kilimanjaro 9 days northern circuit

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and 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 starting point. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant 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.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 5 Km

Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today we reach the west side of the Shira Plateau in a hiking time of 6 hours. Taking our time walking through the forest allows us to observe its animal and bird life. The day’s hike takes us from the montane forest, through a transition zone, and into the heather zone, where old lava flows are visible. Your guides will point out unique environmental differences that characterize each zone. After lunch, we reach the edge of the Plateau and eventually our camp that offers a dramatic view of Kilimanjaro and its permanent glaciers.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 5 Km

Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 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 8days 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 4,200.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 14 Km

Hiking Time: 6-8 Hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On this day involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan and Tanzanian border, then you will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 12 Km

Hiking Time: 5-7 Hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On this day starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Pofu Camp where lunch is usually served, the route continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai 3rd Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatised to the altitude.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 8 Km

Hiking Time: 5-7 Hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which is between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers continue walking south-west 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 sleep as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 15km

Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

You will be awoken with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point 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 2 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 where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp . Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 6km

Hiking Time: 6-8 Hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

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.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 10km

Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport. The total distance covered is 70 Km or 42 miles.

End of Tour