Northern Circuit route

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Overview

This is known both as the Northern Circuit and the Grand Traverse Route. This route starts on the mountain’s western side, then winds around the north side before ascending to Uhuru Peak from the east. The descent is down the Mweka Route. We look forward to this route becoming increasingly popular because of its good opportunity for acclimatization and scenic beauty. Right now, this route is not crowded

Northern Circuit 9- days Itinerary

Arrival & Preparation Day

Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and take you to your hotel in Moshi. Do not worry if you are slow clearing customs, our driver will be waiting for as long as necessary. After you settle in at your hotel, we will go through an equipment check with you. If any items are lacking, they can be rented at this time ,then after will have with you a thorough pre-climb briefing where all questions will be answered. For night time arrivals these things can be done the early the next morning. Overnight Location: Hotel in Moshi Travel Time: 45 minutes drive to Moshi
Day 1

Begin your trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast at you hotel, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moshi for the driven to the Londrossi Gate. From here, you’ll take a 4x4 vehicle up a forest track to the Lemosho Glades where you can finally stretch your legs and start hiking! The trail today goes through the rainforest and is the section where you’ll see the most vegetation and wildlife. Keep an eye on the trees to look for monkeys on your way to your first campsite at Mti Mkubwa Camp. Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (2,780m / 9,120’) Trekking Duration and Distance: 2 to 3 hours, 6 km, 820m of elevation gain Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 2

Climb the ridge to Shira Camp

You’ll notice the trees are already thinning as your trail gets steeper today. You’ll have gorgeous panoramic views as you crest the dramatic Shira Ridge. Tonight, you’ll be camping at Shira 1 Camp, which is on the western side of the Shira Plateau. Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,600m / 11,811’) Trekking Duration and Distance: 4 to 5 hours, 8 km, 850m of elevation gain Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3

Cross the plateau to Shira 2 Camp

Today will be a nice day to acclimate while you cross the meadows of Shira Plateau. Since this is an easier day, you’ll also have a chance to explore the moorland on one of the many short trails nearby. Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,850m / 12,631’) Trekking Duration and Distance: 4 to 5 hours, 8 km, 350m of elevation gain Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4

Lava Tower and Moir Camp

Your trail this morning winds through the “Garden of Senecios” which will be the last of the larger vegetation as you climb into the higher alpine desert region. You’ll stop for lunch at the Lava Tower rock formation, which you can scramble up if you’re so inclined. In the afternoon, you’ll finally be splitting away from the southern circuit routes before heading down to Moir Camp. Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,200m / 13,790’) Trekking Duration and Distance: 5 to 7 hours, 14 km, 350m of elevation gain Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5

Hike out of the Moir Valley to Buffalo Camp

The trek out of the Moir Valley is a moderately steep trail, followed by the option to hike to the top of Little Lent Hill. Once you’ve returned to the Northern Circuit, the path is a series of gradual inclines and declines as you circle the slopes of Kibo. Buffalo Camp is only used by hikers on the Northern Circuit, so enjoy the seclusion! Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,020m / 13,180’) Trekking Duration and Distance: 5 to 6 hours, 12 km, 180m of elevation loss Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6

Trek Buffalo Ridge to Third Cave Camp

After you leave camp you’ll be hiking up Buffalo Ridge and on to Pofu Camp for lunch. In the afternoon, the trail continues to skirt around the remote northern slopes until you reach the Rongai Third Cave Camp. At this point you should be well acclimated to the high elevations, so you can have an enjoyable night. Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,875m / 12,713) Trekking Duration and Distance: 5 to 7 hours, 8 km, 220 of elevation loss Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7

Cross the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak to School Hut Camp

You’ll be trekking a steeper incline up over the saddle today, but the payoff is the unique views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks as you cross between them. You’ll arrive at School Hut Camp for early dinner and bedtime in preparation for your summit attempt tomorrow. Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,800m / 15,748’) Trekking Duration and Distance: 4 to 5 hours, 15 km, 1000m of elevation gain Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8

Reach the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro - descend to Millenium Camp

The excitement of todays activity will be your motivation to leave your bed at midnight. The cold and dark can be mentally challenging as you begin the steep ascent to Gilman’s Point. Here you’ll be joining the climbers from other routes as you make your final ascent together. The sun will be making its appearance as you cross the crater rim and take in the beauty of Mawenzi Peak. Let the sunrise uplift you as you scramble through the snow to the top, where you’ll celebrate while taking in the views of a lifetime! You won’t have long at the tallest point in Africa before you’ll have to descend to a safer altitude. There’s no rest here just yet as you still have another 5-6 hours of trekking down to Millennium Camp. Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,950m / 12,960’) Trekking Duration and Distance: 10 to 15 hours, 17 km, 1095m of ascent, 1945m of descent Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9

Descend and return to Moshi

The energy this morning is likely to be high as you exchange summit stories with your fellow hikers. It will also become increasingly easier to breathe as you leave the mountainside and return to the rainforest. At Mweka Gate the Gladys Adventure vehicle will be waitin for you to return to Moshi. Overnight Location: Hotel in Moshi Trekking Duration and Distance: 3 to 4 hours, 10 km, 2270m of descent

Include

  • Full Transportation (Airport pick-up and return day, as well as transport to the National Park and back to hotel)

  • Accommodations: B/B on the first day and F/B on the last day back from the mountain

  • All National Park fees

  • Oxygen cylinder, mask, and regulator

  • Food in the Mountain

  • Trip Tent

  • Oximeter readings

  • Professional Guide

  • Basic Sleeping Mattress

  • Emergency rescue

  • First Aid

Exclude

  • All personal Mountain equipment (gear)

  • Flying doctor {emergency evacuation membership}

  • Bites / Snacks and a 3-litre water bottle as well as a bladder 

  • Duffle bag and Sleeping bag 

  • Walking poles as well as Shoe Cramps

  • Other personal activities 
  • Sleeping bag, Summit Trouser and Summit Jacket 

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