9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route – the longest and most scenic route on the mountain. With the highest summit success rate and unparalleled views, this is the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience.
The Northern Circuit Route is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro, offering a complete circumnavigation of the mountain. It provides the best acclimatization profile and boasts the highest summit success rate of any route (over 98%).
This route approaches from the west (Londorossi Gate) and traverses the northern slopes of the mountain, passing through the remote and pristine wilderness areas that few climbers ever see. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the mountain from all sides.
The Northern Circuit is renowned for its excellent acclimatization with the “climb high, sleep low” strategy built into the itinerary. The 9-day duration provides the best possible acclimatization and allows for the most gradual and safe ascent.
This itinerary includes 2 hotel nights in Moshi, professional mountain crew, emergency oxygen, park fees, meals, camping equipment, and all trekking support services provided by IPPO Adventures.
Duration
9 Days Trek
Summit
Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Accommodation
Camping (Tents)
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging
Success Rate
Highest (98%+)
Route Style
Remote & Scenic
Best For
Complete Experience
Acclimatization
Superior (9 days)
Climbing Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our driver will meet you and transfer you to Moshi town. Relax after your flight and prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro White House Hotel / Similar
Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Altitude: 1,640m – 2,850m
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 4–5 Hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
- Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Tents)
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and briefing. Begin your trek through the pristine rainforest with its giant ferns, mosses, and colorful birdlife. The trail is gentle and offers views of the mountain through the trees.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Altitude: 2,850m – 3,840m
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 5–6 Hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (Tents)
Leave the rainforest and enter open moorland with spectacular views of the mountain. The trail becomes steeper as you ascend towards Shira Plateau, offering stunning views of Kibo Peak and the volcanic landscape.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
- Altitude: 3,840m – 4,200m
- Distance: 8 km
- Time: 4–5 Hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Moir Hut (Tents)
Continue ascending through the alpine desert landscape, crossing the Shira Plateau towards the northern slopes of the mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountain from the west. This is where the Northern Circuit separates from the Lemosho Route.
Day 4: Moir Hut to Pofu Camp
- Altitude: 4,200m – 4,010m
- Distance: 9 km
- Time: 5–7 Hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Pofu Camp (Tents)
This is an acclimatization day with a “climb high, sleep low” strategy. Trek to the summit of Lent Group Hill (4,620m) for incredible views before descending to Pofu Camp. This helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Day 5: Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp
- Altitude: 4,010m – 4,380m
- Distance: 8 km
- Time: 5–6 Hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Third Cave Camp (Tents)
Continue trekking along the northern slopes of the mountain. This section offers remote and spectacular views of the Rongai side of the mountain. The landscape becomes more barren as you approach the Third Cave Camp.
Day 6: Third Cave Camp to School Hut
- Altitude: 4,380m – 4,850m
- Distance: 7 km
- Time: 4–5 Hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: School Hut (Tents)
Approach the mountain from the east, passing through the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The views of the crater and the glaciers are spectacular. Reach School Hut and prepare for the summit attempt.
Day 7: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp
- Altitude: 4,850m – 5,895m – 3,950m
- Distance: 13 km (5 km up, 8 km down)
- Time: 8–14 Hours
- Accommodation: Millennium Camp (Tents)
Start the summit climb around midnight. Trek to the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5,681m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness an unforgettable sunrise from the roof of Africa. Celebrate your achievement before descending to Millennium Camp.
Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate – Moshi
- Altitude: 3,950m – 1,650m
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 3–4 Hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi for celebration and a hot shower.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro White House Hotel / Similar
Day 9: Departure
Transfer from Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. End of your adventure with IPPO Adventures.
Tour Prices
| Package Type | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Joining Group | USD 2,050 |
| Private Group (4+ people) | USD 2,150 |
| Private Tour (1-3 people) | USD 2,350 |
Included
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- 9 Days Northern Circuit Route Climb
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Tented camping accommodation
- Pre and post trek hotel accommodation (2 nights)
Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Medical insurance
- Tips for crew
- Personal expenses
- Sleeping bags (can be rented)
- Personal trekking gear
Payment Policy
Traveler pays 20% deposit to secure the booking. Remaining balance is payable upon arrival in Tanzania.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to one week before tour start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and newest route on Kilimanjaro, offering a complete circumnavigation of the mountain with the highest summit success rate of any route.
With 9 days on the mountain, it provides the best acclimatization profile of any route, with the “climb high, sleep low” strategy and the most gradual ascent possible.
Uhuru Peak stands at 5,895 meters above sea level.
No! The Northern Circuit is the least crowded route on Kilimanjaro. The first 6 days are spent on the remote northern slopes where very few climbers venture.
No technical climbing skills are required. Good physical fitness is essential. The 9-day itinerary provides the best possible acclimatization and safety.
The best months are January-March and June-October when the weather is dry and clear with excellent mountain visibility.
It offers the complete Kilimanjaro experience – circumnavigating the mountain with unparalleled views from all sides, excellent acclimatization, and the highest summit success rate.
The route features manageable daily distances of 7-10 km, making it accessible for most fit climbers while providing excellent acclimatization.
