Arusha: 9-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Introduction

Taking on Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list experience, and this 9-day Northern Circuit Route from Jairos Adventure promises to be the most visually striking and highest success-rate option available. While we haven’t personally climbed it, detailed reviews highlight its impressive scenery, well-paced itinerary, and expert guiding team.

What catches our eye? First, the longer duration offers better acclimatization, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. Second, the newest route on the mountain means fewer crowds and more pristine views. Third, the focus on authentic camping experiences makes it a true adventure. The only consideration? It’s physically demanding, so this trek suits those with a decent fitness level ready for a challenge.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers seeking a comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience with high success prospects and breathtaking scenery. If you’re looking for a blend of adventure, scenic variety, and a well-supported climb, this could be your perfect journey.

Key Points

• Longest route on Kilimanjaro with higher success rates due to better acclimatization.
• Stunning views of the Sharks Tooth, Shira Plateau, and alpine desert.
• Well-organized logistics with experienced guides, porters, and quality camping gear.
• In-depth itinerary including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacier zones.
• Inclusive pricing covers park fees, guides, porters, and meals, adding value to the experience.
• Physically demanding trek requiring good fitness and proper preparation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Northern Circuit Route: A Closer Look

The 9-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is not just the newest but also the longest, offering an unhurried pace and ample time for acclimatization. This translates to a higher chance of summit success—a crucial factor when scaling Africa’s tallest peak. Let’s walk through what you can expect each day.

Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: From Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Starting at Londorossi Gate (2,350m), you’ll traverse about 7 km over roughly three hours, winding through Montane Forest. Expect lush greenery, a humid environment, and the chance to see local bird species. This first day is relatively gentle, providing your initial acclimatization. The arrival at Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) marks your entry into the forest zone, setting a calm but exciting tone for what’s ahead.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1

Moving onto Shira Camp 1 (3,550m), you’ll trek around 10 km over six to seven hours. The route transitions into the Moorland Habitat, with expansive views and the occasional sight of wildlife. The long day is designed to help your body adapt slowly to higher elevations. Expect clear mountain vistas and a sense of being in the wilderness.

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Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

A shorter, more manageable 8 km walk in about 3-4 hours, from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2, allows you to enjoy the stunning Shira Plateau. This area is known for its dramatic rock formations and is a favorite among trekkers for its panoramic views. The landscape here is more exposed, so pack sun protection and plenty of water.

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Moir Hut Camp

Covering 14 km over five to seven hours, you’ll climb to Moir Hut (4,200m). The terrain remains in the Moorland Zone, but with a steeper ascent. Expect stunning vistas of the mountain’s western side and perhaps the first glimpse of the glaciers ahead. This day emphasizes steady pacing to help your body adjust to altitude.

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Descending slightly to Buffalo Camp (4,020m), this 12 km walk takes about five to seven hours. The route descends into the High Alpine Zone, characterized by rocky, open landscapes and fewer trees. Some reviews mention the scenery shifting from lush to stark mountain wilderness, heightening the sense of adventure.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Another 8 km journey in about five to seven hours, heading to Third Cave (3,870m). The route continues through the High Alpine Zone, with a landscape dotted with volcanic rock formations. The descent helps your body recover slightly, aiding acclimatization for the summit push.

Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut

A shorter but steeper 6 km trek, gaining almost 930 meters to School Hut (4,800m), marks the start of the most challenging part of the climb—the Alpine Desert. The landscape here is barren, with sweeping views across the mountain and the crater below. Expect a real feeling of being on top of the world.

Day 8: Summit Day – School Hut to Mweka Camp

An intensely long day, walking 19 km over 11-15 hours, but this is the ultimate goal: reaching Uhuru Peak. The route includes an 1,095-meter ascent from the camp, crossing glaciers and snowfields. The descent to Mweka Camp (3,060m) involves steep, rocky terrain, and some reviewers say this is physically tough but immensely rewarding.

