9 Days Northern Circuit Route
A longer, quieter Kilimanjaro route from Londorossi Gate across the Shira Plateau and around the northern slopes, with Moir, Buffalo, Third Cave, School Hut, Crater Camp, and Mweka descent.
Duration
9 Days
Trek Style
Camping trek
Route
Northern Circuit
Destinations
Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
— Our Mountain Team
Kilimanjaro's longer northern trail
The Northern Circuit is one of the longest routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning on the western side at Londorossi Gate and following the same early trail as Lemosho before crossing the Shira Plateau.
Near Lava Tower, the trail turns north instead of following the busier Southern Circuit. It travels around Kilimanjaro's quieter northern slopes before approaching the summit from the east side. The route gives climbers more time on the mountain, but it remains a serious high-altitude trek.
The package includes
- Pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Transfer to a hotel in Arusha and back to the airport
- Accommodation before and after the trek, double rooms with breakfast included
- 24/7 phone support
- All park fees listed in the programme
- All accommodation listed in the programme
- Three meals per day during the trek
- Bottled water and soft drinks during the tour
- Thermos with hot tea or coffee
- Medical kit
- Wet wipes
The package excludes
- Air tickets
- Visa fees
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel before and after the trek
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal mountain gear or rentals unless confirmed in the final package
Talk to a Tanzanian expert
Tell us your dates, number of climbers, trekking experience, and any altitude concerns.
+255 76 928 3377— Route Overview —
Mti Mkubwa and Shira Camp 1
Early rainforest and Shira Plateau camps shared with the Lemosho-style start.
Moir, Buffalo and Third Cave
Quieter northern-side camps used before the summit approach.
School Hut, Crater Camp and Millennium Camp
High summit-stage camps. Crater Camp is used only when conditions, health, and guide assessment allow.
Your 9-day Northern Circuit itinerary
Western Rainforest Start
Register at Londorossi Gate, continue to the trailhead, and trek through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp. Wildlife may occasionally be seen, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Onto the Shira Plateau
Leave the final rainforest section and enter the lower alpine moorland zone, continuing gradually to Shira Camp 1.
Lava Tower and Moir
Trek east across the Shira Plateau through the Garden of the Senecios toward Lava Tower and Shark's Tooth, then join the Northern Circuit and descend to Moir Camp.
Around the Northern Slopes
Climb out of Moir Valley, with a possible detour to Little Lent Hill if conditions allow, then continue around Kibo's northern slopes to Buffalo Camp.
Buffalo Ridge to Third Cave
Climb Buffalo Ridge, descend toward Porfu Camp for lunch, and continue east around the northern slopes to Rongai Third Cave.
The Saddle to School Hut
Follow a steady climb over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi, then continue toward School Hut for early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.
Summit and Crater Camp
Wake before dawn for the summit approach. If conditions, health, and guide assessment allow, continue to Uhuru Peak and then descend to Crater Camp, a serious high-altitude overnight used only when conditions, health, and guide assessment allow.
Long Descent Day
After breakfast, descend toward Stella Point, pass Barafu Camp for a short break, and continue down to Millennium Camp.
Final Rainforest Descent
Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate for park formalities and certificates where applicable, then transfer back to your arranged hotel in Moshi.
