Experience 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit

Experience 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit

Offered by: USD Safaris & Tours
4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)
Journey Snapshot
🗺 Tanzania ⏱ 9 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof
Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit allows for the best acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate, therefore this route is highly recommended. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate.

Route

Start Northern Circuit (Day 1)
Day 2 Mti Mkubwa Camp To Shira 1 Camp
Day 3 Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp
Day 4 Shira 2 Camp-Lava-Tour To Moir Hut
Day 5 Moir Hut To Buffalo Camp
Day 6 Buffalo Camp To Rongai 3D Cave
Day 7 Rongai 3D Cave To School Hut
Day 8 School Hut To Mweka Camp
Day 9 Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
End Northern Circuit

Tour Features

Day 1: Lemosho Gate To Mti Mkubwa Camp Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp To Shira 1 Camp Day 3: Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp Day 4: Shira 2 Camp-Lava-Tour To Moir Hut Day 5: Moir Hut To Buffalo Camp Day 6: Buffalo Camp To Rongai 3D Cave Day 7: Rongai 3D Cave To School Hut Day 8: School Hut To Mweka Camp Day 9: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

Activities & Transportation

  • Route: Northern Circuit
  • Duration: 9 days
  • Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
  • Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day
Accommodation
Meals
1
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
2
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
3
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
4
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
5
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
6
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
7
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
8
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
9
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day by Day

Day 1 Lemosho Gate To Mti Mkubwa Camp
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft Altitude gained: 396m Departing from Moshi a 3 hours drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Day 2 Mti Mkubwa Camp To Shira 1 Camp
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft Altitude gained: 719m After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
Day 3 Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft Altitude gained: 391m Our trek crosses the Shira one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. Nine-day climbs will stay the night at Shira II Camp joining climbers ascending from the Machame Route. At Shira II Camp it is worth the extra energy to go a bit higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: 8 Day Climbs continue East to Shira Plateau Ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and descend to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).
Day 4 Shira 2 Camp-Lava-Tour To Moir Hut
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft Altitude gained: 91m Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 5 Moir Hut To Buffalo Camp
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Elevation: 4155m/13,632ft to 4033m/13,232ft Altitude loss: 122m We begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Spectacular views of plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretches as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest.
Day 6 Buffalo Camp To Rongai 3D Cave
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Elevation: 4033m/13,232ft to 3936m/12,193ft Altitude lost: 97m Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and down into Pofu Camp where lunch is served. We continue East around the Northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before and you should be feeling better acclimatized to the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
Day 7 Rongai 3D Cave To School Hut
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 4717m/15,476ft Altitude gained: 781m A steady ascent and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue Southwest to School Hut where you will be served an early dinner and the rest as you will begin just 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.
Day 8 School Hut To Mweka Camp
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Elevation: 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gained: 1178m Descent to 3106m/10,190ft Altitude lost:2789m Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Day 9 Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft Altitude lost: 1473m After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).

Rates

From: $2,250 pp (USD)
Final quote depends on date, travelers and lodge level.

No upcoming group dates found in database (group_climbs).

Inclusions

Included
  • Porterage
  • Rescue fee
  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
  • Camping equipment
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Pickup and Drop off to Airport
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water (On all days)

Exclusions

Not included
  • Climbing gear
  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Sleeping bag
  • Bath towels
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Note: Some items may vary depending on season and lodge level.

Getting There

Start: Northern Circuit

End: Northern Circuit

We can arrange airport pick-up and drop-off. Ask in your quote request.

Offered By

USD Safaris & Tours
USD Safaris & Tours
4.9/5 • 1600 reviews