9 Days Kilimanjaro via
Northern Circuit Route

About this climb

9-day itinerary

1. Day1

   Climb Day 1

   Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp

   2,360 m → 2,750 m · Western rainforest · 4–5 hrs · Gentle start

   The Northern Circuit and Lemosho Route share the same first three days — entering from the remote Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro's western flank. The longest drive of any Kilimanjaro route (~2.5 hours from Moshi) delivers you to one of the most pristine forest entry points on the mountain. Day 1 is deliberately gentle.

   1. 07:00
      Pickup from Moshi — drive to Londorossi Gate

      ~2.5 hour drive northwest. Gear check, TANAPA registration, and porter loading at the gate. Wildlife briefing — buffalo and elephant are present in the forest below.

   2. 10:30
      Enter the western rainforest

      Dense Podocarpus and Macaranga forest. Colobus monkeys, endemic birds, and occasional buffalo tracks. The air is thick with moisture and the sound of streams. The most biodiverse entry of any Kilimanjaro route.

   3. 14:30
      Arrive Mti Mkubwa "Big Tree" Camp (2,750 m)

      Named for the giant Podocarpus trees that tower above camp. First health check by guide. Early dinner and rest — nine days begin today.

   • 📍 ~7 km
   • ⏱ 4–5 hrs
   • ⛰ 2,360 m → 2,750 m
   • ⛺ Mti Mkubwa Camp
2. Day2

   Climb Day 2

   Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp

   2,750 m → 3,610 m · Forest to plateau · 6–8 hrs · The great reveal

   A transformative ascent through heather moorland and giant senecio forest until the trail crests the rim of the Shira Plateau and opens onto one of Kilimanjaro's most dramatic landscapes. Kibo's summit cone appears enormous and close across the ancient collapsed caldera.

   1. 07:30
      Ascend through heather and giant senecio forest

      The forest canopy thins. Giant lobelias and heathers appear. The air cools and the gradient increases toward the plateau rim. Wildflowers and endemic sunbirds accompany the ascent.

   2. 12:00
      Crest the plateau rim — first Shira views

      Emerge suddenly onto the open Shira Plateau. The summit cone of Kibo fills the eastern skyline — vast, close, and imposing. One of Kilimanjaro's great reveal moments. Lunch here with 360° views.

   3. 15:00
      Arrive Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)

      First night on the plateau. Hydrate aggressively. Health check. Watch for early AMS symptoms and report to guide.

   • 📍 ~9 km
   • ⏱ 6–8 hrs
   • ⛰ 2,750 m → 3,610 m
   • ⛺ Shira 1 Camp
3. Day3

   Climb Day 3 — Shira Plateau

   Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp

   3,610 m → 3,850 m · Plateau traverse · 4–5 hrs · Optional Cathedral walk

   A shorter, acclimatization-focused traverse of the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp. The otherworldly plateau landscape — giant groundsels, open moorland, and unobstructed summit views — is savoured slowly. An optional afternoon walk to the Shira Cathedral rocks adds useful extra altitude exposure.

   1. 07:30
      Cross the plateau heart — Shira 1 to Shira 2

      A gentle traverse across the Shira Plateau floor. Giant groundsels loom overhead. Mawenzi peak and the Kenyan plains are visible to the northeast. The Shira Ridge frames the western horizon.

   2. 12:00
      Arrive Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

      Hot lunch and two hours rest. Health monitoring. Notice how your body feels at altitude — the Northern Circuit's extra days mean any early discomfort has more time to resolve before summit night.

   3. 14:30
      Optional: Shira Cathedral acclimatization walk (~3,900 m)

      Strongly recommended. A one-hour walk up to the Cathedral rocks and back. Climb high, sleep low — even this modest extra gain triggers meaningful adaptation. Dinner and early sleep.

   • 📍 ~6 km
   • ⏱ 4–5 hrs
   • ⛰ 3,610 m → 3,850 m
   • ⛺ Shira 2 Camp
4. Day4

   ★ Northern Arc Begins

   Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Moir Hut

   3,850 m → 4,630 m → 4,200 m · The route goes north · 7–9 hrs

   The day the Northern Circuit separates from every other route. The trail ascends to the Lava Tower at 4,630 m for the critical acclimatization lunch stop — then, instead of descending south to Barranco like all other routes, it sweeps dramatically north and east to Moir Hut. From this camp, almost no other climbers are visible. The northern wilderness has begun.

