9-Day Northern Circuit Route

Mount Kilimanjaro

9-Day Northern Circuit Route

Duration :   9 Days 8 Nights
The Price :   $ 2,993
Max People :    12
Start Location:   Arusha Town
Age Range :   17-65
Total Seats :  21/21
View More

verview

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.

ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO ARUSHA.

First welcome to Tanzania atmosphere, ready for your Kilimanjaro trekking through the Northern route. You will meet our driver at the Airport to pick you up and transfer you to Arusha overnight.

You will have an optional city tour if time will allow.

Places You’ll See :

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano located in Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. It has three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. It is the highest mountain in Africa and highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world: 5,895 m above sea level and about 4,900 m above its plateau base.

1Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Schedule Details

DAY 01; LEMOSHO GATE TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP

On the western Kilimanjaro side, you will cross through local villages heading to Lemosho gate for the last paperwork at the gate then start your hiking to Mti Mkubwa Camp. You will camp at Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2650m); [2-3 hours walking] › Meal; B, L, D

DAY 02; TREKKING TO SHIRA 01 CAMP "3550M"

Leaving the forest behind and approaching the moorland zone of colorful giant heather. The route climbs progressively with panoramic views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a close feel of wilderness, particularly if afternoon fogs come in! You will set up the camp at the center of the plateau at “Shira One” (3550m). [6-7 hours walking] › Meal; B, L, D

DAY 03; HIKING TO SHIRA 02 CAMP "3840M"

An easy day to help acclimatize, and explore the volcanic rock formations of Shira Plateau. Take a short walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral peak before the next camp at Shira Hut (3840m). The camping site has spectacular views around, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo Peak and the pointed rim of Shira Plateau. [4-5 hours walking] › Meal; B, L, D

DAY 04; TREKKING TO MOIR CAMP "4200M"

Right after breakfast climb straight to Lava Tower, and for those feeling strong, there is a possibility to climb up to the ruined hut at Arrow Glacier around 4,800m. We then continue from Lava Tower to reach at Moir Hut Camp(4,200m). [5-7 hours walking] › Meal; B, L, D

DAY 05; HIKING TO BUFFALO CAMP "4150M"

We trek off the Moir Valley and take a short by-pass to reach the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375m. After appreciative views, return to the route and head eastwards over the northern circuit route. Here the trail passes over the field of rock lumps that clink as they are walked on. The trekking lastly at undulates until reaching the location of Buffalo Camp (4,150m). At the camp, there is a huge feeling of space as the Kenyan plains stretch out far below to the north. [4-7 hours walking] › Meal; B, L, D

DAY 06; HIKING TO THIRD CAVE CAMP "3900M"

On this day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route will guide you to the third cave camp. trekking up to the top of ‘Buffalo Ridge’ and dropping down the other side to reach Pofu, nearby a small natural spring, and some vegetation. The climb takes eastwards through a sceneries that has gradually sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp (3,900m). [5-7 hours walking] › Meal; B, L, D

DAY 07; CLIMBING UP TO SCHOOL HUT CAMP "4700M"

Experiencing a steady ascent to reach The Saddle, an astral landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Continue with a hike upwards and reach School Hut Campsite (4,700m) in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit day. [4-5 hours walking] › Meal; B, L, D

DAY 08; KILIMANJARO SUMMIT DAY

Tonight, the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route will be leading you to the World’s Second Highest Peak. Summit Uhuru Peak “5895m” Then Descend to Millennium Camp “3800m”Starting an ascent by torchlight at about midnight so that you can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. On selected Non-Exclusive departure dates each month, the climb will be particularly beautiful as we ascend in the light of the Full Moon. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Gilmans Point (5,685 m) in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. The trail leads west along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. We retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descend down through Barafu Camp to reach Millenium Camp (3,800 m). [11-15 hours walking] › Meal; B, L, D

DAY 09; DESCEND TO MWEKA GATE, THEN TRANSFER TO ARUSHA OR AIRPORT.

A continual descent on a smooth path through the great tropical forest alive with living birds and cocky lush undergrowth with significant botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m). Here we sign out from the National Park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalizingly close! [4-6 hours walking] › Meal; B,L

F.A.Q

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro via the Northern Route?

The Northern Route typically takes around 8 to 9 days. This longer duration allows for better acclimatization and increases the chances of reaching the summit successfully.

What is the best time of the year to climb Kilimanjaro using the Northern Route?

The recommended months are January to March and June to October when the weather is more stable. These periods provide better climbing conditions and increased chances of clear skies at the summit.

How difficult is the Northern Route compared to other routes on Kilimanjaro?

The Northern Route is considered one of the more challenging routes, requiring a good level of fitness and endurance. However, it offers stunning scenery, lower traffic, and a high success rate for reaching the summit.

What permits are required for the Northern Route ascent?

Climbers need a Kilimanjaro National Park permit, and for the Northern Route, a specific permit is required. Tour operators typically handle the permit process as part of the overall trekking package.

What should I pack for the Northern Route climb?

Essential items include proper trekking gear, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, and high-altitude equipment. It's crucial to pack wisely, and many climbers opt for guided tours where the tour operators provide detailed packing lists.

What's Included

  • A fantastic cook, camp manager, and team of porters
  • Dinner and drinks in the hotel before the climb
  • Food and drinks
  • High-quality Equipments
  • Minimum of 1 private guide for every 2 clients
  • One night at a comfortable hotel before your climb
  • Park fees
  • private portable toilet
  • Private tent
  • Rescue Service Fee
  • Transfer to and from the mountain from/to your hotel

What's Excluded

  • Accommodation in the valley after the climb
  • Airfares and departure taxes
  • Entry visa for Tanzania
  • Personal gear
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
  • Vaccinations

Activities

  • Mountain Climbing

Why Book With Us?

  • Unmatched Expertise
  • Unforgettable Memories
  • Highest Success Rate
  • Tailored Itineraries
  • Eco-friendly Practices

Got a Question?

  • Unlock the full potential of our exclusive package today! 🌟Have questions or need more information? We're here to help! Contact us now, and let our dedicated team provide you with the answers you need.
  • +255756584843
  • [email protected]
Reach us on WhatsApp
1

9-Day Northern Circuit Route