Kilimanjaro summit above moorland
Sunset Tours & Safaris / Tanzania

9-Day Northern Circuit Route

From $2,430per person / 2-4 travellers

A longer journey around the northern mountain. Plan with a local team whose tourism experience spans more than 15 years.

9 daysOn the mountain
CampingOvernight style
MoshiLocal Sunset team
Personal planYour dates and party
The journey in focus

A longer journey around the northern mountain.

Begin on the western Lemosho approach and cross Shira before turning onto the northern slopes. Your journey continues through Moir, Buffalo and Third Cave to School Hut.

The summit attempt approaches via Gilman’s Point before the descent towards Mweka. Nine mountain days mean more time on the trail and more nights in a tent.

At a glance

Your journey, stage by stage.

DayExperienceOvernight / finish
1Lemosho trailhead to Mti MkubwaMti Mkubwa / Big Tree Camp
2Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1Shira 1 Camp
3Shira 1 to Shira 2Shira 2 Camp
4Shira 2 to Moir HutMoir Hut
5Moir Hut to Buffalo CampBuffalo Camp
6Buffalo to Third CaveThird Cave Camp
7Third Cave to School HutSchool Hut
8School Hut to Uhuru Peak to MwekaMweka Camp
9Mweka Camp to Mweka GateReturn transfer
Day by day

Follow the journey.

Day 1

Lemosho trailhead to Mti Mkubwa

After gate formalities, begin the trek through forest on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Walk to Mti Mkubwa, also called Big Tree Camp, for your first mountain night.

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa / Big Tree Camp
Trekkers on a Kilimanjaro forest trail
Trekkers on a Kilimanjaro forest trail.
Day 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1

Leave the rainforest and gain the Shira Plateau. The trail passes through heather and open country before reaching Shira 1 Camp.

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Tents at a Kilimanjaro mountain camp
Tents at a Kilimanjaro mountain camp.
Day 3

Shira 1 to Shira 2

Continue across the plateau towards Shira 2. Walk at a patient pace and enjoy the broad mountain scenery as you gain height.

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Tents at a Kilimanjaro mountain camp
Tents at a Kilimanjaro mountain camp.
Day 4

Shira 2 to Moir Hut

Cross high plateau terrain and continue north towards Moir Hut beneath the Lent Hills. This stage begins the quieter northern part of your journey.

Overnight: Moir Hut
Tents at a Kilimanjaro mountain camp
Tents at a Kilimanjaro mountain camp.
Day 5

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Climb out of the Moir Valley and walk around Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes. Enjoy the open alpine scenery before reaching Buffalo Camp.

Overnight: Buffalo Camp
Sunset trekking group in high mountain terrain
Sunset trekking group in high mountain terrain.
Day 6

Buffalo to Third Cave

Continue around the northern side of the mountain to Third Cave. This shorter stage gives more time to rest before the ascent to the summit base.

Overnight: Third Cave Camp
Sunset trekking group in high mountain terrain
Sunset trekking group in high mountain terrain.
Day 7

Third Cave to School Hut

Climb steadily to School Hut on the eastern approach. Have an early meal and rest before the overnight summit attempt.

Overnight: School Hut
Sunset trekking group in high mountain terrain
Sunset trekking group in high mountain terrain.
Day 8

School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka

Begin the summit attempt via Gilman’s Point and continue towards Uhuru Peak if conditions permit. Descend through the southern route towards Mweka Camp, taking breaks as directed by your guide.

Overnight: Mweka Camp
Climbers beside the Uhuru Peak sign
Climbers beside the Uhuru Peak sign.
Day 9

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, complete the park exit formalities and meet your return transfer. Certificates are issued according to the point reached on the climb.

After the day: Return transfer
Kilimanjaro rainforest boardwalk
Kilimanjaro rainforest boardwalk.
Plan your party

Your trip price.

USD per person. Choose the rate for the number of people travelling together.

Your partyPrice per person
2-4 travellers$2,430
1 traveller$2,520
Your trip experience

What comes with the journey.

Included

  • Professional mountain guides
  • Park and rescue fees
  • Transfers to and from the trekking gates
  • Guide, porter and cook wages and park fees
  • Fresh meals during the trek
  • Purified drinking water
  • Sleeping mattress
  • Fair treatment of porters
  • All tent nights during the climb
  • Airport pickup
  • Emergency oxygen cylinder

Not included

  • Tanzania visa
  • Personal expenses and additional beverages
  • Optional activities or a safari after your climb
Sunset mountain guide with trekking poles
Plan directly with people who live here

Your journey.
A local connection.

Share the experience you want and the time you have. Our Moshi-based team will help you work through the details, so your Tanzania trip begins with people you can speak to directly.

Read the Trekking Guide for equipment and preparation advice. Discuss high-altitude travel with a healthcare professional before your climb.

Before you decide

Your questions,
answered.

Have something else on your mind? Tell us when you enquire.

How long is this trip?

The itinerary has 9 mountain days. Arrival and onward travel are arranged separately.

Where do I stay?

Mountain camping; town hotel arrangements on enquiry.

Is reaching the summit guaranteed?

No. Weather, trail conditions and your response to altitude affect the climb. Your guide assesses the journey and a change of plan may be needed.

Can I tailor the arrangements?

Send your preferred dates, party size and any dietary or accommodation needs. Our local team will discuss the practical options with you.

How do I plan this trip?

Send an enquiry with your travel dates and the people coming with you. Sunset will work through the arrangements and prepare a personal proposal.

A conversation with your local guide

Make it your journey.

Tell us a little about your 9-day northern circuit route. We will help you explore the options and prepare a personal proposal for your party.

01 / Your journey
Leave blank if your dates are flexible.
02 / Where we can reach you

We’ll use your details to respond to your enquiry.