What You Need to Know: The 9-day Northern Circuit is for climbers who want every advantage: the most nights on the mountain, the most gradual ascent and the quietest trails. It costs from US$2,580 per person (2 climbers, mid-range hotels), with 8 nights in tents, Lava Tower on Day 4, three days round the remote north side of Kibo and summit night from School Hut. If eight days is your limit, the 8-day Lemosho is the closest alternative.
Is the 9-Day Northern Circuit Right for You?
It is the right climb if time on the mountain matters more to you than a short trip, you want to see a side of Kilimanjaro few climbers see, and you are comfortable with eight nights in a tent. It is not the right climb if your holiday is tight, or if you would like the company of other groups at camp.
Days 5 to 7 cross the northern slopes between Moir Hut and School Hut, looking out over the plains towards Kenya. Most days you will see only a handful of other climbers.
| The 9-day Northern Circuit suits you if… | Consider another climb if… |
|---|---|
| You want the best acclimatization of any route | You have eight days, not nine: the 8-day Lemosho |
| You prefer quiet trails and empty camps | You have seven days: the 7-day Machame |
| You are happy with eight nights in a tent | You would rather sleep in huts: the 6-day Marangu |
| You want to see the remote north of Kibo | You want a shorter north-side climb: the Rongai route |
Why Choose the Longest Route on Kilimanjaro?
For the best acclimatization and the quietest trail. Nine days gives your body the most time to adjust of any route we run, and the height gain is spread over moderate days.
You sleep at or above 11,500 ft (3,500 m) from Day 2, climb to Lava Tower on Day 4 and sleep lower at Moir Hut, and then spend three days traversing the north side at around 12,800–13,615 ft (3,900–4,150 m) before the high camp. By the time you reach School Hut your body has had a week above 11,500 ft (3,500 m), which is why most climbers on this route feel strongest on summit night.
The cost is time and money: one more day than the 8-day Lemosho, at US$245 more per person. If you can afford both, it is the most comfortable way to the summit.
The 9-Day Northern Circuit at a Glance
Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 – Shira 2 – Lava Tower – Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp – Third Cave – School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate.
You go up the west, round the north of Kibo, summit from the north-east and come down the south-east on the Mweka trail.
| Day | Sleep at | Altitude | Walking time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mti Mkubwa | About 8,700 ft (2,650 m) | 3–4 hours |
| 2 | Shira 1 | About 11,500 ft (3,500 m) | 5–6 hours |
| 3 | Shira 2 | About 12,600 ft (3,850 m) | 3–4 hours |
| 4 | Moir Hut (via Lava Tower, about 15,100 ft / 4,600 m) | About 13,800 ft (4,200 m) | 5–7 hours |
| 5 | Buffalo Camp | About 13,600 ft (4,150 m) | 5–7 hours |
| 6 | Third Cave | About 12,800 ft (3,900 m) | 6–8 hours |
| 7 | School Hut | About 15,600 ft (4,750 m) | 4–6 hours |
| 8 | Mweka Camp (via Uhuru Peak, 19,341 ft / 5,895 m) | About 10,100 ft (3,090 m) | 12–15 hours |
| 9 | Hotel in Moshi (via Mweka Gate) | — | 3–4 hours |
9-Day Northern Circuit Itinerary: Why Each Day Matters
The first four days cross the forest and the Shira Plateau to Lava Tower. Days 5 to 7 circle the quiet north of Kibo to the high camp. Day 8 is summit night, and Day 9 takes you down through the forest.
-
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (about 6,900 ft / 2,100 m) to Mti Mkubwa (about 8,700 ft / 2,650 m)
We collect you early from Moshi for the long drive west. After registration at Londorossi Gate you walk about 4 miles (6 km), 3–4 hours, through rainforest with giant ferns, birds and colobus monkeys, to camp under the 'big tree'.
Purpose: an easy start in quiet forestRainforestLunch, dinner -
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 (about 11,500 ft / 3,500 m)
About 5 miles (8 km) and 5–6 hours out of the forest, through heath and moorland, onto the western edge of the Shira Plateau, with Kibo in view for the first time.
Purpose: leave the forestHeath and moorlandBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 (about 12,600 ft / 3,850 m)
An easy plateau day with wide views of Kibo and, on clear days, Mount Meru behind you. The short walk leaves the afternoon free for rest or a short acclimatization walk with your guide.
