Nine-Day Northern Circuit Tour

9 days—Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is the newest route, longest route and one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro.

$2170-2500 USD

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Safari summary

Embark on a remarkable 9-day journey on the Northern Circuit route, a hidden gem among Kilimanjaro's trekking paths. This route stands out for its unparalleled scenic beauty, encompassing nearly 360 degrees of breathtaking landscapes, including the less-visited northern slopes. Notably, it's the longest route on Kilimanjaro, allowing for optimum acclimatization time and boasting the highest summit success rate. For those seeking a rewarding challenge, the 9-day Northern Circuit route comes highly recommended.

Your 9-day adventure commences on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning with a picturesque drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. The first two days of your trek lead you through the lush rainforest, setting the stage for your ascent to Shira Ridge, followed by a traverse of the Shira Plateau. From there, the route meanders northward, creating a clockwise path from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp, eventually reaching School Hut before the grand summit push from the east. Your descent follows the Mweka route, ensuring a well-rounded Kilimanjaro experience.

SMILE WIDE EXPEDITION offers the Northern Circuit as a 9-day group climb or as a private climb tailored to your preferences. For those seeking an extended adventure, consider our 10-day variation, which includes a unique overnight stay at Crater Camp, available upon special request.

The prices for this 9-day Northern Circuit Route tour ranges from $ 2,170 to $2,500 per person depending on level of service, group size and the accommodation cost before or after Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing tour.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Internal flights
International flights
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 1: Londorosi to Mti Mkubwa

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast you will be picked up at the lodge and taken to the Londorossi Gate at the height of 2,250 m. After the necessary registration has been completed, a bumpy drive will take you into the dense rainforest, from where your adventure commences. The moderately steep track makes its way through an unspoilt natural forest to the Big Tree Camp (2,780 m). You will spend the night in tents at Big Tree Camp.

Big Tree Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira One

Kilimanjaro

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest And into a savannah of tall grasses, heather And volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills And cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira One Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Shira one camp

Day 3: Shira one-shira two Camp

Kilimanjaro

Today's ascent gains 240 meters, reaching 3,850 meters. Expect a 7 km trek lasting 3.5-4 hours. Depart an hour after an 8:00 breakfast, heading southeast across Shira Plateau's moor and heathland. Look for buffalo, dik-dik, and klipspringer. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp by 13:00 for lunch, with dinner at 18:00.

Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2-lava tower-Moir Hut

Kilimanjaro

Today, an early start at 07:00 for breakfast, departing at 08:30. You'll trek for about 6.5-7 hours, covering 14 km. Climbing to the base of Lava Tower at 4,600 meters, expect varied terrain with ups and downs. Lunch at Lava Tower helps acclimatize, and the route descends to Moir Hut Camp, though an alternate path at 4,400 meters may be taken if needed for group acclimatization.

Moir Hut

Day 5: Moir hut to Buffalo Camp

Kilimanjaro

You climb out of the Moir Valley And take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (4,375 m). After admiring the views, you return to the trail And head eastwards around the northern circuit trail. Here the trail passes through a field of rock slabs that clink as they are walked on. The final section of today’s walk undulates until reaching the location of Buffalo Camp (4,020 m). At the camp, there is a huge feeling of space as the Kenyan plains stretch out far below to the north.

Buffalo Camp

Day 6: Buffalo to Third Cave

Kilimanjaro

From Buffalo Camp, you climb to the top of ‘Buffalo Ridge’ And cross numerous ridges And gullies. The trail continues eastwards through a lAndscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp (3,800 m).

Third Cave

Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut

Kilimanjaro

On a relatively easy path, today’s leg takes you over the so called “saddle”. This piece of rock is actually a lava-flow formed when Kili was still young. It has now solidified And connects two of Mount Kilimanjaro’s three peaks, Mawenzi And Kibo. You will arrive at the School Hut in about 4.5 to 5 hours And go to bed straight after dinner as the summit calls for an early start, at approximately 11 p.m.

School Hut

Day 8: School Hut to Summit To Mwek

Kilimanjaro

At midnight, we begin the strenuous summit ascent. The cold and wind challenge us. After hours of climbing, Gilman's Point offers a magnificent sunrise. We reach Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro's highest point. Descending to Mweka Hut via Barafu for lunch, the rocky trail can strain knees. Mweka Camp in the upper forest may have mist or rain. Enjoy your last mountain dinner and a well-deserved rest in the evening.

Mweka Camp

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back And after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to relax, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement

Moshi town

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