Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climbing – 9 Days
Overview
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its beautiful and diverse scenery, excellent acclimatization opportunities, and a quieter, less crowded path to the top. Starting from the western side of Kilimanjaro, the route circles around the mountain’s remote northern slopes before approaching the summit from the east. The 9-day itinerary is ideal for those seeking a more gradual ascent, enhancing the chances of a successful summit.
Itinerary
Includes
Excludes
Important Information
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
- In the evening, you will meet your guide for a detailed briefing about the climb and equipment check.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi to Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Elevation: 2,250m to 2,820m (7,382ft to 9,252ft)
- Hiking Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- After breakfast, we drive to Londorossi Gate for registration. We then continue to the Lemosho Glades, where the trek begins. You will hike through the lush rainforest, encountering wildlife such as Colobus monkeys. The trail leads to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 2,820m to 3,610m (9,252ft to 11,843ft)
- Hiking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- As we leave the rainforest behind, the trail ascends into the heather and moorland zone. The scenery becomes more expansive, with views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. We arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon and spend the night here.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
- Elevation: 3,610m to 4,200m (11,843ft to 13,780ft)
- Hiking Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- We continue across the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert, towards Moir Hut. The views are stunning as we traverse this vast landscape. Moir Hut is located at the base of a lava flow and is an excellent spot for acclimatization. You can opt for a short acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
- Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m (13,780ft to 13,188ft)
- Hiking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Today’s trek takes us onto the Northern Circuit trail, which circles the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The views are different from other routes, with sweeping vistas of Kenya to the north. The trail gradually descends as we approach Buffalo Camp, where we will spend the night.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
- Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m (13,188ft to 12,697ft)
- Hiking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- We continue along the northern circuit, hiking through the alpine desert with minimal vegetation. The day’s hike is relatively short and offers plenty of time for acclimatization as we approach Third Cave Camp.
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
- Elevation: 3,870m to 4,800m (12,697ft to 15,748ft)
- Hiking Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Today’s climb is steeper as we ascend towards the high-altitude School Hut, which serves as our base camp for the summit attempt. We will have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the midnight summit push.
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,800m to 5,895m (15,748ft to 19,341ft), then down to 3,080m (10,105ft)
- Hiking Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
- Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
- Around midnight, we begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. The trail climbs steeply to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, before continuing to the summit. After reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, we celebrate briefly and then begin the long descent to Mweka Camp. The descent is challenging, but the sense of achievement will carry you through.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Drive to Moshi
- Elevation: 3,080m to 1,630m (10,105ft to 5,348ft)
- Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- The final day of the trek takes you through the rainforest down to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. From here, we drive back to Moshi for a well-earned rest at your hotel.
Day 10: Departure
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight or continue with an optional safari or Zanzibar beach holiday.
Includes
- Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Transfers to and from Londorossi Gate.
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees.
- Professional, experienced mountain guides, porters, and cook.
- Accommodation in tents throughout the trek.
- Full-board meals during the climb (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Drinking water and hot drinks during the trek.
- Emergency oxygen and first-aid kit.
- Salaries for the mountain crew.
Excludes
- International and domestic flights.
- Tanzanian visa fees.
- Tips for the mountain crew (guides, porters, and cook).
- Personal climbing gear (available for rent).
- Travel insurance.
- Additional meals and drinks at the hotel.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and beverages.
Important Information
- Best Time to Climb: The Northern Circuit can be climbed year-round, but the best months are from January to mid-March and June to October when the weather is typically dry.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging. The Northern Circuit is the longest route, allowing plenty of time for acclimatization, making it an excellent option for those seeking to maximize their chances of reaching the summit.
- Success Rate: The Northern Circuit offers one of the highest success rates due to its gradual ascent and additional acclimatization opportunities.