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North Circuit Route

From
3250
USD

Overview

It is the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro which begins in the West at the Londorosi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira Plateau the path deviates north following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley. The route circles around the lower northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. There are a few different route variations from this point; however, all approach the summit via Gilman’s Point and then either descend via the Marangu Route or via the Mweka Route joining trekkers from the Machame, Umbwe, Lemosho, and Shira routes.

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Tour Itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Lucky Safari Tanzania! Our expertly curated itineraries take you through breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural experiences. From thrilling game drives in Serengeti and Ngorongoro to scenic hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro and relaxing moments in Zanzibar, we ensure a seamless and memorable safari. Whether it's a short getaway or an extended exploration, our customized tours cater to your preferences, promising an authentic and immersive Tanzanian experience.

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point 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 MtiMkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephants 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 MtiMkubwa Camp.
Today you will spend the first-hour trekking through the last section of the rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).
On this day the trek crosses the Shira Plateau which is considered one of the highest plateaus on earth. You immediately veer away from the crowded trails and head towards the northeast edge of the Plateau to reach Moir Camp. Nine-day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. The trek takes about 5-7 hours over easy terrain. Moir camp is an isolated and rarely used camp affording stunning views over the Shira Plateau.
Your destination for today, Barafu Camp at 4640 meters, should be reached after about 3 to 4 hours. For most of the route, you’ll be trekking through the barren and striking afro-alpine desert. This will be your last stop before the summit night. So try and get an afternoon siesta before dinner is served. After a final briefing from your guide, you’re advised to get straight back into your sleeping bag as you will be woken up again around midnight to begin the summit climb.
Day five involves a moderately 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 of hiking
Day six starts 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.
Day seven 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.
Wake up at 11:30 with tea and biscuits for a trek up Kibo's slopes. Pass Hans Meyer Cave and reach Gilman’s Point after 5-6 hours. Enjoy dawn views before a 2-hour trek to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Stella Point, then Gilman’s Point, finally returning to Kibo Hut and Horombo Hut. Trek lasts 12-16 hours, offering breathtaking views and the chance to buy beer at Horombo.
On the final day the descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate is approximately 20km but usually only takes 7 hours to complete. You will be exhausted at this stage and spend most of the hike imagining the hot shower you will be having that evening. At Marangu Gate, you will be presented with your certificate, either for Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak (depending on how far you managed to get). It is customary to present your trekking team with their hard-earned tips at this point. You will then be driven back to your hotel where celebrations can begin!
Depart Tanzania.

01

Day

:Londorosi gate(2100m)-Start point (2360m) to mtimkubwa camp(2820m)

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point 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 MtiMkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephants 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 MtiMkubwa Camp

Accomodation & Meals

MtiMkubwa Camp
BB

Distance

2100 -2360 - 2820

02

Day

Mtimkubwa camp(2820m) - shira camp(3610m)

Today you will spend the first-hour trekking through the last section of the rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).

Accomodation & Meals

Shira Camp
Breakfast|Lunch|Dinner

Distance

2820 3610-

03

Day

Shira camp(3610m) -Moir Camp(4200m)

On this day the trek crosses the Shira Plateau which is considered one of the highest plateaus on earth. You immediately veer away from the crowded trails and head towards the northeast edge of the Plateau to reach Moir Camp. Nine-day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. The trek takes about 5-7 hours over easy terrain. Moir camp is an isolated and rarely used camp affording stunning views over the Shira Plateau.

Accomodation & Meals

Moir Camp
Breakfast|Lunch|Dinner

Distance

5-7
3610 4200-

04

Day

Karanga camp(4035m)-Barafu Camp(4640 m)

Your destination for today, Barafu Camp at 4640 meters, should be reached after about 3 to 4 hours. For most of the route, you’ll be trekking through the barren and striking afro-alpine desert. This will be your last stop before the summit night. So try and get an afternoon siesta before dinner is served. After a final briefing from your guide, you’re advised to get straight back into your sleeping bag as you will be woken up again around midnight to begin the summit climb

Accomodation & Meals

Barafu Camp
Breakfast|Lunch|Dinner

Distance

3 - 4
4035 - 4640

05

Day

Moir Camp(4200m) - Buffalo camp(4020m)

Day five involves a moderately 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 of hikin

Accomodation & Meals

Distance

06

Day

Buffalo Camp(4020m) - rongai 3rd cave(3800m

Day six starts 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.

Accomodation & Meals

Distance

07

Day

3rd cave(3800m) - school hut(4800m)

Day seven 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.

Accomodation & Meals

Distance

08

Day

:School hut(4800m) - Uhuru peak(5895m) -Millennium camp(3950m)

Wake up at 11:30 with tea and biscuits for a trek up Kibo's slopes. Pass Hans Meyer Cave and reach Gilman’s Point after 5-6 hours. Enjoy dawn views before a 2-hour trek to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Stella Point, then Gilman’s Point, finally returning to Kibo Hut and Horombo Hut. Trek lasts 12-16 hours, offering breathtaking views and the chance to buy beer at Horombo.

Accomodation & Meals

Distance

09

Day

Millennium Camp(3950m) - Mweka gate(1640m)

On the final day the descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate is approximately 20km but usually only takes 7 hours to complete. You will be exhausted at this stage and spend most of the hike imagining the hot shower you will be having that evening. At Marangu Gate, you will be presented with your certificate, either for Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak (depending on how far you managed to get). It is customary to present your trekking team with their hard-earned tips at this point. You will then be driven back to your hotel where celebrations can begin!

Accomodation & Meals

Distance

10

Day

Depart Tanzania

This day left for your next destination. If you have a safari, then might be used to begin your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.

Accomodation & Meals

Distance

Includes and Excludes

Price Includes:

Pick up from Airport the day of Arrival and drop o6 on departure day
Two nights hotel BB. Before and after climbing
All entry and Park fees
Rescue fees
Salary to crew members. Guides, porters and cook
Camping equipment’s. Tents, tables, and chairs
3 meals a day plus drinking water
Private Guide, English and Swedish speaking
Oxygen cylinders
Well-equipped medical kit

Not Included:

International Flights
Visa
Travel insurance
Tips to the climbing crew
INCLUDES
EXCLUDES
Tab Content #1
Tab Content #2

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