Quiet northern traverse
The Northern Circuit gives you more of the mountain, including remote northern camps missed by the busier southern routes.
Our longest and quietest Kilimanjaro journey
9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro
A complete traverse from the western side around Kilimanjaro's quieter northern slopes, designed for climbers who value time, space and acclimatization.
USD 2,400 per person
Mountain days9 days
RouteNorthern Circuit
Guide supportMorning and evening health checks
SleepCamping
SummitUhuru Peak 5,895 m
Why choose this route
Why choose 9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro
A complete traverse from the western side around Kilimanjaro's quieter northern slopes, designed for climbers who value time, space and acclimatization.
Climbers who want one of Kilimanjaro's most gradual schedules and quieter trail sections.
Choose this route when its pace, trail style and accommodation match the way you want to experience Kilimanjaro.
Day by day
9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro itinerary
Arrival day
Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi
We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. After you arrive, your mountain guide completes a pre-climb briefing and checks your essential equipment before the trek begins.
Climb Day 1
Moshi to Londorossi Gate, trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue to the trailhead. Begin trekking through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp, about 2,650 m. Approx. 6 km, 3 to 4 hours.
Climb Day 2
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Leave the forest and climb into heather and moorland. The trail opens onto the Shira Plateau with wide views on clear days. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp, about 3,610 m. Approx. 8 km, 5 to 6 hours.
Climb Day 3
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
A gentler day across the plateau gives your body time to adjust. You may take an acclimatization walk depending on weather and guide advice. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp, about 3,850 m. Approx. 7 km, 3 to 4 hours.
Climb Day 4
Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut via Lava Tower area
Trek towards higher ground for acclimatization, then continue to the quieter Moir Hut area at about 4,200 m. This day gives a strong climb high, sleep lower style profile. Approx. 10 km, 5 to 7 hours.
Climb Day 5
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Move onto the northern slopes, one of the quietest sides of Kilimanjaro. The views are wide and remote, with fewer groups than the southern routes. Overnight at Buffalo Camp, about 4,020 m. Approx. 12 km, 5 to 7 hours.
Climb Day 6
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Continue across the northern circuit with steady walking and open wilderness scenery. Overnight at Third Cave Camp, about 3,870 m. Approx. 8 km, 4 to 5 hours.
Climb Day 7
Third Cave Camp to School Hut
Climb gradually to School Hut, about 4,800 m, the base for your summit attempt. Rest early, eat well and prepare your warm layers. Approx. 5 km, 4 to 5 hours.
Climb Day 8
School Hut to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp
Begin the summit attempt around midnight. Climb to Gilman's Point and continue to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. After the summit, descend past Barafu and continue to Mweka Camp. Approx. 11 to 14 hours total.
Climb Day 9
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, return to Moshi
Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate. After park checkout and certificates where applicable, drive back to Moshi for a hot shower and rest.
Departure or extension
Moshi to airport, safari or Zanzibar
After the climb, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or continue into a Tanzania safari, Mount Meru acclimatization trip or Zanzibar beach stay.
How we support your climb
Prepared before the mountain. Guided carefully on the mountain.
Once your booking is confirmed, we help you prepare for the climb. On Kilimanjaro, experienced guides manage the pace, monitor how you are responding to altitude and make responsible decisions as conditions change.
We guide you on training, packing, insurance and rental gear. After you arrive in Tanzania, your mountain guide completes the pre-climb briefing and essential gear check.
Your guide sets a steady pole pole pace, explains each stage of the route and prepares the group carefully for summit night.
Oxygen saturation and pulse are checked every morning and evening, alongside symptom discussion and observation throughout the day.
Emergency oxygen and first-aid equipment travel with the climb. If needed, your guide can organise descent and coordinate park rescue support.
The mountain team matters. We treat our guides, cooks and porters with respect and support them to do their work well. A strong mountain team means dependable meals, organised camp support and professional teamwork throughout your climb.
Kilimanjaro climb prices
Private climb rates for this route.
Prices are shown per person. Request a personalised quotation for your private climb or group.
1 climber
USD 2,400
per person
4 climbers
Request current rate
Current group rate confirmed on request
6 climbers
Request current rate
Current group rate confirmed on request
Private climbs can be planned around your dates, and selected joining departures are also available. A 10% deposit confirms the booking once the final details are agreed.
Joining group climbs
Upcoming joining dates for 9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro
Choose a scheduled departure below or request a private climb around your preferred dates, subject to availability.
Join a scheduled Kilimanjaro departure
Choose one of the scheduled departures below, subject to availability.
Choose one of the scheduled dates above, or ask us about a private climb if you prefer different dates.
What your climb includes
The mountain essentials are planned before you arrive.
Included
- Airport transfers according to the climb package
- Hotel in Moshi before and after the climb
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry, camping/hut and rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- Meals and safe drinking water on the mountain
- Camping equipment or mountain huts according to route
- Formal morning and evening health checks with pulse oximeter
- Emergency oxygen and first-aid kit
- Summit certificate where applicable
- Government taxes
Not included / optional
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover
- Personal trekking clothing and footwear
- Crew tips - budget roughly USD 250-350 per climber
- Sleeping bag rental if required (about USD 30-35)
- Private portable toilet option (about USD 150 per trek)
- Single mountain tent option where available (about USD 35)
- Personal expenses and drinks outside the climb inclusions
Compare before you decide
Other routes worth looking at
8 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro
A scenic western start followed by Kilimanjaro's quieter northern slopes, giving you a varied and less crowded mountain experience.
8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro
A beautifully paced western approach with rainforest, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Southern Circuit before summit night.
7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro
Approach Kilimanjaro from the north, spend time below Mawenzi and descend on the Marangu side for a varied seven-day journey.
Questions before booking
9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro FAQs
Why choose the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route?
A complete traverse from the western side around Kilimanjaro's quieter northern slopes, designed for climbers who value time, space and acclimatization. It is best suited to climbers who want one of Kilimanjaro's most gradual schedules and quieter trail sections.
How do you monitor safety on Kilimanjaro?
Your guide completes formal health checks every morning and evening using a pulse oximeter and symptom discussion, while also watching your pace, appetite, hydration, coordination and general condition throughout the day. Emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit are carried for the climb.
Do you check my gear before the climb?
Yes. After you arrive in Tanzania, your guide completes a pre-climb briefing and practical gear check so any missing or unsuitable items can be arranged before the climb begins.
What happens if altitude symptoms become serious?
Your guide reassesses you, adjusts pace or rest where appropriate and can organize descent if that becomes the safest choice. Emergency oxygen is carried for emergencies, not as a way to force an unsafe ascent.
Can I book private or join a group?
Private climbs can be arranged around your preferred dates. Joining group climbs are available on selected scheduled departures shown on this page, subject to availability.
How much luggage can a porter carry for me?
Plan for a maximum 15 kg client duffel for porter carriage. You carry your own daypack with water, layers, snacks and personal essentials.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. Your policy should cover high-altitude trekking to Kilimanjaro altitude and emergency evacuation. Helicopter evacuation, when available and medically appropriate, normally depends on suitable insurance cover.
What gives me the best chance of a successful Kilimanjaro climb?
Arrive well prepared, follow the guide-controlled pace, eat and hydrate consistently, communicate openly during health checks and take summit preparation seriously. These are practical foundations for a strong, well-supported summit attempt.
Plan this Kilimanjaro climb
Request the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro
Tell us your preferred start date, group size and whether you prefer a private or joining climb. We will confirm availability and the current rate for this route.