The 9-days Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique and less crowded experience. The northern side of Kilimanjaro is more remote, and so has the benefits of offering less traffic from other climbers, and much more untouched, untrammeled surroundings. The Northern Circuit Route provides breathtaking panoramic views and is perfect for those looking for a more immersive and rewarding Kilimanjaro Climbing adventure.

Longest & Most Scenic Route – Enjoy Kilimanjaro’s most extended trail, offering quiet solitude, immersive landscapes, and unmatched panoramic views.

Exceptional Acclimatization – With a slow, circular ascent, this route gives your body more time to adjust, increasing summit success rates.

Remote Wilderness Experience – Trek through untouched terrain on Kilimanjaro’s rarely travelled northern slopes, far from the crowds.

Breathtaking Summit Sunrise – Witness a magical sunrise from Gilman’s Point, then reach Uhuru Peak—the roof of Africa—with a heart full of pride.

Diverse Landscapes – Pass through lush rainforest, alpine meadows, dramatic plateaus, and moon-like high-altitude deserts.

Expert Team Support – From certified guides to warm meals and oxygen support, everything is taken care of—so you can focus on the journey, not the logistics.

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

Trip Highlights

  • Scenic, less-crowded route
  • Excellent acclimatization time
  • Remote northern wilderness views
  • Magical sunrise from Gilman’s Point
  • Diverse terrains and rich flora
  • Professional Team with expert support

Day-By-Day

Day

1

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

The first day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route. We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead.

  • 7,742 ft - 9,498 ft
  • 6 km/4 miles
  • 3-4 hours

Day

2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Second day of our 9 days Northern Circuit Route, we continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards.

  • 9,498 ft - 11,500 ft
  • 8 km/5 miles
  • 5-6 hours

Day

3

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Third day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route, we explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp.

  • 11,500 ft - 12,500 ft
  • 7 km/4 miles
  • 3-4 hours

Day

4

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

The fourth day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route, we continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.

  • 12,500 ft - 15,190 ft
  • 7 km/4 miles
  • 3-4 hours

Day

5

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Fifth day of our 9 days Northern Circuit Route, we trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail.

  • 13,580 ft - 13,200 ft
  • 12 km/7 miles
  • 5-7 hours

Day

6

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Sixth day of the 9-Day Northern Circuit Route, As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel.

  • 13,200 ft - 12,700 ft
  • 8 km/5 miles
  • 5-7 hours

Day

7

Third Cave to School Hut

Seventh day of the 9-day Northern Circuit Route, we climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, the School Hut.

  • 12,700 ft - 15,600 ft
  • 5 km/3 miles
  • 4-5 hours

Day

8

School Hut to Uhuru Peak

On the eighth day of 9-days Northern Circuit Route, very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

  • 15,600 ft - 19,341 ft
  • 6 km/4 miles
  • 6-8 hours

Day

9

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.

  • 10,065 ft - 5,380 ft
  • 10 km/6 miles
  • 3-4 hours

Itinerary Details

Londorossi Gate

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

The first day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route. We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.

  • 7,742 ft - 9,498 ft
  • 6 km/4 miles
  • 3-4 hours

Mti Mkubwa

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Second day of our 9 days Northern Circuit Route, we continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

  • 9,498 ft - 11,500 ft
  • 8 km/5 miles
  • 5-6 hours

Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Third day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route, we explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

  • 11,500 ft - 12,500 ft
  • 7 km/4 miles
  • 3-4 hours

Shira 2 Camp

Day 4:Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

The fourth day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route, we continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

  • 12,500 ft - 15,190 ft
  • 7 km/4 miles
  • 3-4 hours

Moir Hut

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Fifth day of our 9 days Northern Circuit Route, we trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

  • 13,580 ft - 13,200 ft
  • 12 km/7 miles
  • 5-7 hours

Buffalo Camp

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Sixth day of the 9-Day Northern Circuit Route, As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys onto the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

  • 13,200 ft - 12,700 ft
  • 8 km/5 miles
  • 5-7 hours

Third Cave

Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut

Seventh day of the 9-day Northern Circuit Route, we climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, the School Hut. Once here, we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

  • 12,700 ft - 15,600 ft
  • 5 km/3 miles
  • 4-5 hours

School Hut

Day 8:School Hut to Uhuru Peak

On the eighth day of 9-days Northern Circuit Route, very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite.

  • 15,600 ft - 19,341 ft
  • 6 km/4 miles
  • 6-8 hours

School Hut

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. End of the 9-day Northern Circuit Route.

