9 DAY TREK + 2 nights accommodation
NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE
$ 3,100 p.p.
Explore the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro which are far more remote and have the benefit of less traffic from other climbers. On a clear day the views stretch over the Amboseli Plains of Kenya
OVERVIEW
NORTHERN CIRCUIT
The Northern Circuit Route is a relatively new route and is undoubtedly the most remote and quite option taking you on a circumnavigation of Kilimanjaro.  Due to its longer walk, this “grand traverse” of Kilimanjaro from west to east offers a very high summit success rate due to its longer walk and acclimatization advantage.

The Northern Circuit route starts at 2360m on the far west of Kilimanjaro. It traverses through rainforest, where wild game may be seen, continuing up to Shira Ridge, Kilimanjaro’s third summit. From here you will ascend and cross the expansive Shira Plateau with fantastic views of Shira Cathedral.  It then turns north and works around the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro overlooking Kenya and the famous Amboseli National Park.

The descent is via the Mweka trail, making a more interesting climb. Most climbers who are fit and well-acclimatised take 9 days to climb Kilimanjaro by the Northern Circuit route.

SUPERB ACCLIMATIZATION

Our “climb high” and “sleep low” itineraries ensure the smoothest acclimatization transition

STUNNING SCENERIES

Mesmerizing scenic vistas of Mt Kilimanjaro await you. Visual euphoria and amazing photos guaranteed.

HIGH SUCCESS RATE

Rest assured – climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with our professional guides will be successful.

RAIN FOREST TO GLACIERS

Trek through 5 climate zones and walk above a sea of clouds to enjoy a stunning sunrise whole standing on the Roof of Africa

CIRCUMNAVIGATE KILIMANJARO

The northern slopes of Kilimanjaro are far more remote and have the benefit of less traffic from other climbers. On a clear day the views stretch over the Amboseli Plains of Kenya

AWESOME VIEWS

Offers a true wilderness experience on the first days of the mountain with awesome views of Kilimanjaro and Mawenzi

DETAILED ITINERARY

NORTHERN CIRCUIT DAY TO DAY

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to hotel

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you will be greeted by one of our team and then driven to your lodge in Arusha where you can freshen up and relax into Tanzania.

After breakfast in your hotel you will be given an overall briefing from your guide. At 9am you will be met by our staff, who will drive you several hours to the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro and to the Londrossi Gate, where our guides and porters will prepare and pack the equipment and supplies Once at the gate you will be given a packed lunch and after registration with the Kilimanjaro Park office, we will drive for another 45mins to Lemosho Glades where your trek will begin with ascending into the rainforest. You will ascend for approx. 3 hours in dense rain forest which could be very wet and muddy so be ready with your gaiters and trekking poles. During the trek we will have a break and you can enjoy the rest your packed lunch. We will reach the Mti Mkubwa Camp also known as 'Big Tree' Camp in late afternoon. After arrival, you will be taken to your camp and tent which has already been set up by the porters who ran ahead, where you will be greeted with boiled drinking water and hot washing water. Once you have freshened up and settled in, a hot dinner will be served in the mess-tent.

ELEVATION        2.360m to 2.895m
DISTANCE          6km
TREK TIME        3-4 hours
CLIMATE            Mountain Forest

Todays hike is a long one.  There are some steep stretches as you traverse around and over the lava flows that make up the outer flanks of the Shira crater. You'll leave the forest zone a short while out of the camp and enter the heathland with the giant heather trees and St John's wort bushes.. The vegetation thins out to moorland habitat at the crater rim. then a short descent followed by a fairly flat stroll to camp. The camp is  on the western side of the Shira plateau. Late afternoons will often bring breath-taking first views of Kibo.

After breakfast you will continue on your hike across and up the Shira plateau to Shira Camp 2 at 3,850 meters. Here you will join trekkers from the Machame Route whilst enjoying stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero.

Elevation              3505m to 3895m -
Distance                10 km
Trekking-Time   5-7 hours -
Environment      Moorland

 We leave the forest behind now and a gentle grade walk takes you across the high altitude Shira Caldera to Shira Cave with fabulous views of Arrow glacier. We will camp here for the night at 4200m.

