KILIMANJARO

Northern Circuit - 9 Days

This special route combination is, by a wide margin, the least-used route on Kilimanjaro, and because of that fact we can get you far away from other hikers. The trailhead is at high elevation so therefore we start off slow and easy on this route. The trail begins on the Shira Plateau, which is said to be one of the most stunningly beautiful hikes in Africa.

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel in Moshi for your overnight and having briefing with your guide one day or few hours before hiking. do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear.and you will be renting the missing one.

Meals: No Dinner Included

DAY 2: LONDOROSSI GATE (2,100 meters) – START POINT 2,360 meters TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2,820 meters)

  • Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
  • Trekking time: 3-4 hours
  • Zone: Rainforest
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

DAY 3: MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2,820 meters) TO SHIRA CAMP 1 (3,610 meters)

  • Distance:~8km / 5 miles
  • Trekking time: 5-6 hours
  • Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day three you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).

DAY 4: SHIRA CAMP 1 (3,610 METERS) TO SHIRA CAMP 2 (3,850 meters)

  • Distance: ~7km / 4 miles
  • Trekking time: 3-4 hours
  • Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day four the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. Nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: Trekkers on an eight day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

DAY 5: SHIRA CAMP 2 (3,850 METERS) TO MOIR CAMP (4,200 meters)

  • Distance: ~14km / 8 miles
  • Trekking time: 5-7 hours
  • Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day five is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.

DAY 6: MOIR CAMP (4,200 METERS) TO BUFFALO CAMP (4,020 meters)

  • Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
  • Trekking time: 5-7 hours
  • Zone: High alpine zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day six involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.

DAY 7: BUFFALO CAMP (4,020 METERS) TO RONGAI THIRD CAVE (3,800 meters)

  • Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
  • Trekking time: 5-7 hours
  • Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day seven starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

DAY 8: 3RD CAVE (3,800 METERS) TO SCHOOL HUT (4,800 meters)

  • Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
  • Trekking time: 4-5 hours
  • Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day eight involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.

DAY 9: SCHOOL HUT (4,800 METERS) TO UHURU PEAK (5,895 METERS) AND THEN ONTO MILLENNIUM CAMP (3,950 METERS)

  • Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
  • Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
  • Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route

Day 10: Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters) Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles

  • Trekking time: 3-4 hours
  • Zone: Rainforest zone
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included

The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.

Day 11: Depart Tanzania

This is the day that will be having a preparation for flying back or visiting around moshi town buying some present to take home or continuing with the other program like going to Zanzibar or safari or other tours.

  • Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
  • Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
  • Distance: 8 km/5 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel in Moshi We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

INCLUDED

  • 2 nights of accommodations at the hotel
  • Transport to and from the gate
  • Park entry fees
  • Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi
  • Crater fees
  • Camping fees
  • Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • 4 season mountain tents (EUREKA, MOUNTAIN HARD WEAR)
  • Double layered Sleeping Mats
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
  • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
  • Treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as is recommended by the Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO) and the Tanzanian Government
  • Government taxes
  • Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
  • Emergency first-aid kit