9-Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb
A private 9-day climb of Kilimanjaro on the Northern Circuit, camping all the way, with two hotel nights in Moshi, 11 days in total.
Kilimanjaro, the Long Way Round
The Northern Circuit starts like the Lemosho route, in the western forest and across the Shira Plateau. Then, instead of joining the busy southern trail, it turns north below Lava Tower and traverses the far side of the mountain, where very few climbers walk, before approaching the summit from the east via School Hut and Gilman's Point.
Nine days on the mountain give your body the most time of any route to adjust to the altitude, and the gradual traverse at around 4,000 metres works like a long acclimatisation walk. It suits climbers who want the best chance of reaching the top, the quietest trail and the widest views, and who can spare the extra days.
Shorter on the same western start: the 8-Day Lemosho Route →
Why Climbers Choose It
- The longest and quietest route on Kilimanjaro
- The most time to acclimatise of any route
- A traverse of the northern slopes with views towards Kenya
- Summit from the east via Gilman's Point, then down the Mweka route
- Our own crew, private toilet tent, emergency oxygen and two hotel nights in Moshi
Altitude Profile
Approximate altitudes in metres; published figures differ between sources. D1–D9 are the days on the mountain.
Our driver meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and takes you to your hotel in Moshi. Your lead guide briefs you in the afternoon and checks your equipment.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Dinner is not included on arrival day
↑ about 400 m · about 6 km · 3–4 hours
A long drive to the Londorossi gate on the western side to register, then to the trailhead. A gentle first walk through mossy forest brings you to camp among the trees.
Overnight: Big Tree Camp (tents)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 720 m · about 8 km · 5–6 hours
Out of the forest and up through heather to the rim of the Shira Plateau, where Kibo comes into view across the open grassland.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 400 m · about 7 km · 4–5 hours
An easy day across the plateau, with time in the afternoon for a short walk higher to help acclimatisation.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 740 m, ↓ about 440 m · about 12 km · 6–7 hours
You climb to Lava Tower for lunch, then leave the main trail and head north to Moir Hut, a quiet camp in a valley below the northern glaciers.
Overnight: Moir Hut Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ups and downs · about 12 km · 5–7 hours
You begin the traverse of the northern slopes, crossing ridges and valleys with wide views north towards Kenya on clear days.
Overnight: Buffalo Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ups and downs · about 8 km · 5–6 hours
The traverse continues east around the mountain to Third Cave, near the top of the Rongai route.
Overnight: Third Cave Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 880 m · about 5 km · 4–5 hours
A steady climb towards the Saddle to School Hut, the base for the summit. Early dinner, then rest until the midnight start.
Overnight: School Hut Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 1,145 m, ↓ about 2,815 m · about 12–15 hours
You climb by headlamp to Gilman's Point on the crater rim and along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You then descend the southern side to Mweka Camp in the forest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↓ about 1,450 m · about 10 km · 3–4 hours
A last walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you sign out and receive your summit certificate, then back to Moshi.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, or on to a safari with us.
Meals: Breakfast
Price Per Person — Private Climb
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $3,405 |
| 2 People | $3,135 |
| 3 People | $3,045 |
| 4 People | $3,000 |
| 5 People | $2,975 |
| 6 People | $2,955 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people climbing together. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: Moshi (Kilimanjaro Airport transfers included)
- 11 days in total: 9 days on the mountain + 2 hotel nights
- Private climb: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Quietest route on the mountain
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Kilimanjaro National Park conservation, camping and rescue fees
- Licensed mountain guides, cook and porters from our own crew
- A personal porter to carry your main bag
- Emergency oxygen carried on the climb
- A sleeping bag
- All meals on the mountain and drinking water
- 2 nights' hotel in Moshi with breakfast
- Private portable toilet tent
- Transfers: Kilimanjaro Airport, Moshi hotel and the park gates
- Summit certificate
Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m and evacuation
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal climbing clothes and boots
- Drinks other than drinking water
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
- Lunch and dinner in Moshi
Questions Climbers Ask
Why is the Northern Circuit the longest route?
After crossing the Shira Plateau it goes around the northern side of the mountain instead of taking the shorter southern trail. The extra distance at around 4,000 metres gives you more time to adjust to the altitude.
Is it harder than other routes?
The days are mostly moderate, but there are more of them, so you need stamina for nine days of walking and camping. The summit night is similar to other routes.
Will I see other climbers?
Few on the northern traverse. You meet more people near the summit and on the way down.
Northern Circuit or Lemosho?
Both start in the west. Lemosho joins the southern circuit and takes 7 or 8 days; the Northern Circuit traverses the north and takes 9, with more time to acclimatise and fewer people.
What insurance do I need?
Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 metres and emergency evacuation. Please check the altitude limit in your policy before you book.
