Scenic Ascent: 9-Day Northern Circuit Route

  • clock 9 Day Trek
  • clock Yellowark Safaris
  • clock Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

Northern Circuit

From $2500

Route Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic path to Mount Kilimanjaro's Uhuru Peak (5,895m), offering a 9-day trek with excellent acclimatization. Ideal for those seeking solitude, it traverses the remote northern slopes through rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, boasting a 95% summit success rate with expert Tanzanian guides. Camping accommodations enhance the immersive experience.

🌿 Mti Mkubwa Camp
  • Elevation: 2,820m | Habitat: Rainforest
  • Lush forest with wildlife sightings
🏞️ Shira 1 Camp
  • Elevation: 3,610m | Habitat: Heather
  • Stunning Kibo Peak views
⛰️ Shira 2 Camp
  • Elevation: 3,850m | Habitat: Moorland
  • Shira Plateau exploration
🏜️ Moir Hut
  • Elevation: 4,200m | Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Acclimatization via Lava Tower
🌄 Buffalo Camp
  • Elevation: 4,020m | Habitat: Northern Slopes
  • Remote northern solitude
🌳 Third Cave Camp
  • Elevation: 3,870m | Habitat: Heath
  • Panoramic Kibo views
🏕️ School Hut
  • Elevation: 4,750m | Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Summit preparation base
🌌 Uhuru Peak
  • Elevation: 5,895m | Habitat: Arctic
  • Sunrise at Africa's highest point
🌲 Mweka Camp
  • Elevation: 3,100m | Habitat: Rainforest
  • Restful descent through forest

Total Distance 98 km (61 miles) round trip
Duration 9 Days / 8 Nights
Starting Point Londorossi Gate (2,360m / 7,740ft)
Highest Point Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft)
Ending Point Mweka Gate (1,640m / 5,380ft)
Accommodation Camping (tents)
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging

Physical
  • 3–6 months of cardio training (hiking, running, cycling)
  • Strength training focusing on legs and core
  • Practice hiking with a loaded backpack
  • Altitude preparation or stair climbing
Packing

    Clothing

  • Moisture-wicking base layers (3–4 sets)
  • Insulated down jacket for summit night
  • Waterproof shell jacket and pants
  • Sturdy broken-in hiking boots
  • Warm hat, gloves, headlamp

    • Equipment

  • -10°C (14°F) sleeping bag + liner
  • Trekking poles (collapsible)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • 3L hydration system + water purification
Acclimatization
  • "Climb high, sleep low" strategy
  • Lava Tower acclimatization hike
  • Slow pace ("pole pole")
  • Daily health checks by guides
  • Hydration 4–5L per day

  • January–Mid March: Warm, clear, fewer crowds
  • June–October: Cooler, ideal climbing conditions
  • April–May: Heavy rains, slippery trails
  • November: Short rains, manageable with proper gear

  • All park fees, permits and camping fees
  • Quality camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
  • Professional guides, cooks and porters
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Clean drinking water
  • Emergency oxygen and first aid equipment
  • Summit certificate
  • International flights and visa fees
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal trekking gear and clothing
  • Tips for guides and porters ($250–300 recommended)
  • Hotel before/after climb

  • Private climbs for solo travelers or groups
  • 10-Day Northern Circuit option with extra acclimatization
  • Luxury hotel add-ons before/after climb
  • Photography and summit media package
  • Safari extension (3–7 days)
  • Helicopter evacuation coverage

  • Leave No Trace principles
  • Proper waste management on the mountain
  • Environmental protection of Kilimanjaro
  • Expert guides with 50+ summits each
  • 95%+ summit success rate
  • Strong safety and health monitoring
  • High-quality mountain equipment
  • Ethical porter treatment
  • 24/7 support from booking to summit
Other Trekking (Mt. Kilimanjaro}
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Itinerary

01
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Route: Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation: 2,360m → 2,820m

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Activities

  • Register at Londorossi Gate
  • Hike through lush rainforest with wildlife
  • Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (full board)

02
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Route: Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 2,820m → 3,610m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Heather / Moorland

Activities

  • Ascend through forest to moorland
  • Enjoy panoramic Kibo views
  • Overnight at Shira 1 Camp

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (full board)

03
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Route: Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 3,610m → 3,850m

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Activities

  • Cross Shira Plateau
  • Afternoon acclimatization hike
  • Overnight at Shira 2 Camp

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (full board)

04
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

Route: Shira 2 Camp → Moir Hut

Elevation: 3,850m → 4,200m

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Activities

  • Hike to Lava Tower for acclimatization
  • Descend to Moir Hut for overnight

Overnight: Moir Hut (full board)

05
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp via Third Cave

Route: Moir Hut → Third Cave → Buffalo Camp

Elevation: 4,200m → 3,870m → 4,020m

Distance: 12 km

Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

Habitat: Alpine / Heath

Activities

  • Descend from Lava Tower to Third Cave
  • Continue to Buffalo Camp
  • Acclimatization and rest

Overnight: Buffalo Camp (full board)

06
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to School Hut

Route: Buffalo Camp → School Hut

Elevation: 4,020m → 4,750m

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Activities

  • Hike along northern slopes
  • Short acclimatization hikes
  • Prepare for summit attempt

Overnight: School Hut (full board)

07
Day 7: Summit Day: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Route: School Hut → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,750m → 5,895m → 3,100m

Distance: 18 km

Hiking Time: 12–15 hours

Habitat: Arctic / Rainforest

Activities

  • Midnight summit start
  • Sunrise at Stella Point
  • Reach Uhuru Peak
  • Descend to Mweka Camp

Overnight: Mweka Camp (full board)

08
Day 8: Rest and Recovery at Mweka Camp

Route: Mweka Camp → Mweka Camp

Elevation: 3,100m → 3,100m

Distance: 0 km

Hiking Time: Rest day

Habitat: Rainforest

Activities

  • Rest after summit
  • Enjoy surrounding rainforest
  • Evening celebration with guides and porters

Overnight: Mweka Camp (full board)

09
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Route: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3,100m → 1,640m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Activities

  • Final rainforest descent
  • Certificate presentation
  • Transfer to Moshi/Arusha

End: Return to hotel

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