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9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

The Experience

KARIBU TANZANIA

Every journey holds unforgettable moments. From the wild plains of Tanzania and mountain summit views to cultural encounters and Zanzibar sunsets, explore the beauty, adventure, and memories captured through our experiences.

From $ 2,300
What to Expect

The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering one of the most scenic, peaceful, and rewarding trekking experiences on the mountain. The journey begins at Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side, following the famous Lemosho Route through lush rainforest and across the breathtaking Shira Plateau. After reaching the Lava Tower area, the trail branches away from the busy southern routes and enters the remote northern slopes, where climbers enjoy a quieter and more exclusive adventure surrounded by incredible wilderness and panoramic mountain views.

Known for its excellent acclimatization profile, the Northern Circuit gradually circles around the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro toward the eastern approach, giving climbers more time to adapt to the altitude and greatly improving summit success rates. Because it is the longest route on the mountain, the trek usually takes eight to nine days, allowing for a slower, more comfortable ascent and a more enjoyable overall experience. Whether choosing the standard eight-day itinerary or a longer climb with extra acclimatization time, the Northern Circuit with Mylo Africa Safaris offers an unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa.

Full Itinerary

We have carefully planned each day to give you the best experience. From exploring landmarks to tasting local cuisine, each day is filled with adventure and excitement. Join us on a journey through fascinating destinations.

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha city; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – Start Point 2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 meters)

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)

On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. Nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: Trekkers on an eight day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

Distance: ~7km / 4 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Moir Camp (4,161 meters)

Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatization process.

Distance: ~14km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Moir Camp (4,161 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)

Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.

Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)

Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatised to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8: 3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)

Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.

Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 9: School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Millennium Camp (3950m)

You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers.

You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.

Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 10: Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)

The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.

Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 11: Depart Tanzania

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

Meals: Breakfast Included

Tour Includes
  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • 2 Nights’ accommodation in Moshi or Arusha included
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees
  • Quality, waterproof, four seasons private mountain sleeping tents
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • All meals while on the mountain
  • Quality mess tents with tables and chairs/Mountain Huts
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean purified drinking water
  • Kilimanjaro National Park Entrance fees
  • All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.
Tour Excludes
  • International or Local Flights
  • Hiking Gears
  • Optional Activities
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel Insurance
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Discover More Tanzania Adventures

These are just sample tour ideas to inspire your next journey in Tanzania. From wildlife safaris and mountain hiking to cultural day trips and Zanzibar beach holidays, every experience can be customized to match your interests, travel style, and adventure goals.

Kilimanjaro Hiking

Dreaming of a Mount Kilimanjaro climb that combines breathtaking scenery with a high summit success rate? The Lemosho Route is one of the most beautiful and rewarding trails on Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular panoramic views throughout the journey. Beginning at Londorossi Gate, this scenic route leads climbers through lush rainforest, diverse wildlife habitats, and dramatic alpine landscapes before reaching the stunning Shira Plateau on the western side of the mountain.

Famous for its low crowds and excellent acclimatization profile, the Lemosho Route provides a peaceful and immersive trekking experience on Africa’s highest peak. Its gradual ascent gives climbers a better chance of reaching the summit successfully while enjoying the incredible variety of landscapes and ecosystems along the way. For an unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure that perfectly blends challenge, beauty, and comfort, choose the Lemosho Route with Mylo Africa Safaris and experience the journey of a lifetime.

Mountain Hiking

Mt. Meru which is Tanzania’s second highest mountain standing tall at 4,566m. It is located in Arusha National Park and offers some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife diversity of any mountain in Tanzania. Mt. Meru is a challenging trek due to its steepness, but is a great way to acclimatize before attempting Mt. Kilimanjaro. Climbers are accompanied by an armed ranger due to the abundance of wildlife on the lower slopes. Mt. Meru also has some historical significance to it whereby some have suggested that it was the resting place of Noah’s Ark when it came to rest after the biblical flood receded. Mt. Meru is a great trekking option for those who want to take on a climbing challenge and get the sense of being out in the wild, but are not quite ready to tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Mountain Hiking

Mt. Meru which is Tanzania’s second highest mountain standing tall at 4,566m. It is located in Arusha National Park and offers some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife diversity of any mountain in Tanzania. Mt. Meru is a challenging trek due to its steepness, but is a great way to acclimatize before attempting Mt. Kilimanjaro. Climbers are accompanied by an armed ranger due to the abundance of wildlife on the lower slopes. Mt. Meru also has some historical significance to it whereby some have suggested that it was the resting place of Noah’s Ark when it came to rest after the biblical flood receded. Mt. Meru is a great trekking option for those who want to take on a climbing challenge and get the sense of being out in the wild, but are not quite ready to tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro Hiking

The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering one of the most scenic, peaceful, and rewarding trekking experiences on the mountain. The journey begins at Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side, following the famous Lemosho Route through lush rainforest and across the breathtaking Shira Plateau. After reaching the Lava Tower area, the trail branches away from the busy southern routes and enters the remote northern slopes, where climbers enjoy a quieter and more exclusive adventure surrounded by incredible wilderness and panoramic mountain views.

Known for its excellent acclimatization profile, the Northern Circuit gradually circles around the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro toward the eastern approach, giving climbers more time to adapt to the altitude and greatly improving summit success rates. Because it is the longest route on the mountain, the trek usually takes eight to nine days, allowing for a slower, more comfortable ascent and a more enjoyable overall experience. Whether choosing the standard eight-day itinerary or a longer climb with extra acclimatization time, the Northern Circuit with Mylo Africa Safaris offers an unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa.

Kilimanjaro Hiking

The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side near the Kenyan border, offering a quieter, more remote, and less crowded trekking experience. This route is ideal for climbers looking for a peaceful adventure away from the busier southern trails while still enjoying the beauty and challenge of Africa’s highest mountain. The northern side of Kilimanjaro also receives less rainfall, making the Rongai Route an excellent option during the rainy season and a reliable choice throughout the year.

The route typically takes six to seven days, with the seven-day itinerary highly recommended for better acclimatization and a higher chance of reaching the summit successfully. Although the scenery is slightly less diverse compared to western routes, Rongai offers beautiful wilderness landscapes, open moorlands, and a true sense of isolation on the mountain. The trail eventually joins the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp before the final summit push to Uhuru Peak, while the descent follows the Marangu Route. With its gradual ascent and moderate difficulty level, the Rongai Route with Mylo Africa Safaris is perfect for climbers seeking a comfortable, scenic, and unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.

Traveler Experiences

Hear From Our Happy Travelers

Discover what our guests say about their journeys with Mylo African Safaris. From unforgettable wildlife encounters to exceptional service and memorable adventures, every review reflects the experiences we proudly create across Tanzania.

amazing 5-days safari experience in Serengeti
I have had the best safari and amazing guide,I felt very safe and could see a lot of animals. The lodges were really nice and you could see lions and hyienas in the middle of the night in the serengeti. The Guide was very knowledgeable and passionate spotting and observing animals himself. I can highly recommend going on tour with this company. everything was handled very professional.
Esther L
United Kingdom

Why Choose Mylo African Safaris

At Mylo African Safaris, we are passionate about creating unforgettable journeys across Tanzania with personalized service, local expertise, and carefully planned experiences. Whether you are visiting for wildlife, culture, beaches, or adventure, our team is dedicated to making every moment of your journey smooth, comfortable, and memorable.