9 Days Northern Circuit Mountain Kilimanjaro Route - Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )
9 Days Northern Circuit Mountain
Kilimanjaro Route: Africa
Natural Tours (For Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Zanzibar) Tanzania safari company
in Moshi
Specialized
in: Wildlife safaris, Mountain climbing,
Cultural tourism and Beach holidays in East Africa
Contact +255 653 679 958
Email:
info@africanaturaltours.com
Website: www.africanaturaltours.com
9 Days Northern Circuit Mountain
Kilimanjaro Route
The
Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering
nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited
northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit
allows for the best acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate,
therefore this route is highly recommended. The route approaches Mount
Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi
Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest
to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north
and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before
summiting from the east.
Duration: 9 or 10 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Low
Day 0: Arrive at the
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arrive
at the Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be met at the airport
and be transferred to Kilimanjaro
Crain hotel in
Moshi for overnight.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mto Mkubwa
Camp: 6k /4mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation:
23770m/7800ft to 2895m/9500ft
Departing
from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside
villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our
permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many
crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and
windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and
natural wildlife. At these lower elevations the trail can be muddy and quite
slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira I
Camp: 8km/5mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland
Elevation:
2895m/9500ft to 3505m/11,500ft
After
a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast we emerge from the rain forest and
continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs
steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures
begin to drop.
Day 3: Shira I Camp –Shira II Camp:
7km/4mi | 3-4hrs | Low Alpine
Elevation:
3505m/11,500ft to 3850m/13,800ft
Our
trek crosses the Shira one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp
to Shira II Camp. Nine-day climbs will stay the night at Shira II Camp joining
climbers ascending from the Machame Route. At Shira II Camp it is worth the
extra energy to go a bit higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view
across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The
plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting
below zero. Note: 8 Day Climbs continue east to Shira Plateau Ridge to Lava
Tower (4,600 meters) and descend to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).
Day 4: Shira Ii Camp- Lava Tower –
Moir: 14km/8mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine
Elevation:
3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13,780ft
Although
you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very
important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge,
passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East
towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft).
Shortly after the tower we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow
Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp:
12km/7mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine Zone
Elevation:
4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft.
We
begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a
small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters
before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of
inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo
Camp. Spectacular views of plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretch as far as
the eye can see to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo
Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Rongai 3rd
Cave: 8km /5mi | 5-7hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation:
4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/15,350ft
Day
six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch
is served. We continue East around the Northern slopes to the Rongai Third
Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before and you should be feeling
better acclimatized to the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the Third
Cave just around mid-afternoon.
Day 7: Rongai 3rd Cave – School Hut:
15km /8mi | 5-7hrs | Glacial Zone
Elevation:
3800m/15,350ft to 4800m/15,748ft
A
steady ascent and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and
Mawenzi Peak. Continue Southwest to School Hut where you will be served an
early dinner and then rest as you will begin just 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.
Day 8: School Hut – Summit: 9km /5mi
| 6-8hrs | – Mweka camp: 13km /8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation:
4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Descent
to 3090m/10,150ft
Excitement
is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m.
This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We
continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying
to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies
ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through
heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with
the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may
view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to
Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one
step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount
Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After
photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to
enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka
Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend
gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash
terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the
mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate –
Moshi: 10km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest
Elevation:
3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
After
breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your
crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park
Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer,
the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and
trekking poles.
From
the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your
hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and
celebrations!!
Standard package Included:
- Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.(private)
- Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 4 Season mountain tents
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Accommodation at the hotel, 2 nights at the hotel in Moshi at Kilimanjaro Crain which include bed & breakfast.
Not Included:
- Flights
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
- A doctor for the group
- Tips to mountain crew
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent
For more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com
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