Summary
The northern circuit is a Kilimanjaro route which is the longest, has fewer tourist climbers, and has the most beautiful scenery to the summit. Trekkers using this route get more time for their body to adjust to the altitude, the best way to acclimatize. Furthermore, the Northern circuit route offers diverse ecosystem experiences, wildlife encounters, and beautiful views of the Mountain from different angles, means from Shira volcano, Kibo Snow Peak to the Mawenzi. Hikers see Mountains features such as glaciers, lava flows and African Savannah.
Climbing Daily Schedule
Day 1: Londrossi Gate (2,389 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,785 m)
2 hours drive from Arusha to Londorosi gate and 3-4 hours hike | Rainforest
From Moshi, it’s a 45-minute drive through inviting mountain villages to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. While we patiently wait for our permits to be issued, we will watch the hustle and bustle of the preparations by the mountain crews. We start our trek through a beautiful rainforest landscape and windy paths while our guide informs us about the local flora and fauna and the natural fauna. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. Therefore, gaiters and trekking poles are beneficial. After a good three hours of hiking, we arrive at our first camp and spend the night under a wonderful starry sky. Overnight in tent camp (B|L|D).
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,785 m) to Shira I Camp (3,504 m)
4 to 5 hours hike | Moorland
After a good night’s sleep and a tasty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and follow an ascending path. We leave the forest behind us now; the path climbs steadily with a wide view and reaches the edge of the Shira plateau. The temperatures are now starting to decrease with the altitude we reach. Overnight in tent camp (B|L|D).
Day 3: Shira I Camp (3,504 m) – Shira II Camp (3,895 m)
3 to 4 hours | Lower alpine zone
From Shira I Camp we cross the Shira plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth, on our hike until we reach Shira II Camp. Here we meet the hikers who ascend via the Machame Route. The climb continues east to the Shira Plateau. From Shira II Camp, it is worthwhile to climb a little higher to the plateau to enjoy the breathtaking view over the valley and the western break of Kilimanjaro. The plateau is very exposed, so temperatures below zero must be expected for the first time at night. Overnight in tent camp (B|L|D).
Day 4: Shira II Camp (3,895 m) via Lava Tower (4,650 m) to Moir Camp (4,155 m)
– 6 to 7 hours | High alpine zone
Although we end the day at the same altitude as at the beginning, this day is very important for acclimatization. From the Shira plateau, we hike further east up a ridge, past the junction to the Kibo summit, before we continue to the southeast to the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (4,650 m). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second crossing that leads to the Arrow Glacier. Here we descend to spend the night at Camp Moir Hut, a rarely used camp at the foot of the Lent hills. Overnight in tent camp (B|L|D).
Day 5: Moir Hut (4,155 m) to Buffalo Camp (4,033 m)
– 5 to 6 hours | High alpine zone
We start with a moderately steep climb out of the Moir Valley. We can climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters via a small detour before we return to the Northern Circuit. The route follows a series of ascents and descents that lead to Buffalo Camp on the northern slopes of Kibo. On the way, we have spectacular views of the plains north of Kilimanjaro, which extend as far as the Tanzanian border into Kenya. We arrive at Buffalo Camp in the early afternoon, where we have lunch and enough time to rest. Overnight in tent camp (B|L|D).
Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,033m) to Rongai Third Cave (3,936m)
– 6 to 7hrs. | Alpine desert
Day six begins with an ascent up Buffalo Ridge and down to the Pofu Camp, where lunch is served. We continue to hike east around the north slopes to Third Rongai Cave. Today’s ascent is shorter than the day before and we should be more accustomed to the altitude by now. We reach the camp in the afternoon. Overnight in tent camp (B|L|D).
Day 7: Rongai Third Cave (3,936m) – Kibo School Hut (4,717m)
– 6 to 7 hours | Glacier zone
A steady ascent over the saddle, which lies between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. We continue to hike southwest to the School Hut, where an early dinner will be served as you will be leaving for the summit shortly before midnight. Make sure to prepare all of your equipment, including warm clothing, a thermos, a headlamp, and a camera, before going to bed. Overnight in tent camp (B|L|D).
Day 8: Kibo School-Hut (4,717 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m to Camp (3,820 m)
– approx. 12 to 14 hours
The tension increases. This is the most difficult part of the hike, mentally and physically. After a hot tea and a light snack, the ascent begins around midnight. Warmly dressed and with the light of our headlamps, we climb the scree slopes of the Kibo. After 5 to 7 hours of ascent in the dark, we reach Stella Point (5,756 m), the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. From here strong wind and cold can be expected. Another 1 to 2-hour ascent along the crater ridge leads us to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Here we see Kilimanjaro in all its glory and enjoy the 360 ° view over the landscape at sunrise. You are now on the “roof of Africa”. The comparatively easy but long descent leads to Barafu Camp (4,600 m) on the south side of Kilimanjaro. Here we will have our lunch and an one-hour break, before we continue descending to Millenium Camp. After another 2 hours, we arrive at the camp for dinner. Overnight in tent camp (B|L|D).
Day 9: Millenium Camp (3,820m) to Mweka Gate (1,630m)
Descent to Mweka gate and drive to Arusha – 4 to 5 hours hike and 2 hours drive to Arusha
After breakfast and a warm farewell ceremony from our mountain crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent to the Mweka Gate. The further we descend, the drastically warmer the weather becomes. We descend steeply through a rainforest with wet, muddy terrain where great caution is required. We recommend using gaiters and hiking sticks. At the gate in the village of Mweka we are picked up by our driver and driven back to our hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and some partying!
Pricing
Price Includes:
- Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport
- Hotel in Moshi on B/B
- Transport from Hotel to Kilimanjaro gate
- all park fees
- salaries of guides/porters/cooks
- all meals on the mountain
- clean safe drinking water
- accommodation equipment
- Government tax
- certificate of climbing
- Maasai village fee
- Kikuletwa hotspring fee
- first aid
- oxygen bottle
- Park rescue fee
- transfer to Moshi rest, shower
Price Excludes:
- Flight to Tanzania
- Entry VISA
- Hotel in Moshi
- Climbing gear (available for rent)
- Tips to guides, porters, and
- Items of a personal nature
For your preparations, we also attach a list of personal hiking gear to prepare, and also you may rent on arrival.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: We have emergency helicopter rescue operated by a private company, and We advise climbers/visitors to buy insurance which includes High mountains. (world nomads, IMG, passport card- examples of insurance)
