Kilimanjaro 9 Days Northern Circuit Route
Kilimanjaro 9 Days Northern Circuit Route
Overview
About the Northern Circuit.
The Northern Circuit is not just the newest official route to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, it is also the longest and most beautiful. And remember, the longer the route, the higher the chance of overall success.
This extended climb begins with a drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate, where you will start your journey. The Northern Circuit follows the Lemosho route for the first few days, moving through the lush rainforest below the mountain itself and then ascending the Shira Ridge to cross the high Shira Plateau. When you come near Lava Tower, you will leave the Lemosho route and turn north to follow the Northern Circuit proper.
This detour allows the trek to circle around to Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, crossing them to the east. The north side of Kilimanjaro is more remote and so has the benefits of offering less traffic from other climbers and much more untouched, untrammeled surroundings. The result is a unique climbing experience and a truly fantastic hike.
There are a few options as far as choosing the best route to the summit, depending on the season and local conditions at the time. All routes converge again at Gilman’s Point to approach the summit itself. Descent is via the Mweka route, where you will likely see other climbers who went up on either the Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe, or Machame routes.
The Northern Circuit is the longest and most remote route. The longer itinerary means that it has a good acclimatization profile. You can naturally “walk high, sleep low” which helps with acclimatization.
Even though you don’t have to climb the Great Barranco Wall on this route, you will still have a tough summit night approaching via Gilman’s Point.
You will be trekking for long periods of time, so a good level of fitness is recommended.
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.
2 pax | 3-4 pax | 5-6 pax | 7-10 pax |
---|---|---|---|
US $4,900 | US $4,600 | US $4,300 | US $4,000 |
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 to Mti Mkubwa
We will depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about four hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then we will drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we will begin by hiking through an undisturbed forest, which 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 3: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
We will continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest 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 will reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
- Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Hiking Time 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heath
DAY 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
We will explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle hike east on moorland meadows toward Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
- Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
- Distance: 7 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
DAY 5: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
We will continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast toward 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.
(Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower)
- 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 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, and 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 excellent 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 7: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely traveled, and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We will trek through remote valleys onto 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 8: Third Cave to School Hut
We will steadily climb up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We will continue toward our campsite at School Hut. Once here, we will rest and 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 9: School Hut to Uhuru Peak
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we will 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 will 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 will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved sleep.
(School Hut to Uhuru Peak)
- 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 10:-Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On our last day, we will continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we will 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
Day 11: 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
You may like
Inquire this Tour
Book Tour Now
Book Kilimanjaro 9 Days Northern Circuit Route
Our TripAdvisor Reviews
based on 51 reviews