Northern Circuit Trekking Route

9 Days

Moderate

$ 3,311 pp

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Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its remote and tranquil trails, this route offers a unique and less crowded experience, perfect for trekkers who want to explore Kilimanjaro’s hidden beauty. The Northern Circuit takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests and alpine deserts to rocky terrains and high-altitude plateaus. With excellent acclimatization opportunities and breathtaking views, this route boasts one of the highest success rates for reaching the summit.

Key Highlights:

Trek through lush rainforests, heathlands, and alpine deserts.
Enjoy panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks, including Kibo and Mawenzi.
Experience the tranquility of the remote northern slopes, away from the crowds.
Conquer the summit with a midnight push to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
Camp under the stars and connect with nature in pristine wilderness.
Spot unique wildlife, including colobus monkeys and exotic birds.

Itinerary in detail

Join us for an unforgettable trip to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with our itinerary. Each day helps you adjust to the altitude, enjoy beautiful views, and have a rewarding hike. Here’s what to expect on your adventure:

1. Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation: 2,360m/7,740ft to 2,895m/9,500ft
Distance: 6 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Activity:
- After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate (about 2 hours).
- Complete registration and meet your guides and porters.
- Begin the trek through lush rainforest, following a gentle trail.
- Spot wildlife like monkeys and colorful birds along the way.
- Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), nestled in the rainforest.
Terrain: Dense rainforest with tall trees, cool air, and muddy trails.
Highlights:
- Experience the tranquility of the rainforest.
- Enjoy the sounds of nature as you settle into camp.

Camp at Mti Mkubwa

Full Board

2. Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 2,895m/9,500ft to 3,505m/11,500ft
Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Activity:
- After breakfast, leave the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone.
- Trek through scenic ridges with panoramic views of the Shira Plateau.
- Enjoy the changing vegetation and cooler temperatures.
- Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located on the edge of the plateau.
Terrain: Rocky trails with sparse vegetation and stunning views.
Highlights:
- Witness the dramatic transition from rainforest to moorland.
- Take in the breathtaking views of Kibo Peak in the distance.

Shira 1 Camp

Full Board

3. Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 3,505m/11,500ft to 3,850m/12,630ft
Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Activity:
- Enjoy a shorter trek designed for acclimatization.
- Explore the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
- Take in the stunning views of Kibo and the surrounding landscapes.
- Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where you’ll rest and prepare for the days ahead.
Terrain: Gentle trails with rocky terrain and expansive views.
Highlights:
- Acclimatize while enjoying the beauty of the Shira Plateau.
- Relax and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Shira 2 Camp

Full Board

4. Shira 2 Camp → Moir Hut

Elevation: 3,850m/12,630ft to 4,200m/13,780ft
Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Activity:
- Trek to the iconic Lava Tower, a towering volcanic rock formation.
- Stop for lunch and rest, allowing your body to acclimatize.
- Descend to Moir Hut, a remote campsite on the northern slopes.
Terrain: Rocky trails with dramatic landscapes and high-altitude views.
Highlights:
- Experience the unique beauty of the Lava Tower.
- Enjoy the solitude of the northern slopes.

Camp at Moir Hut

Full Board

5. Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp

Elevation: 4,200m/13,780ft to 4,020m/13,200ft
Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Activity:
- Begin with a steep climb, followed by a traverse across rocky terrain.
- Descend to Buffalo Camp, a scenic and peaceful campsite.
- Enjoy a hot lunch and relax in the serene surroundings.
Terrain: Rocky trails with panoramic views of the northern slopes.
Highlights:
- Experience the remote beauty of Kilimanjaro’s northern face.
- Enjoy the tranquility of Buffalo Camp.

Buffalo Camp

Full Board

6. Buffalo Camp → Third Cave Camp

Elevation: 4,020m/13,200ft to 3,870m/12,700ft
Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Activity:
- Trek around the northern slopes, enjoying the solitude and unique scenery.
- Pass through dry, dusty terrain with sparse vegetation.
- Arrive at Third Cave Camp, a remote and peaceful campsite.
Terrain: Dry, rocky trails with dramatic landscapes.
Highlights:
- Experience the remote and less-traveled northern slopes.
- Enjoy the sense of solitude and connection with nature.

Third Cave Camp

Full Board

7. Third Cave Camp → School Hut

Elevation: 3,870m/12,700ft to 4,750m/15,580ft
Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Activity:
- Trek through the scenic “saddle” between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
- Arrive at School Hut, the base camp for the summit push.
- Rest and prepare for the midnight climb to the summit.
Terrain: Rocky trails with dramatic high-altitude views.
Highlights:
- Enjoy the stunning views of the saddle and surrounding peaks.
- Prepare for the ultimate challenge of reaching the summit.

Camp at School Hut

Full Board

8. School Hut → Uhuru Peak → Millennium Camp

Elevation: 4,750m/15,580ft to 5,895m/19,340ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,820m/12,530ft (Millennium Camp)
Distance: 6 km (ascent), 12 km (descent) | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours (ascent), 4–6 hours (descent)
Activity:
- Begin the summit push at midnight, trekking through steep, rocky trails.
- Reach Gilman’s Point at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak.
- Celebrate your achievement at the highest point in Africa.
- Descend to Millennium Camp for rest and celebration.
Terrain: Steep, rocky trails with scree and snow near the summit.
Highlights:
- Witness the sunrise from the Roof of Africa.
- Celebrate reaching Uhuru Peak, the ultimate goal of your trek.

Millennium Camp

Full Board

9. Millennium Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi

Elevation: 3,820m/12,530ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Activity:
- Descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
- Receive your summit certificate and celebrate your achievement.
- Drive back to Moshi for a hot shower and well-deserved rest.
Terrain: Rainforest with muddy trails.
Highlights:
- Reflect on your incredible journey as you descend through the rainforest.
- Celebrate your success with your team.

Breakfast

The adventure ends here!

What's Included

Porterage (carrying your gear).
Climbing gear (tents, sleeping mats, etc.).
Rescue fee and park fees.
All accommodation during the trek.
All meals as specified in the itinerary.
Professional guide and support team.
All transportation, including airport transfers.

What's Excluded

International flights.
Tips for guides and porters.
Additional accommodation before and after the tour.
Personal items (e.g., souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees).
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees.

Best Time to Trek

January–March: Clear skies and warm weather.
June–October: Cooler temperatures and less rain.

Why Choose This Route?

The Northern Circuit Route offers trekkers a remote and scenic path to Kilimanjaro’s summit. Known for its excellent acclimatization, stunning views, and high success rate, it’s an unforgettable adventure for those wanting to experience Africa’s highest peak.

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