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

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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