Safety First: costs for rescue services are covered.
Northern Circuit
Duration: 8 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km / 9 - 12 mi per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m / 820 - 1640 ft ascent per day
> Most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro in 8 days
> Same route a bit faster
> Guaranteed departure for every date in the calendar
If you want to be more or less certain that you will climb Kilimanjaro, you should know that the Northern Circuit Route has the absolute highest success rates. About 95% of all Northern Circuit climbers make it to Uhuru Peak. Pretty impressive, but that's not all. The Northern Circuit Route is the newest route and takes a less trodden path. Like the Lemosho Route, it starts at Londorossi Gate and follows the southern trails all the way to Lava Tower, where Lemosho climbers continue; Northern Circuit hikers turn around and head north. They bypass Kibo and follow less visited trails. This part of the mountain is mainly frequented by Northern Circuit hikers, a relatively small group, resulting in quiet and almost deserted camping areas.
You want to do the Northern Circuit but you want to go a bit faster? Even in 8 days, your success rates are as high as Uhuru Peak. As with all Bookatrekking.com offerings, the 8-day Northern Circuit route includes transfers to and from the airport, guide(s), porters, meals and accommodation in tents. A detailed list of included services can be found below.
Why choose Bookatrekking.com?
At Bookatrekking.com we care for our staff, we think and act local, and we make sure that everyone makes it home safe. We only make use of certified local guides and porters, we don't do nonsense, we eat well, and we don't like hidden costs. Uhuru is Swahili for Freedom. We like Freedom.
At Bookatrekking.com we care for our staff, we think and act local, and we make sure that everyone makes it home safe. We only make use of certified local guides and porters, we don't do nonsense, we eat well, and we don't like hidden costs. Uhuru is Swahili for Freedom. We like Freedom.
Itinerary
Day
1
Moshi – Starting Point – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m)
Duration: 02:25 h
Distance: 4.7 km / 2.9 mi
Ascent: 400 m / 1312 ft
At the break of dawn, our driver will collect you and transport you to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m), an approximately two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Upon gate registration, you'll ascend along a rugged track that winds through the dense rainforest to your trek's starting point. This moderately steep path guides you through a captivating and pristine natural forest, leading to Mkubwa Camp (2,800 m).
Because this region hosts a variety of wildlife, an armed ranger will accompany you during the initial two days of your journey.
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day
2
Mount Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)
Duration: 06:40 h
Distance: 6.35 km / 3.9 mi
Ascent: 490 m / 1608 ft
Descent: 50 m / 164 ft
The trail leading to Shira Camp 1 unveils a striking shift from the lush rainforest to the arid heather moorland, marking Mount Kilimanjaro's third climate zone.
The landscape transforms into a dry expanse adorned with towering lobelias amidst delicate white flora that contrasts the dusty sand dunes. Ascending steep ridges, we arrive at the expansive Shira Plateau, offering sweeping views of Kilimanjaro's grandeur and the sun's descent behind Mount Meru in the west.
Amid the journey, we gracefully cross tranquil streams, while progressing over Shira Ridge (3,600m) and descending to the welcoming embrace of Shira Camp 1.
Shira 1 Camp
Day
3
Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)
Duration: 04:20 h
Distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi
Ascent: 630 m / 2067 ft
Descent: 30 m / 98 ft
Today's trek involves crossing the Shira Plateau, moving from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2, where a well-timed lunch break awaits. Generally, those on the nine-day trekking plan choose to spend the night at Shira Camp 2, where they mingle with fellow trekkers arriving from the Machame Route.
However, participants on the eight-day journey have a distinct path ahead. Their route stretches eastward, leading them through the enchanting 'Garden of the Senecios' before entering the elevated expanse of the high alpine desert zone.
As the day progresses, the trail merges with the northern circuit, marking the start of a descent towards the Moir Camp nestled at an elevation of 4,200 meters.
Moir Camp
Day
4
Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)
Duration: 03:40 h
Distance: 9.9 km / 6.2 mi
Ascent: 270 m / 886 ft
Descent: 440 m / 1444 ft
The day kicks off with a moderately steep ascent out of Moir Valley. Trekkers have the option to take a brief detour to conquer the summit of Little Lent Hill, standing at 4,375 meters, before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. The path then undulates, tracing the northern slopes of Kibo, and leads to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters).
Throughout the trek, you'll be treated to sweeping vistas of the northern plains extending toward the Kilimanjaro border shared by Kenya and Tanzania. Arriving at Buffalo Camp shortly past midday, a well-deserved lunch break awaits, offering you the chance to replenish your energy after a full day of hiking.
Buffalo Camp
Day
5
Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)
Duration: 01:50 h
Distance: 5.6 km / 3.5 mi
Ascent: 50 m / 164 ft
Descent: 100 m / 328 ft
Today commences with a climb up the Buffalo ridge, followed by a descent into Porfu Camp, typically the lunch spot. The journey proceeds eastward, skirting the northern slopes and leading to Rongai Third Cave at an elevation of 3,800 meters. With a shorter trek compared to the previous day, you should now be comfortably acclimated to the altitude.
Your arrival at the Third Cave is anticipated in the mid-afternoon, marking a steady and efficient progression through the landscape.
Rongai Third Cave
Day
6
Third Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)
Duration: 02:15 h
Distance: 3.91 km / 2.4 mi
Ascent: 700 m / 2297 ft
Nearly there. Today unfolds with a gradual ascent across the Saddle, a terrain nestled between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The journey continues with a south-western direction, leading trekkers to School Hut at an elevation of 4,800 meters.
Upon reaching School Hut, an early dinner awaits before a crucial rest period, as you'll be roused before midnight to embark on your summit bid. It's essential to organize all your gear, from warm attire and insulated water bottles to snacks, a headlamp, and a camera, before settling in for the night.
School hut
Day
7
School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then onto Mweka Camp (3,950 meters)
Duration: 10:40 h
Distance: 17.4 km / 10.8 mi
Ascent: 1190 m / 3904 ft
Descent: 2800 m / 9186 ft
Around 11:30 PM, you'll be awakened with the comforting warmth of hot tea and biscuits, signaling the beginning of a significant climb. This ascent entails navigating the steep slopes of Kibo, shrouded in darkness. The initial checkpoint, Hans Meyer Cave, provides a brief opportunity to rest. As you continue, the incline becomes steeper, leading you to Gilman’s Point at 5,681 meters. This point is reached approximately 5-6 hours after leaving School Hut. The journey to Gilman's Point is characterized by a gradual and methodical ascent.
Upon reaching Gilman’s Point, a traverse along the crater rim guides you to Uhuru Peak. At the summit, a short stay allows for capturing photos and savoring the awe-inspiring views. After this interlude, the path retraces back to Stella Point. From there, a descent ensues, navigating a lengthy rocky trail that leads to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp
Day
8
Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m) to Moshi
Duration: 03:40 h
Distance: 8.7 km / 5.4 mi
Descent: 1420 m / 4659 ft
The more you descend, the better your oxygen intake. The better your oxygen intake, the better your body and mind work. It’s all sinking now. You’ve ascended Kilimanjaro. You will once more trek through the rainforest, giving you another opportunity to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka gate in about 2 – 3 hours. In Mweka, after some paperwork, another meal awaits you. You may as well add a Kilimanjaro beer to that. While you’re at it, your guide will present you with your climbing certificate. Well done!
After some good food and a celebration, you will be taken back to your hotel. It’s time to rest those legs. Jump in the pool, eat, drink and sleep.
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