Northern Circuit (9 Days)
The longest and quietest route on the mountain, circling the remote northern slopes for the highest summit success rates.
This is a sample day-by-day breakdown of the 9-day Northern Circuit, the longest route on Kilimanjaro. It circles almost the entire mountain, spending more days at altitude than any other route, which gives it the highest summit success rates of all the standard options.
Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Difficulty
Gentlest ascent profile, highest success rate
From
$2,600 per person
Day by day
1
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
A drive to the western trailhead, then a walk through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Camp. Around 3–4 hours.
2
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Climb out of the forest onto the Shira Plateau. Around 5 hours of walking with wide, open views.
3
Shira 1 to Moir Hut
Instead of joining the busier Machame route, the Northern Circuit branches toward the quiet Moir Hut area beneath Lent Hills. Around 5 hours.
4
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Traverse the remote northern slopes of the mountain, some of the least-visited terrain on any Kilimanjaro route. Around 5 hours.
5
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Continue circling around the mountain’s northern side, with Kenya visible in the distance on clear days. Around 5 hours.
6
Third Cave Camp to School Hut
Approach the mountain’s north-eastern side, drawing closer to the summit route. Around 4 hours.
7
Rest and acclimatise near School Hut
A short day with time to rest before the summit push, one of the features that gives the Northern Circuit its strong success rate.
8
Summit night: School Hut to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp
Depart around midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) around sunrise, then descend all the way to Mweka Camp. The longest day, typically 13–15 hours.
9
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A final descent through forest to Mweka Gate, around 4–5 hours, where you’ll receive your summit certificate before transferring back to Arusha or Moshi.
What’s included
- Park and camping fees
- Licensed mountain guides, porters and cook
- All meals and drinking water on the mountain
- Camping equipment (tents, mess tent)
- Transfers from Arusha or Moshi
Not included
- Tips for the mountain crew ($250–350 typical)
- Personal hiking gear
- Flights, visa and travel insurance
- Sleeping bag rental (available locally)
- Hotel nights before or after the climb
Questions about this route
Why choose the 9-day Northern Circuit?
It has the highest summit success rate of the standard routes, thanks to the extra days spent acclimatising at altitude, and it’s by far the quietest route since it avoids the busier camps used by Machame and Lemosho.
Is this route very remote?
Yes. Days 3 to 6 circle the mountain’s northern slopes, terrain that very few other climbers see, making it the most solitary route on Kilimanjaro.
Who should choose this route?
Climbers with 9 days to spare who want the best possible acclimatisation, the quietest trails, and don’t mind the longer time commitment and higher cost that comes with it.