9-Days Northern Circuit Route Trek – Kilimanjaro Climb

9 Days 8 Nights

Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering uninterrupted panoramic views, excellent acclimatization, and a high summit success rate. This 9-day trek traverses rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers, allowing trekkers to experience remote landscapes and abundant wildlife along the northern slopes.
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Trek Type: Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route – Moderate to Challenging
Starting Point: Londorossi / Northern Circuit Gate, Kilimanjaro National Park
Ending Point: Mweka Gate / Moshi

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arrival in Moshi / Arusha

Arrive at Moshi or Arusha. Meet your trekking team and guide for a briefing covering logistics, safety, and gear. Overnight at your hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi / Arusha

Day 02 :

Londorossi / Northern Circuit Gate to Big Tree Camp (2,100 m – 2,800 m)

Begin trekking through dense rainforest, spotting monkeys and birds. Arrive at Big Tree Camp, the first campsite along the northern slopes.
Trek Distance: ~10 km / 6 miles
Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tent / Camp at Big Tree Camp

Day 03 :

Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp (2,800 m – 3,500 m)

Ascend gradually into alpine moorland, crossing streams and open plains. Enjoy stunning views of Shira Plateau. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Trek Distance: ~10 km / 6 miles
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tent / Camp at Shira 1 Camp

Day 04 :

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 / Moir Camp (3,500 m – 3,850 m)

Cross the Shira Plateau, with panoramic views of the northern slopes and neighboring peaks. Settle at Shira 2 / Moir Camp for rest and acclimatization.
Trek Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tent / Camp at Shira 2 / Moir Camp

Day 05 :

Shira 2 / Moir Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp (3,850 m – 3,950 m)

Ascend to Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation, for acclimatization. Descend slightly into Barranco Valley to overnight at Barranco Camp beneath the Barranco Wall.
Trek Distance: ~10 km / 6 miles
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Rocky and alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tent / Camp at Barranco Camp

Day 06 :

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,950 m – 4,035 m)

Climb the Barranco Wall, a manageable scramble, then continue to Karanga Camp for overnight. This camp is critical for acclimatization before the summit push.
Trek Distance: ~5 km / 3 miles
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Terrain: Rocky and alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tent / Camp at Karanga Camp

Day 07 :

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,035 m – 4,600 m)

Ascend to Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Trek Distance: ~5 km / 3 miles
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tent / Camp at Barafu Camp

Day 08 :

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (4,600 m – 5,895 m) and Descent to Mweka Camp

Begin the summit push around midnight, trekking through scree and rocky terrain to reach Uhuru Peak for sunrise. After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp for rest.
Trek Distance: ~16 km / 10 miles (round-trip)
Trekking Time: 10–14 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert, scree, rocky summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tent / Camp at Mweka Camp

Day 09 :

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate / Moshi

Descend through forest to Mweka Gate, completing your trek. Receive your summit certificate and transfer to Moshi or onward travel.
Trek Distance: ~10 km / 6 miles
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Terrain: Forest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi / onward travel