9 Day Lemosho Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Itinerary | Premium Trek (From $2,800 pp)
Acclimatization focused Arusha start Tourist visa included Porters, guide, cook
Overview Pricing Day by day Kilimanjaro questions Add a safari Photos Inclusions Request a quote

Overview

9 day itinerary

This 9 day Lemosho Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro itinerary is built for travelers who want the best balance of scenery, space, and acclimatization. You start on the lush rainforest trails near Londorossi Gate, climb onto the Shira Plateau for big views, and continue on a quieter northern traverse before the final summit push to Uhuru Peak.

The Northern Circuit style flow is popular for guests searching for longer days on the mountain, more time to adapt to altitude, and a route that feels less crowded. If you are comparing routes and asking “how many days to climb Kilimanjaro” or “which route has the best success rate,” this type of 9 day plan is usually the answer for a calm, realistic pace.

Want a shorter option? You can also compare our 8 Day Lemosho Route itinerary and choose the plan that best matches your time and budget.

Pricing

Per person

Pricing depends mainly on group size. Below is a clear starting point for this 9 day Lemosho Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro climb.

2 people: $3,800 pp 4 people: $3,400 pp 6+ people: $2,800 pp

Final quote depends on your travel dates and any upgrades you choose. Request a quote below and we will reply with a clear breakdown.

Why this route works well

Longer acclimatization

If you are searching for the best Kilimanjaro route for acclimatization, the Lemosho start and northern traverse is a strong choice. It gives you more time on the mountain, a natural altitude build, and a smoother rhythm before summit night.

This itinerary is also ideal if you want a premium private climb with a steady pace, clear camp progression, and extra time for breaks, photos, and comfort.

Day by day itinerary

Showing 1 to 9 of 9 days
Arusha arrival and pre-trek briefing in Tanzania
Arrival Arusha Visa included Hotel

Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, airport meet and greet, overnight Ilboru Safari Lodge

★★★★★5/5(smooth arrival support)
Tourist visa fee included
Kilimanjaro AirportArusha transfer
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport a Hazina Afrika visa specialist will greet you in the Arrivals area and assist you with obtaining your tourist visa (tourist visa fee is included), help collect your luggage and accompany you through customs and escort you to a Hazina transfer representative who will be waiting outside the secured area to warmly welcome you to Tanzania. The road transfer to your hotel in Arusha will be approximately one hour. Dinner and overnight at the lovely Ilboru Safari Lodge (www.ilborusafarilodge.com).
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Hiking through Kilimanjaro rainforest on the Lemosho Route
Lemosho start Rainforest Camping Porters team

Day 2: Ilboru to Londorossi Gate, trek to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)

★★★★★5/5(trek begins)
Start: Londorossi Gate | End: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Cloud forestFirst trek day
Pick up from Ilboru Safari Lodge at 8am and head to Londrossi Gate with the porters, guide and cook who will spend the next eight days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The drive through coffee farms and villages to Londrossi Gate takes about 2 hours. Once you arrive, you will wait at the gate while we register your climb as the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day's destination is Mti Mkubwa or Big Tree Camp. Each day, porters and cook will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival. On this first day, you will hike through the moss covered trees of Kilimanjaro's beautiful cloud forest.
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Trekker climbing out of rainforest toward the Shira Plateau
Shira Plateau Moorland Views Acclimatization

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa to Shira Plateau, continue to Shira Camp

★★★★★5/5(big scenery day)
Start: Mti Mkubwa | End: Shira Camp
Altitude gainWide vistas
Today you will hike from Mti Mkubwa Camp up to Shira Plateau and then onto Shira Camp for your second night. The first leg of the hike will be relatively steep as you quickly gain altitude and climb out of the montane forest and onto the moorlands dominated by scrub and heather. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail taking in the scenery. As you hike along Shira Plateau enjoy the endless vistas until you reach Shira Camp. As the sun sets, the temperature will drop quickly, so dress warmly this evening.
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Hiking on Kilimanjaro near Shira Cathedral and Shira 2 Camp
Shira Cathedral Shira 2 Northern approach Camping

Day 4: Shira Plateau traverse, optional Shira Cathedral, overnight Shira 2 Camp

★★★★★5/5(views day)
Start: Shira Camp | End: Shira 2 Camp
Cathedral viewpointSteady pace
Today is a long trek across the plateau to the foot of Shira Cathedral standing at 3,862 m. It’s a steep but short hike to the summit and the views on a clear day are breathtaking. From Shira Cathedral head northeast across the East Shira Hills. Once you hit the helipad and road head used for emergency rescues, it’s only another 45 minutes to Shira 2 Camp. Over night at Shira 2 camp
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Camping on Kilimanjaro with high altitude landscape and tents
Climb high Sleep low Lava Tower Moir Hut

Day 5: Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower (key acclimatization day)

★★★★★5/5(acclimatization focus)
Start: Shira 2 | High point: Lava Tower | End: Moir Hut
Alpine desertGiant Groundsel
A great acclimatization day which follows the climber’s adage “climb high, sleep low”. From Shira Camp you’ll ascend onto rocky terrain of the alpine desert and if you are feeling strong attempt hiking up to the striking Lava Tower before quickly and heading to Moir Hut Valley where you will encounter the bizarre-looking Giant Groundsel. Lunch again will be on the trail. This will be a long day and may find yourself suffering mild symptoms of altitude sickness as you reach an elevation of 4,600 metres at Lava Tower but it is a great acclimatization day and will help you on your summit day. Stay overnight at Moir Hut
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Northern side views of Kilimanjaro and open plains toward the Kenya border
Northern Circuit Lent Hills Buffalo Camp Quiet trail

