9 Days Northern Circuit Route – Mount Kilimanjaro

The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This route approaches from the western side and circles the quiet northern slopes, offering nearly 360° panoramic views of the mountain.

Because of its gradual ascent and extended acclimatization profile, the Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes. It is the ideal choice for climbers who want maximum acclimatization, fewer crowds, and the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.

9 Days Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro

9 Days Northern Circuit – Quick Facts

Duration: 9 Days
Route Type: Remote & Scenic Circuit
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Summit Success Rate: 90–95%
Highest Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341 ft)
Best For: High success rate & maximum acclimatization

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?

The Northern Circuit is considered the best route on Mount Kilimanjaro for acclimatization and summit success. It approaches from the western side via Lemosho, then circles the quiet northern slopes before reaching Uhuru Peak.

Because it is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, it provides gradual altitude gain and excellent acclimatization, which dramatically increases summit success rates.

9 Day Lemosho Route Itinerary

Day 1

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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.

Day 2

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
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.

Day 3

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
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.

Day 4

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
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Day 5

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.

Day 6

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
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.

Day 7

Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut

Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today we continue our gradual ascent from Third Cave to School Hut. The landscape becomes more barren and rocky as we move higher into the alpine desert zone. This is a shorter trekking day designed to allow proper acclimatization before the summit push. After arriving at School Hut, we rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.

8

Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft (summit), then down to 10,065 ft
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles ascent, 12 km / 7 miles descent
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours ascent, 4–6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic (summit), then Moorland and Rainforest
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, taking frequent but short breaks.
At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. From there, we continue to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft) — the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After celebrating at the summit, we descend back to School Hut for a short rest and then continue down to Mweka Camp. The trail is steep and rocky, and can be hard on the knees; trekking poles are highly recommended. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest zone, where mist or rain is common in the afternoon. In the evening, we enjoy our final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.

9

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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.

Northern Circuit vs Other Kilimanjaro Routes

Compared to Machame, Marangu, or Lemosho, the Northern Circuit offers the best acclimatization profile and the highest summit success rate.

Route Duration Success Rate
Northern Circuit 9 Days 90–95%
Machame 6–7 Days 75–85%
Marangu 5–6 Days 60–80%

Frequently Asked Questions – Northern Circuit

Is the Northern Circuit the best route on Kilimanjaro?

Yes. It offers the highest summit success rate and the best acclimatization profile of all Kilimanjaro routes.

What is the success rate of the 9 Days Northern Circuit?

The summit success rate is approximately 90–95% due to its gradual ascent and extended acclimatization time.

Is the Northern Circuit good for beginners?

Yes. It is highly recommended for first-time climbers because it maximizes acclimatization and reduces altitude sickness risk.

Is the Northern Circuit crowded?

No. The northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro is very remote and much less crowded than Machame or Marangu routes.

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