9 Days Savannah to Summit Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro
Expedition on a remarkable 9-day adventure, traversing the Northern Circuit route of Kilimanjaro, an expedition that promises an immersive experience through Tanzania's varied landscapes. This trek, starting from Kilimanjaro Airport and concluding in Moshi/Arusha, takes you through lush forests, expansive savannahs, and rugged terrains, culminating in the ultimate achievement of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Tour highlights
- Arrival Day : : Kilimanjaro Airport Moshi/Arusha
- Day 1 : Moshi Londorossi to Gate Big Tree Camp
- Day 2 : : Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
- Day 3 : : Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Day 4 : Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
- Day 5 : Moir Hu to Buffalo Camp
- Day 6 : : Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
- Day 7 : : Third Cave to School Hut
- Day 8 : School Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit Point) to Mweka Camp
- Day 9 : : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Back to Moshi/Arusha
Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi Londorossi to Gate Big Tree Camp
Distance: 95 km Duration: 3 hours Temperature: 25°C As you leave Moshi, the journey begins with a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate, the starting point of the Northern Circuit route. The trail leads through lush rainforests, offering glimpses of unique flora and fauna. Your first camp, Big Tree Camp, is nestled in the heart of the forest, providing a tranquil setting for the night.
Destination: Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp
Accommodation: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 2: : Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Distance: 10 km Duration: 5 hours Temperature: 20°C Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail ascends to Mti Mkubwa and opens up to the expansive Shira Plateau. Shira 1 Camp, located at an altitude of 3,500 meters, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp
Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 3: : Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Distance: 7 km Duration: 4 hours Temperature: 15°C The trek continues across the Shira Plateau, revealing the vastness of the savannah. Shira 2 Camp, at 3,840 meters, provides a strategic rest point before the journey to higher altitudes.
Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp
Accommodation: Shira 2 Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Distance: 11 km Duration: 7 hours Temperature: A 10 ° C Today’s trek involves a challenging ascent to Lava Tower, offering panoramic views. The trail then descends to Moir Hut, situated in the alpine desert zone, providing a unique overnight experience.
Destination: Shira 2 Camp To Lava Tower To Barranco Camp
Accommodation: Moir Hut Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 5: Moir Hu to Buffalo Camp
Traversing through the moorland, the trail leads to Buffalo Camp. This day offers a transition in landscapes, showcasing the diversity of Kilimanjaro's terrain. Distance: 12 km Duration: 6 hours Temperature: 5°C
Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp
Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 6: : Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Distance: 8 km Duration: 5 hours Temperature: 0°C The journey continues through the high-altitude desert, bringing you to Third Cave. The stark beauty of the surroundings emphasizes the extreme conditions faced during the ascent.
Destination: Buffalo Camp To Pofu Camp
Accommodation: Pofu Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 7: : Third Cave to School Hut
Distance: 6 km Duration: 4 hours Temperature: -5°C approaching the summit, the trek reaches School Hut, the last camp before the final push to Uhuru Peak. The landscape becomes more barren, preparing trekkers for the challenges ahead.
Destination: Third Cave Camp To School Hut Camp
Accommodation: School Hut Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit Point) to Mweka Camp
Distance: 21 km Duration: 12 hours Temperature: -10°C to 5°C The summit day is both physically and mentally demanding. Scaling Uhuru Peak at sunrise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The descent to Mweka Camp provides a well-deserved rest.
Destination: School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Mweka camp
Accommodation: Mweka Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 9: : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Back to Moshi/Arusha
Distance: 10 km Duration: 5 hours Temperature: 10°C The final leg of the journey takes you through the lush Mweka rainforest. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, celebrate your achievement before returning to Moshi or Arusha.
Destination: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking water
Price Includes
- Sleeping bag or bed linen
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- A professional driver/guide
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
Price Excludes
- Bath towels
- Rental vehicle
- Climbing gear
- All flights during the tour
- International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Frequently Asked Questions
• The optimal trekking season is from January to March and June to October.
• Participants must be at least 12 years old.
• Accommodations range from tents to huts, providing a mix of camping and rustic shelter experiences.
• Adequate acclimatization breaks are built into the itinerary to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
• The Northern Circuit route is considered a moderately challenging trek, suitable for individuals with a good fitness level.
• While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the route offers opportunities to spot various bird species and unique flora.
• Yes, the itinerary can be customized based on group preferences and fitness levels.
• Experienced guides and support staff, along with comprehensive safety equipment, ensure a secure trekking experience.
• A detailed packing list is provided upon booking, including essentials like layered clothing, a sleeping bag, and sturdy hiking boots.
• A strict Leave No Trace policy is enforced, and all waste is carried out to minimize environmental impact.
• Group sizes are typically limited to ensure a more personalized experience, with a maximum of 12 participants.
Reviews for 9 Days Savannah to Summit Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro
By John Smith 
Visited: February 2016
The Northern Circuit route was an extraordinary journey, showcasing the beauty of Tanzania's landscapes. The team's commitment to responsible trekking and environmental conservation was evident throughout. A challenging but rewarding adventure
By Sophie Williams 
Visited: June 2017
From the lush rainforests to the barren landscapes near the summit, every day was a new revelation. The guides were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about preserving the environment. An unforgettable experience
By Raj Patel 
Visited: August 2019
Kilimanjaro's Northern Circuit is a true test of endurance. The itinerary was well-paced, allowing for acclimatization. The support staff's dedication to maintaining the pristine surroundings made this trek special
By Elena Rodriguez 
Visited: June 2015
I was captivated by the diverse landscapes, from the Shira Plateau to the challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak. The responsible trekking practices and the knowledgeable guides made this journey not only adventurous but also educational