Day 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp via Lent Hills

★★★★★5/5(northern traverse begins)
Start: Moir Hut | End: Buffalo Camp
Open viewsLess crowded
From Moir Hut , We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Overnight Buffalo camp
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Trek across the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi toward School Hut
Saddle School Hut Summit prep Early rest

Day 7: Buffalo Camp to School Hut (half day hike, summit briefing)

★★★★★5/5(rest and prepare)
Start: Buffalo Camp | End: School Hut
Kibo and MawenziEarly dinner
Today is another half day hike ascending over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. Enjoy an early dinner and rest up for the midnight ascent tonight. Stay overnight at school Hut.
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Climber ascending toward Uhuru Peak on summit night
Summit day Uhuru Peak Stella Point Millennium Camp

Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak, descend to Millennium Camp

★★★★★5/5(longest day)
High point: Uhuru Peak | End: Millennium Camp
Dawn summitLong descent
Most people depart School Hut just before midnight for the final summit bid. Dress warmly as the extreme cold and wind can quickly drain your strength. Mental and physical strength along with patience and persistence will see you to the summit by dawn. Once you arrive at Stella Point it is just a little further to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. After your gruelling climb to the summit, it is not over yet - it is now time to turn around and head back on the trail for a downhill trek to Millennium Camp
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Kilimanjaro summit area and final descent day back to the gate
Mweka Gate Certificates Arusha Recovery

Day 9: Descend to Mweka Gate, transfer back to Arusha, overnight Ilboru Safari Lodge

★★★★★5/5(finish and celebrate)
Finish: Mweka Gate | Overnight: Ilboru Safari Lodge
Rainforest descentCrew farewell
After breakfast you descend down the remainder of the mountain passing through rainforest and, around midday you arrive at Mweka Gate and after checking out, you will present your tips to your guide and crew and say farewell. You will be picked up for a transfer back to your Arusha hotel for a well deserved shower and rest. Dinner and overnight at Ilboru Safari Lodge.
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Kilimanjaro questions

Helpful answers

These are some of the most common Kilimanjaro questions people search before booking a 9 day Lemosho Northern Circuit climb. If you want answers tailored to your dates, group size, and fitness level, send us an enquiry and we will guide you clearly.

Is the Northern Circuit on Kilimanjaro worth it?

Yes, if you want more time on the mountain and a calmer route flow. The northern traverse often feels quieter, with big views and extra acclimatization time before summit night.

How many days do I need to climb Kilimanjaro?

Most travelers choose 7 to 9 days on the mountain. A 9 day plan is popular for guests prioritizing acclimatization and a less rushed pace.

Is the Lemosho Route good for beginners?

It can be a strong option for first-time climbers because it starts gradually and builds altitude in a practical way. A longer itinerary also gives you more time to settle into the rhythm.

What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Many guests prefer the drier months when trails are generally clearer and views can be excellent. Tell us your preferred month and we will recommend the best plan and preparation for that season.

Where do I start the climb, Moshi or Arusha?

Both are possible depending on logistics. This itinerary is designed with an Arusha start and a smooth transfer to Londorossi Gate.

Do I need a Tanzania visa for Kilimanjaro?

Most travelers need a tourist visa. In this itinerary, visa assistance is included on arrival, and the tourist visa fee is included as listed on Day 1.

What makes summit night feel easier?

A steady pace, good layering for cold, proper hydration and nutrition, and a calm guide who manages timing and breaks. The longer itinerary helps because your body has more time to adapt.

Can you customize this itinerary?

Yes. You can adjust arrival dates, hotel choice, private climb details, and add a safari or Zanzibar extension after the mountain.

If you want a shorter comparison, see our 8 Day Lemosho Route itinerary and let us know which pace feels right for you.

Add a Tanzania safari after your climb

Clickable safari ideas

Many guests love celebrating the summit with a safari. Below are strong, popular options, plus our main safari tours page where you can browse more ideas.

Explore all safari tours and itineraries (2 to 13 days)
View all Tanzania safari tours
Herd of African elephants walking towards the camera in Tarangire

Short safari idea: 2 Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro

Quick highlight

Perfect if you have limited time after the climb. Great for elephants in Tarangire and classic crater wildlife in Ngorongoro.

See itinerary Ask for this
A pride of lions resting in the Serengeti

Short safari idea: 3 Day Serengeti Fly-in

Big cats

Fly straight into the Serengeti for maximum game drive time. Ideal for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wide-open plains.

See itinerary Ask for this
Tanzania wildlife scene for a classic safari extension

Classic safari: 5 Day Northern Circuit Highlights

Best balance

A well-paced mix of Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Great for first timers who want strong variety.

See itinerary Ask for this
Family enjoying a longer Tanzania safari extension

Longer safari: 8 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro (More time in Serengeti)

Deeper time

Extra nights in the Serengeti to slow down and follow wildlife movements. Ideal for photography and big cat time.

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If you want to add Zanzibar after safari, or you want a specific number of safari days, tell us and we will tailor it around your flights.

What is included

Premium support

Inclusions are confirmed on your final quote, but a typical premium package includes professional mountain guides, porters and cook, all mountain meals, quality camping equipment, park fees and rescue fees, transfers to and from the mountain, pre and post trek hotel arrangements, and airport arrival support.

Day 1 includes airport arrival assistance and tourist visa support, with the tourist visa fee included as listed in the itinerary.

Request your Kilimanjaro quote

From $2,800 pp

Share your dates and group size below and we will reply with availability, a clear price breakdown, and the best recommended flow for your month.

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Hazina Afrika, Tanzania. Kilimanjaro climbs and private travel planning with clear, practical support.