9 Day | Kilimanjaro Climbing via Northern Circuit

Northern Circuit Route

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Overview

The 9-day Northern Circuit Route is a captivating and less-traveled hiking trail that circumnavigates the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro. Offering a longer and more gradual ascent, this route is known for its excellent acclimatization profile, which increases your chances of reaching the Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Once a life trekking experience to the roof of the world’s highest free-standing mountain, the climb brings you close to the moon on its toppiest point Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m).

Having a minimum of nine days to embrace the altitude and encountering limited numbers of fellow trekkers, the Kilimanjaro northern circuit route is truly remote and one for the trekking fanatic. starting from the west Mt. Kilimanjaro, catch a sight of Mt. Meru balanced on the clouds from the Shira Plateau before crossing the less-visited northern edges to enjoy wonderful panoramas across the vast Kenyan savannah. Then, reaching the summit from the east in the light of the full moon, experience the marvelous feeling of space generated before standing on the top of Africa. Lastly, a descent to the south covering an almost-circuit of the mountain.

Price

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$ 2,878

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Tour Rating

4.9

26+ reviews

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Day by Day

Day 1 | Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

The first day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route. We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

  • Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
  • Distance: 6 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 2 | Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Second day of our 9 days Northern Circuit Route, We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest 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 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 3 | Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Third day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route, We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards 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 4 | Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

Forth day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route, We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards 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
  • (Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower) Distance: 7 km/4 miles
  • (Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower) Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • (Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower) Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • (Lava Tower to Moir Hut) Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
  • (Lava Tower to Moir Hut) Distance: 7 km/4 miles
  • (Lava Tower to Moir Hut) Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
  • (Lava Tower to Moir Hut) Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 | Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Firth day of our 9 days Northern Circuit Route, We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, 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 great 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 6 | Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Sixth day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route, As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to 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 7 | Third Cave to School Hut

Seventh day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route, We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, 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 8 | School Hut to Uhuru Peak

The eight day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route, Very early in the morning (around midnight), we 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 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 enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

 

  • (School Hut to Uhuru Peak) Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
  • (School Hut to Uhuru Peak) Distance: 6 km/4 miles
  • (School Hut to Uhuru Peak) Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • (Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp) Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065
  • (Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp) Distance: 12 km/7 miles
  • (Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp) Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • (Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp) Habitat: Artic

Day 9 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. End of 9 days Northern Circuit Route.

  • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • Distance: 10 km/6 miles
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

Other Routes

  • 5 Days Marangu Route
  • 5 Days Umbwe Route
  • 6 Days Machame Route
  • 6 Days Umbwe Route
  • 6 Days Rongai Route
  • 6 Days Marangu Route
  • 7 Days Shira Route
  • 7 Days Lemosho Route
  • 7 Days Machame Route
  • 7 Days Rongai Route
  • 8 Days Lemosho Route
  • 8 Days Northern Circuit
  • 9 Days Northern Circuit

Rates

*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation, food, drinks, guides, tents and park fees.
Excl. International flight and personal Gear

High Season

JULY, AUGUST, 20th DEC to 10th JAN

  • 2 Persons $3,987
  • 4 Persons $3,780
  • 6+ Persons $2,567

Mid Season

THE REST OF THE YEAR

  • 2 Persons $3,765
  • 4 Persons $3,450
  • 6+ Persons $2,298

Low Season

APRIL TO MAY 20th

  • 2 Persons $3,369
  • 4 Persons $2,862
  • 6+ Persons $2,878

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9 Day | Kilimanjaro Climbing via Northern Circuit