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Northern Circuit
Duration: 8 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m 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
Ascent: 400 m
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
Ascent: 490 m
Descent: 50 m
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
Ascent: 630 m
Descent: 30 m
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
Included
Excluded
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