9-Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb
The Ultimate Weapon for Summit Success

Customizable Northern Circuit Climb Itinerary

Start Planning Your Summit Success

Have the time? Invest in the 9-Day Northern Circuit. The longest, most scenic route ensures proper acclimatization for your best possible Kilimanjaro summit.

Our Take on the 9-Day Northern Circuit

The 9-Day Northern Circuit is, simply put, your greatest strategic advantage for a Kilimanjaro climb.

While no one can guarantee success on this mountain, this route dramatically shifts the odds in your favour. It is the longest, most remote, and most scenic option, offering unparalleled views as it completely circumnavigates the massif.

Crucially, by spreading the ascent over nine full days, this itinerary provides the most thorough and gradual acclimatisation profile possible. This patient approach is designed to give your body the absolute maximum chance to reach Uhuru Peak comfortably and safely.

If you are prepared to commit the time, you are investing in the best possible foundation for success.

Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb, at a Glance

  • Duration: 9 Days (8 nights camping on the mountain).
  • Perfect for: Climbers who prioritize maximum safety and summit odds; those who can commit the extra time; photographers seeking the most remote, 360-degree views.
  • Key Destinations: Lemosho Glades, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower (for 'climb high, sleep low'), Northern Traverse (Pofu Camp), School Hut, Uhuru Peak.
  • Ekuseni Difference: We treat you as a visiting friend, ensuring a supportive, unhurried, high-touch experience on the best success route.

Trip Highlights

  • Maximum Success Odds & Safety: With nine full days on the mountain, this route offers the longest gradual ascent for altitude adaptation, maximizing your safety and chances to reach Uhuru Peak.
  • The Exclusive Northern Traverse: Experience the pristine, remote beauty of the quiet northern slope, offering solitude and unique views away from crowds.
  • Complete 360-Degree Views: This route nearly circumnavigates the Kilimanjaro massif, providing spectacular, ever-changing viewpoints of the mountain and surrounding plains.
  • Optimal Acclimatisation Strategy: The itinerary uses the climb-high, sleep-low principle, passing Lava Tower on Day 4 to build resilience for the summit push.
  • Scenic Lemosho Glades Start: The journey begins on the western side through the biodiverse Lemosho Glades, one of the most gradual and picturesque ways to access the high alpine.

Kilimanjaro Climb, Northern Circuit Route Gallery

9-Day Northern Circuit Climb, Itinerary

A Note on Your Schedule and Flexibility

This itinerary focuses exclusively on the 9 climbing days on Mount Kilimanjaro. To ensure the highest chance of success and to honor your health, we strongly encourage all our guests to plan for a full rest day before the trek begins and a full recovery day after the descent. This flexibility allows you to acclimatize to local conditions before exerting yourself and ensures a relaxed departure from Tanzania.

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

The journey on the Northern Circuit Route begins deep within the western rainforest. After park formalities, we enter the beautiful Lemosho Glades and start our gentle ascent. This initial trek immerses you in the thick, lush Montane Forest, providing a calm, gradual introduction to the mountain. We settle into Mti Mkubwa Camp for our first night, surrounded by the towering ancient trees.

We bid farewell to the forest canopy and climb into the rolling hills of the Moorland zone. The landscape opens up dramatically, offering a vast panorama of tall grasses and volcanic rock. As we ascend the Shira Ridge, you catch your first breathtaking, sweeping view of Kibo Peak floating above the plateau—a truly inspiring moment on the Northern Circuit Route. We overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Today is all about measured ascent and superior acclimatisation. We enjoy a leisurely, restorative walk across the wide, exposed Shira Plateau. This gentle day of trekking to Shira 2 Camp is crucial, allowing your body to settle into the high altitude without strain. We encourage optional short walks in the afternoon to further condition the body, fully utilizing the advantages of the 9-day Northern Circuit Route.

This is the day we practice the essential ‘climb high, sleep low’ strategy. We trek upwards to the striking volcanic plug known as Lava Tower, reaching a high point that challenges the body. We then make a strategic descent into the secluded Moir Valley to sleep lower at Moir Hut. From here, we officially pivot onto the Northern Traverse, leaving the more common paths behind.

The true exploration of the Northern Circuit Route begins today as we traverse the remote northern flank of Kibo. The trail winds across undulating alpine ridges with sparse vegetation, offering a deep sense of isolation and tranquility. The reward is the phenomenal, unobstructed view of the vast Kenyan plains stretching out to the north. We settle in for the night at Buffalo Camp (Pofu Camp), one of the most remote sites on Kilimanjaro.

We continue our exclusive passage around the mountain’s northern slope. The trek is deliberately moderate and shorter, focusing on continued rest and acclimatisation. This area is characterized by immense quiet and dramatic, windswept valleys, reinforcing why the Northern Circuit Route is prized for its solitude. We descend slightly for a comfortable night at Third Cave Camp.

