9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit Route

9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the West at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. The Northern Circuit is longer than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, taking a minimum of eight or nine days to complete. The eight day trek skips the additional acclimatization day that is usually spent at Shira Camp 2 and continues straight on to Moir Camp

Highlight

Less visited route on Kilimanjaro
Scenic route
The route profile offer good for Acclimatization
Only route which is nearby the border of Tanzania an Kenya. You will get opportunity to see the both sides.

Includes

Mountain climbing certificates
Hotel/airport pickup and drop off
Government taxes
Accommodations
Emergency first-aid kit
English professional speaking guide
Park entry fees, Camping fees
Portable oxygen tanks
Meals during Climbing

Excludes

Visa fees
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Tips for safari guide
Flights (International)
Meals while in Hotel
Optional activities
Personal spending money for souvenirs
Travel insurance

Words from Our Clients

    
 
 
       Serenity experience
Excellent service provided, staff were prompt, friendly and knowledgeable. Food provided was good. I’d recommend their service anytime!
  
 
    
   Fahreen B 
 2023-11-24
 
 
 
      Extraordinary flexible and friendly
We climbed Kilimanjaro thanks to Kizambi tours and it was a wonderful experience. The team was very nice, flexible and there for our needs and wishes. For example we decided to go up one day earlyer than planned and it was no problem even though decided quite spontaneously! We had quite a few changes like this in our plans and it was never a problem, the team adapted very well ("hakuna Matata"). So, the communication was very good and not complicated. When we had questions we could always ask our "manager" and he responded us very quickly. I felt safe and in good hands though we also had enough freedom to explore and do things by ourselves. Thanks for these beautiful holidays!
  
 
    
   Julia S 
 2023-11-22
 
 
 
      Four Parks in Six days
We visited four National Parks and could see the Big Five thanks the professional skills of our guides. Very satisfactory tour!
  
 
    
   Stefano P 
 2023-11-09
 
 
 
      Priceless memories once in a life time trip
Exellent guys as in the office and the full time guide who did guide us in all the tours we did who were made to what we all wanted to visit. Exellent ,fair price and quality. Maturni homes was a beathifull stay in accomodation, very friendly big family who looked after us... Hashim, our full time guide, was there for us once we get up in the morning untill bedtime...they did a lot of efford to change and add things in tours what we wanted to do and see in the 4 days we were there. All there drivers are also helpfull and friendly. A+++++, absolutely recommended Thank you guys....
  
 
    
   Ronald R 
 2023-10-23
 
 
 
      Waterfall & Hot Spring!
First class trip. Let's you visit both on the same day if time is tight. Emanuel & Julius were fantastic! 👍
  
 
    
   Keith M 
 2023-10-19
 
 
 
      Great tour!
Had an amazing day trip with Mercy and Charlie! Mercy led us on a great trek to the waterfall and then to the coffee bean farm where we got to take part in the local coffee making process! Then onto the fabulous hot springs! Food was great throughout the day! Would recommend this trip, especially Mercy and Charlie!
  
 
    
   Tara 
 2023-10-12
 
 
 
      Climbing the Kilimanjaro with a wonderful, reliable and fun crew! An amazing experience that I would recommend everyone!
We highly recommend this organization for any excursion offered. With a high reliability and clear instructions we together checked our gear and did a briefing on how the 7 day trek would look like. After six intense but rewarding days, the team helped us achieve our long-time dream of climbing the Kilimanjaro. We were humbled by the kindness and professionalism of our 10-man crew. Our two guides made it their sole purpose to get us to the roof of Africa and summit with succes. Throughout this amazing experience we were surprised during every meal about the wonderful food that the team prepared for us. Good nutrition is key for such a challenging experience and we were grateful that this was really handled well. We would definitely make use of this organization again upon another visit of Tanzania.
  
 
    
   Bente B 
 2023-09-25
 
 
 
      Best experience ever
My partner and I stayed with Kisambi tour for a 6 days experience. Elisante organized everything for us, and even before the trip was always precise and fast in replying to our questions via messages. The tour included: the first day visiting Materuni waterfall and a coffee preparation experience accompanied by traditional songs and dances. The following day we went to hot spring and visiting a Masai Village. After this, we met out amazing guide Godlove and we started our 4 days safari. We visited Tarangire national park , Serengeti and Ngorogoro crater. It was without doubts, one of the best experiences of our lives. During the safari, we spent nights in campsites and we had a personal cook with us, Idd, who made the trip even better cooking traditional foods every day. We highly recommend travelling with Kisambi tour!
  
 
    
   Elisa S 
 2023-09-16
 
 
 
      Amazing Waterfall and Coffee Roasting Experience
Great, moderate hike to the stunning Materuni Falls. Along the way, our guide Godwin told us so much about the history of the area, and the local flowers, fruit, and birds. He was so knowledgeable! After seeing the waterfall, which was incredible, we hiked back to a local Chogga village and had a delicious lunch of banana soup, rice, beans and spiced vegetables. Then, we learned all about coffee cultivation and roasting, and had the most delicious cup of coffee. So much fun and so educational. It was a highlight of our trip to Tanzania,
  
 
    
   Susan K 
 2023-09-14
 
 
 
      Best company to visit Moshi!
Great company to visit Tanzania and go around Arousha and Moshi. Elisante is very available, friendly and kind! First, we had a wonderful safari, with a very kind and prepared driver, Joseph, always on-time! The last day they even offered us a middle day trip, before going to the airport, with another fantastic, joyful driver, Julius! They are the best!
  
 
    
   Katerina K 
 2023-09-09

Tour Plan

Day 1: Londorosi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start points 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 covered: 7 km
Approx. time taken: 3-4 hours
Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)

Today you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is the Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude today and parts of the route are fairly steep.

Distance covered: 7 km
Approx. time taken: 4hrs to 5hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3 Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)

Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.

Distance covered: 10km
Approx. time taken: 3hours to 4hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4 : Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Moir Camp (3960m)

Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking in to the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.

Distance covered: 10km
Approx. time taken: 7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Moir Camp (4,200 Meters) To Buffalo Camp (4,020 Meters)

This day is moderately involving the 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 covered: 10km
Approx. time taken: 5-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020 Meters) To Rongai Third Cave (3,800 Meters)

This day begins with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Pofu 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 acclimatized to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

Distance covered: 8km
Approx. time taken: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Third Cave Camp – Skull Hut Camp/Kibo Hut

This day 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 covered: 5km
Approx. time taken: 4 - 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8: School Hut (4,800 Meters) To Uhuru Peak (5895m) To Millennium Camp (3790m)

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 checkpoint 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 depends on our client’s choice.

Distance covered: 6km / 4mi and 12km/7mi
Approx. time taken: 6-8hours and 4-6hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 9: Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate

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 at Panama Garden resort .