Northern Circuit
9 Days/8 Nights
All Group and Private Tours include 2 nights hotel stay, transportation to and from accommodations and Mt. Kilimanjaro along with breakfast, lunch and dinner on the mountain.
These routes allow for novice, intermediate and advanced climbers
Designed to accommodate up to 12 climbers
The Northern Circuit approaches the mountain from the west and it is adorned with stunning scenic features as well as being less populated by other groups. You will acclimate with more ease as this is the longest route on the mountain and it is recommended for those without high altitude climbing experience as it offers the greatest chances for a successful summit.
Tour Features
- Duration 9 Days/8 Nights
- Active Hiking 58 Hours
- Distance 87 KM
- Final Elevation 4200 m/13,860 ft
Day 1
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkumbwa (2,650 m/8,692 ft)
After a 1 1/2 hour drive from Moshi/Arusha check in is at the Londorossi Gate. Day 1 is fairly easy with a 3/4 hour climb to Miti Mkubwa Camp.
Hike Time: 3 hrs
Elevation Change: + 650 M/+2,132
Estimation Distance: 10 km
Final Elevation: 2,650 m/8,694 ft
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa (2,650 m/8,692 ft) to Shira One Camp (3,609 m/11,841 ft.)
A few hours walk will see the end of the forest and the beginning of a climb through heather forest to the edge of the Shira Caldera. Destination is the scenic Shira One Camp.
Hike Time: 5 – 6 hrs
Elevation Change: + 950 M/+3116
Estimation Distance: 12 km
Final Elevation: 3609 m/11,841 ft
Elevation Change: + 950 M/+3116
Estimation Distance: 12 km
Final Elevation: 3609 m/11,841 ft
Day 3
Shira One Camp (3,609 m/11,841 ft.) to Shira Two Camp (3,849 m/12,628 ft.)
Today is spent on a gentle hike across the Shira Plateau with possible side trips to Shira Cathedral. Camp is at the first high camp of Shira Two.
Hike Time: 5 – 6 hrs
Elevation Change: + 240 M/+787 ft
Estimation Distance: 5 km
Final Elevation: 3849 m/12,628 ft.
Elevation Change: + 240 M/+787 ft
Estimation Distance: 5 km
Final Elevation: 3849 m/12,628 ft.
Day 4
Shira Camp 2 (3,849M/12628ft) to Moir Hut Camp (4,200m/13,860ft)
Continuing exploring Shira plateau in its gentle walk east towards Kibo to Moir Hut , is a little used site on the base of Lent Hills , in the afternoon a variety of walking can be made if weather permits for an excellent acclimatization opportunity.
Hike Time: 4-5 hrs
Elevation Change: +351m/+1158ft
Estimation Distance: 6 km
Final Elevation: 4200m/13,860ft.
Elevation Change: +351m/+1158ft
Estimation Distance: 6 km
Final Elevation: 4200m/13,860ft.
Day 5
Moir Hut Camp (4,200m/13,860ft) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m/13,266ft)
Today you will have a rather long but at the same time an easy trek. After a short steep climb out of a Moir Valley you will start going around the Northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, the trail with up and down meandering close to Kenya border with scenic views of Amboseli and Tsavo Valleys.
Hike Time: 5-7 hrs
Elevation Change: -180m/-5940ft
Estimation Distance: 12km
Final Elevation: 4,020m/13,266ft
Elevation Change: -180m/-5940ft
Estimation Distance: 12km
Final Elevation: 4,020m/13,266ft
Day 6
Buffalo Camp (4,020m/13,266ft) to Third Cave camp (3,870m/12,771ft)
Kili Northern Circuit continues top of ‘Buffalo Ridge’. With lunch continue eastwards through alpine zonewith increasingly sparse and rare vegetation. The day’s journey ends after circumventing the northern slopes to reach the Rongai Third Cave Camp. By this stage of the trek, you’ll be fully acclimatized to the high altitude, which will contribute to your general feelings of well-being
Hike Time: 5-7 hrs
Elevation Change: -150m/3,795ft.
Estimation Distance: 8 km
Final Elevation: 3,870m/12,771ft
Elevation Change: -150m/3,795ft.
Estimation Distance: 8 km
Final Elevation: 3,870m/12,771ft
Day 7
Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,771ft) to School Hut (4,800m/15,840ft)
This is the final leg of the trip before your last ascent up to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. The highlight of the day will be the trek up and over The Saddle, a lunar landscape that lies between the Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. You’ll then head southwest to School Hut (4,800m) to rest in preparation for the end of your amazing journey. Your guides will thoroughly check all your gear and supplies in preparation for an early morning start.
Hike Time: 4-5 hrs
Elevation Change: +930m/+3,069ft
Estimation Distance: 5 km
Elevation Change: +930m/+3,069ft
Estimation Distance: 5 km
Day 8
School Hut (4,800m/15,840ft) to Uhuru Peak (5895m/19340ft)
We will set off by midnight at the latest in order to reach Gilmans Point by dawn. You will be trekking up scree slopes to the rim where we need to continue around this in order to reach the summit – Uhuru Peak at 58955m. Take your time to enjoy the indescribable view and peace before our descent. We will be heading back towards Millennium Camp down to 3730m for lunch thereafter heading to Mweka camp 3100m/. This whole day, including ascent and descent is tough and can be up to 12 – 15 hours of trekking. It takes mental preparation and support. It’s a huge achievement.
Hike Time: 12-15 hrs
Elevation Gain: 1095m /3,591ft
Elevation Loss: 2795m/9,168ft
Estimation Distance: 19 km
Final Elevation: 3100m/10,170ft
Day 9
Mweka Hut (3,100 m/10,170 ft) to Mweka Gate (1,828 m/6,000 ft)
We continue our descent across moorland towards Mweka Gate where you can happily know your trekking experience has ended! However, this day is still fairly strenuous, not least because of the environment which can be wet as we will be returning through the rainforest. Some walkers can also find they go slower when descending so we do allow for this. We should be aiming for 5/6 hours. Finally, we will transport you to your accommodation for celebration and relaxation before a well deserved sleep.
Hike Time: 4 hrs
Elevation Change: -1,250 m/-4,101 ft
Estimation Distance: 10km
Final Elevation: 1,828 m/6,000 ft