9 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Northern Circuit Route
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- 9 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Northern Circuit Route
Safari Cost Includes
- Park fees and camping/hut fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals on the mountain
- Professional, experienced mountain guides and porters
- Tents and camping equipment
- Transfers to/from park gates
- Certificate of achievement
Safari Cost Excludes
- Flights
- Accommodation before/after trek (can be added)
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides, porters, cook
- Travel insurance
- Medical evacuation (highly recommended to have coverage)
9 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Northern Circuit Route Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest trekking route. It circumnavigates the mountain on the northern side, providing exceptional views, fewer crowds, and excellent acclimatization opportunities. This 9-day itinerary is ideal for those wanting a more remote and immersive climbing experience.
itinerary plan
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,200m to 2,700m
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Arrival at Londorossi Gate, registration, then trek through lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Simba Camp
Elevation: 2,700m to 3,100m
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Ascend into the moorland zone with stunning views of the Shira Plateau, reaching Simba Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Simba Camp
Day 3: Simba Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Elevation: 3,100m to 4,350m
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Trek across the Shira Plateau, approaching the dramatic Mawenzi Peak, and camp at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Elevation: 4,350m to 4,600m
Distance: ~4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
A shorter hike to Kikelewa Camp, allowing time to rest and acclimatize amid beautiful alpine terrain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Acclimatization Day)
Elevation: 4,600m to 4,350m and back
Distance: Variable
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
A day for acclimatization including a hike back towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp, helping your body adjust to altitude.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Day 6: Kikelewa Camp to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 4,600m to 4,700m
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Trek to Kibo Hut, the final camp before summit day. Rest and prepare for the early morning climb.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), return to 4,700m
Distance: ~14 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic and alpine desert
Summit attempt begins around midnight. Reach the summit at sunrise, then descend back to Kibo Hut for rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Day 8: Kibo Hut to Horombo Camp
Elevation: 4,700m to 3,720m
Distance: ~19 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland and heath
Descend to Horombo Camp, enjoying easier terrain and recovering from the summit push.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Horombo Camp
Day 9: Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate – Transfer to Moshi/Arusha
Elevation: 3,720m to 1,860m
Distance: ~20 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Forest and farmland
Final descent to Marangu Gate where you receive your summit certificate and transfer to Moshi or Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast
