Safari Summary
Overview
9 Days / 8 Nights | Northern Circuit Route | Private Guided Trek | Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m | Camping
Prepare for the ultimate Mount Kilimanjaro trekking adventure with our 9-day Northern Circuit Route, the longest and one of the most rewarding routes to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain.
The Northern Circuit is renowned for its spectacular scenery, remote wilderness, low traffic and excellent acclimatization opportunities. Instead of taking a direct route toward the summit, this itinerary makes a wide journey around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro before approaching Uhuru Peak from the east.
A Journey Around Kilimanjaro
Your adventure begins on the western side of the mountain, where you enter the lush rainforest before climbing through the spectacular Lemosho landscape.
As the days progress, the environment transforms dramatically:
Rainforest → Heath & Moorland → Alpine Desert → Arctic Zone
You will experience breathtaking valleys, volcanic formations, high-altitude desert and remote northern landscapes rarely experienced by shorter Kilimanjaro routes.
More Time. Better Acclimatization. Greater Adventure.
The major advantage of the 9-day Northern Circuit is the additional time available for acclimatization.
The gradual ascent gives your body more opportunity to adapt to the increasing altitude while allowing you to explore different sides of Kilimanjaro.
Your professional mountain guide will maintain a controlled “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) pace and monitor your condition throughout the trek.
The itinerary also follows the important acclimatization principle of climbing high and sleeping lower whenever appropriate.
Experience Kilimanjaro's Remote Wilderness
Unlike the busy sections of some shorter routes, the Northern Circuit takes you through quieter and more remote areas of the mountain.
You will camp in quality mountain tents, enjoy meals prepared by your mountain crew and spend evenings surrounded by the incredible silence of Kilimanjaro.
The northern slopes also offer unique views toward Kenya and the vast landscapes beyond the mountain.
Important Facts
Tour Features
Hut Camping
Private Guided Mountain Trek
Private Tour
This safari is arranged privately for your group.
Solo Travelers
Suitable for solo travelers.
Customizable
This itinerary can be customized.
Children Policy
Minimum age accepted is Minimum recommended age: 10 years. Children aged 10–15 years may join the 6-day Marangu Route.
Start Date
This safari can start on any day.
Safari Overview
Highlights
LEMOSHO GATE → BIG TREE CAMP
BIG TREE CAMP → SHIRA 1 CAMP
SHIRA 1 CAMP → SHIRA 2 CAMP
SHIRA 2 CAMP → LAVA TOWER → MOIR HUT
MOIR HUT → THIRD CAVE CAMP
THIRD CAVE CAMP → SCHOOL HUT
SCHOOL HUT → UHURU PEAK → HOROMBO HUT
HOROMBO HUT → MARANGU GATE → MOSHI
EXTRA RECOVERY / DEPARTURE DAY
Route Overview
Your Safari Map
Day 1
Big Tree Camp
Day 2
Shira 1 Camp
Day 3
Shira 2 Camp
Day 4
Moir Hut
Day 5
Third Cave Camp
Day 6
School Hut
Day 7
Uhuru Peak
Day 8
Marangu Gate
Day 9
Moshi
Day by Day
Safari Itinerary
DAY 1: LEMOSHO GATE → BIG TREE CAMP
Distance: ~7 km
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Altitude: ~2,100 m → 2,780 m
Habitat: Rainforest
Overnight: Big Tree Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Welcome to Kilimanjaro
Your extraordinary 9-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit adventure begins at Lemosho Gate.
After completing registration, meet your experienced mountain guide and dedicated support crew before beginning your trek through the lush rainforest on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The trail winds beneath towering trees, dense vegetation and moss-covered forest.
Your first day is deliberately gentle, allowing you to settle into the mountain environment and begin adapting to the rhythm of trekking.
Arrive at Big Tree Camp, where your crew will have prepared your campsite.
Enjoy dinner and rest beneath the forest canopy.
The journey to Africa's highest summit has begun.
Accommodation details are available on request for this part of the itinerary.
