9 days Northern Circuit Route

Tour Overview

9 days Northern Circuit Route

9 days Northern Circuit Route is not just the newest official route to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro; it is also the longest and most beautiful. And remember the longer the route, the higher the chance of overall success.

This extended climb begins with a drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate, where you start. From there the Northern Circuit follows the Lemosho route for the first few days, moving through the lush rainforest below the mountain itself, and then ascending the Shira Ridge to cross the high Shira Plateau. When you come near Lava Tower you leave the Lemosho route and turn north to follow the Northern Circuit proper.

This detour allows the trek to circle around to Kilimanjaro northern slopes, crossing them to the east. The northern side of Kilimanjaro is more remote, and so have the benefits of offering less traffic from other climbers, and much more untouched, untrammeled surroundings. The result is a unique climbing experience and a truly fantastic trek.

There are a few options as to the best route to the summit, depending on the season and local conditions at the time. All routes though converge again at Gilman’s Point to approach the summit itself. Descent is via the Mweka route, where you will likely see other trekkers who went up on either the Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe or Machame routes.

The Northern Circuit is the longest and also the most remote route. The longer itinerary means that it has a good acclimatization profile. You can naturally “walk high, sleep low” which helps with acclimatization.

Even though you don’t have to climb the Great Barranco Wall on this route, you will still have a tough summit night approaching via Gilman’s Point.

You will be trekking for long periods of time so a good level of fitness is recommended.

Northern Circuit ROUTE ELEVATIONS

Tour Itinerary

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 trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

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

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heath

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.

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Heath

Day 4:-Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

Forth 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.

(Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower) Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft

(Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower) Distance: 7 km/4 miles

(Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower) Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

(Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower) Habitat: Alpine Desert

(Lava Tower to Moir Hut) Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft

(Lava Tower to Moir Hut) Distance: 7 km/4 miles

(Lava Tower to Moir Hut) Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

(Lava Tower to Moir Hut) Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5:-Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Firth 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.

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6:-Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Sixth day of 9 days 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 on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath

Day 7:-Third Cave to School Hut

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

Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 8:- School Hut to Uhuru Peak

the eight 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. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. 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 camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

(School Hut to Uhuru Peak) Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft

(School Hut to Uhuru Peak) Distance: 6 km/4 miles

(School Hut to Uhuru Peak) Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

(Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp) Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065

(Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp) Distance: 12 km/7 miles

(Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp) Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

(Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp) Habitat: Artic

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 9 days Northern Circuit Route

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

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Itinerary Map

KILIMANJARO CLIMBING PRICE

GROUP EXPEDITIONS

The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.

SEE GROUP BOOKING DISCOUNT

9 days Northern circuit (Joining group price 2,100$)

Number of People	Price Per Person
1	2,495
2	2,326
3	2,210
4	2,196
5	2,188
6	2,183
7	2,178
8	2,175
9	2,162
10+	2,159

Includes

Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your Accommodations in Moshi.
2 nights of accommodation Parkview Inn in Moshi
Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
Park entry fees,
Camping fees
Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
Oxygen cylinder
18% VAT on tour fees & services
4 Season mountain tents
3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
Hot water for washing
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Government taxes
Ox meter
Emergency first-aid kit

Excludes

Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
Travel insurance
Flights
Laundry (Available at hotel)
Personal items and toiletries
Tips for guides, porters and cook

traveler photos from this trip

Why Tanzania Joy Tours?

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     Based on 281 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Maryam E 
 2023-08-06
 
 
 Verified Serious company and friendly people
Tanzania Joy tours is really a serious company. They were here whenever we had any question when preparing our trip to Kilimanjaro. We did lemosho route in 8 days. Our guides Calvin and Levin and their team of porters was incredible. We spent memorable days. The whole trip was exceptional. The guides are amazing persons, very friendly and this is important since we spent a lot of time together. At the final ascension to the summit they were very motivating and never let us out. The team of porter are also very nice and helpful. Really amazing people that we will never forget on this incredible experience.
  
 
       
   Solène L 
 2023-08-01
 
 
 Verified What an amazing experience
So an amazing experience with this local agency to climb the Kilimandjaro. It was initially planed to make it in 7 days by the Machame route but after some days, our chef guide Patrick propose us to make it on 6 days without risk of bad acclimatization and it was successfully ! He is a very professional guide, attentive, with a big knowledge of the mountain. We were also accompagnied by Maiko, also an incredible guide, always here to encourage us, discuss about Tanzania, life, everything. Jeremiah, the cook, made us so good meals during this 6 days. And to finish, a dream team of porters was here to help us, of course to relieve us physically but also with good attentions on the camps and some of them to the top, always in an incredible atmosphere. Nothing would have been possible without this team. I really recommand this agency if you want to success your climb, in security, with a dream team.
  
