Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb in 9 Days

9 Days 8 Nights

Overview

Ceraa Eyes Safari, a Tanzanian operator based locally, runs this 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb. Experienced mountain guides, porters and cooks walk with you, and we shape every detail of the trip around your plans.

Why choose our 9 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Ascent

Each 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb we organise is tailor-made, which means the dates, accommodation and pace can all be changed to suit you. Our local team also looks after you from the moment you arrive until you leave. Ahead of your trip, you can read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website, and for further inspiration take a look at our other Kilimanjaro National Park tours.

Take on the ultimate trek with our 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb along the Northern Circuit Route. This is the longest and newest path, and the most successful one, up Mount Kilimanjaro. Its summit success rate beats every other route, thanks to unrivalled acclimatization. You also get sweeping views and a genuinely remote, wild feel.

A peaceful way round the mountain

You begin on the scenic Lemosho Route, crossing the spectacular Shira Plateau, and then loop around the quiet northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. The Northern Circuit is calm and uncrowded, unlike the busier southern routes, so you take in the mountain's untouched beauty, with panoramic views of Kibo Peak, Mawenzi Peak, the Kenyan plains, glaciers and volcanic landscapes.

This well-planned 9-day itinerary follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle, giving your body generous time to adapt to the altitude. That is why the Northern Circuit has the best summit success rates, and why it is the top pick for first-time climbers wanting the safest and most rewarding path to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

We at Ceraa Eyes Safari wholeheartedly advise climbers after the finest possible Kilimanjaro experience to choose the Northern Circuit Route. Skilled mountain guides, seasoned cooks and committed porters accompany you from start to finish. Backed by high-quality camping gear and attentive service, they keep your trek to the Roof of Africa both safe and comfortable.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha / Moshi – Mti Mkubwa Camp via Londorossi Gate

Pick-up is from ARK (Arusha Airport), JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport), Moshi or Arusha itself, and we then drive you to Londorossi Gate to register. Next you continue to the Lemosho trailhead and begin walking through lovely rainforest, where colobus monkeys in black and white share the forest with blue monkeys, among towering trees and giant ferns.

You enjoy the quiet western side of Mount Kilimanjaro as you climb steadily to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m). Dinner follows, and you spend your first night under Africa's spectacular night sky.

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Distance: 6 km
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 :

Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Leaving the rainforest below, you move up through heath and moorland as you ascend the magnificent Shira Plateau. Along the route you enjoy volcanic scenery, giant lobelias, everlasting flowers and a far-off view of Kibo Peak's summit.

You then arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m), where a freshly cooked dinner awaits as you watch one of Kilimanjaro's memorable sunsets.

Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours
Distance: 8 km
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

You trek over the spectacular Shira Plateau, a place with some of the best panoramic views on Mount Kilimanjaro. The gentle ascent supports good acclimatisation, and you have time to absorb the dramatic scenery of glaciers, volcanic rock and Kibo Peak.

The afternoon is for resting or a brief acclimatisation walk with your guide, and you sleep at Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m).

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Distance: 7 km
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Trek out of Shira 2 Camp, past Lava Tower, and onward to Moir Hut

Following the golden rule of "climb high, sleep low", you climb up to Lava Tower (4,630 m). You pass breathtaking volcanic landscapes and stop for lunch, then press on to peaceful Moir Hut (4,200 m), tucked beneath dramatic cliffs on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.

This peaceful campsite is also good for acclimatization and gives lovely sunset views over the mountain.

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 11 km
Accommodation: Moir Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp

Today's hike takes you into the remote Northern Circuit, one of the quietest corners of Mount Kilimanjaro. Crossing alpine terrain, you have clear views over the Kenyan plains, Kibo Peak and the mountain's northern glaciers.

At last you reach Buffalo Camp (4,020 m), one of Kilimanjaro's most secluded camps, where you can enjoy the peaceful wilderness.

Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours
Distance: 12 km
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06 :

Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp

The route carries on along the northern slopes, offering wide panoramas and lovely quiet. It rises gradually over alpine desert, giving your body time to adapt naturally ahead of summit day.

Next comes Third Cave Camp (3,870 m), where you have dinner and sleep, and your guides prepare you for the last stretch of the ascent.

Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours
Distance: 8 km
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07 :

Third Cave Camp – School Hut

Today's hike heads to School Hut (4,800 m), the last base camp before the summit. The path rises gently across the alpine desert, with sweeping views of Kibo Peak, the glaciers and the volcanic terrain around you.

Once you get in, an early supper is served and you sort out your gear for the summit. Our guides give a last briefing, after which you rest ahead of the climb to Uhuru Peak that starts at midnight.

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Distance: 5 km
Accommodation: School Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 08 :

From School Hut you climb to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp

At about midnight you set out on the summit climb under a sky full of stars. Gilman's Point (5,685 m) is the first milestone, and you then follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point on the African continent.

Up on the summit, you mark your success as a glorious sunrise sets the clouds alight. Once the photographs are taken, you head down via Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp (3,100 m), where you spend your last night on the mountain.

Hiking Time: 12–15 Hours
Distance: 17 km
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 09 :

Walk down from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and head to Arusha / Moshi

Following breakfast, you walk down through the lush rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, savouring your last moments on Africa's highest mountain. Your official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate is presented at Mweka Gate, and your driver then takes you back to Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK).

Celebrate your fantastic achievement, then leave Tanzania taking home lasting memories of having stood on the Roof of Africa.

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch