Kilimanjaro 8 Days Northern Circuit Route
Kilimanjaro 8 Days Northern Circuit Route
Price
Overview
About the 8-day Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the west at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira Plateau, the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley. The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the eastern side of the mountain. The Northern Circuit is longer than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, taking a minimum of eight or nine days to complete. The eight-day trek skips the additional acclimatization day that is usually spent at Shira Camp 2 and continues straight on to Moir Camp.
Group Price
- The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.
- All prices are based on shared accommodation. Please inquire for a 1 guest private room accommodation quote
- Prices listed are not final. Please inquire for your final price quote.
| 1 Person | 2 pax | 3-4 pax | 5-6 pax | 7-10 pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US $5,500 | US $4,700 | US $4,400 | US $4,100 | US $3,800 |
Included/Excluded
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your Accommodations in Moshi.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
- Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
- Park entry fees
- Camping fees
- Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
- Oxygen cylinder
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- All camping equipment
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
- 3 hot meals a day while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO) Government taxes
- Ox meter
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb.
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Laundry (Available at the hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
Day 1: Arrival Day
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a Nature Horizons team member will be waiting to greet you. We will transfer you to your hotel accommodation for your first night, where you will meet your safari guide that you will be with for the remainder of your tour. Once you are settled in your hotel, you will receive a briefing on our tour. You can now relax at your hotel. Your trek to the roof of Africa starts tomorrow! As always, if you need anything or would like to head out into town, your guide will be there to assist you 24/7. Welcome to Africa!
Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – start point 2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the west, the same starting point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and is 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. 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 elephants 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.
- Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)
Today you will spend the first-hour trekking through the last section of the 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).
- Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
- Trekking time: 5-6 hours
- Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)
Today, the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 where we will stop for lunch. Here, nine-day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2, where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. But for 8 days, trekkers will continue with trek heading east, which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone, then you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200m.
- Distance: ~~14km / 8 miles
- Trekking time: 6-8 hours
- Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone/ High Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Day 5: Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)
Today involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a slight detour to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. 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 incredible 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.
- Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: High Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)
Today starts with climbing up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp, where lunch is 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 acclimated to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
- Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: High Alpine Zone and Low Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: 3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)
Today involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle, which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Hikers will then continue walking southwest 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.
- Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
- Trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Zone: High Alpine Zone and Glacial Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Day 8: School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then onto Millennium Camp (3,950 meters)
You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under cover of darkness. Your first checkpoint 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 two 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 essential 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.
- 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
Day 9: Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters) Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
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.
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest Zone
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 10: Departure Day
Today is the day that you say goodbye to your team. Congratulations, you just hiked the highest freestanding mountain on planet Earth and the tallest mountain in Mama Africa. Nature Horizons could not be happier that we lead you to the top. You will remember these memories for the rest of your life. Upon waking up today, your guide will be with you until you need to leave for Kilimanjaro International Airport.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in Moshi (Before Hike)
Accommodation during hike
Camping/Tents
How Much Time Do I Need To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Do You Require Technical Skills For Climbing Kilimanjaro?
What Is The Weather Like While Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?
What Is The Best Time Of The Year To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
What Is Provided And What Do I Have To Bring To Kilimanjaro?
- 1 mountaineering sleeping bag
- 1 LED flashlight with spare batteries
- 1 Pair of comfortable trekking boots
- 1 towel
- 2 fleece jackets
- 1 down jacket or long-sleeved wind-breaker
- 1 set of thermal underwear
- 2 pairs of trekking trousers
- 1 waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of waterproof trousers
- 1 sun hat
- 1 pair of sunglasses
What Is The Food Like On Kilimanjaro?
What Are The Health Issues On Mount Kilimanjaro?
What Kind Of Help Is Available In Case Of Emergency On Kilimanjaro?
Drinking Water – Is It Safe And Is There Enough For All The Climbers?
Is High Altitude Medication Required To Climb Kilimanjaro?
Do I Need To Get Any Vaccinations Before I Leave For Kilimanjaro?
