Trek Northern Circuit 9 Days
Arusha,Tanzania
Duration
9 Days 8 Nights TripTour Code
TP2088Description
The Northern Circuit is the newest route up Kilimanjaro and also the longest. Because of its length, the Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate. The route follows the same as the Lemosho Route for the first two days and then veers off to circle around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. Northern Circuit approaches the summit via Gilman's Point before descending on the same route as the Machame and Lemosho.
Highlights
- Northern Circuit approaches the summit via Gilman's Point before descending on the same route as the Machame and Lemosho.
Included
- Large portions of fresh,healthy,nutritious food Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees) VAT (18% charged by the Government) Sleeping Mattress Guides,Porters,Cook salaries and park fees All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel Emergency Oxygen Cylinder Quality,waterproof,four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis) Quality Mess tents with table and chairs Conservation fees (part of park fees) All meals while on the Mountain Professional,experienced,mountain guides Rescue fees (part of park fees) Clean,purified drinking water Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Not Included
- Liquors,beers and bottled beverages Travel insurance Meals not listed in the itinerary Transfers (available as an optional addon) Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment) Hotel (available as an optional addon) Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags,hiking boots,clothes,etc (available for renting) Tanzania Visa Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry,telephone,beverages,etc.) Tips and gratuities International and domestic flights
Itinerary
Day 1
- After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive).
- From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades.
- Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft Distance: 6km/4mi Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2
- After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone.
- After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3
- After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
- A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
- Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4
- This day is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone.
- The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch.
- After lunch you will join the Northern Circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters.
- This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.
- Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13780ft Distance: 14km/8mi Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5
- Today, we encountered a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley.
- We can do an optional hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail.
- From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp.
- Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft Distance: 12km/7mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: High Alpine Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6
- We start the day with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served.
- The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave.
- The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimated to the altitude.
- You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
- Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft Distance: 8km/5mi Climbing Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: High Alpine Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7
- Today involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak.
- Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut.
- After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken 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: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft Distance: 15km/8mi Climbing Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8
- You will be awoken around 11:30 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 (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).
- Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain.
- In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up.
- Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3950m/12,959ft Distance: 6km/
- 5mi up / 11km/6mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9
- After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.
- At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.
- Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
- Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
- Kilimanjaro Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
- Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest Meals: Breakfast
Day 10
- After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive).
- From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades.
- Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft Distance: 6km/4mi Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 11
- After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone.
- After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12
- After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
- A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
- Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13
- This day is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone.
- The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch.
- After lunch you will join the Northern Circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters.
- This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.
- Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13780ft Distance: 14km/8mi Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14
- Today, we encountered a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley.
- We can do an optional hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail.
- From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp.
- Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft Distance: 12km/7mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: High Alpine Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15
- We start the day with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served.
- The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave.
- The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimated to the altitude.
- You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
- Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft Distance: 8km/5mi Climbing Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: High Alpine Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16
- Today involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak.
- Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut.
- After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken 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: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft Distance: 15km/8mi Climbing Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17
- You will be awoken around 11:30 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 (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).
- Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain.
- In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up.
- Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3950m/12,959ft Distance: 6km/
- 5mi up / 11km/6mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 18
- After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.
- At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.
- Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
- Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
- Kilimanjaro Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
- Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest Meals: Breakfast
Day 19
- After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive).
- From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades.
- Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft Distance: 6km/4mi Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 20
- After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone.
- After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 21
- After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
- A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
- Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 22
- This day is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone.
- The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch.
- After lunch you will join the Northern Circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters.
- This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.
- Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13780ft Distance: 14km/8mi Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 23
- Today, we encountered a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley.
- We can do an optional hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail.
- From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp.
- Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft Distance: 12km/7mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: High Alpine Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 24
- We start the day with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served.
- The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave.
- The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimated to the altitude.
- You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
- Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft Distance: 8km/5mi Climbing Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: High Alpine Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 25
- Today involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak.
- Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut.
- After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken 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: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft Distance: 15km/8mi Climbing Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 26
- You will be awoken around 11:30 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 (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).
- Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain.
- In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up.
- Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3950m/12,959ft Distance: 6km/
- 5mi up / 11km/6mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 27
- After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.
- At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.
- Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
- Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
- Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
- Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest Meals: Breakfast
Faq's
There are seven primary routes up Kilimanjaro. None of them require technical climbing, but they all demand that you are in excellent shape and have a strong will to keep hiking over rugged terrain.
The seven Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes vary not only in length, cost and scenery. They also have different difficulty levels and different success rates.
Deciding the route to take is importantin preparing for a memorable trek on Kilimanjaro.
None of the 7 routes can be singled out to be the best route because of the following factors: The time and money you have available, previous experience and fitness, the time of the year, personal taste of choice.
Let’s look at the individual Kilimanjaro climbing routes and who they are suitable for:
The Marangu Route: the only Kilimanjaro climb route that offers hut accommodation.
The Machame Route: the most popular climbing route up Kilimanjaro.
The Rongai Route: the easiest route on Kilimanjaro.
The Shira Route: this one catapults you to some serious altitude on the first day.
The Lemosho Route: hands down the most beautiful Kilimanjaro climb route, but expensive.
The Umbwe Route: the most difficult and demanding route on Kilimanjaro, and the most spectacular.
TheNorthern Circuit route: is the newest, most exciting route on Kilimanjaro.
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