Day 9: Descent to Mweka Gate and Return to Hotel

A short 3-4 hour walk downhill to the Mweka Gate (1,640m) concludes your adventure, followed by transportation back to your hotel where you can relax, enjoy a hot shower, and reflect on your achievement.

What Makes This Route Stand Out

Longer Duration & Better Acclimatization: The extra days in the itinerary give your body more time to adapt, which is why this route boasts the highest success rates on Kilimanjaro. This is particularly true for those who might be nervous about altitude sickness.

Diverse Scenery & Stunning Views: From lush forests to stark alpine deserts, the variety of landscapes is truly breathtaking. The views from the Shira Plateau, Sharks Tooth, and the glaciers near the summit are some of the mountain’s finest.

Less Crowded & More Authentic: As the newest route, it attracts fewer trekkers, allowing for more intimate experiences and more pristine scenery. Many reviews praise the tranquility and the chance to connect more deeply with nature.

Supportive and Professional Guides: The team of guides, porters, and cooks are highly experienced, according to reviews. One guide, Kenneth, was praised for his encouragement and knowledge, making the climb as smooth as possible.

Logistics and Value

The $3,382 price tag covers most essentials—park fees, guides, porters, camping gear, meals, and transportation. This comprehensive package delivers solid value when you consider the inclusion of rescue fees, emergency oxygen, and fair wages for staff.

It’s essential to note that international flights, medical insurance, pre- and post-climb accommodation, and personal expenses are not included. Travelers should budget extra for these aspects. However, the inclusive price simplifies planning and helps avoid unexpected costs during the trek.

Practical Considerations

While the tour provides detailed gear recommendations like warm clothing, hiking shoes, and a sleeping bag, remember that this trek is physically demanding. The altitude, long walking hours, and variable terrain require good fitness and mental preparation.

The itinerary includes acclimatization days, which are crucial for avoiding altitude sickness. Reviews mention that this approach “really helps” as fewer climbers experience issues reaching the summit.

Travelers should also prepare for the strict environmental rules—no smoking, alcohol, or plastic bottles—and respect the mountain’s fragile ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

This Kilimanjaro trek offers an impressive blend of scenic diversity, high success rates, and well-organized logistics. Its longer duration and lower crowds make it ideal for those looking for a more authentic and less rushed adventure. The views from the Shira Plateau to the glaciers near Uhuru Peak will likely be etched into your memory forever.

While the physical challenge is significant, the support from experienced guides and the stunning scenery make this route a rewarding choice for seasoned hikers and first-timers with good fitness. If you’re seeking a trek that balances adventure and scenic beauty with the best chances of success, this might be the option for you.

FAQs

Is this route suitable for beginners?
It’s physically demanding, so while it’s accessible to those in good shape, beginners should ensure they are well-prepared and consult with their doctor about altitude risks.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers all park entry fees, guides, porters, camping equipment, meals, transport to and from the mountain, and emergency services.

Are there acclimatization days?
Yes, the itinerary includes days designed to help your body adapt to the altitude, which improves success rates.

How long is the summit day?
The final ascent to the summit involves walking from School Hut to Uhuru Peak, which can take 4 to 6 hours, and the entire summit day can last around 11-15 hours.

What kind of scenery will I see?
Expect lush forests, open moorlands, volcanic rock formations, and glaciers. The views during the day are breathtaking, especially from the Shira Plateau and the summit.

Do I need a sleeping bag?
Yes, bringing a sleeping bag is recommended as part of the necessary gear for camping at high altitudes.

What support do guides provide?
Guides are highly experienced and knowledgeable, offering encouragement, safety oversight, and local insights to enhance your experience.

Can I extend the trip to include a safari?
Yes, the tour provider can assist with connecting your Kilimanjaro trek to additional safaris or other Tanzanian experiences.

To sum it up, the 9-day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro trek from Jairos Adventure stands out for its scenic variety, high success potential, and genuine wilderness experience. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want to truly test their limits while enjoying some of the most stunning views on the mountain. Whether you’re seeking a challenging adventure or a memorable journey into Africa’s highest peaks, this route offers the kind of experience that leaves a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: