Tanzania · Trekking

9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek from Moshi

9 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek Kilimanjaro's newest and longest summit route on the remote Northern Circuit
02 Cross lush montane forest, giant heather moorland, alpine desert, and ice-capped summit terrain
03 Pass iconic landmarks including the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Shark's Tooth
04 Circle the quieter northern slopes of Kibo with less traffic than other routes
05 Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise via Gilman's Point after a rewarding summit push

Experience Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit, the mountain's newest and longest route to the summit. Beginning at Londorossi Gate, this trek passes through lush rainforest, climbs the Shira Ridge, and crosses the high Shira Plateau before circling through remote, less-travelled landscapes on Kilimanjaro's northern slopes. With a strong acclimatization profile and a challenging summit night via Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak, it offers a rewarding climb with varied scenery and fewer crowds.

You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and begin the steep climb up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast and a briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate, about a 3-hour journey.
From here, a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades.
Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 02

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone.
After crossing several streams, continue over the Shira Ridge and gently descend to Shira 1 Camp, located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
Various hikes are available on the plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04

Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp via Lava Tower

This is a long trek heading east, passing through the 'Garden of the Senecios' and entering the high alpine desert zone.
The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark's Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch.
After lunch, join the Northern Circuit and continue to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters.
This is an important day on your trek, as you will experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatization process.

Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13780ft
Distance: 14km/8mi
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05

Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp

Today, you encounter a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley.
You can optionally hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill, at 4,375 meters, before returning to the Northern Circuit trail.
From here, the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp.

Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft
Distance: 12km/7mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06

Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave

Start the day by climbing up Buffalo Ridge and descending into Porfu Camp, where lunch is usually served.
The route then continues east around the northern slopes to Rongai Third Cave.
The trek is shorter than the day before, and by now you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude.
You will arrive at Third Cave around mid-afternoon.

Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Climbing Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07

Third Cave to School Hut

Today, there is a steady incline up and over the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Trekkers then continue walking southwest up to School Hut.
After arriving at School Hut, you will be served an early dinner.
You should then get some rest, as you will be awoken before midnight to begin your summit attempt.
Before bed, remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera.

Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft
Distance: 15km/8mi
Climbing Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 08

School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and begin the steep climb up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness.
Your first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave, where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman's Point (5,681 meters), around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut.
Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and the incredible view across to Mawenzi Peak. But remember, you still have two hours of trekking to reach Uhuru Peak, so dig deep for the energy.
The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim, and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise.
Your stay here will be brief, so take as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers.
You will then retrace your steps around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters), turn south, and descend the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).
Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for their final night on the mountain.
On day eight, you will be trekking for 14-16 hours in total, so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated, and keep your blood sugar levels up.

Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3950m/12,959ft
Distance: 6km/3.5mi up / 11km/6mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 09

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate and Moshi

After breakfast, continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.
At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
A Horizon Seeker Adventure vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, approximately 60 minutes away.

Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Shark's Tooth, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 2 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced mountain guides
Guides, porters, cook salaries, and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on a sharing basis)
Sleeping mattress
Emergency oxygen cylinder
All meals while on the mountain
Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate

What's Not Included

Tanzania visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (available as an optional add-on)
Transfers (available as an optional add-on)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for rent)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

What to bring

Preparing for a Kilimanjaro climb requires careful consideration of the gear and equipment needed to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Clothing:
Moisture-wicking base layers: Tops and bottoms to help regulate body temperature and manage sweat.
Insulating layers: Fleece jackets, down jackets, or synthetic insulated jackets to keep warm at higher altitudes.
Waterproof and windproof jacket: Protection against rain, snow, and wind.
Hiking pants: Lightweight, quick-drying pants for trekking.
Convertible pants: These pants can be converted into shorts for variable weather conditions.
Synthetic or wool socks: Several pairs of moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters.
Hiking boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with ankle support and good traction.
Gaiters: To keep snow, rocks, and debris out of your boots.
Sun hat and warm hat: Protection from the sun during the day and warmth at night.
Gloves: Lightweight gloves for hiking and warmer gloves or mittens for colder temperatures.
Buff or neck gaiter: This versatile accessory protects the neck and face from sun, wind, and cold.
Gear:
Daypack: A comfortable backpack for carrying essentials during daily hikes.
Sleeping bag: Rated for cold temperatures (0°F to -10°F or lower) to stay warm at night.
Sleeping pad: Insulated sleeping pad for cushioning and insulation from the ground.
Trekking poles: Adjustable poles for stability and to reduce knee strain during descents.
Headlamp or flashlight: Essential for navigating in the dark and for nighttime use.
Sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses with high-quality lenses to shield eyes from glare and snow reflection.
Water bottles or hydration system: Insulated water bottles or a hydration reservoir to stay hydrated.
Water purification: Water purification tablets or a filtration system for refilling water along the trail.
Duffel or dry bag: Pack gear for porters to carry between campsites.
Toiletries: Including biodegradable soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and toilet paper.
Personal first-aid kit: Including basic medications, blister treatment, and any personal medications.
Miscellaneous:
Passport and permits: Required documents for entering Tanzania and climbing Kilimanjaro.
Cash: For tipping guides, porters, and other expenses.
Camera or smartphone: For capturing memories of the journey.
Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen to protect from sunburn at high altitudes.
Lip balm with SPF: To prevent chapped lips in dry and windy conditions.
Snacks: High-energy snacks like nuts, trail mix, and energy bars for on-the-go fuel.
Notebook and pen: For journaling or taking notes along the journey.
Optional:
Portable battery charger: To recharge electronics like cameras or smartphones.
Portable oxygen: In case of altitude sickness, especially for those prone to it.
Trekking towel: Quick-drying and compact towel for personal hygiene.
Trekking snacks: Favourite snacks for extra energy during long hikes.

Know before you go

Off-season supplement = USD 75
Charges for solo trekkers to start a new departure in March, April, May and November. It does not apply if you join an existing group. It does not apply if other trekkers also join your new group.

Logistics