Why is the Northern Circuit considered the best route on Kilimanjaro?

It is the newest and most complete route on the mountain, combining complete isolation, breathtaking 360-degree scenery, and an unparalleled 9-day acclimatization schedule.

What is the summit success rate on the 9-day Northern Circuit?

It has the highest summit success rate on Mount Kilimanjaro—exceeding 95%—because the gradual elevation gain allows trekkers' bodies to acclimatize thoroughly.

Is the Northern Circuit crowded?

No. It is one of the least crowded routes because of its length and remote northern trajectory, meaning you will see very few other trekkers until joining the summit trail on Day 8.

What bedding and camping equipment are provided?

We provide four-season wind-proof dome tents, thick sleeping mattresses, dining mess tents with tables and backed chairs, and private portable flush toilets.

Are personal porters provided for carrying duffel bags?

Yes. Our porter team carries all gear, food, tents, and personal duffel bags (up to 15 kg per trekker). You only carry a lightweight daypack.

9-Day Northern Circuit Grand Traverse Luxury Expedition

Accomodation
Tented Camps
Arrival City
ARU/KLM
Best Season
All year around
Departure From
ARU/KLM
Guide
Guided Tour
Language
English, French, Spanish
Meals
Full Board Meals
Mineral Water
Available
Tour type
Mountain Trekking
Fitness Level
Moderate
Maximum Altitude
5,895 Meters / 19,341 Feet (Uhuru Peak)
Group Size
2-12 People
Minimum Age
18
Maximum Age
60
Destinations
Mount Kilimanjaro
Activities
Trekking & Hiking
Trip Type
Mid-Range & Comfort Safari

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Trip Description

The Northern Circuit is Mount Kilimanjaro’s newest, longest, and most comprehensive trekking route. Circling nearly 360 degrees around the mountain’s tranquil northern slopes bordering Kenya, this 9-day luxury expedition offers absolute wilderness isolation, virtually zero trail crowds for the first six days of the trek, and unprecedented panoramic views across the Shira Plateau, Mawenzi Peak, and the vast Tsavo plains stretching out far below. Because of its extended 9-day duration and exceptionally gradual altitude gain, the Northern Circuit boasts the absolute highest summit success rate (exceeding 95%) of any route on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Trip Highlights:

Complete 360-degree circuitous traverse across the peaceful, untouched northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Full VIP luxury support infrastructure including spacious four-season dome tents, private chemical toilets, and gourmet culinary service prepared by your private chef.
Highest summit success rate (95%+) on the entire mountain due to an unmatched 9-day physiological acclimatization profile.
Pristine wilderness solitude far removed from crowded southern trails for six full consecutive days.
Spectacular high-altitude vistas over the ancient Shira Caldera, Western Breach, and Mawenzi volcanic spires.

Itinerary Description

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This 9-day flagship expedition follows Kilimanjaro's northern slopes in an unhurried, physiologically optimal trajectory designed for maximum safety, comfort, and summit success. Beginning at the Londorossi Gate in the west, the route traverses the ancient Shira Plateau before veering north into remote high-altitude deserts above 4,000 meters. The trail circles past Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, and Third Cave before ascending the eastern ridge to School Hut for the final midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak.

Day 01 :

1.Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp:Rainforest Zone | Distance: ~6 km | Time: 3-4 hours.

08:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha through rural villages and coffee plantations to Londorossi Park Gate (2,100m). Complete official National Park registration, passport verification, and permit processing while watching the mountain crew carefully weigh porter loads.
10:00 AM – 03:00 PM: Take a short 45-minute drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Begin your gentle climb through untouched western montane rainforest rich in towering ancient trees, giant ferns, wild orchids, and moss-draped branches. Keep your eyes peeled for playful black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys swinging through the canopy. Enjoy a hot gourmet picnic lunch packed by your private chef midway along the trail.
03:00 PM onwards: Arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp (2,650m). Your spacious luxury four-season dome tent is already pitched and waiting for you. Relax outside with hot spiced tea, coffee, and fresh popcorn while taking in the serene mountain air. A warm three-course dinner featuring fresh soup, main course proteins, carbohydrates, and fresh fruit is served in the mess tent. Overnight in tents.

Day 02 :

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp:Heath & Moorland Zone | Distance: ~8 km | Time: 5-6 hours.

07:30 AM – 08:30 AM: Wake up to hot washing water delivered directly to your tent flap, followed by a full cooked breakfast including eggs, toast, sausages, porridge, and fresh tropical fruit.
08:30 AM – 02:30 PM: Ascend steadily out of the forest canopy and enter the open heather and moorland zone. The path steepens as it crosses several scenic ridges and dry riverbeds before emerging onto the breathtaking western edge of the massive Shira Plateau. Enjoy a hot picnic lunch en route with sweeping views of Mount Meru floating on a sea of clouds behind you.
02:30 PM onwards: Arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) perched on the plateau edge. Enjoy clear afternoon views of Kibo's glaciers illuminated by the setting sun. Take time to stretch, hydrate, and enjoy a nourishing three-course dinner. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Day 03 :

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp:Moorland Zone | Distance: ~7 km | Time: 3-4 hours.