 
       
   Camille M 
 2023-08-01
 
 
 Verified Un immense merci à toute l’équipe pour cette expérience inoubliable!
Un immense merci à toute l’équipe pour cette expérience inoubliable! Nous avons emprunté la route Machame en 6 jours (initialement prévu en 7 jours mais après proposition et discussion avec notre guide nous avons finalement condensé deux journées en une) Nos guides Patrick et Maiko nous ont permit d’atteindre le sommet grâce à leur professionnalisme, leur gentillesse et leur motivation. Ils étaient accompagnés d’une équipe incroyable avec un cuisinier, un serveur, des porteurs dont deux sont venus avec nous jusqu’au sommet, un responsable des tentes : rien n’aurait été possible sans eux. La nourriture était excellente, nous avons été dorlotées par toute l’équipe pendant ces 6 jours. Encore merci pour ces souvenirs gravés à jamais!
  
 
       
   Maggie A 
 2023-07-23
 
 
 Verified worth more that 10 stars!
It was a second time I went with this agency and experience is just unbelievable! Guides, hotel, food organisation - top notch. Emmanuel is just great and very responsive and adaptive to all the needs of the group. Our guide - Patrick and his team - did everything for us to succeed and to make an experience unforgettable. Big thanks to everyone. If I could give 10 stars I would!
  
 
       
   Misty T 
 2023-07-14
 
 
 Verified Two day to Horambo Hut
Guide Ringo was amazing. He had local knowledge of the mountain habitats and terrain. This was a two day overnight from base to Horambo Hut. 19 km each way. Our crew prepared great meals and were amazing supports on such an extensive hike. I would ask for this crew again if hiking over more days.
  
 
       
   Martin V 
 2023-07-06
 
 
 Verified Succesfull Kilimanjaro climbing - Lemosho route with TJ Tours
Just completed Kilimanjaro climbing 7 days Lemosho trek with Tanzanie Joy Tours, the successful summit. Our lead guide Patrick has helped us a lot. Incredible staff - guides, cooks, porters, etc. Everything came off without a hitch. Clients well being/safety is foremost as well as exceeding expectations. Always a great equipments tents,campsite, friendly staff and eager to make your climb the best possible experience. I would strongly recommend this local company Tanzania Joy Tours as a highly professional, quality services and supportive team.
  
 
       
   Steffi F 
 2023-07-06
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable experience
Very good experience with Patrick and his team. They were professionals and very helpful. We reach our goal and they contribute to it. I recommend TJ Tours to everybody!
  
 
       
   Cian L 
 2023-07-02
 
 
 Verified An incredible experience
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro with Tanzania Joy was a wonderful experience. Ringo and the team were fantastic, every day they went above and beyond to provide a world class experience and make the trip feel like a balance of adventure and fun. I chose the Lemosho Route as a solo trip, and felt like I was travelling with a group of friends once I met the team. From the first day I emailed Emmanuel, I received quick, detailed replies that made planning the trip a breeze. Once I arrived in Tanzania, my guide Ringo made sure I had the right equipment and prepared for the trip ahead. The entire team worked extremely hard every day to make camp lodgings feel comfortable, providing all the necessities and then some. On the trail Ringo was an amazing guide, providing encouragement and insight at every step. I ended the trip due to a bad bought of altitude sickness and struggled to breathe, and Ringo and the entire team went above and beyond to help me get to safety. Ringo even came and visited me once I got back to Moshi to make sure I was okay, and made sure I was able to get home safely. This is a genuinely great organisation with a fantastic team. Happy to recommend this group to anyone, Tanzania Joy is a very professional
  
 
       
   Monika Va 
 2023-06-27
 
 
 Verified We recommend this company 100 percent
We had a great experience with TJ Tours. Our team leader Kelvin and his assistant Hassan were knowledgeable, patient and very encouraging. Our cook made us wonderful meals and Leavy catered to all our needs. Everyone on our team did their best to help us reach the Uhuru peak!
  
 
       
   Elżbieta W 
 2023-06-11
 
 
 Verified Great experience with professionel company❤️
Very professional and friendly team. They always help you when you need help. They always think positivley and believe in you. They take care of you. They explaine everythink and are very patient with you. With whole heart i recommend this company ❤️