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09 Days Northern Circuit route

The Northern Circuit route

The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes.

As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit also has the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate. Thus, the Northern Circuit route is highly recommended. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east. Descend is made via the Mweka route.

  • Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Departure Location: Londorosi Gate, Kilimanjaro
  • Return Location: Mweka Gate, Kilimanjaro

Day 1

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through an undisturbed forest that winds to the first campsite.

  • Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
  • Distance: 6 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

  • Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
  • Distance: 8 km/5 miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

Day 3

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

  • Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
  • Distance: 7 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

Day 4

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

  • Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
  • Distance: 7 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Moir Hut

  • Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
  • Distance: 7 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

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.

  • Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
  • Distance: 12 km/7 miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse.  This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

  • Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
  • Distance: 8 km/5 miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

Day 7

 Third Cave to School Hut

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

  • Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
  • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 8

School Hut to Uhuru Peak

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

  • Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
  • Distance: 6 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

  • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065
  • Distance: 12 km/7 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Artic

Day 9

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

  • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • Distance: 10 km/6 miles
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
 
 
  • INCLUDED
  • Guides and Porters: Experienced guides to lead the climb and ensure safety. Porters to carry equipment, supplies, and a portion of your personal gear.
  • Park Fees and Permits: Fees for entering Kilimanjaro National Park and necessary permits
  • Meals and Accommodation: All meals during the climb, typically including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags) or accommodation in mountain huts.
  • Safety Equipment: Necessary safety equipment, such as first aid kits and, in some cases, oxygen.
  • Transfers: Transportation to and from the airport or specified meeting point.
  • Briefings and Orientation: Pre-climb briefings and orientations to provide essential information about the climb.
  • Summit Certificates: Certificates confirming your successful summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • EXCLUDED
  • Flights: International and domestic flights to and from Tanzania.
  • Personal Gear: Your personal climbing gear, including clothing, boots, and other specific items.
  • Insurance: Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and evacuation.
  • Tips: Tips for guides, porters, and other staff. Tipping is a customary practice on Kilimanjaro.
  • Additional Accommodations: Accommodations before and after the climb, especially if you arrive early or stay longer.
  • Altitude Medications: Any necessary medications for altitude sickness. Consult with a healthcare professional.
  • Personal Expenses: Expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and additional items not specified in the package.
  • Optional Excursions: Side trips or optional excursions not included in the main climbing itinerary.
  • Visa Fees: Visa fees for entry into Tanzania, if applicable.

From $ 2,850

09 Days Northern Circuit route

Price guide;

On request

Perfect for;

Solo, Couple, Family, Group of travelers.