Trekking Packing List
Head and Hands:
- Cap or hat to wear while walking in bright sun
- Wool or fleece cap or hat to keep your head warm
- Neck warmer to protect your throat from catching cold
- Uv protection sunglasses
- Warm wind and waterproof gloves
Upper body:
- Dri fit trekking shirts
- Thermals
- Warm trekking shirts
- Hiking hoodie
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
Lower body:
- Trekking pants
- Trekking shorts
- Thermals and inners
- Waterproof pants
- Trekking socks
- Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Slippers or sandals
- Gaiters
- Microspikes
Other items:
- Strong rucksack or large holdall to be carried by porters.
- Day rucksack to be carried personally.
- Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store/separate trekking gear inside your main bag.
- One or two-liter water bottle.
- Personal first aid kit to include essential items.
- Sleeping bag, 4 seasons.
- Torch, ideally head torch.
- Digital Camera and a spare battery and battery charger
- Toilet paper, quick dry towel,
- Toothbrush
- Large handkerchief/bandana for neck
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Our TripAdvisor Reviews
Kika C2024-12-16Amazing experience and customer service!!! I highly recommend Dominick with Nature Horizons Tours!! I am a travel advisor who had a bit of a last-minute booking with a family to Peru. I reached out to Dominick immediately, since I knew he’d be fabulous!! He went above and beyond with communication, response, time, organization, and more! He got the very happy clients booked within a few days and I am super grateful for his services!!! he was so kind to start a WhatsApp group chat with me and my clients to answer any and all questions we had! Thank you!!!!Evan L2024-10-29Amazing time at Machu Picchu We had a great time in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco! Great views and excellent guide and transportation. Everything was great!Karen H2024-10-29Excellent experience I have worked with Nature Horizons as a travel advisor and it was an excellent experience. I 100% trust this team to deliver an exceptional trip for my clients. They are quick to respond to questions and the communication while my clients were traveling was outstanding. They had excellent knowledge of the area and were able to provide more local tips and suggestions that I would have been able to provide alone.Highly recommend.Rosie H2024-08-18Epic African Safari to Tanzania My husband and I planned a trip with 2 other couples to go on an African Safari in Tanzania for the Great Migration experience as well as the Serengeti which was epic all by itself. We visited and stayed across Moshi (Mt. Kilimanjaro area), the North & Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Maynara, nKomazi Black Rhino Sanctuary, Tarangire and probably a few other places I can't recall. We stayed at tented temporary camps to luxury camps. We stayed at Weru Weru lodge, Serengeti Heritage lodge, Central Serengeti Luxury camp, Rhino Lodge, Lake Maynara Safari Lodge and finally at Kilimanjaro Luxury camp. These venues each had their own beauty with furnishings, mosquito nets, traditional African tribal entertainment, good food and amazing staff who catered to our every need and comfort. Even in the bush, we still had access to electricity, hot water, bottled water, showers, toilets and yes of course, the internet but you have to be realistic since the bush is the bush with hyenas, big cats and elephants moving around the property. I really loved the Masai warriors who made us feel safe as they escorted back and forth between tents and the main camp. We were so blessed to experience the BIG 5 largely due to the expertise of our guides Praygod and Victor. They were the best and boy did they make the trip. I was grateful for their knowledge of the terrain, their respect for the wildlife, education and tolerating our 1000s of questions. We had 3 couples plus the owner operator Dominick and we rotated across 2 Land Cruisers. I wouldn't have it any other way, I never felt cramped and being able to pop my head up in the open roof was great for photos and viewing the animals with my binoculars. This was a once in a life time trip that I highly recommend to anyone that has grown up watching animal planet and national geographic as a kids. When you see these animals only feet away from you, the kid in you returns and you will definitely cry at the beauty of these animals in their natural habitat. I highly recommend Nature Horizons since they are well connected across the different operators and local partners. They lodging was great and it provided a little bit of raw nature in the bush, feeling like a roughed it a bit (but not really) to the beauty Kilimanjaro luxury camp the last 2 nights to be at the foot of Kilimanjaro, and being able to see her greatness above the clouds. I have been back a month and I can't stop talking about my experience in Tanzania. I was able to experience the beauty of the people of Tanzania, an actual Masai village, shopping at the awesome African Galleria, and getting souvenir's at the cool places our guides felt were respectable locations for tourists. I am not sure when, but I plan to go back to explore more of Tanzania and Africa.Nikole2024-07-17No Words I feel very fortunate to have gone on this safari with Nature Horizons. I went with a group of people and only knew one. Each