Mt. Kilimanjaro Via Northern Circuit Route
- 9 Days
- People: 1+
- Mount Kilimanjaro
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route on Kilimanjaro. Its a 9-day trip that initially goes up the Lemosho route on the western side of Kilimanjaro to the Shira Plateau, then heads north and circles the main summit in a clockwise direction.
It then joins the Rongai route to climb the summit from the eastern side and descend straight down the southern Mweka route.
The Northern Circuit route is the newest route up Mount Kilimanjaro and arguably the best. That’s because the a combination of all of the best elements of the other routes, rolled into one fantastic hike. If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, plenty of solitude, a healthy challenge, and the potential to spot wildlife, this is definitely the route for you.
The Northern Circuit route follows the same route as Lemosho route for the first few days, but rather than sticking to the south side of Kibo, it turns to the little-used northern trails instead. This path is virtually devoid of other trekkers and as a result, the campsites are quiet, peaceful, and practically deserted.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)
Elevation: 2,100m (6,890 ft) to 2,820m (9,252 ft)
Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Details:
- After registration at Londorossi Gate, drive to the trailhead and begin your trek.
- Pass through lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species.
- Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,820m (9,252 ft) to 3,500m (11,485 ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Details:
- The trail ascends out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone, offering sweeping views of the Shira Plateau.
- Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,500m (11,485 ft) to 3,850m (12,631 ft)
Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Details:
- A gradual trek across the Shira Plateau with breathtaking views of Kibo Peak.
- Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 3,850m (12,631 ft) to 4,200m (13,780 ft)
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Details:
- Climb steadily toward the Lava Tower (optional stop for acclimatization) and continue to the remote Moir Hut.
- Optional: A short hike to Lent Hills for acclimatization.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (Northern Circuit)
Elevation: 4,200m (13,780 ft) to 4,020m (13,188 ft)
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Details:
- Follow the Northern Circuit trail, which skirts the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
- Enjoy solitude and stunning views of the Kenyan plains below.
- Overnight at Buffalo Camp.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Elevation: 4,020m (13,188 ft) to 3,870m (12,700 ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Details:
- Continue eastward, traversing the northern slopes of the mountain.
- Arrive at Third Cave Camp, a peaceful campsite with incredible views.
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
Elevation: 3,870m (12,700 ft) to 4,800m (15,748 ft)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Details:
- A steep climb leads to School Hut, the base camp for the summit attempt.
- Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the push to the summit.
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,800m (15,748 ft) to 5,895m (19,341 ft) to 3,080m (10,105 ft)
Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours (6–8 hours to summit, 4–6 hours descent)
Habitat: Arctic to rainforest
Details:
- Begin the summit attempt around midnight. Ascend steeply to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- Descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,080m (10,105 ft) to 1,630m (5,347 ft)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Details:
- A pleasant descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate.
- Transport back to Moshi or Arusha for rest and celebration.
- Fully-loaded medical kits
- All park fees and taxes
- Dedicated support team
- Safe room and storage room
- Oxygen tanks
- Meals on the hike
- Camping equipment
- Hotel before and after the hike
- International flights
- Tips to the climbing crew
- Visa fee
- Personal gear rentals
- Single supplement
- Travel insurance
- Portable toilet
- Lunch and dinner in the hotel
GALLERY / PHOTOS