Purpose: an easy acclimatization dayPlateauBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut (about 13,800 ft / 4,200 m) via Lava Tower
You climb across alpine desert to around 15,100 ft (4,600 m) near Lava Tower, then drop to Moir Hut on the north-western side of Kibo. The climb-high, sleep-low pattern prepares you for the days above 13,100 ft (4,000 m) that follow.
A headache at the high point is common; tell your guide if it doesn't ease at camp.
Purpose: climb high, sleep lowAlpine desertBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (about 13,600 ft / 4,150 m)
About 5 miles (8 km) and 5–7 hours onto the northern slopes, leaving the main trails behind. From here the views open out to the north over the plains towards Kenya.
Purpose: start the northern traverseAlpine desertBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave (about 12,800 ft / 3,900 m)
About 6 miles (10 km) and 6–8 hours round the north of Kibo, gently undulating and slightly lower, which helps your body recover before the high camp.
Purpose: traverse the quiet northAlpine desertBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut (about 15,600 ft / 4,750 m)
About 4 miles (6 km) and 4–6 hours up to the high camp. The afternoon follows the summit routine: briefing, health check, gear check and an early night, with bottles and phone kept warm in your sleeping bag.
Purpose: reach the high camp; prepareAlpine desertBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 8: Summit, then down to Mweka Camp (about 10,100 ft / 3,090 m)
A midnight start up to Gilman's Point on the crater rim, then along the rim to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m). From the summit you descend via Stella Point and Barafu to Mweka Camp: the longest day of the climb. The next section explains it step by step.
Purpose: the summitArctic summit zoneSnacks, lunch, dinner -
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
About 6 miles (10 km) and 3–4 hours down through the rainforest. At Mweka Gate you sign out, receive your summit certificate and usually tip the crew, and we drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Purpose: descend; certificatesRainforestBreakfast
Summit Night on the Northern Circuit, Step by Step
Summit night on the Northern Circuit starts from School Hut on the north-east side of Kibo and reaches the crater rim at Gilman's Point. After the summit you descend the south side, so it is a long day, but you start it after a full week of acclimatization.
| Time (approximate) | What happens |
|---|---|
| 11 pm | Wake-up, tea and biscuits, health check, layers on |
| Midnight | Start from School Hut by headlamp, behind your guide |
| Midnight – 6 am | Steady climbing on scree and rock to Gilman's Point (18,652 ft / 5,685 m) on the crater rim |
| 6 – 8 am | Along the rim past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m); photos, then start down |
| 8 am – midday | Descend via Stella Point to Barafu Camp: rest, food and drink |
| Midday – 5 pm | On down to Mweka Camp (about 10,100 ft / 3,090 m) |
How Hard Is the 9-Day Northern Circuit?
It is a long trek, but not a technical one, and the gradual profile makes the altitude easier to cope with than on any shorter climb. The challenges are the length, the cold nights and the summit day.
| Challenge | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Length | Nine days and eight nights in tents |
| Altitude | Spread over a week; still the real test on summit night |
| Summit day | Up from School Hut and down the south side to Mweka: 12–15 hours |
| Cold | Several nights around 13,100 ft (4,000 m), near or below freezing |
| Remoteness | Few other groups on the north side; your crew is your company |
Your Kilimanjaro Guide, Crew and Food
Every climber on our Kilimanjaro climbs has a crew of seven: one mountain guide, one cook and five porters. For two climbers that is a crew of 14 for all 9 days. The crew carries the tents, sleeping mats, a mess tent with table and chairs, a private portable toilet tent for your group, the food, water and the safety kit, so you carry only a daypack with water, snacks, layers and a camera.
Food on the mountain
How Much Does the 9-Day Northern Circuit Cost?
The 9-day Northern Circuit costs from US$2,580 per person for 2 climbers with mid-range hotels in Moshi. It is US$2,405 with budget hotels and US$2,720 with luxury hotels. The price is for a private climb on your own dates; budget, mid-range or luxury changes only your two hotel nights in Moshi.
