Northern Circuit
Top Climbers Expeditions - 9 days
-
Regular days with
- 0 - 10 km per day
Overview
> Enjoy the summit view from the Uhuru Peak
> Challenge the longest trek of the Kilimanjaro
> Hike through rain-forests and high alpine zone
Do you want to have the most complete experience on the Kilimanjaro? The Northern Circuit 9 days trek is perfect to get the overall impression on this massive mountain, as it is the longest route that the Kilimanjaro has to offer. Join us and climb to the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak is waiting for you!
You start in the west at the Londorossi Gate and hike through the beautiful rain-forest, following the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira Plateau the path heads around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. We trek higher and higher up to the Shira Plateau and continue to the Lava Tower. The iconic Shark’s Tooth is also on the list of things, we want to see during our trek. Of course besides all the beautiful landscape that we will witness during our trekking, you look forward to our goal: the Uhuru Peak! To create lifelong memories we will ascent very early in the morning and have the chance to see the beauty of the sunrise over Tanzania from the summit of the roof of Africa.
The Northern Circuit is longer than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, this is why we take 9 days to fully introduce the different sides of this fantastic mountain to you and take our time to acclimatize to the high altitudes. The extra time that we have during this trek, is its biggest advantage and you will definitely cherish every minute of it.
Of course Africa wouldn’t be Africa without its rich wildlife. If you are lucky you may spot some large animals like elephants and buffaloes that emerge from the rain-forest onto the path in front of you. In the forest itself you should keep your eyes open to spot the black and white Colobus monkeys and other animals.
The longest trek is the perfect challenge for you and shows you everything that Mount Kilimanjaro has offer.
What’s the plan?
Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa (2,820m) – 3/4 hrs
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira Camp 1 (3,610m) – 5/6 hrs
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 – Shira Camp 2 (3,850m) – 3/4 hrs
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 – Moir Hut Camp (4,200 m) – 5/7 hrs
Day 5: Moir Hut Camp – Buffalo Camp (4,020 m) – 5/7 hrs
Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Rongai Third Cave (3,800 m) – 5/7 hrs
Day 7: Third Cave – School Hut (4,800 m) – 4/5 hrs
Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Millennium Camp (3,950 m) – 10/12 hrs
Day 9: Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi – 3/4 hrs
Itinerary
What’s the plan?
Day 1 – Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – start point 2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Tent
Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)
On day two you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).
Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Tent
Day 3 – Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) To Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)
On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. Nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: Trekkers on an eight day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).
Distance: ~7km / 4 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Tent
Day 4 – Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) To Moir Camp (4,200 meters)
Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.
Distance: ~14km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Tent
Day 5 – Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)
Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.
Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Tent
Day 6 – Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)
Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatised to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Tent
Day 7 – 3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)
Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.
Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Tent
Day 8 – School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then onto Millennium Camp (3,950 meters)
You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy.
The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.
Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Tent
Day 9 – Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters) Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest zone
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
Accommodation: Tent
Included
Included:
√ Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotelYour trekking company is able to pick you up from the airport and bring your to your hotel in Moshi, if needed. A transfer back to the airport can also be arranged.
√ Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
The transport from Moshi to the gate of Kilimanjaro National Park is taken care off. This also applies to the way back.
√ Four Season Mountain tents
Unless you are doing the Marangu Route, you’re staying in our strong and well maintained four season mountain tents. Every time you arrive at your camp the tent has already been set up.
(Huts on Marangu Route)
On the Marangu Route you will be provided with a bed in one of the huts on the way to Uhuru Peak. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.
√ Double Layered Sleeping Mats
Double layered mats provided by your trekking company will put you to sleep in no time.
√ Hot meals daily while on the mountain
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared during the trek. Your trekking company is bringing their own cook. Don’t be surprised when you see an exclusive three course dinner on your plate.
√ Treated and filtered water
During the trek you won’t have a shortage on drinking water.
√ Hot water for washing
Don’t expect an extensive shower, but there will be the possibility to use hot water for a decent wash.
√ Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit
The guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse rate, oxygen saturation and heart rate twice a day (very useful for monitoring the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS) at altitude). Also emergency portable oxygen is carried along. On top of that the guides are qualified Wilderness First Responders.
√ KINAPA Rescue Fee
The fees for the Kilimanjaro Rescue Team are covered. This is managed by KINAPA, Kilimanjaro National Parks. Interesting fact: Kinapa means “We carry each other” in Swahili.
