9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb - Northern Circuit Route

9 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit Route

Kilimanjaro climb 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 the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit allows for the best acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate, therefore this route is highly recommended.

The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summit from the east. Descend is made via the Mweka route.

Incredible Africa Adventures offers the Northern Circuit as a nine day group climb or private climb. A 10 day variation that includes an overnight at Crater Camp is available as a private climb by special request.

Itinerary

ARRIVAL DAY

On the arrival day, 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: LONDROSSI GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP: 4.8K /3MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST

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 – SHIRA I CAMP: 7.9KM/5MI | 4-6HRS | MOORLAND

Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft | Altitude gained: 719m

After a good night’s 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. 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- 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 lost: 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 stretch 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

Elevation: 4033m/13,232ft to 3936m/12,193ft | Altitude lost: 97m

Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu 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 acclimatised 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 then 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

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 of 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!

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).

DEPARTURE DAY

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

Wildlife Safari tour, Zanzibar trip and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

Group price

$3300 per person when 1 person travels alone

$2800 per person when 2 – 4 persons travel together

$2600 per person when 5 – 7 persons travel together

$2400 per person when 8 – 15 persons travel together

For a more accurate estimate, it's best to contact us directly and discuss your specific requirements and budget. We can provide you with a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.

What is included

• Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers to and from your accommodation in Moshi.

• 2 nights of accommodation before and after climb

• Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate

• Park entry fees, Camping fees, and Kilimanjaro Rescue fees

• 4 Season mountain tents

• Double layered Sleeping Mats

• 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 treatment and payment of our crew

• Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter

• Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent

• Emergency first-aid kit, and Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter

What is not included

– Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
– Travel insurance
– Flights
– Laundry (Available at hotel)
– Personal items and toiletries
– Tips for guides, porters and cook