9-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking - Lemosho Route
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Tour Overview
The 9-Day Northern Circuit Trek – Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure is one of the most scenic, peaceful, and rewarding routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). This exceptional trekking route offers climbers a unique opportunity to experience Kilimanjaro from the remote and quieter northern slopes while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views, diverse landscapes, and one of the highest summit success rates on the mountain.
This professionally designed itinerary includes comfortable pre-climb and post-climb overnight stays at Kibo View Farm Lodge in Moshi, providing the perfect place to relax, prepare, and recover before and after your Kilimanjaro expedition. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and stunning views of the mountain, Kibo View Farm Lodge offers an ideal start and finish to your trekking adventure.
The Northern Circuit Route begins on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, following the same starting point as the famous Lemosho Route through the lush rainforest of Londorossi Gate. However, instead of joining the busier southern trails, this route turns north and circles around the quieter northern slopes of the mountain, offering trekkers unmatched solitude, spectacular wilderness, and uninterrupted views across the Kenyan plains.
One of the biggest advantages of the Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Trek is the extended 9-day climbing itinerary, which allows for excellent acclimatization and greatly improves summit success rates. The longer route gives climbers more time to adjust to the altitude, making it one of the safest and most recommended Kilimanjaro routes for both first-time climbers and experienced trekkers.
Throughout the trek, hikers pass through a variety of ecological zones, including dense montane rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone near Uhuru Peak. Trekkers enjoy incredible views of Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, the remote northern slopes, and the vast open plains of northern Tanzania and southern Kenya.
The final summit push leads climbers to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where the sunrise above the glaciers creates one of the most unforgettable moments of the entire journey.
If you are looking for a quieter, more scenic, less crowded, and highly successful Kilimanjaro climbing experience, the 9-Day Northern Circuit Route is the perfect choice for your ultimate Mount Kilimanjaro trekking adventure. It combines beautiful scenery, excellent acclimatization, professional support, and the comfort of overnight stays at Kibo View Farm Lodge for a truly world-class trekking experience.
9-Day Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | Number of People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,350 | $3,400 | $3,100 | $2,860 | $3,000 | Price Per Person |
| Here are some important things to know and prepare before your climb. These tips will help you stay safe, respectful, and ready climb Mount Kilimanjaro with a full confidence. | |
| Recommended Gear to Rent | Sleeping bag (rated for -10°C), trekking poles, waterproof duffel, gaiters, headlamp |
|---|---|
| Health & Altitude Tips | Acclimatize slowly, drink 3–4L water daily, carry Diamox if needed, avoid alcohol |
| Visa & Entry Info | Tourist visa required for most nationalities; available online or on arrival at airport |
| Local Etiquette | Greet with "Jambo," dress modestly in towns, tipping guides/porters is customary |
| Photo Tips | Capture sunrise at Stella Point, wide shots at Shira Plateau, and summit flags at Uhuru Peak |
| If you're interested in gear add-ons, please let us know in advance so we can prepare everything before your climb. | |
| Add-on | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Private Toilet | $150 |
| Private Tent | $7/day |
| Kailas X3 III Alpine Tent with Vestibule | $12/day |
| Thicker Sleeping Mattress (4-inch foam) | $10 |
| Thermosets | $17 |
| We offer airport pickup and drop-off services from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. Please confirm your flight details in advance so we can coordinate your arrival and departure smoothly. | |
| Airport Pickup | Included in this package |
|---|---|
| Transfers to/from Hotel | Included in this packages |
| Private Vehicle Upgrades | Available for an extra charge |
| Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by the crew. Below are suggested amounts based on group size and duration. | |
| Lead Guide | $20–25 per day |
| Assistant Guide | $15–20 per day |
| Cook | $10–15 per day |
| Porter | $8–10 per day |
| Tips are usually collected and distributed at the end of the trek. You can give them in cash (USD or Tanzanian Shillings) or through a group representative. | |
Inclusions/Excluded
What's Included
- All transfers are as per the itinerary and government expenses.
- All accommodation during your climb(Unless listed as upgrade)
- All Kilimanjaro Park fees.
- Trained guides in altitude physiology and wilderness first responder (WFR).
- Top-quality food for the duration of the climb, considering maximum nutritional needs. Three meals a day.
- Safety equipment, including an oxygen tank and portable altitude chamber (PAC) for the entire climb.
- Camping equipment, including top-quality mountain tents and standard bathroom facilities.
- Safety communication, such as satellite phones and cell phones.
- Flying Doctors Evacuation within the area.
- Mattresses, and tents.
What's Excluded
- International flights (From/to your home country)
- Tips for your guide, cook and crew.
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Extra accommodation before and after tour
- Beverages, laundry, personal gear or clothing rental, etc.
- Extra activities not mentioned on the itinerary
- Any charges resulting from an early descent, such as additional hotels, transfers, etc. (This applies if a guest descends before finishing the climb.)
9-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking, Northern Circuit Route
Group size: 1–15 Trekkers
Private or group departures available
| 98.5% Kilimanjaro Summit Success Rate |
| 10+ Years of Kilimanjaro Guiding Experience |
| KNAP Member — Kilimanjaro National Park Association |
| Fully Registered by MNRT |
| Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor — Tanzania's Top-Rated Operator |
| Expert Acclimatization Planning on Every Route |
| 100% Organic Farm Meals on the Mountain |
| Professional Guides, Cooks & Porters |
| Route Name | Northern Circuit Route |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 Days / 8 Nights |
| Hiking Time | 6–8 hours per day (longer on summit day) |
| Distance | About 98 km (61 miles) |
| Elevation Range | 1,800 m – 5,895 m |
| Climate Zones | Rainforest → Moorland → Alpine Desert → Arctic |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Success Rate | Very High, about 95%+ |
| Minimum Age | 10 years |
| Accommodation Type | Tented camps |
| Summit Start Time | Midnight from School Hut or Crater Camp |
| Route Type | Traverse (ascent via Londorossi Gate, descent via Mweka) |
| Best Season | Jan–Mar & Jun–Oct |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tented camps |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch & dinner included for 9 days |
| Guide & Crew | Professional guides, cooks & porters |
| Start Point | Londorossi Gate (2,100 m) |
| End Point | Mweka Gate (1,640 m) |
| Airport Pickup | Available 24/7hrs |
| Includes | Park fees, 8 nights tented camp accommodation, all meals for 9 days, guides & porters |
| Excludes | Flights, visas, tips, personal gear |