√ Park fee, camping fee, VAT and other taxes
The park entry fees, the crater fee, camping fee and value added tax are included in the price.
√ Fair salary, food, insurance and accommodation for guide and porter(s)
The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.
√ Your own team of porters and guides
Per person you generally have a team of 1 guide, 1 cook and 3 porters who will support you in your climb. If you are part of a group of four, you will be able to enjoy 2 guides, 1 cook and 12 porters. Although there will always be enough hands on deck, the exact amount of support staff varies per trekking company.
Excluded:
× Visa for TanzaniaVisas are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. For most nationalities it is possible to get a visa upon arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Check with your local Tanzanian embassy or consulate to see what the requirements are.
× Flights to and from Moshi
The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Tanzania. To get an idea of which airlines are visiting Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), it is best to have a look at their website.
× Personal expenses
All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.
× Travel Insurance Including Repatriation
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Tanzania.
× Tipping
Tips for guides and porters are exclusive. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous and read our blog post about tipping when you are planning go trekking in Tanzania.
× Portable flush toilet
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for USD 70 for the entire trek.
× Accommodation before and after the trek
Whether you stay in Moshi, Arusha or anywhere else, before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation and meals.
Accomodation
AccomodationFour Season Mountain tents
Unless you are choosing the Marangu Route, you will be staying in durable tents that are equipped for all weather situations. A few porters will always trek ahead of you to make sure that your tent is ready when you arrive. There will also be tables and chairs. Accommodation comes with freshly prepared meals. Every campsite has a long drop toilet. Along the trek you can find your private space behind a rock. Read all about camping on the Kilimanjaro here.
Huts on Marangu Route
On the Marangu Route you will be provided with a bed in one of the huts on the way to Uhuru Peak. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.
FAQ
FAQBest Season
Because Mount Kilimanjaro covers a relatively large surface area and a lot of elevation, the mountain has more or less its own climate. Responsible for the weather patterns around Mount Kilimanjaro are trade winds that bring along moist from the Indian Ocean. Because of these trade winds, the months of March, April, May and November are the wettest. The southern mountain slopes are especially rainy in these months. From January to March there is a greater chance to see snow on and around the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This can be experienced as negative, but it will any case be much quieter on the trails. Although these are the coldest months, snowfall and cold temperatures can be expected from December to May. The most suitable and most popular season for climbing Kilimanjaro is from June to October. In these months you can choose any route without having to worry about rain too much. If you want a comfortable route during the rainy season, you best choose the Rongai Route, approaching Kilimanjaro from the North. Due to the differences in altitude and the associated climate zones, it is difficult to estimate the temperatures.
Porters
Trekking on Kilimanjaro is hard, both for yourself and your support staff. Per person you have a team who will support you in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This team usually consists of a guide, three porters and a cook. This way you don't have to carry your full gear yourself. The guide speaks English and usually the rest of the team speaks English as well. You can make things more interesting by learning a few words of Swahili in advance.
Bookatrekking.com strives to only work with providers who treat porters in a fair manner. Without porters, there is no trekking on Kilimanjaro. They are the heart and soul of your adventure and every day, they carry part of your gear. Bookatrekking.com always tries to find a balance between an affordable trekking adventure and the fair treatment of porters. Read everything about porters on Kilimanjaro here.
Tipping
It is impossible to climb the Mount Kilimanjaro solo. This means that every climber has his or her own team. Both the guide, the assistant guide, the porter and the cook expect a tip. For the whole trek, this sums up to an amount ranging from USD 330 to USD 450. This is per climber, which means that the amount will not be smaller if the group is larger. Be generous. Read our extensive blog about tipping on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Currency and Payment Methods
The currency of Tanzania is the Shilling. We recommend you bring US dollars or Euros to cover the costs of your visa, extra travel, and other. It is easiest to travel in Tanzania with US dollars, but credit cards are also accepted in most places. Before you travel, check with your bank whether your credit or debit card can also be used in Tanzania.
Visa Tanzania
Visa are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. It is possible to get a visa-on arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Look here at the website of the embassy for arranging your visa.
Vaccinations
Tanzania is an area where yellow fever occurs and therefore we recommend you to be vaccinated. We also recommend that you have all other vaccinations such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Hepatitis A & B up to date. Malaria is present in Tanzania but there are no mosquitoes at high altitude. Always consult your health professional 90 days ahead of departure.
