Northern Circuit Route 9 days
Mount Kilimanjaro
$2000 / adult
Child: $1520
Tour Details
The 9-Day Northern Circuit Route is an unforgettable Mount Kilimanjaro trekking adventure, offering spectacular landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking mountain views. Beginning on the western side of the mountain, the route crosses the beautiful Shira Plateau before continuing along the remote northern slopes. Trekkers experience peaceful wilderness, unique alpine scenery, and panoramic views of the surrounding plains. The journey leads to the summit of Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, before descending through the mountain’s southern side. This route offers a remarkable opportunity to experience Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty and a rewarding high-altitude challenge.
Highlights
Day 1: Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp → Moir Hut
Day 5: Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp
Day 6: Buffalo Camp → Third Cave Camp
Day 7: Third Cave Camp → School Hut
Day 8: School Hut →Summit
Day9 : Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Activities
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
Start your hike with an elevation gain from 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft over a distance of 6 km (4 miles) through the rainforest habitat. The hiking time for this section is 3-4 hours. After completing this hike, drive to the Lemosho Gate. Upon your arrival at the trailhead, you'll commence hiking through undisturbed forest, making your way to the first campsite. Accommodation will be in a spacious comfortable tent with a private toilet and hot shower. Staff manages all camp chores.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp
Continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah landscape featuring tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock covered with lichen beards. As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, you'll reach the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp. This is where you'll catch your first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Accommodation will be in a spacious comfortable tent with a private toilet and hot shower. Staff manages all camp chores.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp
Begin your exploration of the Shira Plateau, with an elevation gain from 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft, covering a distance of 7 km (4 miles). The hiking time for this section is approximately 3-4 hours, and you'll be in the moorland habitat. During your journey, enjoy a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Along the way, you'll encounter the heath zone with abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees. Accommodation will be in a spacious comfortable tent with a private toilet and hot shower. Staff manages all camp chores.
Day 4: Shira 2c - Lava Tower
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower - a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Day 5: Moir Camp - Buffalo Camp
Let's embark on our journey by ascending a moderately steep path from Moir Valley. For those seeking an added adventure, you can take a brief detour to conquer the peak of Little Lent Hill, standing proudly at an elevation of 4,375 meters, before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. As we continue, the trail meanders through a series of ascents and descents, gracefully skirting the northern slopes of Kibo, until we reach Buffalo Camp. Along the way, prepare to be captivated by breathtaking vistas of the expansive plains stretching northwards from Kilimanjaro, extending as far as the eye can behold, reaching the border shared by Kenya and Tanzania. Our arrival at Buffalo Camp is scheduled shortly past noon, providing an opportunity to savor a satisfying lunch and indulge in some well-deserved rest.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp - Rongai Cave
On the sixth day of our expedition, we embark on a rewarding ascent up the Buffalo Ridge, followed by a descent into Pofu Camp, where a delightful lunch awaits us. Our journey persists as we venture eastward, encircling the majestic northern slopes, until we reach our destination, the esteemed Rongai Third Cave. Compared to the previous day's climb, today's ascent is relatively shorter, allowing you to feel more acclimatized to the altitude at this juncture. The gradual adaptation to the elevation enhances your overall comfort and well-being. As we progress, the captivating landscapes surrounding us serve as a constant reminder of the natural wonders that await at every turn.
Day 7: Rongai Cave - School Hut
A steady ascent and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue Southwest to School Hut where you will be served an early dinner and the rest as you will begin just 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 8: School Hut - Summit
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain
Day 9: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!
What's Included
Included
Porterage
Rescue fee
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Not included
- •
Climbing gear
- •
International flights (From/to home)
- •
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- •
Sleeping bag
- •
Bath towels
- •
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- •
Personal items (Souvenirs
- •
travel insurance
- •
visa fees
- •
etc.)
- •
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- •
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Travel Information
Departure point: Moshi, Tanzania
Pickup: Kilimanjaro International Airport
Drop-off: Moshi, Tanzania
Best season: June to October, December to February
Transport: Private transfers
Accommodation: Basic huts with mattresses and pillows
Meals: Full board
Age range: 16-65
Languages: English, Swahili
Booking policy
A deposit of 30% is required to secure your Booking
Cancellation policy
Cancellation made 30 days before departure will Receive a full of refund Cancellation made 15-29 days before departure will incur a 50 % Cancellation fee : no refund for cancellation made less than 15 before departure .
Location
Mount Kilimanjaro
Reviews
No reviews yet.