9 Days Northern Circuit Route

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The Northern Circuit Route

A Scenic Expedition on Kilimanjaro’s Northern Slopes

The Northern Circuit Route stands as one of the lengthiest and most picturesque trekking paths on Mount Kilimanjaro, requiring a total of nine days to complete. This remarkable route unveils stunning views of the mountain’s less-explored northern slopes, offering an immersive journey that takes trekkers through an array of landscapes, including lush rainforests, enchanting moorlands, challenging alpine deserts, and glaciated valleys, all culminating at the summit through the Kibo Crater.

Seclusion and Serenity: The Northern Circuit Route, known for its tranquility, is a less crowded choice compared to the more popular routes, making it a perfect selection for those who seek a peaceful and less touristy trek that connects them intimately with Kilimanjaro’s pristine northern beauty.

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Day 1

  • Arrival
  • ✈️ Airport Pick-Up: We’ll greet you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport and provide transportation, including your return trip to the airport.
  • 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy your first night in a comfortable hotel.

🛌🏻 Spend the night in a hotel, the same one as your first night’s stay.

🚌 Note: Transportation to the airport is included after your last night spent in the hotel.

Day 2

  • Lemosho Gate (2,100 meters) – start point 2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)
  • The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate, located at 2,100 meters. This gate serves as the starting point, which is the same as the Lemosho Route.
  • Travel to Lemosho Gate, taking approximately 3 hours from Moshi and longer from Arusha. Here, you’ll register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities.
  • Enjoy lunch at Lemosho Gate, a common practice among tour operators, before embarking on the first day’s trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,820 meters.
  • During the trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp, you may have the opportunity to spot large wildlife such as elephants and buffalo that occasionally emerge from the rainforest onto the trail. Dinner will be served upon reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Day 3

  • Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)
  • Begin day two with a one-hour trek through the final stretch of the rainforest path.
  • After exiting the rainforest, you’ll enter the low alpine moorland zone as you ascend towards the Shira Plateau.
  • The day’s trek, although relatively short and gradual, culminates at Shira Camp 1, situated at an elevation of 3,610 meters.

Day 4

  • Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)
  • On day three, the trek takes you across the Shira Plateau, leading from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2.
  • Nine-day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 and have the opportunity to meet up with trekkers from the Machame Route.
  • While at Shira Camp 2, consider hiking a bit higher up the plateau to take in the breathtaking view across the valley below and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above.
  • Be aware that the plateau is exposed, so prepare for a cold night with temperatures dropping below freezing. Note that trekkers on an eight-day hike will follow an alternative route, ascending the Shira Plateau ridge, passing Lava Tower at 4,600 meters, and then descending via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters.

Day 5

  • Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then north to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)
  • Day four entails a lengthy eastward trek that takes you through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and into the high alpine desert zone.
  • Spend the morning ascending to Lava Tower, reaching an elevation of 4,600 meters, and pass by the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation. Lunch will be at this point.
  • After lunch, you’ll join the northern circuit and head down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This part of the trek is significant as it allows you to experience high altitude and then sleep at a lower elevation, which is beneficial for acclimatization.
  • This day’s itinerary plays a vital role in your acclimatization process, with the principle of “climb high, sleep low” being applied to help you adapt to higher altitudes more effectively.

Day 6

  • Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)
  • Day five begins with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers have the option to take a short detour to ascend the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail.
  • The route continues with a series of inclines and declines, following the northern slopes of Kibo, and leads you to Buffalo Camp at 4,020 meters.
  • Enjoy stunning vistas across the plains north of Kilimanjaro, extending to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border, as you trek towards Buffalo Camp.
  • Arrive at Buffalo Camp shortly after midday, where you’ll have lunch and ample time to rest and recover after a challenging day of hiking.

Day 7

  • Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)
  • Day six begins with a climb up Buffalo Ridge, followed by a descent into Porfu Camp, where you’ll typically have lunch.
  • Continue eastward, encircling the northern slopes, until you reach the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters.
  • This day’s trek is shorter than the previous one, and your body should be well acclimatized to the altitude at this stage.
  • Arrive at the Third Cave around mid-afternoon, giving you some time to rest and recharge.

Day 8

  • 3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)
  • Day seven features a steady incline as you ascend up and over the Saddle, which lies between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.
  • Continue your trek in a south-west direction until you reach School Hut at 4,800 meters in elevation.
  • Upon arrival at School Hut, enjoy an early dinner. It’s essential to prepare for your summit attempt, so make sure all your gear is ready, including warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and your camera before you go to bed.
  • Get some rest, but be ready to be awakened before midnight for the start of your summit attempt. This preparation is crucial for a successful ascent.

Day 9

  • School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then onto Millennium Camp (3,950 meters)
  • Begin your summit day at 11:30 PM with tea and biscuits, setting off on a steep nighttime climb up Kibo.
  • Reach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters) after 5-6 hours for a stunning sunrise and panoramic views.
  • Continue to Uhuru Peak, arriving at sunrise. Capture the amazing scenery before retracing your steps to Stella Point (5,739 meters). Descend to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters) and then to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) after a brief break.
  • Pace yourself during this 14-16 hour trek. Stay hydrated and energized. Note that some operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut on the Marangu Route.

Day 10

  • Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)
  • On the final day, enjoy a short hike through the dense montane rainforest, starting from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) and ending at Mweka Gate (1,640 meters).
  • At Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out with the authorities, and they will provide you with your official certificate: a green certificate for those reaching Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those making it to Uhuru Peak.
  • It’s customary to tip your guides and porters at this point. Following this, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
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NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE 9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS : Price/per

No. of Persons Days Luxury($) Mid-Range($) Budget($)
1 9 4711 3892 3217
2 3524 3092 2556
3-4 3226 2841 2345
More than 4 Contact us Contact us Contact us

Your Package Categories:

Luxury Mid-Range Budget
Park fees Park fees Park fees
Rescue Fee Rescue Fee Rescue Fee
Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) Airport transportation is not included, can be arranged for an additional fee.
Two-night stay at a luxurious hotel such as the Mount Meru Hotel

Two-night stay at a mid-range hotel such as the Tulia Boutique Hotel

Accommodation before and after the climb is not provided and can be arranged for an additional fee. For budget-friendly options, consider Merves Hotel for accommodation

3 luxury meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

3 mid-range meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

3 budget meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, big luxury tents, luxury tent table and chairs, luxury mattress and camping beds  Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, mid-range tents, mid-range tent table and chairs and mid-range mattress Equipment offered: budget tent, tent with table and chair. Add-ons available for extra charges: oxygen tank, private toilet.
camping fees for guides, cooks and porters camping fees for guides, cooks and porters camping fees for guides, cooks and porters
  • If you would like to have an overview about all our price packages, please check our entire price package list.
  • Click here to get more details about the price categories.
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Included

Excluded

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  • Book your flights to the airport in Arusha or Kilimanjaro and share with us your flight details
  • Transfer from and back to the hotel is included in your package and we will organize it to you.

$2,036 to $3,350 pp. (USD)

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