9 Days Northern Circuit Route – Best Kilimanjaro Climbing

Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Afterward, your Wild Wonders Expedition guide will come to brief you about the trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel as you prepare for the journey.

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate. After registration with the park authorities, you will be driven to the trailhead to begin your trek. Keep a sharp eye out for large wildlife like elephants, giraffes, and buffalos that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you head toward your first camp.

Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Today you spend the first hour trekking through the final section of the rainforest before entering the low alpine moorland zone. The path leads up onto the Shira Plateau. This trek is relatively short and gradual, allowing you to begin the process of high-altitude adaptation at Shira Camp I.

Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest / Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

On day three, the trek crosses the expansive Shira Plateau from Shira Camp I to Shira Camp II. We continue east toward the Shira Plateau ridge, enjoying the open space and thin air of the low alpine zone as we reach our camp for lunch and rest.

Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Low alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Today is a short day designed for optimal acclimatization. The trek heads directly toward Moir Hut camp, passing close to the famous Lava Tower. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy is a core benefit of the Northern Circuit, ensuring you are well-prepared for the coming days.

Distance covered: 4 km
Approximate time taken: 2 hours
Habitat: Low alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Enjoy a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. You can take a small detour to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill (4375m) for extra acclimatization before returning to the main trail. The route then skirts around the northern slopes of Kibo, offering vistas across the plains stretching toward the Kenyan border.

Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

The day starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and continues east along the quiet northern slopes. By now, you should be feeling the benefits of the long route and feeling well-acclimatized. You will arrive at the Third Cave by mid-afternoon, nestled in the serene alpine zone.

Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Today involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle, the high-altitude desert sitting between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. You will push south-west to reach School Hut. After an early dinner, it is essential to get some sleep, as you will be awoken before midnight for the final summit attempt.

Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 4-5 hours
Habitat: High alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

You will be awoken at 5:00 am for a full breakfast before starting a sunlight summit attempt at 6:00 am. After reaching Gilman’s Point (5681m), you will gather your final energy to reach Uhuru Peak—the Roof of Africa. After celebrating, descend via Stella Point to Barafu Camp for a rest, before continuing down to Millennium Camp for your final night.

Distance covered: 16 km
Approximate time taken: 12 hours
Habitat: Glacial zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

The final day is a celebratory hike through the dense rainforest to Mweka Gate. After signing out with the authorities, you will be presented with your official certificates. A Wild Wonders Expedition vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a warm shower and a toast to your success!

Distance covered: 14 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast and lunch included

Later in the evening or the next day, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your home-bound flight. Wild Wonders Expedition can also organize affordable safari extensions to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, or the Serengeti for those wishing to see more of Tanzania's wildlife.