9-Day Kilimanjaro Climb Via Northen Circuit

9-Day Kilimanjaro Climb Via Northen Circuit

Tanzania flag Tanzania 9 days / 8 nights Camping Private
Valour Africa Safaris and Treks logo
Offered by Valour Africa Safaris and Treks
5.0/5 1 reviews
From $3,850 per person
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Tour Overview

What Makes This Safari Stand Out

Discover Mount Kilimanjaro on the spectacular 9-Day Northern Circuit Route, the mountain's longest and most scenic trail. Designed for excellent acclimatization, this route offers one of the highest summit success rates while providing a quieter, more exclusive trekking experience away from the busier paths. Travel through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone. Explore the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
  • Duration9 Days
  • Tour StartKilimanjaro National Park
  • Tour EndKilimanjaro International Airport (jro)
  • TransportWalking
  • Travel StylePrivate
  • Tour ComfortCamping

Where You'll Go

Safari Route Map

An approximate route through this itinerary's destinations, day by day.

Experience Types

Included Safari Activities

Pricing

Group Size & Age Pricing

Age policy and group-size pricing stay here in the main content, while the sidebar focuses only on live quote estimation.

Group Size Adult (per person) Child (per person)
1 Person $4,250 N/A (solo)
2 People $3,850 $3,850
3 People $3,650 $3,850
4 People $3,500 $3,850
5 People $3,400 $3,850
6+ People $3,300 $3,850
Age Policy: Adult: 10+ years Child: 0-9 years Free Child: 0-0 years

Day By Day

9 Day Itinerary

Day 1 From Your Hotel to Londorossi Gate (2,100 M) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 M) Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park

Your Northern Circuit adventure begins with a morning transfer from your hotel to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of Tanzania's countryside as your excitement builds for the journey ahead. Upon arrival, complete the park registration formalities before continuing by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead, where you'll meet your experienced mountain crew and begin your trek.

The trail leads through Kilimanjaro's lush montane rainforest, a vibrant ecosystem filled with towering trees, colorful birds, and the occasional sighting of black-and-white colobus monkeys. The gentle ascent provides the perfect introduction to the mountain, allowing you to settle into a comfortable trekking pace while soaking in the beauty of your surroundings.

Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, in the late afternoon. Here, your dedicated mountain team will have your camp ready and fresh prepared dinner waiting for you.

Accommodation
Meal plan

Meals

Lunch Dinner

Drinks

Bottle Water
Day 2 Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp 3,505 M Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park

After breakfast at Mti Mkubwa Camp, your journey continues as you leave the dense rainforest behind and begin ascending into Kilimanjaro's beautiful heath and moorland zone. The trail becomes more open, revealing a dramatic change in scenery as giant heathers, unique high-altitude plants, and volcanic landscapes replace the forest.

As you climb higher, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the towering peaks of Kilimanjaro. The path gradually leads toward the famous Shira Plateau, one of the highest volcanic plateaus in the world. Your experienced guides will maintain a steady pace, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude while sharing fascinating stories about the mountain's formation and ecosystem.

Arriving at Shira 1 Camp, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the vast wilderness surrounding the plateau. Enjoy a freshly prepared meal, relax in the peaceful mountain environment, and take in the unforgettable sunset.

Accommodation
Shira 1 Camp Camp Mid-range
Meal plan

Meals

Breakfast Lunch

Drinks

Bottle Water
Day 3 Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 M) Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park

After breakfast at Shira 1 Camp, continue your adventure across the magnificent Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro's most breathtaking landscapes. Today's trek is a gentle but rewarding journey, allowing you to enjoy the wide-open views of the mountain while your body continues to adapt to the higher altitude.

The trail crosses ancient volcanic terrain shaped by Kilimanjaro's powerful history, with stunning views of Kibo Peak rising above the clouds. As you walk across the plateau,dramatic rock formations, and a sense of peaceful isolation that makes the Northern Circuit Route truly special.

Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon, where you'll have time to relax, enjoy a freshly prepared meal, and take in the spectacular surroundings. The camp offers incredible sunset views and a perfect opportunity to rest before the upcoming high-altitude sections of your journey

Elevation: 3,505 m to 3,850 m

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation
Shira 2 Camp Camp Mid-range
Meal plan

Meals

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Drinks

Bottle Water
Day 4 Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower (4,630 M) to Moir Hut (4,200 M) Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park

After breakfast at Shira 2 Camp, your journey continues toward the higher reaches of Mount Kilimanjaro. Today's trek follows one of the most important acclimatization days of the Northern Circuit Route, where you will climb high and sleep lower to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude.

The trail gradually ascends across the vast alpine desert, offering spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding volcanic landscape. As you approach Lava Tower, a dramatic 4,630-meter volcanic rock formation, you'll experience the true scale and beauty of Kilimanjaro's high-altitude environment. This is a perfect opportunity to rest, take photos, and appreciate the incredible scenery around you.

After spending time at Lava Tower, begin your descent toward the remote and peaceful Moir Hut. Located away from the busier trails, this campsite provides a unique wilderness experience with stunning views and a quiet atmosphere. Enjoy a warm meal prepared by your mountain crew.