DAY 2: BIG TREE CAMP → SHIRA 1 CAMP
Distance: ~8–9 km
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Altitude: ~2,780 m → 3,500 m
Habitat: Rainforest → Heath & Moorland
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
From Forest to the Highlands
After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and continue climbing toward the magnificent Shira Plateau.
The landscape gradually changes from dense forest to open heath and moorland.
As you gain altitude, views become wider and more dramatic. On clear days, you may catch your first impressive views of Kibo, the highest volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, enjoy lunch and settle into your tent.
Your guide will encourage a slow and steady pole pole pace while monitoring your adaptation to the altitude.
Enjoy dinner and rest.
The forest fades. The Roof of Africa rises ahead.
Accommodation details are available on request for this part of the itinerary.
DAY 3: SHIRA 1 CAMP → SHIRA 2 CAMP
Distance: ~8 km
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Altitude: ~3,500 m → 3,850 m
Habitat: Heath & Moorland
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Discover the Shira Plateau
Today is a moderate trekking day designed to give you more time to acclimatize while exploring one of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular landscapes.
Walk across the vast Shira Plateau, surrounded by volcanic formations and dramatic mountain scenery.
Depending on weather conditions, you may enjoy magnificent views toward Kibo Peak and Mount Meru.
Your guide will maintain a comfortable pace and encourage regular hydration and rest.
Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing.
If conditions and energy levels allow, your guide may take you on a short acclimatization walk around the area.
Return to camp for dinner and a well-earned rest.
Today you don't simply climb higher — you prepare your body for what lies ahead.
Accommodation details are available on request for this part of the itinerary.
DAY 4: SHIRA 2 CAMP → LAVA TOWER → MOIR HUT
Distance: ~14 km
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Altitude: 3,850 m → 4,630 m → ~4,200 m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Moir Hut Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Climb High, Sleep Lower
Today begins with a challenging but rewarding climb toward Lava Tower, reaching approximately 4,630 metres.
The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you enter the alpine desert.
At Lava Tower, you will have time to rest and enjoy lunch while your guide assesses how you are adapting to the altitude.
You then descend toward Moir Hut, located in a remote valley on the northern side of Kilimanjaro.
This follows an important acclimatization principle:
Climb High. Sleep Low.
Moir Hut is one of the more remote camps on the Northern Circuit, offering a genuine wilderness experience away from the busier sections of the mountain.
Enjoy dinner and rest.
Tonight, you sleep in the quiet wilderness of Kilimanjaro's northern slopes.
Accommodation details are available on request for this part of the itinerary.
DAY 5: MOIR HUT → THIRD CAVE CAMP
Distance: ~12 km
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Altitude: ~4,200 m → ~3,930 m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Third Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Into Kilimanjaro's Remote Northern Wilderness
After breakfast, continue your journey around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
The trail passes through remote high-altitude terrain with spectacular views toward Kibo Peak.
Unlike the more heavily traveled southern sections, this part of the Northern Circuit can feel wonderfully isolated.
The gradual route provides another valuable opportunity for acclimatization.
Your guide will continue to monitor your pace, hydration and overall condition.
Arrive at Third Cave Camp, enjoy your evening meal and relax.
The mountain is becoming quieter — and the summit is becoming closer.
Accommodation details are available on request for this part of the itinerary.
DAY 6: THIRD CAVE CAMP → SCHOOL HUT
Distance: ~10 km
Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
Altitude: ~3,930 m → ~4,750 m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight: School Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Approach the Eastern Side of Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, continue toward the eastern side of Kilimanjaro.
The landscape becomes increasingly rocky and barren as you climb toward School Hut, one of the highest camps used before the summit attempt.
From here, you are surrounded by the enormous volcanic presence of Kibo Peak.
The final summit preparation begins.
Your guide will brief you on the upcoming summit attempt, including clothing, hydration, trekking pace and safety procedures.
Enjoy an early dinner and prepare your summit equipment.
Try to sleep as early as possible.
Tomorrow, you go for the summit.
Accommodation details are available on request for this part of the itinerary.
