9 Days Northern Circuit Route

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9 Days Northern Circuit Route

Price

On Request

Duration

9 Days, 8 Nights

Location

Kilimanjaro

Group Size

10+ People

Tour Image

Description

9 days Northern Circuit Route is not just the newest official route to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro; it is also the longest and most beautiful. And remember the longer the route, the higher the chance of overall success.

This extended climb begins with a drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate, where you start. From there the Northern Circuit follows the Lemosho route for the first few days, moving through the lush rainforest below the mountain itself, and then ascending the Shira Ridge to cross the high Shira Plateau. When you come near Lava Tower you leave the Lemosho route and turn north to follow the Northern Circuit proper.

Overall, the Northern Circuit offers a less-crowded, captivating, and successful Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro peak, showcasing diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes along the way.

Included All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Excluded Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags,hiking boots,clothes,etc (« for renting)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g.laundry, telephone,beverages,etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors,beers and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

Tour Plan

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 campsite.

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

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

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

The fourth 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

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

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

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

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

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
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