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MOUNT KILIMANJARO NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE

There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame and Umbwe routes all approach from the south side of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Ronga route approaches from the north near Kenya. Except for Marangu and Rongai, all routes descend through Mweka.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Route

The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery, including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As Kilimanjaro’s longest route, the Northern Circuit allows for the best acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate, so this route is highly recommended.

The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, a long drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate. From here we spend the first two days trekking through the rainforest to the Shira Ridge before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north, circling clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut before reaching the summit from the east.

Duration: 9 or 10 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Low

Upon arrival, you will be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Panama garden hotel 4 stars B&B for one night. Your guide will meet you for your orientation, equipment check, and arrange for you to rent any equipment you may need.

DAY 1: LONDROSSI GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP: 4.8km /3mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
Altitude gained: 396m

Departing from Moshi a 3 hours 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 – SHIRA I CAMP: 7.9km/5mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland

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 –SHIRA II CAMP: 6.9km/4mi | 3-4hrs | Low Alpine

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.

DAY 4: SHIRA II CAMP- LAVA TOWER – MOIR: 17.7km/11.1mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine

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 – BUFFALO CAMP: 9.2km/5.7mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine Zone

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 – RONGAI 3RD CAVE: 6.8km /4.3mi | 5-7hrs | Alpine Desert

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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 – SCHOOL HUT:4.8km /3mi | 5-7hrs | Glacial Zone

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 – SUMMIT: 5.9km /3.7mi | 6-8hrs | – MWEKA CAMP: 13km /8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

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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 – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest

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 Panama Gurden Hotel B&B. before being transferred to your journey home, safari or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.