DAY 7: SCHOOL HUT → UHURU PEAK → HOROMBO HUT
Distance: ~17 km
Trekking Time: 12–15+ hours
Altitude: ~4,750 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
Habitat: Arctic Zone → Alpine Desert → Moorland
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
SUMMIT DAY — UHURU PEAK
This is the moment you have been preparing for.
You will begin your summit attempt during the night, following your guide's recommended schedule.
Under the stars, climb slowly toward the crater rim.
The air is extremely thin and temperatures can be very cold.
Your guide will maintain a controlled pole pole pace and monitor your condition throughout the ascent.
Witness the Sunrise Above Africa
As dawn approaches, the sky begins to change color.
The first rays of sunlight illuminate the glaciers, crater rim and surrounding African landscape.
Continue toward your ultimate goal:
UHURU PEAK — 5,895 METRES
THE ROOF OF AFRICA
Stand at the highest point in Tanzania and celebrate your achievement.
Take photographs, enjoy the moment and appreciate the incredible journey that brought you here.
You dreamed of the summit. You climbed for it. Now you are standing on it.
The Long Descent
After celebrating at Uhuru Peak, begin your descent.
Continue down toward Horombo Hut, where you will spend the night.
The descent is long after the summit, so your guide will maintain a controlled pace and ensure you have opportunities to rest and hydrate.
As you lose altitude, breathing becomes easier.
Arrive at Horombo Hut, enjoy dinner and rest.
Tonight, you sleep knowing you conquered the Roof of Africa.
Accommodation details are available on request for this part of the itinerary.
DAY 8: HOROMBO HUT → MARANGU GATE → MOSHI
Distance: ~20 km
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Altitude: 3,720 m → 1,860 m
Habitat: Moorland → Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
The Final Descent
After breakfast, begin your final trek down Kilimanjaro.
The trail passes through the beautiful moorland before returning to the lush rainforest.
As you descend, the air becomes warmer and vegetation becomes increasingly green.
Eventually, you arrive at Marangu Gate, where you complete the official park procedures.
Successful climbers receive their Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
Your driver will meet you at the gate and transfer you to Moshi or Arusha.
The summit is behind you. The memories will stay forever.
Accommodation details are available on request for this part of the itinerary.
DAY 9: EXTRA RECOVERY / DEPARTURE DAY
A Well-Earned Day to Recover
After eight demanding days on the mountain, Day 9 provides a relaxed transition after your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and take time to recover from the trek.
Depending on your onward travel plans, you may:
Relax at your hotel
Explore Moshi or Arusha
Continue to a Tanzania safari
Travel to Zanzibar
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home
Our team can assist with arranging your onward transfer or connecting your Kilimanjaro climb with a Tanzania safari or Zanzibar beach holiday.
Your Kilimanjaro adventure may be ending — but your Tanzanian story doesn't have to.
Accommodation details are available on request for this part of the itinerary.
What is Covered
Includes & Excludes
Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, conservation and camping fees
All applicable government taxes and park charges
Professional, experienced and licensed Kilimanjaro mountain guide
Professional mountain support crew and porters
8 nights of mountain camping accommodation in quality mountain tents
All camping equipment, including tents and dining arrangements
Three nutritious meals per day during the trek
Sufficient drinking water throughout the trek
Emergency/rescue fees and applicable park rescue services
Summit attempt and Uhuru Peak summit certificate for successful climbers
All park gate transfers required for the trek
Transportation to and from the mountain gate
Crew accommodation, meals and applicable allowances
Pre-trek briefing and route preparation
Government-approved trekking and park service charges
International flights to and from Tanzania
Tanzania visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Personal trekking equipment and clothing
Sleeping bag, unless specifically included in your quotation
Trekking poles and other personal hiking equipment
Hotel accommodation before or after the trek, unless specified
Tips and gratuities for guides, porters and support crew
Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
Laundry and other personal services
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, telephone calls and internet charges
Additional porter services for excess personal luggage
Emergency evacuation costs not covered by the park rescue system or insurance
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