Main Info
On the incredible 8-day Northern Circuit route, you will not only experience the newest, but also the longest and most visually diverse route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Through the length of the ascent, you will go through the optimal altitude acclimation. As a result, the Northern Circuit Route has the best chance of reaching the summit than all routes. Along the way, you’ll be able to see spectacular scenery and comb through the pristine wilderness and desert. Take a look at our itinerary and read what awaits you on the unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure
What is included
- All accommodations as per itinerary
- Pickup from airport or hotel in Moshi
- Professional Mountain guide
- Professional Cook
- Ground transfers and fees
- Park entrance fees
- Meals as per itinerary
- Drinking mineral water
- Government Taxes
What is not included
- Tip for the guide
- Flights costs/fares
- Travel insurance
- Accommodation & meals after and before the Climbing the Mountain
- Extra Personal items
- Soda and Alcoholic beverages
- Extra activities
- Personal expenses (drinks, Internet, visa, etc.)
Itinerary
Elevation: Londrosi gate 2250m/ to lemosho 2100m/MTI MKUBWA CAMP 2650m
Departing from Moshi 3-4 hours drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Elevation: 3650m
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
Heath we : explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. 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 earthly
Elevation: 4200m
We begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, 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 route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Spectacular views of plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretch as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest.
Elevation: 4020m to 3900m
Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is served. We continue East around the Northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before and you should be feeling better acclimatised to the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
Elevation: 3900m to 4750m
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 then 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.
Elevation: 4750m to 5895m
Descent to 3100m
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 of 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. Overnight Mweka Camp.
Elevation: 3100m to 1646m
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 for hot lunch stay for couple hour and then drive you back to Moshi. Enjoy a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations! (2 to 3 hours)
