Northern Circuit Route 9 Days
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Northern Circuit Route 9 Days is the newest of Kilimanjaro’s eight established summit paths. It is also the longest route and the only one offering views of all four sides of the mountain. Many operators promote it as one of the easiest routes because of its longer itinerary and gradual pace. This route provides excellent acclimatization and avoids steep transitions. However, the 8-day trek may feel physically demanding if you are not used to long hiking trips.
Northern Circuit Route 9 Days stands out for its exceptional acclimatisation, stunning scenery, and quiet, less-traveled paths. As the least crowded route, it is ideal for those seeking a private and serene climbing experience.
Picture spending over a week exploring the “Roof of Africa.” Lush rainforests gradually give way to unique plants like Dendrosenecio kilimanjari. You will enjoy panoramic views of the African savannah, Kenya’s southern plains, and Kilimanjaro’s volcanic landscapes. At night, millions of stars illuminate the sky, with the Milky Way stealing the show. On summit day, you will ascend to Uhuru Peak and witness an unforgettable sunrise over glaciers and the alpine desert. Adventurers can also spend an additional night in the Crater. This unique option allows you to join the select group of travelers who have experienced this rare opportunity.
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Tour Highlights:
Included/Exclude
- Two-way private airport transfers
- All park fees collected by the National Park
- Hotel accommodations before and after the expedition
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
- All meals on the hike
- All group camping equipment
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Kilimanjaro licensed professional guides
- Hiking dedicated support crews
- Government taxes
- Crew salaries
- Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
- Purified water while on the mountain
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- Personal Climbing gears
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
We will depart from Moshi and drive to Londorossi Gate, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, you will complete the required park entrance formalities. Afterward, we continue to the Lemosho Trailhead. From there, the adventure begins as we trek through pristine woodland, making our way to the first campsite.
Elevation: 7,742 to 9,498 feet
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
We leave the rainforest behind and make our way into a stunning savannah landscape, characterised by tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen. The trail takes us through picturesque rolling hills and across multiple streams, leading to Shira Ridge. From there, we gradually descend to Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll be treated to your first breathtaking view of Kibo rising above the expansive plateau.
Elevation: 9,498 to 11,500 feet
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Heath
We venture through the Shira Plateau, enjoying a leisurely walk east across the moorland meadows heading towards Shira 2 Camp. The heathland is rich with vibrant wildflowers and the distinctive Senecio trees.
Elevation: 11,500 to 12,500 feet
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Heath
We proceed eastward along a hill before turning southeast towards the Lava Tower, a towering 300-foot volcanic rock formation. Afterward, we veer off the main trail towards Moir Hut, a rarely visited spot located at the foot of Lent Hills. Lent Hills presents various hiking routes, making it an excellent spot for acclimatization. The Shira Plateau, known for being one of the highest plateaus on Earth, adds to the uniqueness of this journey.
Elevation: 15,190 to 13,580 feet
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We depart Moir Valley with a moderately challenging climb, reaching the summit of Lent Hills before rejoining the main route. The trail then winds through a rocky field, gradually undulating as it leads toward Buffalo Camp. Along this stretch, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the plains to the north of Kilimanjaro, stretching all the way to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
Elevation: 13,580 to 13,200 feet
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
As we ascend Buffalo Ridge, the landscape becomes increasingly barren. This rarely traveled path offers us a chance to immerse ourselves in the solitude of the mountain wilderness. We make our way through remote valleys, eventually reaching the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, where we arrive at Third Cave.
Elevation: 13,200 to 12,700 feet
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Heath
We make a gradual ascent across the "Saddle," the narrow ridge that links Kibo and Mawenzi. From there, we head to our campsite at School Hut. Upon arrival, we rest and enjoy an early meal to prepare for the summit day ahead.
Elevation: 12,700 to 15,600 feet
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Our ascent begins in the dead of night, around midnight, the most challenging part of the journey. We face harsh conditions, including biting cold and strong winds, as we climb through the darkness. We take frequent, short breaks during this arduous climb. Reaching Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft) is rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we conquer Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
From the summit, we descend to Mweka Camp, stopping for lunch at Barafu Camp. The descent is strenuous, with rough terrain that can strain your knees. Trekking poles are highly recommended. As we descend into the higher forest, mist and rain are possible. We enjoy our final meal on the mountain at Mweka Camp before a well-deserved night's rest.
Elevation: 19,341 to 10,065 feet
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Arctic
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
Our journey concludes with a descent towards Mweka Gate. As we descend to lower altitudes, we may encounter damp and muddy conditions on the trail. Once we reach the gate, a comfortable van will transport us back to our hotel in Moshi. At the hotel, we'll celebrate our achievement by collecting our well-earned summit certificates, a tangible reminder of our incredible journey.
Elevation: 10,065 to 5,380 feet
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
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