Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit 9 days

Overview

The climb through this trail is an extended one and begins with a drive from the town of Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From the gate, the Northern Circuit follows the route of Lemosho for the first few days before ascending to Shira Ridge. The same lush rainforests that trekkers enjoy on the Lemosho trail are enjoyed by tourists on this route. Upon reaching the Lava Tower, trekkers turn north and follow the proper Northern Circuit.
The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east. Descend is made via the Mweka route. the Northern Circuit also has the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate. Thus, the Northern Circuit
the route is highly recommended if you have both time and some extra cash, consider taking the northern circuit route which is certainly one of the most enjoyable ways to climb Kilimanjaro.

Day 1 Arrival: Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi Town

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to the Hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Moshi (taxi required) or just relax at the lodge. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on-site in preparation for the upcoming trekking tour. You will spend the night will do this briefing depend on your arrival time.

Day 2: Lemosho Gate (2,250m) - Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780m)

In the morning you will picked up from your Hotel to Londorossi Gate, about 3 to 4 hour’s drive from Moshi. After you’ve gone through all the entry formalities, you will be served the lunch and driven to the trailhead. we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site. You might even catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys sitting in the branches of the trees.

Distance: 3km
Habitat: Montane forest
Time: 3 to 4 hours

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) - Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)

Today, you’ll be crossing the Shira Ridge along the rocky ground, low grasses, and shrubs. The terrain will be much flatter compared to the previous day which makes the hiking experience leisurely. You will get to enjoy fantastic views of the Great Rift Valley and the nearby Mount Meru. The moor landscape is characterized by beautiful Giant Lobelias. Walking on ground where lava used to flow you will reach Shira 2 Camp, where you will have your evening meal and overnight stay.

Distance: 7km
Habitat: Moorland
Time: 4 to 5 hours

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) - Moir Hut (4200m)

After breakfast you will start your trek to Moir hut camp. Just after Shira 2 Camp the Lemosho Route joins the Machame Route, and we will follow it for a short time. Expect to see other trekkers
there. We’ll diverge from the main trail and get to Moir Hut Camp which is located beneath the scenic Lent Hills. Arrive at the camp for dinner and an overnight.

Distance: 14km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Time: 6 to 8 hours

Day 5: Moir Hut Camp (4200m) - Pofu Camp (4020m)

We will take a short but steep hike from Moir Valley to the top of the Lent Hills. Not only is the view worth the effort, proper acclimatization requires you to ‘walk high, sleep low’. Afterwards we will rejoin the trail and cross several valleys on Kilimanjaro’s north side before reaching Pofu Camp.

Distance: 12km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Time: 7 to 8 hours

Day 6: Pofu Camp (4020m) - Third Camp (3960m)

Leaving Pofu Camp, we’ll Leaving Pofu Camp behind, we will be circling along the mountain’s north side and get magnificent views of Kenya along the way. We will get to cross more valleys before turning eastwards where the vegetation decreases and the territory becomes drier. Arrive at the camp for lunch, dinner and an overnight.

Distance: 7km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Time: 5 to 6 hours

Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3960m) - School Hut Camp (4790m)

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Distance: 6km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Time: 6 hours

Day 8: School Hut Camp (4790m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka Camp (3100m)

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but
short, breaks. At the Stella Point (5756m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak (5895m) the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From here, you will get to experience Kilimanjaro and all its glory and enjoy a view over the landscape. After taking pictures and celebrations, you will descend down the same route to Mweka Camp.
Shortly before mid-day, you will arrive at Barafu Camp for your lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Distance: 19km
Habitat: Alpine desert/ Arctic summit/ Montane forest
Time: 12 to 15 hours

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) - Mweka Gate (1,630m) - Moshi

Our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Distance: 8km
Habitat: Montane forest
Time: 3 to 4 hours

Day 10: Departure

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.