  • 10,065 ft - 5,380 ft
  • 10 km/6 miles
  • 3-4 hours

What to Expect

Climbing Kilimanjaro offers adventure, challenge, and incredible views, supported by expert crews, proper equipment, and thoughtful logistics for a safe ascent.

Connection

Transfers

Airport pickups and transfers to your chosen trailhead.

Activities

Activities

Daily guided treks, acclimatisation hikes, and summit attempts.

Accommodations

Accommodations

Mountain tents or huts with meals prepared fresh daily.

Support 24/7

Support

Certified guides, porters, and 24/7 local emergency assistance.

Knowing Melodica Tours has taken care of everything

"At Melodica Tours and Safaris, we believe the smallest details make the biggest difference. We won’t stop refining your safari experience until everything feels just right. From the very beginning, our focus is to bring your dream journey to life — thoughtfully, beautifully, and down to the finest detail."

About Booking This Tour

Booking your adventure is simple, secure, and fully supported by our expert team. From reserving your place to arranging flexible travel protection, we are here to help you plan with confidence and peace of mind.

Booking your dream safari is easy. Once you’ve chosen your preferred itinerary, simply contact our reservations team through our website, email, or phone.

We’ll confirm availability, answer any questions, and guide you through the booking process. You’ll then receive a detailed confirmation and travel documents, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish.

To secure your place, a deposit is required at the time of booking. The amount depends on your chosen tour and will be communicated. Final payment is generally due 60 days before departure.

Our team will send reminders and support you through the process so your payment schedule is clear and stress-free.

We strongly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel protection plan. This helps safeguard your investment in case of unexpected situations such as illness, delays, or lost luggage.

You can choose coverage through a provider of your choice, or let us assist you with recommended options tailored to East African safaris, giving you greater peace of mind.

We understand that plans can change. If you need to postpone your safari, please contact us as early as possible.

We’ll work with you to reschedule your travel dates, subject to availability, and explain any applicable change fees.

Our team is committed to finding flexible solutions to protect your travel investment wherever possible.

If you must cancel your booking, please notify us in writing right away. Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance you inform us and are outlined in our booking conditions.

We aim to minimise any costs where possible, and we recommend travel insurance to help recover funds for non-refundable services in case of cancellation.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Prepare for a seamless safari journey by arranging your passport, visa, health documents, and baggage details early, ensuring you arrive relaxed, confident, and fully ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Once you have chosen your itinerary, confirming your reservation is the first step. Our team will assist you with securing your spot and provide all necessary pre-departure information.

We recommend confirming early to guarantee availability, especially during peak seasons. Once reserved, you will receive detailed documents to help you prepare.

A deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the remaining balance typically due 60 days before departure.

Full details will be shared upon reservation. Our team will support you with reminders and a clear payment schedule to ensure your planning remains stress-free and your adventure stays on track.

All travellers will need a valid passport, with at least six months’ validity from the date of travel.

Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required for entry into your chosen East African destinations.

We recommend checking requirements early and applying for visas in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

International flights are not usually included in our tours, but we’re happy to advise on the best routes and trusted airlines.

Remember to review your airline’s luggage limits, as smaller safari planes may also have weight restrictions.

Soft-sided bags are strongly recommended for ease of storage on light aircraft and safari vehicles.

Let’s Plan Your Next Holiday Trip

Let’s plan your unforgettable African safari—epic game drives, stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and close encounters with wildlife. Adventure, wonder, and lifelong memories await you here.

  • All Entry fees
  • All camping and hut fees
  • All camping gears
  • High-Quality 4-inch Sleeping Mattress and Pillow
  • Duffle Bags or Sleeping Bags (- 10°C)
  • Oxygen cylinder
  • Oximeter machine
  • Mobile Communications (for emergency only)
  • Transport to/from the mountain gates
  • Experienced and friendly trek staff (cook and porters)
  • Meals (3 times per day)
  • Boiled/Purified drinking water
  • Cook and kitchen utensils
  • 18% VAT
  • English-speaking guide (certified as a Wilderness First Responder & Emergency Medicine Adult and Child CPR)
  • Special Language Guide (for $20 per guide, per day)
  • First Aid & Injury prevention kits
  • Personal Summit Certificate stamped and signed by the National Park and your Guide

  • International and local flights
  • Tips (Gratuity) to guide and porters
  • Tanzania Visa
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • RT PCR Test (can be arranged)
  • Hotels for before and after trek night (available as add-ons)
  • Airport Transfer (50$ one way per car)

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