9 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure via Northern Circuit Route
The ultimate 360° mountain traverse with maximum solitude and the highest summit success rate (~98%).
The Northern Circuit is the newest, longest, and most comprehensive route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Circling the secluded northern slopes beneath Kibo with sweeping vistas into Kenya, this 9 Day trek provides the most gradual acclimatization possible and boasts an extraordinary summit success rate near 98%.
At a glance
- Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Where: Kilimanjaro National Park
- Style: Moderate to Challenging
- Best time: June to October & December to March
- Price from: USD 3,452 per person
Highlights
- Near 98% summit success rate
- Complete 360-degree circumnavigation of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Untouched solitude along the remote northern slopes
- Ascent via Gilman’s Point and descent via Mweka Route
Day by day itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania, Arusha
Airport arrival, private transfer to hotel in Arusha, briefing, and complete gear inspection.
Stay: Hotel in Arusha. Meals: Dinner.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Lemosho Trailhead, trek to Big Tree Camp
Londorossi Gate registration, then trek through pristine rainforest to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa).
Stay: Camping at Big Tree Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 2: Big Tree Camp across Shira Ridge to Shira 1 Camp
Ascend onto the Shira Caldera with panoramic views of the western breach.
Stay: Camping at Shira 1 Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp across Caldera to Moir Hut
Turn north across the Shira Plateau to the secluded Moir Hut nestled beneath the Lent Hills.
Stay: Camping at Moir Hut Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 4: Moir Hut around Northern Flank to Buffalo Camp (Pofu Camp)
Traverse the secluded northern slopes with sweeping vistas over the plains of Kenya to Buffalo Camp.
Stay: Camping at Buffalo Camp (Pofu). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 5: Buffalo Camp across Northern Valleys to Third Cave Camp
Trek along remote northern valleys through alpine desert and heather towards Third Cave Camp.
Stay: Camping at Third Cave Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 6: Third Cave Camp ascending the Saddle to School Hut
Ascend the alpine desert saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to School Hut (4,750 m). Early rest before summit night.
Stay: Camping at School Hut. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 7: Summit Attempt: School Hut to Gilman’s Point & Uhuru Peak, descend to Millennium Camp
Midnight ascent to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Descend to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).
Stay: Camping at Millennium Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Camp
A gentle morning walk down through moorland into the upper forest at Mweka Camp.
Stay: Camping at Mweka Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, return to Arusha
Final forest descent to Mweka Gate for summit certificates and celebratory return to Arusha.
Stay: Hotel in Arusha. Meals: Breakfast & Celebration Dinner.
Price per person by group size
- 1 traveller: USD 3,789 per person
- 2 travellers: USD 3,452 per person
- 3 travellers: USD 3,218 per person
- 4 travellers: USD 3,199 per person
- 5 travellers: USD 3,084 per person
- 6 travellers: USD 3,035 per person
- 7 travellers: USD 2,975 per person
What is included
- All national park entrance fees, camping or hut fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT
- Certified wilderness first responder English-speaking head guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Mountain huts or 4-season high-altitude mountain tents, foam sleeping pads, mess tent with tables and backed chairs
- Private chemical flush toilet tent throughout the trekking duration
- All meals on the mountain (hearty breakfasts, hot lunches on trail, dinners, and afternoon snacks)
- Emergency oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter, and comprehensive medical first-aid kit
- Clean, purified drinking water provided daily on the trail
- Return airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and trailhead transport
- Pre-climb gear inspection, briefing, and celebratory post-climb dinner
What is not included
- International and domestic flights
- Entry visa fees for Tanzania
- Tips for the mountain crew (recommended guideline: $250–$350 per trekker total)
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, warm apparel — rental available)
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance with high-altitude evacuation up to 6,000m
- Alcoholic beverages and personal items
Frequently asked questions
How much does the 9 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure via Northern Circuit Route cost?
The 9 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure via Northern Circuit Route starts from USD 3,452 per person. The final price depends on your group size, travel dates and accommodation level, so send an inquiry with your dates for an exact quote.
How long is the 9 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure via Northern Circuit Route and where does it go?
It lasts 9 days and 8 nights and covers Kilimanjaro National Park. The day-by-day itinerary on this page lists each stop.
What is included in the 9 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure via Northern Circuit Route?
The price includes all national park entrance fees, camping or hut fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT, certified wilderness first responder English-speaking head guide, assistant guides, cook and porters, mountain huts or 4-season high-altitude mountain tents, foam sleeping pads, mess tent with tables and backed chairs, private chemical flush toilet tent throughout the trekking duration, all meals on the mountain (hearty breakfasts, hot lunches on trail, dinners, and afternoon snacks) and emergency oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter, and comprehensive medical first-aid kit. The "What is included" list on this page has everything.
What is not included in the 9 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure via Northern Circuit Route?
Not included: international and domestic flights, entry visa fees for Tanzania, tips for the mountain crew (recommended guideline: $250–$350 per trekker total), personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, warm apparel — rental available), comprehensive travel and medical insurance with high-altitude evacuation up to 6,000m and alcoholic beverages and personal items. The "What is not included" list on this page has everything.
Do I need to be very fit for the 9 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure via Northern Circuit Route?
Good general fitness helps, and so does walking regularly before you travel. Longer routes give your body more time to acclimatise, which improves the chance of reaching the summit. Our preparation guide explains training, gear and altitude.
When is the best time for the 9 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure via Northern Circuit Route?
The driest and most popular climbing windows are roughly January to March and June to October. Other months can be wetter, with fewer climbers on the mountain.
How do I book the 9 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure via Northern Circuit Route?
Press "Book this safari" on this page or send an inquiry with your dates and number of travellers. We confirm availability and the details by email.
Do I need travel insurance for Tanzania?
Yes. Travel insurance is required for travel to Tanzania, and it should cover medical care and evacuation. See our travel insurance guide before you buy a policy.
Request this trip · Ask a question