11 days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route

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Experience the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure with our exclusive 11-day Northern Circuit Route trek. This itinerary, designed for those seeking the best possible acclimatization and the most scenic route, maximizes your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. Enjoy stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a less crowded path, all while taking advantage of extended acclimatization periods for a safer and more enjoyable climb. The Northern Circuit route is the newest route to climb Kilimanjaro. The route is unique as you hike via the quiet, still rather unknown northern side of the mountain. You will see Mount Kilimanjaro from a whole new perspective! The hikes per day on the Northern Circuit route are relatively short. This gives your body enough time to recover. In addition, the Northern Circuit route is good for acclimatization, as it is a relatively long climb (in days). Your body has more time to get used to the daily increase in altitude. The entire ascent (including descent) via the Northern Circuit Route takes 8 days. The 11-day Northern Circuit Route offers an unparalleled Kilimanjaro climbing experience, providing the best acclimatization, stunning scenery, and a gradual, safer ascent. This extended itinerary allows for a more leisurely pace, maximizing your chances of reaching the summit while enjoying the diverse landscapes and unique vistas of this less-traveled path. Join us for an unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa.

Itinerary

Arrival in Moshi

Elevation: 2,800 ft (850 m) Arrive in Moshi and transfer to your hotel. Meet your guides and fellow climbers for a briefing and gear check. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft (2,360 m to 2,895 m) Distance: 6 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, rich in wildlife, to reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft (2,895 m to 3,505 m) Distance: 8 km Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Moorland Leave the rainforest and enter the heather and moorland zone. Enjoy the expansive views as you trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira 1 Camp.

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft (3,505 m to 3,810 m) Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Moorland Continue across the Shira Plateau, soaking in stunning vistas of Kibo Peak and the Great Rift Valley. Reach Shira 2 Camp for an afternoon of rest and acclimatization.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft (3,810 m to 4,630 m) to 13,580 ft (4,130 m) Distance: 14 km Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Trek towards the Lava Tower, a significant altitude gain, followed by a descent to Moir Hut, aiding in acclimatization. Optional hikes around the Lent Hills in the afternoon.

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft (4,130 m to 4,025 m) Distance: 12 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Journey through the remote northern slopes, enjoying the solitude and spectacular views. The trail includes several ascents and descents, perfect for acclimatization. Arrive at Buffalo Camp.

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft (4,025 m to 3,870 m) Distance: 8 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Semi-Desert Continue through the northern circuit with gradual ascents and descents, aiding acclimatization. Arrive at Third Cave, a quiet campsite.

Third Cave to School Hut

Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft (3,870 m to 4,750 m) Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Ascend steadily to School Hut, the final camp before your summit attempt. The terrain becomes more barren and the air thinner. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the midnight summit push.

Acclimatization Day at School Hut

Elevation: 15,600 ft (4,750 m) Habitat: Alpine Desert Take an extra day at School Hut for further acclimatization. Explore the area with short hikes to help your body adjust to the altitude. Rest and prepare for the summit night.

School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft (4,750 m to 5,895 m) to 10,065 ft (3,070 m) Distance: 17 km (6 km ascent, 11 km descent) Hiking Time: 12-15 hours (7-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 5-7 hours to Mweka Camp) Habitat: Arctic to Rain Forest Begin your final ascent around midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak at dawn, the highest point in Africa, and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise. Celebrate and take photos before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft (3,070 m to 1,640 m) Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest Complete your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Collect your summit certificates and enjoy a farewell lunch. Transfer back to Moshi for a relaxing evening.

Inclusion

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel

Professional, experienced, mountain guides

Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees

Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)

Sleeping Mattress

Emergency Oxygen Cylinder

All meals while on the Mountain

Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Conservation fees (part of park fees)

Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

Rescue fees (part of park fees)

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Kilimanjaro summit certificate

Exclusions

Tanzania Visa

International and domestic flights

Hotel (available as an optional addon)

Transfers (available as an optional addon)

Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)

Tips and gratuities

Travel insurance

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Meals not listed in the itinerary

Liquors, beers and bottled beverages

Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

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Expedition Information

$2,600

Kilimanjaro ,

Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route ,

Kilimanjaro Machame Route ,

Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Mountaineering,

Trekking,

Climbing

Fitness Level