9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climb

The longest and most complete route: it circles the quiet northern slopes for the strongest acclimatisation and a high chance of reaching the top.

Highlights

1. Day 1Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

   Registration and a guide briefing at the gate, then a gentle, shaded trail with colobus and blue monkeys and many birds.

   2,100 m → 2,650 m7 km3–4 hoursRainforestOvernight: Mti Mkubwa CampMeals: L, D

2. Day 2Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

   Leave the rainforest for moorland with giant heathers and lobelias; the air gets cooler and drier.

   2,650 m → 3,500 m8 km5–6 hoursMoorlandOvernight: Shira 1 CampMeals: B, L, D

3. Day 3Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

   A shorter acclimatisation day on the Shira Plateau with views of Kibo Peak and an optional short walk in the afternoon.

   3,500 m → 3,850 m7 km3–4 hoursMoorlandOvernight: Shira 2 CampMeals: B, L, D

4. Day 4Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower and Moir Hut

   Time at Lava Tower to acclimatise, then descend to Moir Hut — one of the most important acclimatisation days.

   3,850 m → 4,630 m → 4,200 m10 km6–8 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Moir HutMeals: B, L, D

5. Day 5Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

   The remote northern side, quiet and rarely crowded, with views across Kenya and the northern plains.

   4,200 m → 4,020 m12 km5–7 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Buffalo CampMeals: B, L, D

6. Day 6Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

   Rolling northern slopes that become drier and more rugged — a moderate day to save energy.

   4,020 m → 3,800 m8 km5–6 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Third Cave CampMeals: B, L, D

7. Day 7Third Cave Camp to School Hut

   Rocky ground to the final base camp. Rest, drink, have an early dinner and go to bed early before the midnight start.

   3,800 m → 4,750 m5 km4–5 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: School HutMeals: B, L, D

8. Day 8Summit day: School Hut to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp

   Wake around midnight and climb slowly to Stella Point, then along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa — perhaps with a sunrise above the clouds. A careful descent to Mweka Camp.

   4,750 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m17 km10–14 hoursNight ascent and crater rimOvernight: Mweka CampMeals: B, L, D

9. Day 9Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

   A gentle descent, your summit certificate at the gate and the transfer back to your hotel.

   3,100 m → 1,640 m10 km3–4 hoursRainforestMeals: B, L

Meals: B = breakfast · L = lunch · D = dinner

Prices per person

In US dollars, per person, for your own private trip. The more people travel together, the lower the price for each person.

Children aged 3–11 pay 70% of the adult price. International flights, visas and tips are not included. Prices can change in the Christmas and New Year weeks — your quote confirms the final price.

Prices are charged in US dollars. Other currencies are a guide only.

Elevation profile

When to go

This trip runs all year. Here is how each month usually feels — the rainy months are quieter and often cheaper.

Good to know