   1. 07:30
      Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 m) — acclimatization lunch

      The familiar route east from Shira 2 through the alpine desert. The Lava Tower plug looms ahead. Lunch at 4,630 m — higher than any peak in the Alps. Altitude effects expected; rest, hydrate, do not rush.

   2. 13:00
      The northern divergence — route swings north

      Here the Northern Circuit breaks away. Instead of descending to Barranco, the trail turns north and east around the mountain. Within 30 minutes the Southern Circuit camps are invisible. The landscape opens dramatically.

   3. 16:30
      Arrive Moir Hut (4,200 m)

      A remote camp on the northern moorland. No other route passes here. Views north across the savanna. Dinner at the foot of the northern wilderness — tomorrow goes deeper.

   • 📍 ~11 km
   • ⏱ 7–9 hrs
   • ⛰ 3,850 m → 4,630 m → 4,200 m
   • 🧭 Northern arc begins
   • ⛺ Moir Hut
5. Day5

   ★ Remote Northern Wilderness

   Moir Hut → Third Cave Camp

   4,200 m → 3,870 m · The loneliest day · 6–8 hrs · Kenya views

   The most remote and solitary day on the entire mountain. The trail traverses the northern flank of Kibo through a vast, open moorland and alpine desert that almost no Kilimanjaro climber ever sees. On clear days, Mount Kenya is visible 340 km to the north across the Kenyan savanna. Wildlife — eland, buffalo — sometimes cross the trail here. A descent to Third Cave Camp follows.

   1. 07:30
      Continue the northern traverse — deepest wilderness

      The trail follows the northern face of Kibo through open moorland. The summit cone looms to the south and east. No other trekkers visible in any direction. The most solitary section of any Kilimanjaro route by a significant margin.

   2. 11:00
      Northern viewpoint — Mount Kenya on the horizon

      On clear days, Mount Kenya is faintly visible 340 km north. Amboseli National Park spreads below. The landscape is elemental — volcanic scree, giant lobelias, absolute silence except wind. Lunch here.

   3. 15:30
      Arrive Third Cave Camp (3,870 m)

      Named for the lava caves on the northern flank. A descent from the high traverse — the "sleep low" in today's acclimatization equation. Bodies feel stronger here than they did at Moir Hut last night. The circumnavigation is more than halfway complete.

   • 📍 ~13 km
   • ⏱ 6–8 hrs
   • ⛰ 4,200 m → 3,870 m
   • 🧭 Deepest northern wilderness
   • ⛺ Third Cave Camp
6. Day6

   Climb Day 6 — School Hut Acclimatization

   Third Cave Camp → School Hut

   3,870 m → 4,750 m · Highest camp · 5–7 hrs · Critical altitude push

   A significant altitude gain day — ascending to School Hut at 4,750 m, the highest non-summit camp on Kilimanjaro. The trail sweeps around the northeastern shoulder of the mountain, completing the full northern arc. School Hut is used exclusively by Northern Circuit climbers and is often deserted. The views of the Mawenzi peak and the northeastern plains from here are extraordinary.

   1. 07:30
      Ascend the northeastern shoulder

      The trail climbs steeply through alpine desert onto the northeastern ridge of the mountain. Mawenzi peak becomes close and dramatic — an extraordinary ragged extinct volcano. The air is genuinely thin now.

   2. 13:30
      Arrive School Hut (4,750 m)

      The highest camp on Kilimanjaro outside the summit itself. Almost no one else here. Kibo's summit crater is directly above. Rest immediately. Eat and hydrate. Tomorrow the Southern Circuit; the day after, the summit.

   3. 16:00
      Rest, health check, and planning briefing

      Guide checks oxygen saturation and pulse. Discussion of Day 7 plan — descent to join the Southern Circuit via the Barranco Wall approach. Early dinner. Rest as much as possible.