If you are looking for inspiration, you can find plenty of information on our article about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Training
TrainingDo you reach Uhuru Peak or not? There is a chance that you won’t. Often this depends on the unpredictable weather on the mountain. However, it can also depend on your own physical condition.
Do you enjoy hiking, have you gone trekking at higher altitudes and do you exercise twice a week on average? With a little extra training, you are soon fit to challenge Mount Kilimanjaro.
Is this the first time that you are trekking at altitude? Make sure you are well prepared. This is important for your safety, but also for that of your team. Make sure you start six months in advance with an hour's walk or hike twice a week. Read this blog post and get fit for your Kilimanjaro ascent.
Packing List
Packing ListTrekking in Kilimanjaro requires decent gear. Especially the basics like an 80-90l backpack and quality trekking socks. Also make sure to check our ultimate packing list for trekking Kilimanjaro.
Technical Clothing
- Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
- Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
- Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
- 2 Long Sleeve Shirts, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
- Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
- Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
- 2 Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
- Fleece Pants
- Shorts (optional)
- Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
- 3 Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
- 2 Sport Bra (women)
Headwear
- Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
- Knit Hat, for warmth
- Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
- Bandana (optional)
Handwear
- Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
- Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)
Footwear
- Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
- Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
- 3 Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
- 3 Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
- Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Accessories
- Sunglasses or Goggles
- Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
- Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
- Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended
- Water Bladder, Camelback type (recommended)
- Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
- Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
Equipment
- Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
- Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
- Trekking Poles (recommended)
- Head lamp, with extra batteries
- Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment.
- Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear
Other
- Toiletries (Option)
- Prescriptions
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent, containing DEET
- First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper (To be provided)
- Wet Wipes (recommended)
- Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
- Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
- Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Top Climbers Expedition
Top Climbers ExpeditionsTop Climbers Expedition is a true expert when it comes to Tanzania. Our office is based in Moshi, the Kilimanjaro region - Tanzania. We live, work and travel here. We have more than 4 years of experience in the tourism industry. Top Climbers Expedition is a competent company in Tourism and Travels services in Tanzania. Our product and services range from mountain trekking, safaris, cultural tourism, beach holiday, day tour excursions and accommodation.
Manase Y. Mwanga – Owner
My name is Manase Mwanga, the Founder and Managing Director of Top Climbers Expedition. I am Tanzanian, born and raised in Kilimanjaro region. I have strong experience and great team of people that guarantees the highest quality. As a Director my focus is on organizing tours with an ethical and professional approach to exceed tourist expectations. All our tours benefit the indigenous people i.e. hard-working local porters and guides by creating job opportunities in order to eradicate poverty. We utilize natural resources in a sustainable manner for the benefits of present and future generations.
Safety
SafetySafety is of the utmost importance to us. That is why this is an area in which we simply do not compromise when it comes to keeping the cost of our trekkings low. Our guides have been selected on the basis of their technical competence, proven safety performance, impeccable judgment, friendly attitude and ability to provide useful and expert instructions. They are also very professional and well trained in first aid and personal protection equipment. First aid kits are available on all treks. In addition, the routes are ideally designed to give you enough time to acclimatize.
While the intention is to stick to the described route, a certain degree of flexibility is built in. In some cases it may be necessary to change the route here and there. The mountains are full of surprises, and the weather on Mount Kilimanjaro is unpredictable. The guides continuously carry out risk assessments throughout the expedition. It is therefore best to plan a number of extra days in Tanzania to cover for possible unforeseen circumstances. Read all about altitude sickness here.
How to Book
How does it work?On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking adventure your match? In that case you can proceed to booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 20% of the total amount. You pay the remaining amount on location prior to the trek directly to the trekking company.
Bookatrekking.com uses only the safest payment methods. Once your booking has been received, your place is reserved, your place is safe and you can look forward to your chosen trekking.
After you have made your booking, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with all necessary information and the contact details of the trekking company. If you have any questions or if you want to clarify something, you can obtain information directly from the right person. Of course, you can also always ask us your question. Send us an e-mail on support@bookatrekking.com
The trekking company will also receive your details and can therefore always contact you and provide you with extra information.
Cancellation Policy
Bookatrekking.com is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for you. We understand that life can be unpredictable and that plans may change. In recognition of this, we have created a flexible cancellation policy for our trekkings. You may cancel your trekking reservation free of charge if you notify us at least 14 days prior to the scheduled departure date. If you cancel within 14 days of your start date, you will lose your deposit.
Is it not quite clear yet or do you have questions? Please contact us via support@bookatrekking.com. We are happy to help you.
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