Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
At a Glance
  • Duration9 Days
  • Difficulty Level Serious
  • Max Altitude 5900 M
  • Group Size 1-10 Pax
  • Starts Londorossi Gate
  • Ends Mweka Gate

The Northern Circuit Route of climbing Kilimanjaro, one of the best routes grants closer 360-degree sights of amazingly mesmerizing scenery of nature and high mountains. The longest route, the more excitement and most adventures will be filled in this thrilling route. Following little-used paths around the 4300m contour line that shows the Braventure Africa the perfect solitude and wilderness of the mountain. Make a memory of each moment you will be walking through the lush forests, different vegetation and climatic zones at the same time spot some animals, beautiful birds and glimpses of glittering Kilimanjaro peaks. An admiring adventure of exploring divergent terrains and putting your thirst for adventure to the top of the world.

Climbing Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit route commences in the West at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. The Northern Circuit is longer than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, taking a minimum of eight or nine days to complete. The eight-day trek skips the additional acclimatization day that is usually spent at Shira Camp 2 and continues straight on to Moir Camp. The adventure itself is a peaceful trail compared to other many Kilimanjaro trails. The main highlight of the trip is the day of the summit, on reaching never miss a golden opportunity to capture a lifetime memory with greater experiences. 

If you are willing to enjoy your trip as you can, then Northern Circuit Route is one of the perfect routes to climb Kilimanjaro. Join us and experience the trip for a lifetime enjoying greater services and friendly guides. 

Itinerary

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    The Northern Circuit Route commences at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. Take a drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first-day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephants and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp. Overnight at Camp.

      From the forested slopes of Lemosho, you will be ascending through a podocarpus and juniper forest and then break out onto a zone of heather and lichen-draped volcanic rock and the Shira Plateau, which used to be Kilimanjaro’s third peak before it collapsed. Lunch is taken on the trail and you arrive in camp mid-afternoon. The view of Kibo (the peak of Kilimanjaro) is mesmerizing from this vantage point. Overnight at Camp.

        Today, 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). Overnight at Camp.

          The days of a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch, you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatization process. Overnight at Camp.

            Heading out of a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. You can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters). Enjoy astounding vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you can enjoy having lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking. Overnight at Camp.

              Your Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit adventure continues with a revitalizing morning climbing up to the top of ‘Buffalo Ridge’. After stopping for lunch, you’ll continue eastwards through High and Low Alpine scenery passing 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. Overnight at Camp.

                A steady ascent 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 the 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, headlamps, and cameras before going to bed. Overnight at Camp.

                  Wake up early in the morning (around midnight) and get ready to begin our thrilling adventure to the summit. Today is the day of the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. Take an ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most admiring sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, you will be arriving at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Enjoy as much as you can standing at the highest point on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Marvel at the sights that Uhuru Peak has to offer!!! After then, from the summit, now you will make a decent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, enjoy the last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Overnight at Camp.

                    The last hike is a short one and will lead us to Mweka Gate. Your Himalayan Recreation Team will proudly issue you with a Gold Summit Certificate and celebrate. Our drivers will be in the nearby village to transport you to the hotel for a hot shower, soft mattress and set of clean clothes.  

                    Cost Details

                    Cost Includes
                    • Private Transfer from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport
                    • Hut or camping fees
                    • All park fees
                    • Salary for crew (guide, Porter & Cook)
                    • Rescue fee
                    • Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner & mineral water)
                    • Two night accommodation (one night before climb and one night after Climb) B/B Tent, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipments eating utensils.
                    • Oxygen cylinder and Oxy-meter.
                    • Portable toilet (1 per 5 people)
                    • All government tax (VAT)
                    • Helicopter evacuation service
                    Cost Excludes
                    • Tip for the crew (guide, porters & cook
                    • Some equipment is available for rent
                    • Lunch and dinner at the hotel
                    • Extra personal needs (cigarette & alcohol drinks)
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