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Northern Circuit Route
Scenic Ascent: 9-Day Northern Circuit Route
- Dream Trails Expeditions
- 9 Day Trek
- Mountaineering Adventure
From - $2500
Route Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic path to Mount Kilimanjaro's Uhuru Peak (5,895m), offering a 9-day trek with excellent acclimatization. Ideal for those seeking solitude, it traverses the remote northern slopes through rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, boasting a 95% summit success rate with expert Tanzanian guides. Camping accommodations enhance the immersive experience.
- Total Distance: 98 km (61 miles) round trip
- Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
- Starting Point: Londorossi Gate (2,360m / 7,740ft)
- Highest Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft)
- Ending Point: Mweka Gate (1,640m / 5,380ft)
- Accommodation: Camping (tents)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
🌿 Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Elevation: 2,820m / 9,252ft | Habitat: Rainforest
- Lush forest with wildlife sightings
🏞️ Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 3,610m / 11,844ft | Habitat: Heather
- Stunning Kibo Peak views
⛰️ Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 3,850m / 12,631ft | Habitat: Moorland
- Shira Plateau exploration
🏜️ Moir Hut
- Elevation: 4,200m / 13,780ft | Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Acclimatization via Lava Tower
🌄 Buffalo Camp
- Elevation: 4,020m / 13,189ft | Habitat: Northern Slopes
- Remote northern solitude
🌳 Third Cave Camp
- Elevation: 3,870m / 12,697ft | Habitat: Heath
- Panoramic Kibo views
🏕️ School Hut
- Elevation: 4,750m / 15,584ft | Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Summit preparation base
🌌 Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 5,895m / 19,341ft | Habitat: Arctic
- Sunrise at Africa's highest point
🌲 Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 3,100m / 10,171ft | Habitat: Rainforest
- Restful descent through forest
💪 Physical Preparation
- Cardio: Running, cycling, swimming for endurance
- Strength: Squats, lunges, step-ups for leg muscles
- Hiking: Train with a loaded backpack on uneven terrain
🎒 Essential Packing List
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- Warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, headlamp
Equipment
- Sleeping bag rated for -10°C (14°F)
- 25-35L daypack
- Trekking poles
- 3L+ water capacity
- Sunscreen, lip balm, medications, first aid kit
🚗 Transportation
- Private transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport
- All ground transportation during the trek
🎫 Permits & Fees
- All climbing permits and park fees included
- Conservation Fee: $70/day
- Camping Fee: $50/day
- Rescue Fee: $20/day
🏞️ Dry Seasons (Best Conditions)
- January–Mid-March: Warm, clear, less crowded
- June–October: Cool, dry, ideal but busier
🌧️ Wet Seasons (Challenging Conditions)
- April–May: Heavy rains, slippery trails (avoid)
- November: Short rains, manageable but wet
✔️ What's Included
- Private transport (airport/hotel to Kilimanjaro & back)
- Park fees and climbing permits
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, sleeping bags)
- Professional guides and porters
- Meals with private cook (special diets available)
- Rescue fees
- Certificate of achievement
❌ What's Excluded
- International flights
- Pre/post-climb accommodations
- Personal gear and snacks
- Tips for guides and porters
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
🌍 Leave No Trace
- Carry out all trash
- Use provided toilet facilities
- Respect wildlife and stay on designated trails
🤝 Support Local Economy
- Employ local guides/porters with fair wages
- Tip generously per local guidelines
🌟 Our Advantages
- Expert Guides: Certified Tanzanian guides with 10+ years experience
- High Success Rate: 95%+ summit success with our acclimatization schedule
- Safety First: Oxygen, first aid, and emergency protocols
- Sustainable Travel: We support conservation and local communities
- 24/7 Support: From booking to completion, we're with you every step
📩 Book at www.dreamtrailsexpeditions.com or contact us!
9-Day Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
01
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Elevation: 2,360m → 2,820m | Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
- Register at Londorossi Gate, begin trek
- Hike through lush rainforest with wildlife
- Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp (camping)
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (full board)
02
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 2,820m → 3,610m | Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Heather
- Enter heather zone with Kibo Peak views
- Acclimatize at Shira 1 Camp
- Overnight at Shira 1 Camp (camping)
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (full board)
03
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 3,610m → 3,850m | Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Moorland
- Short trek across Shira Plateau
- Time for acclimatization and exploration
- Overnight at Shira 2 Camp (camping)
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (full board)
04
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Moir Hut
- Elevation: 3,850m → 4,630m → 4,200m | Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Climb to Lava Tower for acclimatization
- Descend to Moir Hut for rest
- Overnight at Moir Hut (camping)
Overnight: Moir Hut (full board)
05
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp
- Elevation: 4,200m → 4,020m | Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Northern Slopes
- Trek along remote northern slopes
- Enjoy panoramic views and solitude
- Overnight at Buffalo Camp (camping)
Overnight: Buffalo Camp (full board)
06
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Buffalo Camp → Third Cave Camp
- Elevation: 4,020m → 3,870m | Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours | Habitat: Heath
- Gradual trek with Kibo Peak views
- Rest at Third Cave Camp
- Overnight at Third Cave Camp (camping)
Overnight: Third Cave Camp (full board)
07
Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut
Third Cave Camp → School Hut
- Elevation: 3,870m → 4,750m | Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Ascend to School Hut for summit prep
- Rest and acclimatize
- Overnight at School Hut (camping)
Overnight: School Hut (full board)
08
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
School Hut → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,750m → 5,895m → 3,100m | Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
- Hiking Time: 12-15 hours | Habitat: Arctic & Rainforest
- Midnight summit ascent, reach Uhuru at sunrise
- Descend to Mweka Camp via Barafu
- Overnight at Mweka Camp (camping)
Overnight: Mweka Camp (full board)
09
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 3,100m → 1,640m | Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
- Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate
- Receive summit certificates
- Transfer to Moshi for celebration
End of Tour: Return to Moshi
