guides, porters and cooks, and we plan every detail with you.

Why book this 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb with us

First, every 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb we run is tailor-made, so we can adjust the dates, accommodation and pace. In addition, our local team supports you from arrival to departure. Before you travel, you can also read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. For more ideas, see our other Kilimanjaro National Park tours.

Discover the ultimate trekking adventure on our 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via the Northern Circuit Route. It is the longest, newest and most successful route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because it has the highest summit success rate of all routes, it offers unmatched acclimatization. In addition, you enjoy breathtaking scenery and a truly remote wilderness experience.

A quiet route around the mountain

First, you start on the scenic Lemosho Route and cross the spectacular Shira Plateau. Then you circle the quiet northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Unlike the busier southern routes, the Northern Circuit stays peaceful and uncrowded. So you see the mountain's untouched beauty, with panoramic views of Kibo Peak, Mawenzi Peak, the Kenyan plains, glaciers and volcanic landscapes.

This carefully designed 9-day itinerary also follows the recommended "climb high, sleep low" strategy, which gives your body ample time to adjust to the altitude. As a result, the Northern Circuit records the highest summit success rates. That makes it the ideal choice for first-time climbers who want the safest, 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 and dedicated porters are with you throughout. Together with premium camping equipment and personal service, they make your journey to the Roof of Africa safe, comfortable and unforgettable.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha / Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

First, we pick you up from Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Then you drive to Londorossi Gate for registration. Next, you continue to the Lemosho trailhead and start hiking through beautiful rainforest. Here you find towering trees and giant ferns, as well as blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

While you enjoy the peaceful western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, you climb steadily to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m). Finally, you have dinner and spend your first night 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

Today you leave the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone as you climb onto the magnificent Shira Plateau. Along the way, you enjoy views of volcanic landscapes, giant lobelias, everlasting flowers and the distant summit of Kibo Peak.

Later, you reach Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m). There you enjoy a freshly prepared dinner while you watch 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, with some of the best panoramic views on Mount Kilimanjaro. The gradual climb also helps you acclimatize well. Meanwhile, you have time to enjoy the dramatic scenery of glaciers, volcanic rocks and Kibo Peak.

In the afternoon, you rest or take a short acclimatization walk with your guide. Afterwards, you spend the night 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

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

This quiet campsite also offers excellent 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 parts of Mount Kilimanjaro. As you trek through alpine landscapes, you enjoy clear views toward the Kenyan plains, Kibo Peak and the mountain's northern glaciers.

Finally, you arrive at Buffalo Camp (4,020 m), one of the most secluded camps on Kilimanjaro, where you can enjoy the peaceful wilderness.

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

Day 06 :

Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp

Next, you continue around the northern slopes, with breathtaking panoramic views and remarkable solitude. The trail climbs gradually across alpine desert, so your body can acclimatize naturally before summit day.

Later, you reach Third Cave Camp (3,870 m) for dinner and the night. Meanwhile, 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 to School Hut (4,800 m), your final base camp before the summit. The trail climbs gradually through the alpine desert, while you enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo Peak, glaciers and the volcanic landscape.

After you arrive, you have an early dinner and organize your summit gear. Then your guides give a final briefing, and you 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, you begin your summit climb beneath a sky full of stars. First, you reach Gilman's Point (5,685 m). Then you continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point on the African continent.

At the top, you celebrate your achievement while a breathtaking sunrise lights up the clouds. After taking unforgettable photos, you descend via Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for your final night 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, you descend through the lush rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and enjoy your final moments on Africa's highest mountain. At Mweka Gate, you then receive your official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate. Afterwards, your driver takes you back to Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK).

Finally, celebrate your incredible achievement and leave Tanzania with lasting memories of reaching the Roof of Africa.

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