Nine Days Kilimanjaro Climbing

9 days—The Best 9 Days to the Majestic Kilimanjaro Mountain via Northern Circuit route in 2025-2026.

$2164-2300 USD

pp

Safari summary

This 9-day Kilimanjaro climbing tour via the Northern Circuit Route is an adventure that will take you through different vegetation zones from day 1 to day 9, It is the adventure of a lifetime. Your 9-day Kilimanjaro climbing tour will start at Lemosho gate and then end at Mweka gate.

This 9-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route tour stands apart as a less-traveled path, allowing for a quieter, more contemplative journey. With its extended duration of 9 days, it maximizes acclimatization opportunities, increasing your chances of reaching the summit successfully. This route provides a unique perspective of the mountain, taking you through its varied ecosystems, from rainforests to alpine deserts, and granting you ample time to adapt to the altitude.

Why Choose the 9 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing via the Northern Circuit Route?
Unlike other routes, the 9-Day Northern Circuit Route boasts a lower traffic volume, offering a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds. This contributes to the preservation of the mountain's pristine beauty and ensures a more immersive connection with nature. The gradual ascent allows for optimal acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and increasing the likelihood of summit success.

Is prior climbing experience required in this 9-day Kilimanjaro climbing via Northern Circuit Route tour?
No prior climbing experience is required, but a good level of fitness and preparation is recommended.

What is the best time for this 9-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route climbing tour?
The best times are from January to February and from June to October when the weather is favorable.

How cold does it get during the 9 days Kilimanjaro climb?
Temperatures can drop significantly, reaching as low as -10°C (14°F) at the summit. Proper gear is essential.

What is the success rate of summiting via the 9-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route?
The success rate is higher due to the extended acclimatization period, with approximately 90% of climbers reaching the summit.

Duration: 9 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Low


About this tour

Tour type Set-date, set-itinerary, group
Main focus Hiking | trekking
Activity level Strenuous activity
Best months January, February, June, July, August, September, October
Countries
Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights
  • Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Park fees
  • Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • All drinks
  • Hot air balloons
  • Internal flights
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Spa treatments
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Visas

Itinerary

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubw

Kilimanjaro

Your journey begins with a scenic 45-minute drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. As you wait for your permits, you'll witness the preparations of various crews for the climb. The trail leads through lush rainforests with the guidance of your knowledgeable guide. Expect muddy and slippery paths, making trekking poles and gaiters essential for this leg of the journey.

Mti Mkubwa camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira I

Kilimanjaro

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, you bid farewell to the rainforest and ascend towards the Shira Plateau. The trail offers panoramic views as you reach the rim of the plateau. The temperature starts to drop, setting the stage for the unique experiences that lie ahead.

Shira 1 camp

Day 3: Shira I Camp to Shira 2 camp

Kilimanjaro

Today's trek crosses the high Shira Plateau, leading you to Shira 2 Camp. As you ascend, be prepared for colder temperatures. For those on the nine-day climb, a detour to the Shira Plateau Ridge provides stunning views and a glimpse of the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above.

Shira 2 camp

Day4: Shira 2 to Lava Tower to moir

Kilimanjaro

This day's journey is vital for acclimatization. The trail takes you to the "Shark's Tooth," also known as Lava Tower, before descending to Barranco Camp. The unique ascent and descent contribute to adapting to the altitude, ensuring a safer climb.

Moir Hut

Day 5: Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp

Kilimanjaro

Departing from Moir Camp, the trek leads to Buffalo Camp, offering spectacular views of the plains extending to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. The inclines and declines around the northern slopes of Kibo make for a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Buffalo camp

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave

Kilimanjaro

Day six involves climbing the Buffalo Ridge and passing through Pofu Camp. The route leads to the Rongai Third Cave, where you'll be surrounded by the alpine desert landscape. The shorter climb and improved acclimatization make this leg more comfortable.

3rd Cave Camp

Day 7: 3rd Cave to School Hut

Kilimanjaro

Climbing over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak, you'll reach School Hut. An early dinner sets the stage for the summit attempt, scheduled to start just before midnight. Remember to prepare your gear, including warm clothing and a headlamp.

School hut

Day 8: School Hut to Summit, Mweka

Kilimanjaro

The summit day arrives with an early start between midnight 2am. The ascent takes you between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, with a switchback motion towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Witness a breathtaking sunrise before reaching Uhuru Peak. Now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mt Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations may be a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible tour. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp.

Mweka camp

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

After the celebratory moments and descent, bid farewell to your crew and continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate. Receive your summit certificates and return to Moshi. Enjoy a well-deserved shower, dinner, and celebrations as you reflect on this extraordinary accomplishment.

No Accommodation

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