← All Kilimanjaro RoutesThe longer northern journey

9-Day Northern Circuit

Start in the west, traverse Kibo’s northern slopes and approach the summit from School Hut before descending south.

Altitude5,895M
LocationKilimanjaro, Tanzania
Duration9 Trekking Days
Experience NeededRegular Mountain Walking
Fitness LevelVery Strenuous
Guided ByInternational Mountain Leader & Local Guides
SeasonJanuary–March & June–October

Allow 11 days in Tanzania including arrival and departure. The longer schedule gives more time on the mountain, but no itinerary guarantees acclimatisation or a summit.

Northern Circuit route schematic showing the approach, summit and descent
Your Route

Northern Circuit: The Journey

A supported camping trek with a separate route down after the summit attempt.

  • Start: Lemosho Glades
  • Key stops: Shira · Moir · Pofu · Third Cave · School Hut
  • Finish: Mweka Gate
Explore The Itinerary
Altitude at a glance Approximate camp heights, with summit high point
6,000m1,500mD1D2D3D4D5D6D7SummitD8Exit
The Route

Day By Day

The days below count time on the mountain. Arrive in Moshi the day before for your briefing and kit check; depart after your post-trek hotel night. Camps and timings remain subject to conditions and the guide’s assessment.

Times and elevations are approximate. + means ascent and − means descent. Values marked net compare the start and end of the walking stage; they exclude the extra ups and downs along the trail. Travel by flight, road or lift is excluded from walking elevation figures. Flexible days are set by the leader.

DAY 1

Lemosho Glades → Big Tree

Overview

After registration on the western side, enter the Lemosho forest on foot. The first walking stage finishes at Mti Mkubwa, also known as Big Tree Camp.

Today’s Objective

Walk from Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp.

Approx. Time
Around 4 hours
Elevation Change
+395m net
High Point / Reference
Big Tree · approx. 2,780m
Overnight
Big Tree Camp · approx. 2,780m
Kibo above the western forest approach
Kibo above the western forest approach
DAY 2

Big Tree → Shira 1

Overview

Climb out of the forest into heather and open moorland. Cross towards the Shira Plateau and your first camp beneath the wide western skyline of Kibo.

Today’s Objective

Climb from the forest to Shira 1 Camp.

Approx. Time
6–7 hours
Elevation Change
+720m net
High Point / Reference
Shira 1 · approx. 3,500m
Overnight
Shira 1 Camp · approx. 3,500m
Shira 1 Camp, Kilimanjaro
Shira 1 Camp, Kilimanjaro
DAY 3

Shira 1 → Shira 2

Overview

Spend another day crossing the Shira Plateau rather than rushing straight through it. The extra overnight spreads the early ascent and gives you more time on the mountain.

Today’s Objective

Cross the plateau to Shira 2 Camp.

Approx. Time
Around 5 hours
Elevation Change
+400m net
High Point / Reference
Shira 2 · approx. 3,900m
Overnight
Shira 2 Camp · approx. 3,900m
Shira Plateau on the approach to Shira 2
Shira Plateau on the approach to Shira 2
DAY 4

Shira 2 → Moir

Overview

Turn away from the southern circuit towards Moir. The route starts its longer passage around Kibo, trading the busier southern camps for the northern slopes.

Today’s Objective

Leave Shira 2 for the northern circuit via Moir.

Approx. Time
5–7 hours
Elevation Change
+275m net
High Point / Reference
Moir · approx. 4,175m
Overnight
Moir Camp · approx. 4,175m
Shira Plateau — departure for the Moir approach
Shira Plateau — departure for the Moir approach
DAY 5

Moir → Pofu

Overview

Continue across the northern flank with a succession of rises and descents. Today is about distance and steady movement rather than sleeping much higher.

Today’s Objective

Traverse the northern side of Kibo to Pofu.