08:00 AM – 01:00 PM: Embark on a gentle, restorative morning trek across the volcanic gravel of the Shira Plateau. Explore fascinating lava tubes and ancient rock formations while enjoying unobstructed, up-close views of Kibo’s western icefields. The terrain is flat and forgiving, allowing your body to adapt smoothly to rising altitude without physical exhaustion.
01:00 PM onwards: Arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) in time for a hot lunch. Spend the afternoon resting, reading, and participating in your routine health monitoring check (heart rate and blood oxygen saturation levels recorded by your lead guide). Enjoy a hearty dinner and overnight in camp.

Day 04 :

Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut Camp:Alpine Desert Zone | Distance: ~14 km | Time: 5-7 hours.

07:30 AM – 01:00 PM: Leave the main southern circuit trail heading toward Lava Tower, then veer north onto the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes beneath the striking rock towers of the Lent Group. You will immediately notice the dramatic drop in trail traffic as you enter true high-altitude wilderness solitude.
01:00 PM – 03:30 PM: Arrive at Moir Hut Camp (4,200m), isolated in a beautiful, wind-sheltered gorge. After lunch, take an optional late afternoon acclimatization walk up the surrounding rocky ridges for breathtaking panoramic views across the Kenyan plains stretching out far to the north. Dinner and overnight at Moir Hut.

Day 05 :

Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp (Pofu Camp):Alpine Desert Zone | Distance: ~12 km | Time: 5-7 hours.

08:00 AM – 02:00 PM: Climb up out of Moir Valley and follow a series of undulating ridge ascents and gentle descents across stark volcanic fields and alpine desert slopes. The trail offers unmatched wilderness isolation and constant, breathtaking views across the Kenyan border far below.
02:00 PM onwards: Arrive at Buffalo Camp (4,020m), also known as Pofu Camp. Enjoy a quiet, relaxing afternoon with virtually zero crowds, surrounded by rugged, untouched mountain terrain. Hydrate thoroughly, enjoy hot tea and snacks, and savor a warm dinner as the sun sets over the northern slopes. Overnight in tents.

Day 06 :

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp:Alpine Desert Zone | Distance: ~8 km | Time: 4-5 hours.

08:00 AM – 01:00 PM: Set out across open alpine desert terrain, crossing small gullies and dry volcanic riverbeds as you round the eastern slopes of Kibo toward the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak. The walk is steady, peaceful, and visually captivating as the landscape changes from barren rock to high desert scrub.
01:00 PM onwards: Arrive at Third Cave Camp (3,875m) by early afternoon for a hot lunch. Spend the remainder of the afternoon resting, rehydrating, and taking light walks around camp. Enjoy clear nighttime stargazing far away from any light pollution. Dinner and overnight at Third Cave Camp.

Day 07 :

Third Cave Camp to School Hut Base Camp:Alpine Desert Zone | Distance: ~5 km | Time: 4-5 hours.

08:00 AM – 01:00 PM: Embark on a steady uphill climb across the stark, lunar expanse of the eastern Saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The trail leads directly to School Hut (4,800m), your high-altitude staging camp for the final summit push.
01:00 PM onwards: Arrive early at School Hut to enjoy a hot lunch and organize your thermal summit gear. Your lead guide will conduct a detailed pre-summit briefing, inspect cold-weather clothing, and check headlamp batteries. Eat an early dinner at 05:00 PM and go to sleep early ahead of the midnight departure.

Day 08 :

chool Hut to Uhuru Peak & Down to Mweka Camp:Summit & Arctic Zone | Distance: ~16 km total | Time: 11-15 hours.

11:30 PM (Day 7 night) – 06:00 AM: Wake up call at 11:30 PM for hot tea, coffee, and biscuits in the mess tent. Begin your midnight summit push under a canopy of bright stars. Climb slowly and steadily (pole pole) up steep switchbacks of loose volcanic scree via Hans Meyer Cave to reach Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim right at dawn. Continue along the snow-capped rim to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the roof of Africa, right as the sun breaks over the horizon.
06:00 AM – 04:00 PM: Celebrate your monumental achievement, capture once-in-a-lifetime photos at the wooden summit sign, and begin your descent back to Barafu or Kibo Camp for a 2-hour rest, hot drinks, and brunch. Pack your bags and continue descending down through the alpine desert and moorland zones to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for a well-earned celebratory dinner and rest.

Day 09 :

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Return to Moshi/Arusha:Rainforest Zone | Distance: ~10 km | Time: 3-4 hours.

07:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Enjoy a final breakfast on the mountain followed by a heartfelt gratitude and tipping ceremony where the entire crew sings traditional Kilimanjaro songs of celebration. Embark on a scenic 3-hour descent down the rainforest trail to Mweka Gate (1,640m).
Afternoon: Sign out in the official park register, receive your official gold summit completion certificates signed by National Park authorities, bid farewell to your mountain crew, and enjoy a private transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for hot showers, cold drinks, and relaxation.