Overview
The 9-day Northern Circuit follows the same route as the 8-day version, with one added acclimatization stage: rather than moving directly from Shira 1 to Moir Hut, this itinerary adds a night at Shira 2 Camp followed by a stop at Lava Tower (4,600m) for extra high-altitude exposure before descending to Moir Hut to begin the northern traverse. Everything from Moir Hut onward — Buffalo Camp, Third Cave, Kibo Hut, and the north-to-south summit crossing via Gilman's Point, Uhuru Peak and Stella Point — is identical to the 8-day itinerary. "The Northern Circuit is the route I recommend to any climber who wants something genuinely different," says Priscus Peter Mtui, our lead guide and owner. "The extra day at Shira 2 and Lava Tower gives your body more meaningful time at altitude before the traverse even begins — on top of an already excellent acclimatization profile." Pricing for the 9-day is currently confirmed as a starting estimate — the extra trekking day is priced in line with our other routes' per-day rates, but please contact us directly for a final quote, as the business is finalising exact 9-day figures. Tipping isn't mandatory but is customary and appreciated: roughly $6–10 per porter per day, $15–20 per day for the cook and assistant guides, and $20–25 per day for the lead guide.
Kilimanjaro highlights
Detailed itinerary
Airport pickup and transfer to your Moshi hotel, followed by an evening pre-climb briefing and first health check.
Registration at Londorossi Gate, then a walk through rainforest to Big Tree Camp.
A steep climb into moorland, with the first dramatic view of Kibo from Shira Ridge.
A shorter, more relaxed day crossing the Shira Plateau, with time to rest and an optional visit to Shira Cave.
A climb to Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch and extra high-altitude exposure, then descent to Moir Hut — the highest camp on Kilimanjaro outside the summit zone. This extra stage is the main difference from the 8-day itinerary.
Heading north away from the Southern Circuit, crossing ridges up to ~4,400m before descending to Buffalo Camp, an exposed viewpoint toward Kenya.
A shorter day with sweeping sunrise views of Mawenzi Peak, descending gradually to Third Cave Camp.
Climbing onto the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi to Kibo Hut, the final camp before the summit.
Midnight start up the northern approach to Gilman's Point around sunrise, on to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then descend via Stella Point and Barafu all the way to Mweka Camp for the tipping ceremony.
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate for your summit certificate, then back to Moshi to celebrate.
Kilimanjaro gallery
What's included
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, conservation fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotel accommodation in Moshi (bed and breakfast) — one night before and one night after the climb
- Camping equipment including tents, chairs and tables
- Professional guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain
- Transport to the climbing gate and back to the hotel
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- Pulse oximeter health checks — twice daily from Day 0
- Company taxes and annual fees
What's not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa fees
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- Food and drinks at the hotel except breakfast
- Travel insurance (mandatory, must cover emergency evacuation)
- Tips for guides, cook, and porters
- Medical vaccinations and medication including Diamox
Why book with Perfect Kilimanjaro
Three Generations of Kilimanjaro Guides
Local guides have been at the heart of Kilimanjaro since Hans Meyer's first ascent in 1889, and our family has guided here since the 1970s. Priscus, our owner and guide, first climbed at 14, worked as a porter for seven years, and has now summited more than 350 times.
Safety First, Every Day
Every guide is Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified. We check your health every morning and evening with the Lake Louise Score and oxygen saturation readings. We carry emergency oxygen on every climb, and helicopter rescue is available with your travel insurance.
100% Locally Owned
There is no income outflow. Everything is run in Tanzania, with Tanzanian guides, so your money supports local jobs, families, and communities.
Pioneers of Biking Adventures in Tanzania
We were the first to introduce Kilimanjaro biking expeditions in the early 2000s, from scenic rides around the mountain to cycling all the way to the summit.
Tell us your dates and group size
We'll confirm availability, send an exact per-person quote and a day-by-day plan within one business day. No deposit needed to get a quote.
