About This Journey
The 9 Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb 2026-2027 is one of the longest and most gradual routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, crosses the Shira Plateau and then travels around the quieter northern slopes through Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp and Third Cave before reaching School Hut.
The nine day itinerary separates Shira 1, Shira 2 and the Lava Tower to Moir Hut section into individual trekking days, providing more time at altitude than the shorter eight day variation.
The final summit ascent begins from School Hut before reaching Gilman's Point and continuing to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa.
What Makes This Trip Special
Climb Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit
Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters
Nine day gradual trekking itinerary
Cross the scenic Shira Plateau
Visit Lava Tower
Stay at remote Moir Hut
Trek through Buffalo Camp
Explore Kilimanjaro's northern slopes
Stay at Third Cave
Summit from School Hut
Enjoy views toward Kenya
Professional Kilimanjaro guides
Mountain meals and drinking water
Emergency oxygen and first aid equipment
Summit certificate after successful completion
A Look at the Journey




Itinerary

Your 9 Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb 2026-2027 begins at Londorossi Gate.
After registration and park formalities, continue to the trailhead and begin trekking through Kilimanjaro's western rainforest.
The trail climbs gradually through dense vegetation before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp for your first mountain night.

After breakfast, leave the rainforest and continue toward the heath and moorland zones.
The trail climbs through open landscapes toward Shira Ridge before descending gently onto the Shira Plateau.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp with impressive views toward Kibo.

Continue east across the scenic Shira Plateau toward Shira 2 Camp.
This relatively short trekking day allows additional time at altitude while enjoying the open landscapes of the plateau.
Arrive at camp in the afternoon with time to rest and acclimatize.

After breakfast, continue toward Lava Tower at approximately 4,600 meters.
Reaching the higher elevation provides an important acclimatization opportunity before descending toward Moir Hut.
Moir Hut is located in a quieter area beneath the Lent Hills and provides a remote mountain setting for the night.

Leave Moir Valley and continue onto Kilimanjaro's northern slopes.
The trail crosses rocky terrain and rolling ridges before reaching Buffalo Camp.
On clear days, this section offers wide views across the northern plains toward the Tanzania-Kenya border.

Continue east along Kilimanjaro's quiet northern slopes.
The terrain becomes increasingly open as the trail passes through remote valleys toward Third Cave Camp.
This section provides a peaceful trekking experience away from the busier southern routes.

After breakfast, begin the steady climb toward the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi.
Continue through the high alpine desert before reaching School Hut at approximately 4,750 meters.
The afternoon is dedicated to rest, food and preparation for the summit ascent.
Your guide will conduct a final equipment check and summit briefing.

The summit attempt normally begins around midnight.
Climb slowly through the high altitude terrain toward Gilman's Point at approximately 5,685 meters.
Continue around the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa.
After summit photographs, begin descending toward Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp.

After breakfast, begin the final descent through Kilimanjaro's lush rainforest.
Reach Mweka Gate, complete the final park procedures and receive your summit certificate after a successful climb.
You will then transfer back to your hotel, completing your 9 Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb 2026-2027.
Included & Excluded
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Camping fees
- Rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides
- Assistant guides where required
- Mountain cook and porters
- Mountain tents
- Dining tent, tables and chairs
- Meals during the trek
- Drinking water
- Emergency oxygen
- Pulse oximeter
- First aid kit
- Mountain gate transfers
- Government taxes
- Summit certificate
- Airport pickup and hotel accommodation where included
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking boots
- Trekking poles unless rented
- Personal medication
- Personal snacks and drinks
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Additional hotel nights
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Services not mentioned under inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
Uhuru Peak is 5,895 meters above sea level, the highest point in Africa.
The nine day itinerary provides a gradual trekking schedule, extended time at altitude and access to Kilimanjaro's quieter northern slopes.
The standard nine day itinerary separates the Shira Plateau and Lava Tower sections into additional trekking days, while shorter variations combine parts of this section.
No. Accommodation is provided in mountain tents.
The 9 Day Northern Circuit includes eight nights on the mountain.
The final summit camp is School Hut at approximately 4,750 meters.
Yes. Meals are included from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 9.
Yes. Drinking water is provided throughout the trek.
Yes. A warm sleeping bag suitable for freezing mountain temperatures is required.
Yes. Selected equipment such as sleeping bags, jackets, trekking poles, gaiters and hiking boots can normally be rented.
No technical mountaineering experience is normally required.
The summit attempt normally begins from School Hut around midnight.
The Northern Circuit summit approach normally reaches Gilman's Point before continuing around the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak.