Accommodation
Moir Hut Campsite Mid-range
Inside Park Kilimanjaro National Park
Meal plan

Meals

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Drinks

Bottle Water
Day 5 Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,020 M) Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park

After breakfast at Moir Hut, continue your journey into the remote northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, where fewer trekkers venture and the true wilderness experience of the Northern Circuit unfolds. The trail offers a peaceful escape, with wide-open landscapes, dramatic volcanic formations, and incredible views stretching across the mountain and toward the distant Kenyan plains.Today's route includes gentle climbs and descents as you navigate through the alpine desert, passing unique rock formations and enjoying the untouched beauty of this less-traveled side of Kilimanjaro. Your experienced guides will maintain a comfortable pace, allowing you to appreciate the scenery while continuing your acclimatization.

Arriving at Buffalo Camp in the afternoon, you'll have time to relax, enjoy a freshly prepared meal, and take in the breathtaking surroundings. As the sun sets over the northern wilderness, settle into your camp and recharge for the next stage of your journey.

Accommodation
Bufallo Camp Campsite Mid-range
Inside Park Kilimanjaro National Park
Meal plan

Meals

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Drinks

Bottle Water
Day 6 Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp (3,870 M) Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park

After breakfast at Buffalo Camp, continue your trek along the peaceful northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Today's route offers a more relaxed pace, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular scenery while your body continues adapting to the high altitude.

The trail winds through the alpine desert, with breathtaking views of Kibo Peak, Mawenzi Peak, and the vast wilderness surrounding the mountain. Away from the crowds, you'll experience the true beauty of the Northern Circuit, where silence, open landscapes, and dramatic mountain views create an unforgettable trekking atmosphere.

As you approach Third Cave Camp, the terrain gradually descends, providing a welcome opportunity to rest and prepare for the final stages of your summit journey. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm meal prepared by your mountain crew and take in the peaceful surroundings as you recharge for the climb ahead.

Elevation: 4,020 m to 3,870 m

Hiking Time:5–6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation
Third Cave Camp Campsite Mid-range
Inside Park Kilimanjaro National Park
Meal plan

Meals

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Drinks

Bottle Water
Day 7 Third Cave Camp to School Hut (4,800 M) Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park

After breakfast at Third Cave Camp, begin your ascent toward School Hut, your final camp before the summit attempt. Today's trek takes you across the upper alpine desert, where the landscape becomes more rugged and the excitement of reaching Uhuru Peak begins to build.

The trail gradually climbs toward the Saddle, the vast area between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. As you walk through this quiet and dramatic environment, enjoy incredible views of Kilimanjaro's volcanic formations and the towering summit above. Your experienced guides will maintain a steady pace, helping you conserve energy and prepare for the challenging summit climb ahead.

Arrive at School Hut in the afternoon, where you will have time to rest, enjoy a nourishing meal, and receive a detailed summit briefing from your guides. After an early dinner, settle in for some rest as you prepare for the midnight departure toward Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa.

Elevation: 3,870 m to 4,800 m

Hiking Time: 4–5 hour

Accommodation
School Hut Campsite Mid-range
Inside Park Kilimanjaro National Park
Meal plan

Meals

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Drinks

Bottle Water
Day 8 School Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 M) to Mweka Camp (3,100 M) Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park

Your most unforgettable day begins around midnight as you start the final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Under a blanket of stars, you'll follow your guides through the quiet darkness, taking slow and steady steps toward Gilman's Point. The challenge is demanding, but every step brings you closer to standing on the Roof of Africa.

As the first light of dawn appears, continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point on the African continent. Standing at the summit, surrounded by glaciers, clouds, and endless views stretching across Tanzania, you'll experience a moment of achievement that will remain with you forever. Capture incredible photographs, celebrate your accomplishment, and take in the beauty of reaching Africa's highest mountain.

After enjoying the summit.

Accommodation
Mweka Camp Camp Mid-range
Meal plan

Meals

Lunch Dinner

Drinks

Bottle Water
Day 9 Mweka Camp (3,100 M) to Mweka Gate (1,640 M) – Transfer to Your Hotel Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park

After a well-deserved rest at Mweka Camp, enjoy your final breakfast on Mount Kilimanjaro before beginning the descent through the lush montane rainforest. The trail becomes greener and more vibrant as you leave the high-altitude landscapes behind, with the sounds of birds and the fresh forest air welcoming you back to lower elevations.

As you make your way toward Mweka Gate, take time to reflect on the incredible journey you have completed—from the first steps through the rainforest to standing at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Upon arrival at the gate, you will complete park exit formalities and receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate, celebrating your remarkable achievement., and a well-earned celebration await. As your 9-day Northern Circuit adventure comes to an end, you leave with unforgettable memories, breathtaking photographs, and the pride

Accommodation No overnight accommodation for this day.
Meal plan

Meals

Breakfast

Drinks

Bottle Water

What Is Covered

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's included
Park Fees
Domestic Flights
All Shown Activities
Meals & Drinks As Specified Day By Day
Accommodation During Safari
Professional Guide/Driver
All Listed Transport
All Taxes/VAT
Hotel Transfers
Not included
International Flights
Accommodation Before/After Safari
Staff Tips
Personal Expenses (Travel Insurance, Visa Fees Etc.)
Government Tax/Fee Increases