9 Days Northern Circuit
Route Kilimanjaro
The 9 days Northern Circuit route is the longest and most successful trek on Kilimanjaro. Circling the entire mountain over 9 days, it delivers a 95%+ summit success rate — the highest of any route to Uhuru Peak.
Route Quick Facts
9 Days Northern Circuit Route — Kilimanjaro Trek Overview
Why Choose the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route?
The 9 days Northern Circuit route is the ultimate Kilimanjaro trekking experience. At approximately 98 kilometers, it is the longest route on the mountain, circumnavigating the entire Kibo massif. This extended itinerary provides the best acclimatization profile of any route, resulting in an incredible 95%+ summit success rate — the highest of all seven official Kilimanjaro routes.
Starting from the Londorossi Gate on the western slope, the Northern Circuit route on Kilimanjaro circles around the rarely-visited northern slopes, passing through five distinct ecological zones: lush rainforest, colorful heath, expansive moorland, stark alpine desert, and the icy arctic summit. You will witness a side of Kilimanjaro that fewer than 5% of all trekkers ever see.
The Northern Circuit route is perfect for trekkers who want the absolute best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak and are willing to invest the time. The gradual ascent, remote camps, and proven "climb high, sleep low" strategy make this the premium choice for serious adventurers planning a Kilimanjaro climb.
Route Highlights
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Route Summary
9 Days Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
Complete day-by-day breakdown of the 9 days Northern Circuit route on Kilimanjaro — distances, elevation gains, walking hours, and habitat for each day of your climb.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
Your 9 days Northern Circuit route adventure begins at the Londorossi Gate on the western slope of Kilimanjaro. After park registration, trek through dense tropical rainforest alive with birdcalls and colobus monkeys. The trail is gentle and well-shaded, arriving at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in a clearing surrounded by ancient trees.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610m)
Leave the rainforest behind as you ascend into the heath and moorland zone. The vegetation thins dramatically, replaced by giant heather, lobelia, and groundsels. Views of the Kibo cone emerge as you climb. This is a significant elevation gain day, so pace is kept steady. Camp is set on the western edge of the Shira Plateau.
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3,610m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850m)
A gentle traverse across the Shira Plateau — one of the highest plateaus in the world. This is an excellent acclimatization day with a relatively short walk and modest elevation gain. The panoramic views of Kibo, Mount Meru, and the Maasai Steppe are extraordinary.
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3,850m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Moir Hut (4,200m)
The most important acclimatization day on the Northern Circuit route. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m), a massive volcanic plug, then descend to Moir Hut. This "climb high, sleep low" day is key to your summit success on this 9 days Northern Circuit route trek.
Day 5: Moir Hut (4,200m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Traverse the remote northern slope of Kilimanjaro — the least-visited section of the entire mountain. The landscape shifts to stark alpine desert with giant senecios. You will see virtually no other trekkers. Buffalo Camp offers incredible views of Kibo's glaciers from the north.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) to Third Cave (3,870m)
Continue along the Northern Circuit, completing the circumnavigation of Kibo. The trail winds through striking alpine desert. Gradual descent brings you to Third Cave, a quiet camp that marks the junction with the Rongai and Marangu routes.
Day 7: Third Cave (3,870m) to School Hut (4,800m)
Ascend steeply to School Hut, the final camp before summit day. At 4,800m, this is the highest sleeping altitude on the trek. Have an early dinner and rest thoroughly. Your guide will brief you on the summit plan for the 9 days Northern Circuit route.
Day 8: School Hut (4,800m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Summit Day! Depart at midnight. Ascend to Gilman's Point (5,681m), traverse to Stella Point (5,756m), and finally reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the Roof of Africa! Descend via Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp in the rainforest zone.
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) & Transfer to Hotel
The final descent through lush rainforest is a beautiful contrast to the alpine terrain above. Arrive at Mweka Gate where you receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved celebration dinner.
9 Days Northern Circuit Route — What's Included & Excluded
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9 Days Northern Circuit Route — Group Departures
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9 Days Northern Circuit Route — FAQs
The 9 days Northern Circuit route is Kilimanjaro's longest route at approximately 98 km, offering the best acclimatization profile and a 95%+ summit success rate. It circumnavigates the entire mountain, passing through five ecological zones with fewer crowds than any other route. The gradual ascent and remote camps make it the premium choice for trekkers who want the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
The 9 days Northern Circuit route has a summit success rate of approximately 95%, the highest among all Kilimanjaro routes. The extended 9-day itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization — the single most important factor in reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Our WFR-certified guides use a proven "climb high, sleep low" strategy to maximize your chances on this trek.
The 9 days Northern Circuit route is rated moderate to challenging. Daily walking distances are manageable (5-8 hours), but the summit night requires 12-15 hours of trekking. However, the 9-day duration actually makes this route more achievable because your body has more time to adjust to altitude compared to shorter routes like Machame or Marangu. Prior hiking experience and cardiovascular fitness are recommended.
The best times for the 9 days Northern Circuit route are the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These months offer clearer skies, better views, and more stable weather. The January-March window is particularly beautiful on the northern slope with wildflowers in bloom, while June-October coincides with the Great Migration in the surrounding plains.
The 9 days Northern Circuit route with Bush Lion Tours starts from $2,200 per person. This all-inclusive price covers all Kilimanjaro park fees ($1,098 value), airport transfers, WFR-certified guides, porters, all meals on the mountain, camping equipment, AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation insurance, and your summit certificate. Private climbs and custom dates are available on request.
Ready to Trek the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route?
9 days. 95%+ summit rate. The ultimate Kilimanjaro climbing experience.