| Climbers | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$2,435 | US$2,620 | US$2,810 |
| 2 | US$2,405 | US$2,580 | US$2,720 |
| 3 | US$2,415 | US$2,615 | US$2,715 |
| 4 | US$2,405 | US$2,580 | US$2,720 |
| 5 | US$2,410 | US$2,600 | US$2,715 |
| 6 | US$2,405 | US$2,580 | US$2,720 |
Where the money goes
About half the price is Kilimanjaro National Park fees, which every operator pays at the same rate. For 9 days on the mountain the 2026 non-resident fees come to:
| Park fee (per climber) | Rate | 9-day Northern Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation fee | US$70 per day | US$630 |
| Camping fee | US$50 per night | US$400 |
| Rescue fee | US$20 per climb | US$20 |
| VAT | 18% | US$189 |
| Total park fees | About US$1,239 |
What the 9-Day Northern Circuit Price Includes, and What It Doesn't
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees, VAT and trekking permits
- A crew of seven per climber: mountain guide, cook and five porters
- Tents, sleeping mats, mess tent with table and chairs, and a private portable toilet tent
- All meals on the mountain, drinking water and hot drinks
- First-aid kit, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeter and stretcher
- Return airport transfers, and transfers to Londorossi Gate and from Mweka Gate
- One hotel night in Moshi before and one after the climb
Not included
- International and domestic flights, and visa fees (US$100 for US citizens)
- Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult from October 1, 2026 (we can help you buy it)
- Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 19,700 ft (6,000 m) and helicopter evacuation
- Personal climbing gear (rental available in Moshi)
- Tips for the mountain crew (tipping guide)
- Meals and activities in Moshi, drinks, laundry and personal items
- The card-processing fee when you pay the deposit online
Tips to budget for
Using the daily ranges in our tipping guide, US$20–30 for the guide, US$10–15 for the cook and US$5–10 for each porter, a crew of seven for 9 days comes to about US$495–855 per climber, given at the end of the climb.
When Is the Best Time for the Northern Circuit?
Late May to October and January to March. We don't recommend April, early May, November or the late-December holiday period. The northern slopes are drier than the south, but the western forest at the start is wet in the rains, and nine days in tents is much more comfortable in the dry months.
| Months | Our advice |
|---|---|
| January – March | Recommended: warmer, quieter |
| April – early May | Not recommended: long rains |
| Late May – October | Recommended: dry season, busiest months |
| November | Not recommended: short rains |
| Late December | Not recommended: holiday crowds |
Northern Circuit Compared with the 8-Day Lemosho and 7-Day Machame
These are the climbs people most often weigh against the Northern Circuit.
| 7-day Machame | 8-day Lemosho | 9-day Northern Circuit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nights on the mountain | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Start | Machame Gate | Londorossi, west | Londorossi, west |
| Summit from | Barafu (south) | Barafu (south) | School Hut (north-east) |
| Crowds | Busy | Quiet start, busy south | Quietest |
| Price from (2 climbers, mid-range) | US$2,090 | US$2,335 | US$2,580 |
Full itineraries: the 8-day Lemosho and the 7-day Machame.
What Else to Read Before You Book
This page covers what is particular to the 9-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Northern Circuit. The parts that work the same way on our other trips are explained once, in these guides:
- Kilimanjaro acclimatization: altitude sickness symptoms and how our guides check you at every camp.
- Kilimanjaro packing list: everything to bring, layer by layer.
- Rental gear in Moshi: what you can rent and the price for the whole climb.
- Where to sleep before and after the climb: hotels in Moshi and the nights included.
- Kilimanjaro booking and refund terms: deposit, balance and cancellation.
- Tipping your Kilimanjaro crew: suggested amounts per climber and how the crew shares them.
Common Questions About the 9-Day Northern Circuit
Is the Northern Circuit worth the extra days?
Yes, if you want the best acclimatization and a quiet trail. It is our most gradual climb.
Which rim point do you reach on the Northern Circuit?
Usually Gilman's Point, approaching from School Hut on the north-east side.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Its slow profile makes it a strong choice for first-timers with nine days to spare.
Is the Northern Circuit better than Lemosho?
It has one more day, quieter trails and the most gradual profile. The 8-day Lemosho costs US$245 less and is the better choice if eight days is your limit.
How many people climb the Northern Circuit?
Very few compared with Machame or Lemosho, so the northern camps are usually quiet.
The Bottom Line
If you have nine days and want the most gradual climb and the quietest trails on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit is the one to book. If eight days is your limit, the 8-day Lemosho gives you most of the same benefit on the south side.
To plan your climb, send us your preferred dates, the number of climbers and your hotel level (budget, mid-range or luxury) through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com. Our sales team in Moshi will confirm availability and send your written quotation.