Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit Route 9 days

Description

9 Days Northern Circuit & Kilimanjaro Climb Highlights

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. 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 9 Days Northern Circuit also has the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate. Thus, the Northern Circuit route is highly recommended with signature safari.

Route Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival : Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha

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

Accommodation:Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa

Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

On the second day of  9 Days Northern Circuit & Kilimanjaro Climb Safari  we will depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

  • Meal Plan: LD Budget
  • Elevation : 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
  • Distance : 6 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
  • Habitat : Rain Forest

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp.

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

  • Meal Plan: BLD
  • Elevation : 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
  • Distance : 8 km/5 miles
  • Walking Time : 5-6 hours
  • Habitat : Heath

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp.

We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

  • Meal Plan: BLD
  • Elevation : 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
  • Distance : 7 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
  • Habitat : Heath

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp.

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

  • Elevation : 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
  • Distance : 12 km/7 miles
  • Hiking Time :  5-7 hours
  • Habitat : Alpine Desert

Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave.

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

  • Elevation :  13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
  • Distance : 8 km/5 miles
  • Hiking Time : 5-7 hours
  • Habitat : Heath

Day 8: Third Cave to School Hut.

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.

  • Elevation :  12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
  • Distance : : 5 km/3 miles
  • Hiking Time : 4-5 hours
  • Habitat : Alpine Desert

Day 9: School Hut to Uhuru Peak.

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 Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), 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- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for 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.

School Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Artic

Day 10: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On 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 Arusha. https://www.tuliahotelandspa.com/

  • Elevation : 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • Distance :  10 km/6 miles
  • Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
  • Habitat : Rain Forest

Accommodation:Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa

Day 11: Departure Day

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

*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania

End of Our 9 Days Northern Circuit & Kilimanjaro Climb Safari

Price includes:
  • Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Arusha.
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Arusha .
  • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
  • Park entry fees,
  • Camping fees
  • Rescue fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • 4 Season mountain tents
  • Double layered Sleeping Mats
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
  • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain, hot drinks and snacks
  • Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (TLTO And TATO)
  • Government taxes
  • Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
  • Emergency first-aid kit
  • Portable flush toilet from Group of 4 if your less than 4 you will pay extra 95$
Not Included
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Laundry (Available at hotel)
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Surcharge for online payment of balance (5%)
  • Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain http://www.kiliporters.org/tipping_recommendations.php

Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group ( per climber):
• Guides ,Cook and Potters – From 270 $  per climber per trip

Thanks for choosing Signature Safari as your Adventure Experts in Africa.

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