   • 📍 ~11 km
   • ⏱ 5–7 hrs
   • ⛰ 3,870 m → 4,750 m
   • ⛺ School Hut (4,750 m)
7. Day7

   ★ Barranco Wall + Barafu

   School Hut → Barranco Wall → Karanga → Barafu Camp

   4,750 m → Wall scramble → 4,673 m · 8–10 hrs · Full Southern Circuit day

   A long, spectacular day completing the circumnavigation and entering the final summit approach. The route descends from School Hut to rejoin the Southern Circuit, crosses the iconic Barranco Wall, continues through Karanga Valley, and ascends to Barafu Base Camp. After six days of the remote northern circuit, arriving at Barafu — busy with climbers from other routes — feels like returning from another world. Tonight: rest. Tomorrow: summit.

   1. 07:00
      Descend from School Hut — rejoin Southern Circuit at Barranco

      Descend the western flank to Barranco Camp. The famous wall rises ahead. After six solitary days on the northern arc, other climbers appear at Barranco for the first time. The circumnavigation is almost complete.

   2. 10:00
      The Barranco Wall — 300-metre hands-and-feet scramble

      The iconic wall. Northern Circuit climbers have better acclimatization going into the wall than any other group on the mountain — and it shows. The exposure is spectacular. Guides positioned throughout. No ropes required.

   3. 12:30
      Continue to Karanga Valley

      Traverse across the southern face. Last water point — fill all bottles. Brief rest at Karanga.

   4. 16:00
      Arrive Barafu Base Camp (4,673 m)

      Summit push briefing. Dinner immediately. Bed by 18:30. Wake-up call at 23:00. The circumnavigation of Kilimanjaro is complete — only the summit remains.

   • 📍 ~16 km
   • ⏱ 8–10 hrs
   • ⛰ 4,750 m → 4,673 m
   • 🧗 Barranco Wall scramble
   • ⛺ Barafu Base Camp
8. Day8

   ★ Summit Night

   Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

   4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m · 12–15 hrs total

   The summit push. By midnight, headlamps cutting through the darkness, the final ascent begins. After eight days and a complete circumnavigation of the mountain, the Northern Circuit climber arrives at the summit with the deepest acclimatization of anyone on Kilimanjaro. The ~95% success rate reflects what eight days of total commitment to the mountain produces: a body genuinely ready to reach 5,895 m.

   1. 23:00
      Wake-up — summit push begins

      Hot tea, biscuits. Final layer system — summit temperatures −10°C to −20°C. Headlamps on. Eight days of preparation have brought you here. The guide sets a sustainable, measured pace. Pole pole.

   2. 05:00
      Stella Point — Crater Rim (5,745 m)

      Dawn breaking across the clouds far below. The glaciers glow in the first light. The hardest section complete. Rest briefly — Uhuru Peak is 45 minutes along the rim. Most Northern Circuit climbers feel stronger here than comparable climbers on shorter routes.

   3. 06:00
      UHURU PEAK — 5,895 m 🏔

      The Roof of Africa. You have circled the entire mountain. You have seen its remote northern wilderness, its western rainforest, its ancient plateau, its iconic wall — and now you stand at its highest point. Sunrise over the crater glaciers. A moment owned completely.

   4. 08:00
      Begin descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

      Long descent via the Mweka Route through the scree and then into the forest. Trekking poles essential. Arrive mid-afternoon. Celebration dinner.

   • 📍 ~18 km total
   • ⏱ 12–15 hrs
   • ⛰ 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
   • ⛺ Mweka Camp
9. Day9

   Descent & Certificate

   Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi

   3,100 m → 1,640 m · 3–4 hrs · Certificate & farewell song

   The final descent through the southern rainforest to Mweka Gate, your TANAPA Summit Certificate, and the porter farewell song. The emotional weight of Day 9 on the Northern Circuit is unlike that of any other route — nine days, a full circumnavigation, the most remote section of any Kilimanjaro climb, and Uhuru Peak at the end of it all.

   1. 07:30
      Final breakfast — tip ceremony for crew

      Sign the porter tip register. Say each crew member's name. Nine days is a long time — you know these people now. They carried your mountain, step for step, through the forest, the plateau, and the northern wilderness.

   2. 08:30
      Descend to Mweka Gate through rainforest

      The southern forest received you in a different state nine days ago. You descend it now as someone who has circled Africa's highest mountain. Trekking poles on steep sections.

