Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro — Northern Circuit
8 Days Northern Circuit Route Trek
overview
The Northern Circuit begins on the western side of the mountain via the Lemosho Route, crossing the beautiful Shira Plateau before circling around the quieter northern slopes. Fewer crowds, excellent acclimatization and a true sense of adventure make this one of Kilimanjaro's finest trekking routes.
Highlights
- The longest and one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro
- Best acclimatization profile of all routes
- Remote, rarely-visited northern slopes with very few crowds
- Cross the Shira Plateau and circle the mountain clockwise
- Summit success rate of over 98%
- Chance to see eland and buffalo on the high slopes
Day-by-day
Day 1
Londorosi Gate to Forest Camp (Lemosho Glades)
From your lodge, make your way to Londorosi Gate on the western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Begin hiking at the Lemosho trailhead. After a picnic lunch, hike for about 4 hours to Forest Camp, where exotic moss and flowers delight the eye and you may see black-and-white colobus monkeys. Hiking: 4–5 hours. Overnight altitude approx. 2,895 m (9,498 ft).
Day 2
Shira 1 Camp
As we leave the montane forest and enter the Hagenia zone, our views open and we catch our first views of Kibo Peak. This is a good acclimatization hike, going up and down several ridges to our highest point of the day at 3,505 m (11,500 ft) before descending to camp. Hiking: 6–9 hours.
Day 3
Moir Camp
Traverse the heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western slope of the Kibo massif. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Scott Fischer memorial camp before continuing to the upper heath zone and Moir Camp. Depending on the weather, acclimatization hikes can be arranged in the late afternoon. Hiking: 5–6 hours. Overnight altitude approx. 4,140 m (13,580 ft).
Day 4
Pofu (Buffalo) Camp
You have quite a ridge to climb as you depart Moir Camp, so it's best to start out very slowly until you crest the ridge. This is a great acclimatization day as you round the north side of the mountain. Hiking: 5–7 hours. Overnight altitude approx. 4,020 m (13,200 ft).
Day 5
Third Cave Camp
Continue your traverse around the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, with expansive views over the Kenyan plains, as you find your way to Third Cave Camp. Hiking: 5–7 hours. Overnight altitude approx. 3,870 m (12,700 ft).
Day 6
School Huts Camp
We reach our highest elevation camp today. Try to get to bed early for some rest before you start your night-time summit ascent (usually around midnight) to Gilman's Point, through Stella Point, and the final push to the summit. Hiking: 4–5 hours. Overnight altitude approx. 4,750 m (15,600 ft).
Day 7
Summit — Uhuru Peak & Mweka Camp
Start your ascent around 11pm or midnight, aiming to reach the peak at sunrise. Using headlamps, ascend 6–7 hours to Gilman's Point, traverse the crater rim to Stella Point and then another 1–2 hours to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m (19,341 ft). After a summit celebration and photos, descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and then to Mweka Camp (or Millennium Camp by request). Hiking: 13–17 hours typical.
Day 8
Mweka Gate
The final descent to the trailhead, about 3–5 hours of hiking. Here we have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to town, arriving at your lodge usually between 3 and 5 pm.
Glimpses
What's included
- All transfers
- Accommodation before and after the climb
- All trekking and park fees
- All meals while on the mountain (3 meals a day)
- Guides, porters and cook salaries
- Quality mess tents with table and chairs
- English-speaking mountain guide
- Sleeping bags
- Mineral drinking water
Not included
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Medical insurance cover
- Personal trekking gear
- Alcohol
- Items of a personal nature