Today is a focused day of sustained ascent to our high camp. We cross The Saddle, the striking, barren expanse between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, which gives the sensation of walking on the moon. The views of the summit cone, Kibo, become intensely dramatic as we gain altitude. We arrive at School Hut in the early afternoon, allowing ample time to rest, hydrate, and prepare mentally for the challenge ahead—the summit bid of the Northern Circuit Route.

The culmination of the 9-day trek. Rising near midnight, we begin our slow, demanding push up the scree slopes toward the crater rim. The reward for your effort comes at dawn with a spectacular sunrise at Gilman’s Point. From there, we make the final triumphant push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After the summit, we endure a long, rapid descent past Barafu Camp down to the life-giving oxygen levels and comfort of Millennium Camp for our final night on the slopes.

Our final morning on Mount Kilimanjaro is a celebratory walk. We enjoy a steady descent through the increasingly dense and oxygen-rich Montane Forest. The path is a peaceful conclusion to the epic climb. At Mweka Gate, we sign out of the Kilimanjaro National Park and collect the official summit certificates, marking the successful completion of the longest route, the Northern Circuit Route.

What's Included and Excluded?

Transparency is key to a smooth journey. Here is a clear breakdown of what is covered in your Northern Circuit Climb arranged by Ekuseni:

Price Includes

  • Professional Mountain Crew: Certified, experienced English-speaking Lead Guide (WFR-trained), Assistant Guides, dedicated Chef, and Porters.

  • Safety & Medical: Comprehensive medical kit, oxygen cylinder, and portable Hyperbaric Chamber carried on every climb. Daily health checks are performed twice by our WFR-trained guides.

  • Park Fees: All National Park entry, camping, rescue, and conservation fees as required for the 7-day Machame Route.

  • Accommodation: High-quality, four-season sleeping tents (used for two people max for space and comfort).

  • Meals: All meals on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) prepared fresh by our mountain chef, plus purified drinking water.

  • Camping Comfort: Dining tent, tables, chairs, thick sleeping mattresses, and private flush toilet facility for our group.

  • Transfers: All necessary roa transfers between Moshi/Arusha and the Machame and Mweka Gates.

Price Excludes

  • Flights: International flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

  • Accommodation: Hotels/lodges before and after the climb (We can arrange these for you upon request).

  • Gear: Personal clothing and equipment (sleeping bag, trekking poles, etc.)—though high-quality rentals can be arranged.

  • Tipping: Gratuities for your mountain crew (recommended guideline provided when you book with us).

  • Insurance: Travel and medical insurance, including coverage for high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

  • Personal Items: Visa fees, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, laundry, and personal spending money.

Ready to Summit? Start Planning Your Climb Now

Use this form to tell us about your group, preferred travel dates, and any specific questions you have about gear or our high summit success rate.

This is not a commitment to book. This is simply the fastest way to connect with your Ekuseni friend and receive a personalized quote and detailed information pack tailored specifically to your Northern Circuit climb.

Common Questions, Expert Answers

Is the 9-day Northern Circuit the best route for summit success?

Yes, objectively. The 9-Day Northern Circuit provides the most gradual ascent and the maximum amount of time for your body to acclimatise to the altitude. This dramatically improves your chances of a successful and comfortable climb compared to shorter routes. If maximum success is your priority, this is the path to choose.

The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, covering approximately $\approx 90 \text{ km}$ (56 miles) from gate to gate. This extended distance is the key to its superior safety and success rates.

The route is quieter because it traverses the remote northern slope of the mountain, away from the more popular southern routes like the Machame and Lemosho. This offers a more solitary, pristine wilderness experience for much of the trek.

No previous high-altitude experience is required, but you must be reasonably fit. The Machame is physically demanding. We recommend a consistent training routine that includes long walks or hikes (6–8 hours) and cardiovascular exercise starting at least two to three months before your climb date. Consistency is more important than intensity.

The Northern Circuit is physically easier in terms of daily ascent and technicality because it is spread over more days. The challenge lies in the extended duration, not the daily difficulty. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

What are the Necessary Gears and Equipment? Can I Rent Them?

You will need layered, high-quality gear for temperatures ranging from tropical to Arctic. We provide all group camping gear (tents, mess hall, toilet). We can happily arrange high-quality rentals for personal items like a 4-season sleeping bag, down jacket, and trekking poles if you prefer not to travel with them.

We welcome solo travelers! We can either arrange a private climb tailored just for you (offering maximum flexibility).

Your itinerary is structured for maximum safety and comfort. Day 1 (Arrival) and Day 10 (Departure) are non-trekking buffer days, ensuring you have time to rest after international travel and handle any flight delays before starting your climb.

Pofu Camp is a remote camp located on the northern side of the mountain. It’s a key stop on the Northern Circuit Traverse that provides a unique acclimatisation point and access to the spectacular northern views that are missed on all other routes.

We encourage booking at least 6 to 9 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak season (Jan–March and June–October). Booking early secures your desired dates, allows you ample time to prepare your body with proper fitness training, and gives you better options for securing international flights and post-climb safari or Zanzibar extensions.