9 Days Kilimanjaro Expedition via Northern Circuit Route
- Home
- Climbing Kilimanjaro
- 9 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
overview
The Northern Circuit Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and complete ways to explore Mount Kilimanjaro, offering an extraordinary journey through the mountain’s diverse ecosystems.
This extended itinerary is designed to provide optimal acclimatization, significantly increasing the likelihood of a successful summit. As you traverse the quieter northern slopes, you will experience a remarkable variety of landscapes — from lush rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and the arctic summit zone.
Renowned for its low traffic and panoramic views, the Northern Circuit offers a more remote and immersive trekking experience. It is the ideal choice for climbers seeking both a higher success rate and a deeper connection with Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty.
With its gradual ascent, diverse scenery, and unmatched sense of wilderness, the Northern Circuit delivers a truly unforgettable adventure to the roof of Africa.
tour plan
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha / Moshi
Arrival Day – Welcome to Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, depending on your itinerary.
After your journey, take time to relax and settle into your comfortable surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner while receiving a brief overview of your upcoming adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro.
This is the perfect opportunity to unwind, meet your team, and prepare for the unforgettable journey ahead.
Day 2: Moshi to Rongai Gate, Start Rongai Trek
After breakfast, depart from your hotel and journey toward the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, arriving at Rongai Gate, the starting point of your trek.
Following registration formalities, begin your hike through a peaceful forested landscape, where the trail gently ascends beneath a canopy of trees. This section offers a quiet and scenic introduction to your Kilimanjaro adventure, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings.
A packed lunch will be enjoyed along the way as you continue your steady ascent.
By late afternoon, you will arrive at Rongai Camp, where you can relax, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner, and settle in for your first overnight stay on the mountain.
Day 3: Rongai Camp to Kikelewa Camp
After breakfast, continue your ascent on Mount Kilimanjaro as you depart from Rongai Camp and make your way toward Kikelewa Camp.
The trail leads through the scenic moorland zone, where the landscape opens up to reveal rolling hills, unique alpine vegetation, and expansive views of the surrounding wilderness. As you gain elevation, the air becomes cooler and the scenery increasingly dramatic.
The steady climb offers excellent opportunities to appreciate the mountain’s natural beauty while continuing to acclimatize.
By the afternoon, you will arrive at Kikelewa Camp, where you can relax, enjoy a warm and freshly prepared dinner, and settle in for an overnight stay in this peaceful mountain setting.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
After breakfast, continue your ascent on Mount Kilimanjaro as you trek from Kikelewa Camp toward Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
This section of the route offers some of the most striking scenery on the mountain, with spectacular views of the rugged Mawenzi Peak rising dramatically above the surrounding alpine desert landscape. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes sparse, revealing a raw and captivating high-altitude environment.
The steady climb allows for continued acclimatization while enjoying panoramic vistas and the unique beauty of Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes.
By the afternoon, you will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, one of the most scenic camps on the mountain, nestled beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Here, you will enjoy a warm dinner and a restful overnight stay as you prepare for the next stage of your journey.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Summit Attempt, then to Horombo Camp
After breakfast, continue your ascent on Mount Kilimanjaro as you make your way from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
This section of the trek showcases some of Kilimanjaro’s most dramatic scenery, with breathtaking views of the rugged Mawenzi Peak rising sharply above the surrounding alpine desert. As you gain altitude, the vegetation gradually fades, revealing a striking and pristine high-altitude landscape.
The steady climb supports proper acclimatization while offering expansive panoramic views and a deep sense of the mountain’s remote beauty.
By the afternoon, you will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, widely regarded as one of the most picturesque camps on Kilimanjaro, set beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Here, you will enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and a peaceful overnight stay as you prepare for the next stage of your journey.
Day 6: Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate and Departure
After breakfast, begin your final descent from Mount Kilimanjaro as you trek from Horombo Camp through lush rainforest toward Marangu Gate.
This final stretch offers a scenic and rewarding conclusion to your journey, with vibrant vegetation and fresh mountain air accompanying you along the way.
Upon arrival at Marangu Gate, you will complete park formalities and receive your official summit certificate — a proud recognition of your achievement on Africa’s highest peak. Take time to celebrate this incredible accomplishment before bidding farewell to your mountain crew.
You will then be transferred back to Moshi for relaxation, or proceed directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.
Departure
fter completing your journey on Mount Kilimanjaro, you will be transferred back to Arusha for a relaxing evening, where you can unwind and reflect on your incredible achievement.
Alternatively, you may be transferred directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.
Price Included
- Transport form arrival point to Moshi
- Transport form Moshi to Departure point
- Accommodation before climb
- Accommodation after climb
- All accommodation in huts on the mountain
- Park fees on Kilimanjaro
- Rescue fees on mountain (by car)
- 3 meals daily on the mountain
- Sleeping and the dining huts
- Guide and porters
- Cook and waiters
- Firs aid kit
- Service of an English speaking mountain guide
- Transportation to the mountain
- All government taxes
Price Excluded
- Extras in the hotel
- Drinks rather than water
- Tips to mountain Crews
- Meals in Moshi
- Personal gears like sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.
- Flights
- And all not listed above