place that we stayed at was very special in its own way. Dominick is a very kind, intelligent, fun human. He has built all the right relationships to ensure all of his clients are taken care of. We were able to see all of the big five. Our guides felt like family. I’ve never been on a trip that was so magical and was so hard to leave. It has nearly been half a year and our group still talks with each other. We bonded so much that we committed to going on a trip together every 5 years. If you’re thinking about this, DO IT! Do it with Nature Horizons! They will go the extra mile for you to get the experience of a lifetime. They even made sure we had opportunities to connect with the people of Tanzania.Rebecca M2024-06-23Unforgettable vacation We worked with Nature Horizons for our honeymoon to Peru and it far exceeded any expectations we had! It was the most incredible experience and itinerary they created for us and Deivis was always on top of everything and extremely responsive if we had questions. I give this company my highest/strongest recommendation if you are thinking of going to any of the countries they service!Dream224010839132024-06-12Great Travel Team! I am a travel advisor and just sent my clients on their honeymoon with Nature Horizons. They visited Peru and had the most amazing time. The Nature Horizons team was so easy to work with. listened to my requests, and made all the revisions I needed. They took wonderful care of my clients as if they were their own. I can't wait to work with them again!Noe V2024-06-11Full service trip to Perú We had a wonderful time traveling through Perú for two weeks on an itinerary planned by Deivis, through nature horizons.The experience was so much more than we originally expected. Every detail was accounted for. From private drivers to knowledgeable tour guides, there was nothing lacking.I don't know if we'll ever be able to take a trip like this again, but I'm so glad we did at least once. Thank you so much. I'll never forget these amazing days.Jill D2024-04-20Not enough stars to rate this company- THE BEST time ever!!! If there were a million stars to rate this company and my recent trip, it wouldn't be enough. Nature Horizons is amazing. I first met the owner, Dominick at a convention for travel advisors in 2023. I knew immediately that he was a very special person and he had a very obvious love for the tours he had created in the destinations he adored. The story of developing his company is inspiring and his work ethic has continued to impress me during all stages of my Safari planning, from its conception to preparation to hosting us during the Great Migration in Tanzania. His communication is efficient, sincere and organized. He is thorough and thoughtful. He is fun and personable. He is extremely knowledgeable and has vetted resources to execute adventures across many countries. Our Safari was 12 days of awesome-ness. We truly couldn't have asked for a better experience. Each day was well-planned and our guides helped us see so many animals, sites and natural wonders. They knew where to be and when for us to see the most miraculous things. Dominick was such a friendly host, helping us gain perspective and a true taste of Tanzania. He listened to our wishlist, considered our requests and delivered days that we will never forget. Dominick truly cares about each and every guest and also has such respect for some of the most treasured creatures and places on our planet. I can't imagine a better Safari ever happening. But, knowing Dominick, he will make sure the next one and the next and the next are better than the one before it. That's how much he cares.I have to share a couple of our favorite moments were totally unplanned, though. Our Safari vehicle got stuck in the mud as rains started in the Central Serengeti. Dominick stayed calm, assured us that all was well and we sipped champagne as we watched the men try to get us unstuck...comical. Everything happens for a reason and we saw a perfectly complete rainbow soon after our vehicle was moving down the road. It couldn't have been scripted any better! As we continued on the way back to our lodge, we came across a Lioness and her brand-new cub. This is something rarely seen and we were sure Dominick paid the Lioness to appear for us. LOL. These examples are merely a glimpse of memories we made. And, part of the reason these moments were so special was because we were in the moment, which was as Nature Horizons intended. We had not a care in the world and could simply "be" in nature. I can't thank the entire team enough for such a wonderful two weeks.416marlysl2024-04-04Amazing Experience! This trip was, by far, the most amazing trip I have ever taken! Dominick and his driver/guides were fabulous! They definitely found all the animals we wanted to see and many unexpected sites as well. They were so accommodating, stopping whenever we asked even if it was just for a bird or turtle crossing the road. Our guide, Praygod, was able to identify every bird we saw! Their knowledge of the wildlife was phenomenal. We learned so much about the culture, food, and local life from our casual conversations. The accommodations, while not luxury, were very comfortable and the food was very good, especially the soups. When I go back, it will definitely be with Dominick and Nature Horizons Tours!
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