9 Days Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit is one of the longestroute on Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is one of the best route because of its great acclimatization profile, high summit success rate, stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It is also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes.
Tour Details
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the arrival time of your flight and transfer to Keys hotel for overnight. Meal plan (BB).
Elevation : 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance : 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
Habitat : Rain Forest
We depart from Keys hotel Moshi to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Elevation : 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance : 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time : 5-6 hours
Habitat : Heath
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Elevation : 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance : 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
Habitat : Heath
We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
Elevation : 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance : 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation : 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
Distance : 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time : 2-3 hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Elevation : 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance : 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time : 5-7 hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert
We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
Elevation : 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance : 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time : 5-7 hours
Habitat : Heath
As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
Elevation : 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance : 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time : 4-5 hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert
We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Elevation : 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance : 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time : 6-8 hours
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation : 19,341 ft to 10,065
Distance : 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time : 4-6 hours
Habitat : Artic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Location
Kilimanjaro FAQs
Transfers
Accommodation Before & After the Hike
Keys Hotel (Main Branch): Located in Moshi town, near shops and markets.
Keys Hotel Mbokomu Branch: In a peaceful, green area on the outskirts of Moshi, with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Comfortable, en-suite rooms with mosquito nets
Professional staff and hospitality
Restaurants serving local and international cuisine
Swimming pools
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Laundry service
Camping Equipment
Durable 4-season tents for two climbers and their gear
Comfortable sleeping mats
Mess tents with tables and chairs for dining
Camping chairs with back support
Handwashing stations with warm water at camps
Meals on the Hike
Lunch & Dinner: soups, stews, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, beef, vegetables, and local dishes like mchicha (spinach) and kachumbari (fresh salad)
Snacks & Fruits: fresh seasonal fruits like mangoes, pineapples, oranges, and bananas
Guides & Porters
Safety & Medical Support
Emergency response: We carry first-aid kits and have access to certified medical professionals in Moshi.
Oxygen supply: Available on all climbs to assist in altitude-related issues.
Environmental Commitment
Safe Storage
Costs Not Included
International flights to/from Tanzania
Visa fees (USD 50 for most nationalities; USD 100 for U.S. citizens)
Tips for the mountain crew (recommended USD 250–350 per climber)
Personal gear rentals (e.g., hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking poles) — available through our gear partners in Moshi
Portable toilet rental (optional, not available on the Marangu route due to park regulations)
Single supplement for private hotel rooms and/or tents
Lunch and dinner at the hotel in Moshi (only breakfast is included)
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
Book Your Trip
Why Choose Keys Tours
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Honesty, Integrity & Trust
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Team Of Professional Guides
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Kilimanjaro Travel Guide
Well before you set off on your trip to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro you’ll want to read about these guides! it is important to get used to the details! Let’s look at some things to know before going to Kilimanjaro.
