NORTHERN CIRCUIT

8-Day or 9-Day or 10-Day Trekking Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit Route

Mount Kilimanjaro, located in northern Tanzania near the border with Kenya, stands as Africa's highest peak at 5,895 meters (19.341 feet). This dormant volcanic mountain features three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Renowned as the "Roof of Africa," there are five distinct ecological zones: cultivation, forest, heath, alpine desert, and arctic summit offering diverse landscapes and unique wildlife. Conservation efforts are managed by Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987

The Northern Circuit Route is an excellent choice for those looking for a longer trek with varied scenery and high chances of reaching the summit. Its extended duration and gradual ascent profile aid in acclimatization, making it one of the most successful routes for summiting Kilimanjaro. The route offers solitude and unique 360° view, making it a favorite among trekkers seeking a comprehensive and less crowded Kilimanjaro experience.

Duration
- The trek lasts 8 days or 9 days or 10 days.

Difficulty
- Considered moderately difficult. The longer duration and gradual ascent help with acclimatization, making it one of the routes with the highest summit success rates.

Scenery and Experience
- The Northern Circuit Route is known for its stunning and diverse landscapes, including rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers.
- It is the longest and newest route, offering trekkers a unique and less crowded experience.
- The route circumnavigates Kilimanjaro, providing 360-degree views and a chance to see various sides of the mountain.

Advantage
- High Success Rate: The extended duration and gradual ascent greatly improve acclimatization, resulting in one of the highest summit success rates.
- Scenic Beauty: The route offers a wide variety of landscapes and stunning views from different angles of the mountain.
- Solitude: It is less crowded than many other routes, providing a more peaceful trekking experience.

Weakness
- Duration: The longer trek requires more time and can be more expensive due to the extended duration.
- Physical Demands: Despite the good acclimatization, the longer duration and high altitude still require good physical conditioning.

Inclusions

Transfers from and back to your accommodation
Hotel (before and after the trek)
Professional and experienced mountain guides
Professional and experienced porters and cook
Waterproof and 4-seasons mountain sleeping tents
Mess tent with tables and chairs
Sleeping mattress
Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with large portions of fresh, healthy and nutritious food
Clean and purified drinking water
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Park fees (camping/hut fees, rescue fees, conservation fees)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
First Aid Kit
Kilimanjaro summit certificate

Exclusions

Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Personal trekking equipment such as hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, beverages, snack, etc)
Tips and Gratuities
Travel insurance

Day 0: Welcoming at airport or accommodation

Check of necessary equipment followed by a briefing on the itinerary and safety instructions

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

Start at Lemosho Gate (2,100 m / 6,890 ft)

Hike through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m / 8,694 ft)

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (optional)

Continue through the forest and into the heather and moorland zone

Arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,843 ft)

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Traverse the Shira Plateau with great views of the summit

Arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft)

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Camp (optional)

Have a day of acclimatization at Lava Tower Camp (4,600 m / 15092 ft)

Day 5: Lave Tower Camp to Moir Hut

Ascend to Moir Hut at the base of the Lent Group, a collection of rocky outcrops

Arrive at Moir Hut (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)

Day 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Begin the Northern Circuit portion, trekking around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro

Arrive at Buffalo Camp (4,020 m / 13,188 ft)

Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Continue along the northern circuit with less traffic and stunning viewsArrive at Third Cave (3,870 m / 12,697 ft)

Day 8: Third Cave to School Hut

Gradual ascent to School Hut, the base camp for the summitArrive at School Hut (4,800 m / 15,748 ft)

Day 9: Summit Ascent and Descent to Millennium Camp

Night departure to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), at sunrise

Descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m / 12,533 ft)

Day 10: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Final descent through the rainforest to reach Mweka Gate