Elevation    3810m - 4200m
Distance     14 km
Time           6-7 hours
Habitat       Semi desert.

We climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (15,400ft). After admiring the views we return to the trail and head eastwards around the northern circuit trail. The final section of today’s walk undulates until reaching the location of Pofu Camp.

Elevation       4200m to 4000m
Distance       12 km, Hiking
Time              7-8 hours
Habitat         Semi desert.

From Pofu Camp we cross numerous small valleys as the trail continues eastwards through a landscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp.

Elevation            4020m to 3960m
Distance              7 km
Trekking Time    6 hours
Habitat                Semi desert.

There is a steady ascent to reach the saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here we continue upwards and reach School Hut in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit day.

Elevation              3960m to 4790m
Distance               6 km,
Trekking Time   5 hours
Habitat                Alpine desert.

We start the final and most demanding part of the climb around 1 a.m on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point We rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. We then head on to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. We retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descend down through Barafu Camp to reach Mweka Camp

Elevation               4790 to 5895m to 3100m
Distance                 18 km
Trekking Time     10-14 hours
Habitat                   Stone scree and moorland.

Once again you will be woken for your final celebratory breakfast where our team will thank and congratulate you in their unique, special way! We will then set off for the final 3 hour scenic descent to Mweka Gate. After lunch you will dropped off at the hotel where you can relax under a long, well deserved hot shower.

ELEVATION                 3.100m to 1.800m
TREKKING-TIME      3-4 hours
DISTANCE                    10km
CLIMATE                      Rainforest

If your time in Africa ends today our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked with KCC for a safari or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

OUR TREK ITEMS & SERVICES INCLUDE

Accommodation & Logistics
  • Airport transfers
  • Two nights bed and breakfast hotel accommodation
  • Return transfers to and from the kilimanjaro gate
  • Excess gear storage at hotel
  • KCC Operations Manager on standby for you during your stay
On the Mountain
  • Expedition briefing & equipment check
  • Kilimanjaro park & camping fees
  • Mountain rescue permit
  • Staff wages
  • Bilingual guides
  • Expedition porters & cooks
  • 3 hot meals per day & snacks at camp
  • Uhuru Peak or Stella Point certificate of achievement
Safety & Equipment
  • Helicopter evacuation
  • Expedition First Aid Kit
  • Medical oxygen and means of evacuation off the mountain
  • High quality 3 man Berghaus expedition sleeping tents
  • Mess tent with table & chairs
  • Boiled water for drinking & washing
  • Private toilet
Items & services NOT included
  • International flights to and from Kilimanjaro
  • Entry visa ($50 Europe / $100 USA) - which can be obtained upon arrival
  • Personal travel INSURANCE (specific to high altitude trekking and travel in rural Africa)
  • Gratuities
  • Vaccinations for travel to region
COMBINE YOUR KILIMANJARO TREK WITH A SAFARI

SUMMIT TO SAFARI & BEACH

Why not extend your adventure with an unforgettable safari
Explore the savannas of the Serengeti, adventure into Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Parks, or take a few days out on a relaxing luxury holiday in Zanzibar.

2 DAY SAFARI

Lake Manyara
Tarangire

3 DAY SAFARI

Lake Manyara – Tarangire
Ngorongoro Crater

4 DAY SAFARI

Lake Manyara – Tarangire
Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater

SCHEDULED OPEN GROUP TREKS

9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE DATES FOR 2023

ROUTEROUTETREK STARTTREK FINISHPRICE PER PERSONBOOK NOW
9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT18.10.202326.10.2023$ 3100BOOK NOW
9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT13.12.202321.12.2023$ 3100BOOK NOW

2024 DATES & PRICES

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9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT18.01.202426.01.2024$ 3100BOOK NOW
9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT15.02.202423.02.2024$ 3100BOOK NOW
9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT07.03.202415.02.2024$ 3100BOOK NOW
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9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT18.07.202426.07.2024$ 3100BOOK NOW
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9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT05.09.202413.09.2024$ 3100BOOK NOW
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9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT03.10.202411.10.2024$ 3100BOOK NOW
9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT17.10.202425.10.2024$ 3100BOOK NOW
9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT12.12.202420.12.2024$ 3100BOOK NOW