   3. 12:30
      Mweka Gate — TANAPA certificate & farewell song

      Your Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate. The entire crew performs the porter farewell song in Swahili. Karibu sana — you completed the ultimate Kilimanjaro route.

   4. 14:00
      Return to Moshi — well-earned celebration

      Hot shower, rest, and a group dinner. End of all services.

   • 📍 ~9 km
   • ⏱ 3–4 hrs
   • ⛰ 3,100 m → 1,640 m
   • 🏨 Return to Moshi

Choose your package

All packages follow the identical 9-day Northern Circuit itinerary with tented camping throughout all 8 nights on the mountain.

What's included

How the Northern Circuit compares

The Northern Circuit in context — the extra days translate directly into a measurable summit success advantage:

Best time to climb

The Northern Circuit's western forest approach and northern moorland traverse are both affected by wet seasons, but the route is viable year-round:

The Northern Circuit's remote northern slopes are less affected by rain than the southern forest sections — the moorland drains well and remains passable in all conditions. January–February and June–October offer the driest trails, clearest summit views, and best chance of seeing Mount Kenya from the northern face.

Frequently asked questions

• What makes the Northern Circuit different from the Lemosho Route?
  The Lemosho and Northern Circuit share their first three days identically — the western rainforest entry and the Shira Plateau crossing. From Day 4, the routes diverge completely. Rather than heading south to Lava Tower and Barranco as the Lemosho does, the Northern Circuit sweeps north and east around the entire mountain, traversing the remote northern face via Moir Hut, Third Cave, and School Hut before rejoining the Southern Circuit for the Barranco Wall and Barafu. This northern arc adds two extra days, a complete circumnavigation, extraordinary remote wilderness, and a further ~3–5 percentage points of summit success rate compared to the Lemosho.
• Is the Northern Circuit worth the extra time vs the Lemosho?
  For most climbers who can commit the extra days, yes — emphatically. The Northern Circuit adds the most remote section on Kilimanjaro (the northern wilderness), a complete 360° circumnavigation, the highest summit success rate on the mountain, and a significantly more powerful acclimatization profile. The Lemosho is the better route if your schedule allows only 8 days; the Northern Circuit is the better route if you can take 9. Many climbers who have done both describe the Northern Circuit as one of the finest trekking experiences in Africa.
• How much does the 9-day Northern Circuit cost?
  Prices range from $2,350 (standard group) to $3,400 (private luxury) per person. All packages include all TANAPA park fees, camping fees for 8 nights on the mountain, tents, all meals, KPAP-certified guides and porters, emergency oxygen, and the TANAPA summit certificate. The Northern Circuit costs more than other routes primarily because of the additional park and camping fees for the extra nights. International flights and visa are not included.
• Do I need prior high-altitude experience for the Northern Circuit?
  No — the Northern Circuit is suitable for fit, healthy adults with no prior high-altitude experience, and is in fact the route that maximises the chances of first-time high-altitude climbers reaching the summit, due to the nine-day acclimatization profile. Good cardiovascular fitness is essential — you should be comfortable with multi-day hiking and able to sustain 6–8 hours of walking per day. We recommend an active pre-climb training program of hiking and cardio for 2–3 months before departure.
• Does the Northern Circuit include the Barranco Wall?
  Yes — the Barranco Wall is included on Day 7, as the Northern Circuit rejoins the Southern Circuit at Barranco Camp after completing the northern arc. The 300-metre hands-and-feet scramble is non-technical (no ropes required) and is consistently rated the most exhilarating section of any Kilimanjaro route. Northern Circuit climbers arrive at the wall with the most acclimatization of any group on the mountain, which most climbers say makes it more enjoyable and less daunting than it looks from below.
• Are your porters treated and paid fairly?
  Yes, without exception. Resilience Expeditions is a registered KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) partner. All porters receive wages above the KPAP fair wage standard, are never loaded beyond TANAPA's 20 kg limit, receive appropriate cold-weather clothing and equipment for the northern high camps, are covered by health and accident insurance, and receive sufficient food for nine days on the mountain. Porter welfare is non-negotiable on every climb we run.