9 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Northern Circuit Route

BY Christina Adventure Expeditions 01/03/2026

Itinerary Overview

  • Length: 9 Days
  • Category: Trekking
  • Destination:  Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit Route
  • Major Attractions: Kilimanjaro mountain, Africa’s highest mountain
  • Tour Guides Language: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian
  • Starting Point: Moshi
  • Ending Point: Moshi
  • Route Accessibility: It approaches the mountain from the west through Londorossi gate. It crosses over Shira plateau and proceed with the same trail as that of Lemosho. Descent is done through Mweka route
  • Additional info:  Provide porters and cookers for guidance and assistance while on the mountain

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2250 m) To Mti Mkubwa (2650 m)

  • Transfer from your accommodations in Moshi to Londorossi gate for registration processes
  • Start climbing through coffee and maize plantations leading into the tropical rainforest while spotting wild animals like elephants and bufallos
  • Continue hiking to reach Mti Mkubwa for rest and overnight stay

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2650 m) To Shira 1 Camp (3610 m)

  • Trek out of the rainforest into the savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beard
  • Proceed into the Shira ridge which will finally lead to Shira camp
  • Dinner and overnight stay at the camp

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3610 m) to Shira Camp 2 (3850 m)

  • Spend the day exploring the Shira plateau which allows you getting used to high altitude
  • Pass through the moorland zone leading to Shira 2 camp
  • Dinner and sleep at the camp

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3850 m) To Lava Tower (4600 m) To Moir Hut Camp (4150 m)

  • Climb towards the Lava Tower a 300 ft tall rock formation
  •  Arrive in at mid-day at the tower for rest and a lunch break
  • The day provides chance for acclimatization
  • Proceed with the trail to reach Moir Hut

Day 5: Moir Hut Camp (4150 m) To Buffalo Camp (4000 m)

  • Trek out of Moir Valley while approaching summit of Lent Hills before joining the Northern Circuit trail
  • Explore the landscape which offer stunning views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border
  • Proceed with the trail to reach Buffalo camp for rest and overnight stay

Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4000 m) to Third Cave (3900 m)

  • Climb up the Buffalo Ridge which provides beautiful views and a remote wilderness feeling
  •  The path leads to Third cave for rest and overnight stay

Day 7: Third Cave (3900 m) to School Hut (4800 m)

  • Trek steadily over the “Saddle,” which lies between peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi
  • The path leads to School Hut where you will arrive in the afternoon
  • Take the rest of the day off recuperating for the next day
  • Retire to bed as early as 19:00

Day 8: Ascend To Uhuru Peak (5895 m)

  • Wake up around 23:00 for adding more warm clothes and headlamps
  • Leave the camp and start summiting by midnight into the glacial zone
  • The path leads to Stella point (5756m)after a6 hour walkto arrive at sunrise
  • Have time for photographs and a little rest while at the summit
  • For climbers who have experienced AMS are advised to start descending, however for those interested can take a round trip along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak (5,896 m)
  • Proceed by descending down the mountain to arrive at Mweka Hut (3100 m)

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3100 m) to Mweka Gate (1640 m)

  • After a hot breakfast, continue hiking through the beautiful green forest to arrive at Mweka gate
  • Take time to show gratitude to the crew by tipping guides, cooks and porters
  • Get awarded with certificates whereby golden certificates are given to hikers who reached Uhuru peak and green certificates for Stella point hikers
  • Retreat back to Mweka village for a drive to Moshi town for resting or airport for a flight back home

BOOKING FORM

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