Kilimanjaro Trekking Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route begins from the west at Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route at the beginning. 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 northern circuit is longer than other Kilimanjaro routes while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It gives you more time for acclimatization and also beautiful scenic views.
The Northern Circuit Route traverses the entire mountain. It has the highest acclimatization profile and also the summit success rate.The Northern Circuit route is easily one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro. It is best suited for those who enjoy backpacking for many days and want to do something that is different. The Northern Circuit is also preferred by those who want to get away from other travelers while on their Kilimanjaro Trek
Not only is the exclusive route, Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Routeis also the easiest Kilimanjaro route and offers a great acclimatizing opportunity. The route offers a good opportunity t witness elephant, bison, eland, and many varieties of bird species.The route offers a great panoramic view and allows witnessing scenery of 2 sides of Kilimanjaro.
ITINERARY, PRICE, INCLUDE & EXCLUDE :
Arrival:
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro international airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft Altitude gained: 396m 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 to Shira 1 Camp Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft Altitude gained: 719m After a good nights 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 to Shira II Camp Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft Altitude gained: 391m 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 to Lava Tower Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft Altitude gained: 91m 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 to Buffalo camp Elevation: 4155m/13,632ft to 4033m/13,232ft Altitude loss: 122m 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 stretches 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 to Rongai 3rd Cave Elevation: 4033m/13,232ft to 3936m/12,193ft Altitude lost: 97m Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and down into Pofu 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 to School Hut Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 4717m/15,476ft Altitude gained: 781m 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 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, headlamp, and camera before going to bed. Day 8: School Hut to Summit down to Mweka Camp Elevation: 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gained: 1178m Descent to 3106m/10,190ft Altitude lost:2789m 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 on 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 to Mweka Gate Drive to Moshi Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft Altitude lost: 1473m 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!! Overnight Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4 stars B&B. before being transferred to your journey home, safari or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
7 days lemosho price per person(USD)
1 pax | 2-4 pax | 4-7 pax | 8++ pax |
---|---|---|---|
$ 3000 | $ 2800 | $ 2700 | $ 2600 |
PRICE INCLUDES
Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
2 nights of accommodation in Moshi.
Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate.
Park entry fees.
Camping fees.
Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees.
18% VAT on tour fees & services.
4 Season mountain tents.
Double layered Sleeping Mats.
Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters. 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain.
Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
Hot water for washing.
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
Government taxes.
Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter. Emergency first-aid kit.
PRICE EXCLUDES
Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
Travel insurance.
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 70 for the entire trek. Flights.
Laundry (Available at hotel).
Personal items and toiletries.
Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain).