Kilimanjaro 8 Days Northern Circuit Route
Kilimanjaro 8 Days Northern Circuit Route
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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