9 Days Northern Circuit Route Itinerary and Cost
- Route name: 9 Days Northern Circuit Route
- Starting point: Londorossi Gate, 2,100 m / 6,890 ft
- Summit: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
- Daily hiking: 4–8 hours typical; summit day 12–15 hours
- Accommodation: Camping in mountain tents
- Best months: Jan–Mar and Jun–Oct
- Price: From USD 1,910 per person
Overview
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route offers one of the longest and most gradual ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek starts at Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain before crossing rainforest, moorland, the Shira Plateau, and the quieter northern slopes. The route then continues toward the summit before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
On the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route, the first two days follow Lemosho before joining the quieter Northern Circuit toward Uhuru Peak.
The extra time allows you to walk at a steady pace and gives your body more time to adjust to the altitude. You will also experience the less crowded northern side of Kilimanjaro and enjoy changing landscapes throughout the trek. This makes the 9-day Northern Circuit Route a strong choice for climbers looking for a longer, quieter, and more gradual Kilimanjaro climbing experience.
9 Days Northern Circuit Route Hiking Highlights
- Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m / 9,252 ft)
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m / 9,252 ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,841 ft)
- Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,841 ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft)
- Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) to Moir Camp (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
- Day 5: Moir Camp (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) to Pofu Camp (4,033 m / 13,232 ft)
- Day 6: Pofu Camp (4,033 m / 13,232 ft) to Third Cave Camp (3,930 m / 12,894 ft)
- Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3,930 m / 12,894 ft) to School Hut (4,750 m / 15,583 ft)
- Day 8: School Hut (4,750 m / 15,583 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft) to Millennium Camp (3,820 m / 12,533 ft)
- Day 9: Millennium Camp (3,820 m / 12,533 ft) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft)
9 Days Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
Follow a gradual nine-day climb from Londorossi Gate to Uhuru Peak. This itinerary takes you across the rainforest, Shira Plateau, Moir Camp, the quieter northern slopes, and School Hut before the final summit attempt. The longer route allows more time for acclimatization and a steady trekking pace. Daily times may vary with weather, trail conditions, and group pace.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m / 9,252 ft)
Your 9 Days Northern Circuit Route adventure begins in Moshi, where your guide will pick you up and drive you to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After completing the park registration and entry procedures, you’ll begin hiking through the beautiful rainforest. The trail is peaceful and surrounded by thick green vegetation, and you may spot monkeys, birds, and other small wildlife along the way. After about 3 to 4 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where your mountain crew will have prepared your tent. Relax, enjoy dinner, and get a good night's rest before continuing higher into the mountain.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m / 9,252 ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,841 ft)
After breakfast, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and continue climbing through the moorland zone. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes shorter and the landscape opens into wide highland scenery. You’ll gradually make your way toward the impressive Shira Plateau, with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape. The hike is steady and gives your body time to begin adjusting to the increasing altitude. Later in the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,841 ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft)
Today you’ll continue across the scenic Shira Plateau. After breakfast, you’ll begin a relatively moderate hike across the open highland landscape. This is a good day to walk slowly, enjoy the views, and allow your body to continue adjusting to the altitude. You’ll pass through rocky terrain and high-altitude vegetation while enjoying views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding valleys. After several hours on the trail, you’ll reach Shira 2 Camp, where you can relax, enjoy your evening meal, and prepare for the northern section of the route.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) to Moir Camp (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
After breakfast, you’ll leave Shira 2 Camp and begin heading toward the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail gradually climbs across the high-altitude landscape toward Moir Camp. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes increasingly sparse and the surroundings take on an alpine desert appearance. This quieter section of the mountain offers impressive views and fewer trekkers compared with some of the more popular routes. After several hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Moir Camp, where you’ll have dinner and rest for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Moir Camp (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) to Pofu Camp (4,033 m / 13,232 ft)
Today you’ll continue along the quieter Northern Circuit. After breakfast, you’ll leave Moir Camp and trek through the high-altitude terrain toward Pofu Camp. The trail follows the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro and provides a different perspective of the mountain. The landscape is rugged and open, with dramatic views toward the northern side of the summit. The route remains relatively quiet, allowing you to enjoy the mountain environment without the crowds found on some other sections of Kilimanjaro. After reaching Pofu Camp, you’ll have dinner and rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Pofu Camp (4,033 m / 13,232 ft) to Third Cave Camp (3,930 m / 12,894 ft)
After breakfast, you’ll continue eastward along the Northern Circuit toward Third Cave Camp. The trail passes through a remote and scenic section of Mount Kilimanjaro, with wide views across the northern slopes and surrounding landscapes. The route gradually descends slightly as you approach Third Cave, giving your body a useful break from continuously gaining altitude. Once you arrive at Third Cave Camp, you can relax, enjoy your meals, and prepare for the final approach to the summit.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3,930 m / 12,894 ft) to School Hut (4,750 m / 15,583 ft)
