Northern Circuit Route 9 Days
Northern Circuit Route 9 Days
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The Northern Circuit path is one of the greatest on Kilimanjaro, with nearly 360 degrees of breathtaking scenery, including the calm, seldom frequented northern slopes.
As the longest Kilimanjaro route, the Northern Circuit requires the greatest acclimatization time and has the highest summit success rate. Thus, the Northern Circuit route comes highly recommended.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, starting with a lengthy journey from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. The first two days are spent hiking through the jungle to Shira Ridge, followed by a traverse of the Shira Plateau. The path then proceeds north, clockwise around Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, and School Hut before summiting from the east. The descent is performed by the Mweka path.
Note: that summit day on this way is more difficult than on other routes because of the longer distance.
How Long is the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit course is around 88 kilometres, or 53 miles, long.
How Many Days Does the Northern Circuit Route Climbing Kilimanjaro Take?
Though there is a shorter 8-day version, the Northern Circuit route is normally completed in 9 days.
How Hard is it to Climb Kilimanjaro on the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit route is deemed challenging owing to its up-and-down character. Climbers have a good chance of acclimatising to the altitude due to the length of time they spend on the mountain. However, there are also disadvantages to spending so much time on the hill. It can lead to overall weariness, sleep deprivation, digestive disorders, respiratory troubles, and other ailments. Furthermore, summit day is especially difficult since climbers must cover more distances than other routes.
Tour Highlights
- Departure and Return Place: Arusha to Lemosho Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
- Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
- Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
- Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, a hat, cold cold-weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
- Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 3-star hotel (upgrades on request).
- Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
- Trip Availability: All year round.
Included/Excluded
- Two-way private airport transfers
- All park fees collected by the National Park
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
- All meals on the hike
- All group camping equipment
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Hotel stays before and after the trip
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Kilimanjaro licensed professional guides
- Hiking dedicated support crews
- Government taxes
- Crew salaries
- Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
- Purified water while on the mountain
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- Personal Climbing gears
- Personal Climbing gears
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
Tour Plan
DAY 1 – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
We leave Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes around 4 hours, where you will complete entrance requirements. Then, travel to the Lemosho Trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we continue trekking through undisturbed woodland to the first camp site.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
DAY 2 – Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
We proceed down the track that leads out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen beards. As we travel through the beautiful rolling hills and pass multiple streams, we arrive at Shira Ridge before gradually descending to Shira 1 Camp. Here we get our first view of Kibo over the plateau.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Heath
DAY 3 – Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Heath
DAY 4 – Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
We continue east along a hill before heading southeast to the Lava Tower, a 300-foot-tall volcanic rock feature. Then we deviate from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used location at the base of Lent Hills. Lent Hills offers a variety of hikes, giving it a good acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of Earth's highest plateaus.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 5 – Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
We leave Moir Valley by a moderately difficult ascent and go to the peak of Lent Hills before returning to the main route. Before arriving at Buffalo Camp, the road winds through a rock field and gradually undulates. This segment of the path provides spectacular views of the plains north of Kilimanjaro, which extend to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 6 – Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
As we go up Buffalo Ridge, the landscape gets more sparse. This path is infrequently used, and we will enjoy the mountain wilderness vibe. We journey through lonely valleys to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, where we arrive at Third Cave.
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Heath
DAY 7 – Third Cave to School Hut
We travel gradually up and across the "Saddle," which connects Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our campsite, School Hut. Once here, we recover and eat an early meal in preparation for the summit day.
Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 8 – School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
We start our climb to the peak quite early in the morning, around midnight. This is the most psychologically and physically hard part of the journey. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day may be brutal. We rise in the darkness for many hours, taking frequent but brief stops. At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most spectacular dawn you will ever see over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we descend to Mweka Camp, pausing at Barafu for lunch. The terrain is highly rough and can be hard on the knees; trekking poles are recommended. Mweka Camp is located in the higher forest, so mist or rain might be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we have our final meal on the mountain and get some well-deserved sleep.
School Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Arctic
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
DAY 9 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On our final day, we continue our descent towards Mweka Gate. At lower levels, it may be damp and muddy. A van returns us to the Moshi hotel, where we collect our summit certificates.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
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