Mt Kilimanjaro 360° Northern Circuit Trek with Crater Camp — 9–10 Day Route Guide
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
9–10 days
Fitness Level
Needs solid aerobic fitness (weeks of training recommended), ability to hike 5–8 hours on consecutive days, and tolerance for high altitude.
Overview
A full-circle Northern Circuit around Kibo, this 9–10 day Kilimanjaro trek balances thoughtful acclimatization with rare experiences — including a night inside the crater beneath the glaciers. Expect varied terrain, long ridge views, and a demanding summit push to Uhuru Peak.
Mt Kilimanjaro 360° Northern Circuit Trek with Crater Camp — 9–10 Day Route Guide
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Dawn hits the slopes outside Moshi like a slow exhale. You rise in a village guesthouse to tea, then a short drive through banana groves and market stalls carries you to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. On the trail the rainforest gives way to moorland, then to a high, wind-swept plateau; every day rearranges the view. The Northern Circuit is a full-circle route around Kibo, offering long sightlines across Tanzania and Kenya and, on the ninth night, a rare campsite inside Kilimanjaro’s crater beneath the glaciers.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Pace to acclimatize
Stick to a slow, steady rhythm and trust the itinerary’s built-in acclimatization days to lower altitude-sickness risk.
Layer for extremes
Temperatures swing from warm rainforest days to sub-zero nights — pack breathable base layers plus an insulated shell.
Protect your feet
Use waterproof boots and gaiters for muddy lower trails; bring fresh socks for summit day to prevent blisters and frost-related discomfort.
Reserve crater camping early
Crater permits and campsite spots are limited — book early if the rare crater-camp night is a priority.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black-and-white colobus monkey
- Rock hyrax
History
The Chagga people have lived on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes for generations; modern trekking routes were formalized in the 20th century and managed today by KINAPA.
Conservation
Glaciers on Kibo have retreated dramatically; park fees and permit systems fund conservation and porter welfare programs — travel with Leave No Trace principles.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moshi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated sleeping bag (-10°C rating)
Keeps you warm during the freezing crater-night and high camps.
Waterproof, high-ankle trekking boots
Supports ankles on uneven trails and keeps feet dry in rainforest sections.
Trekking poles
Reduce strain on knees during descents and help maintain a steady pace on scree.
Warm down jacket or synthetic insulated jacket
Lightweight warmth for summit push and crater camp when winds drop temperatures below freezing.