Today you’ll leave Third Cave Camp and make your way toward School Hut, the high camp used before the summit attempt. The trail gradually climbs through the alpine desert as you approach the upper slopes of Kilimanjaro. The air becomes thinner as you gain altitude, so your guide will encourage a slow and steady pace. Once you reach School Hut (4,750 m), you’ll settle into camp and receive a briefing about the summit attempt. You’ll have an early dinner and rest as much as possible before waking around midnight for the final climb.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8: School Hut (4,750 m / 15,583 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft) to Millennium Camp (3,820 m / 12,533 ft)
This is the biggest and most rewarding day of your 9 Days Northern Circuit Route. You’ll wake up around midnight, have a light meal, and begin your summit climb in the darkness with your guide. The pace will be slow as you climb toward the crater rim. After reaching Gilman's Point or another suitable point on the crater rim, you’ll continue around the crater toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa. Once you reach the summit, take time to celebrate, enjoy the incredible views, and take photographs if weather conditions allow. After your summit experience, you’ll begin the long descent toward Millennium Camp, where you’ll have dinner and get some well-earned rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9: Millennium Camp (3,820 m / 12,533 ft) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft)
After breakfast, you’ll begin your final descent through the beautiful rainforest. After several days in the high-altitude environment, the warmer air and green vegetation will feel like a welcome change. Continue along the forest trail until you reach Mweka Gate, where you’ll complete the Kilimanjaro park exit procedures and receive your summit certificate if you successfully reached the summit. Your vehicle will then meet you at the gate and drive you back to Moshi. Once you arrive, you can enjoy a hot shower, relax at your hotel, and celebrate completing your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
9 Days Northern Circuit Route Cost & Booking
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route starts from US$2,950 per person. The final price depends on group size, travel dates, and the services included.
This 9-day climb gives you more time on the mountain and follows the quieter northern side of Kilimanjaro. The gradual pace also allows more time for acclimatization before the summit attempt.
| Group Size | Cost Per Person (USD) | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $3,350 | Book Now |
| 2-5 People | $3,150 | Book Now |
| 6-14 People | $3,050 | Book Now |
| 15-20 People | $2,950 | Book Now |
| 21+ People | $2,950 | Book Now |
Solo Climber Supplement: +$350
Single Room Supplement: +$300
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route price covers a fully supported Kilimanjaro climb. Your mountain crew handles the main trekking logistics, meals, camping, and safety support throughout the trek.
Crew Structure
We provide a trained mountain crew to support you throughout the climb:
1 Lead Guide
1 Assistant Guide
1 Cook
1 Waiter (Service Porter)
1 Toilet Porter (Sanitation Support)
8–12 Regular Porters
What Affects the Cost of the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route?
The price depends on group size, travel dates, crew support, accommodation, park fees, camping fees, and included services. A longer climb also requires additional days of food, crew support, park fees, and mountain logistics.
What's Included?
- 2 nights accommodation before and after the trek
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Camping and rescue fees
- Professional Northern Circuit mountain guides
- Assistant guides and porters
- Portable toilets
- Cook and support crew
- Quality mountain tents
- Dining tent and sleeping tents
- All meals during the trek
- Drinking water throughout the climb
- Portable oxygen cylinder
- Pulse oximeter monitoring
- Emergency first aid kit
- Transport to and from the mountain gate
- Airport transfers
- Government taxes and VAT
What's Excluded?
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking equipment
- Hotel accommodation before and after the climb unless specified
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Personal expenses
Why Choose the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route?
Scenery and variety: The Northern Circuit Route offers some of Kilimanjaro's most varied and scenic landscapes. The trek starts in the rainforest before continuing through the moorland, Shira Plateau, alpine desert, and the quieter northern slopes of the mountain. The changing landscapes make every stage of the climb different.
More time to acclimatize: The 9-day itinerary gives you more time on the mountain. You climb gradually and spend more nights at different elevations. The route also includes sections that allow you to gain altitude gradually before reaching the higher camps. This gives your body more time to adjust before the summit attempt.
Quieter northern side: The Northern Circuit is known for its quieter trails and remote northern slopes. After crossing the Shira Plateau, the route moves around the northern side of Kilimanjaro, away from some of the busier sections of the mountain. This makes the trek feel more peaceful and adventurous.
Adventure and challenge: The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route is still a demanding high-altitude trek. It includes long hiking days, steep sections, rocky terrain, and the final summit push. Although the route is gradual, the high altitude and long distances require good physical preparation and determination.
Professional support: Your climb is supported by experienced guides, cooks, and porters. The team provides meals, camping equipment, water, and mountain safety support throughout the trek.
Summit Success on the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route
The longer itinerary gives you more time for acclimatization than shorter Kilimanjaro routes. The Northern Circuit also provides a gradual approach to the summit. However, reaching Uhuru Peak still depends on your health, preparation, weather, pacing, and individual response to altitude.
Walk slowly, stay hydrated, eat well, and follow your guide's instructions. Report any symptoms of altitude sickness immediately.