Approx. Time
5–7 hours
Elevation Change
−145m net; undulating traverse
High Point / Reference
Pofu · approx. 4,030m
Overnight
Pofu Camp · approx. 4,030m
Pofu / Buffalo Camp, Northern Circuit
Pofu / Buffalo Camp, Northern Circuit
DAY 6

Pofu → Third Cave

Overview

Traverse towards Third Cave with the open northern landscape around you. The lower sleeping height offers a pause before the final climb to the summit base.

Today’s Objective

Continue around the northern slopes to Third Cave.

Approx. Time
5–7 hours
Elevation Change
−130m net; undulating traverse
High Point / Reference
Third Cave · approx. 3,900m
Overnight
Third Cave Camp · approx. 3,900m
Pofu Camp — departure point for the Third Cave stage
Pofu Camp — departure point for the Third Cave stage
DAY 7

Third Cave → School Hut

Overview

Climb towards School Hut on the northeastern side of Kibo. Organise your summit pack and take an early meal before settling down for a short rest.

Today’s Objective

Move to the summit base at School Hut.

Approx. Time
4–5 hours
Elevation Change
+850m net
High Point / Reference
School Hut · approx. 4,750m
Overnight
School Hut Camp · approx. 4,750m
The Saddle on the approach to School Hut
The Saddle on the approach to School Hut
DAY 8

School Hut → Uhuru Peak → Millennium

Overview

Begin the summit climb at night towards Gilman’s Point, then follow the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak. Descend on the southern side via Barafu to Millennium Camp.

Today’s Objective

Climb to Uhuru and descend south to Millennium.

Approx. Time
10–14 hours
Elevation Change
Approx. +1,145m / −2,105m
High Point / Reference
Uhuru Peak · 5,895m
Overnight
Millennium Camp · approx. 3,790m
Uhuru Peak summit sign on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Uhuru Peak summit sign on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
DAY 9

Millennium → Mweka Gate

Overview

Continue down through the forest to Mweka Gate. Complete the park exit formalities and transfer to Moshi for a shower, a proper rest and a final evening together.

Today’s Objective

Finish the trek at Mweka Gate, then return to Moshi.

Approx. Time
5–7 hours
Elevation Change
−2,160m net
High Point / Reference
Start: Millennium · approx. 3,790m
Overnight
Hotel in Moshi
Rainforest on the Mweka descent
Rainforest on the Mweka descent

Make time for the descent. The summit stage is the longest effort, followed by a substantial return to lower ground. Prepare for repeated walking days, cold mornings and a night-time start.

Your Trip

What’s Included

These are the arrangements we plan into the package. Your written quote confirms the full scope for your dates and group.

Included In The Package

  • Mountain guides, porters and the cooking team.
  • Park entry, route accommodation fees and park rescue fees.
  • Shared mountain tents, sleeping bags and mats.
  • Meals and treated drinking water during the trek.
  • Agreed airport and mountain-gate transfers.
  • A shared hotel room before and after the trek, with the meal plan specified in your quote.
  • Pre-trek briefing, kit check and group emergency equipment.

What’s Not Included

  • Flights, visas and personal travel insurance.
  • Tips for the mountain crew.
  • Personal clothing, boots and additional equipment hire.
  • Single-room or single-tent supplements.
  • Extra hotel nights, unlisted meals, drinks and personal spending.
  • Safari or beach extensions and additional private transfers.

A park rescue fee is not personal rescue insurance. Private toilet arrangements, baggage allowances and any extra hire are itemised in your quote.

Season & Pricing

Indicative Prices From £2,440 Per Person

Typical season: January–March & June–October. Subject to weather, mountain conditions and route availability.

A planning guide for a shared trip, subject to a confirmed SOOM quote. Group size, dates, accommodation and extras affect the final cost. Request a confirmed quote and booking details.

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Prices confirmed on enquiry. Published prices are indicative. Hut availability, routes, permits, transport and other associated costs can change after publication. Your written quote confirms the final price, itinerary, inclusions and exclusions for your dates and group.

Get In Touch

Ask About 9-Day Northern Circuit

Typical season: January–March & June–October, subject to conditions. Ask about availability and your confirmed quote.

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