Key factors that support a successful summit:
- More acclimatization time: Nine days allows a gradual ascent and more time to adjust to altitude.
- Slow pacing: A steady pace helps conserve energy during the long trek.
- Proper hydration: Drink water regularly throughout the climb.
- Good nutrition: Regular meals help maintain energy during consecutive hiking days.
- Experienced guides: Guides monitor your condition and adjust the pace when needed.
- Good preparation: Fitness and hiking experience make the long trek easier.
Our approach: We use a gradual pace, regular health checks, proper meals, and experienced mountain guides. These practices help climbers stay safe and prepared for the summit.
Best Time to Climb the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the drier months. These periods usually offer better trail conditions, clearer mountain views, and more comfortable trekking conditions.
January to March: Cooler conditions and good opportunities for clear summit views. Snow can also appear around the summit.
June to October: A popular climbing period with generally dry conditions and good visibility.
You can climb Kilimanjaro throughout the year. However, the long rains from March to May can make trails wetter and more difficult. November can also bring short rains.
Is the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route Difficult?
Yes. The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route is a challenging trek, mainly because of the high altitude and the length of the route. You do not need technical climbing experience, but you need good fitness, endurance, and determination.
The longer itinerary makes the climb more gradual. You have more time to adjust to the altitude before reaching the summit. This is one of the main reasons many climbers choose the 9-day Northern Circuit option.
The trail includes steep and rocky sections, particularly as you approach the higher camps and summit area. These sections require careful footing and a steady pace but do not require technical climbing skills.
Daily expectations: Most trekking days take around 4 to 8 hours. The summit day is much longer. Expect a long night of hiking from School Hut to Uhuru Peak, followed by a long descent to Millennium Camp.
Acclimatization strategy: Walk slowly and take regular breaks. Drink water throughout the day. Avoid unnecessary exertion. Tell your guide if you experience headache, nausea, dizziness, or other altitude-related symptoms.
Training recommendations: Start preparing several weeks before your climb. Walking, hiking, running, cycling, and stair climbing can improve endurance. Strength exercises for your legs and core are also useful. Longer hikes are especially helpful because they prepare you for consecutive days on the mountain.
9-Day Northern Circuit Route Packing List
Pack for changing conditions on the 9-Day Northern Circuit Route. You will move from the warm rainforest to cold alpine terrain and high-altitude conditions. Use layers so you can adjust easily as the temperature changes.
Clothing
- ✔ Waterproof jacket
- ✔ Waterproof hiking trousers
- ✔ Thermal base layers
- ✔ Warm fleece or down jacket
- ✔ Warm gloves
- ✔ Warm hat and sun hat
- ✔ Hiking socks
- ✔ Sturdy hiking boots
Essential Gear
- ✔ Headlamp with spare batteries
- ✔ Trekking poles
- ✔ Four-season sleeping bag
- ✔ Daypack (20–35L)
- ✔ Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder
- ✔ Waterproof duffel bag
- ✔ Backpack rain cover
Personal Items
- ✔ Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- ✔ Lip balm with SPF
- ✔ Sunglasses
- ✔ Wet wipes
- ✔ Camera or smartphone
- ✔ Power bank
- ✔ Personal medications
- ✔ Toiletries and hand sanitizer
Equipment Rentals Available
You do not need to buy all your mountain gear. We provide quality rental equipment for the 9-Day Northern Circuit Route. This helps you travel light and avoid unnecessary costs.
- Sleeping bags
- Down jackets
- Trekking poles
- Gaiters
- Waterproof duffel bags
- Sleeping mats
- Rain gear
- Other essential mountain gear
Our mountain team checks your gear before the climb. If anything is missing, we help you arrange the right equipment before you start the 9-Day Northern Circuit Route.
Everything to Know Before Climbing the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route
🏃 Physical Training for Kilimanjaro
- Build endurance with hiking, walking, or cycling
- Practice long hikes on consecutive days
- Strengthen your legs and core
- Train on hills or stairs
- Practice walking slowly for several hours
- Prepare for consecutive days of trekking
🎒 Essential Gear for Northern Circuit Route
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Warm insulated jacket for the summit
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Thermal base layers and fleece
- Headlamp for the summit night
- Trekking poles for steep and rocky sections
Full Kilimanjaro Packing Guide
Start preparing early with our: 8-Week Kilimanjaro Training Plan .
🩺 Altitude Safety
- Daily health checks at camp
- Pulse oximeter monitoring
- Emergency oxygen available
- Experienced mountain guides
- First aid equipment on the mountain
🌍 Conditions on Northern Circuit Route
- Rainforest, moorland, Shira Plateau, alpine desert, and arctic zones
- Quieter and more remote northern slopes
- Cold and windy conditions near the summit
- Regular hydration is essential
- Mobile network can be limited at higher elevations
- Summit night is the most demanding section
Explore more Kilimanjaro planning resources: Budget Climb Options , Group Departures from Moshi , Climb Cost Breakdown , and Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route .
