9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit Route

from
$2,925

9 Trekking Days + 2 Nights Hotel in Moshi

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  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
    Group Tour, Trekking
  • Activity Level Challenging
    5/8
  • Group Size Small Group
    12
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All about the 9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit Route.

About Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route:

The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the West at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. The Northern Circuit is longer than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, taking a minimum of eight or nine days to complete. The eight day trek skips the additional acclimatization day that is usually spent at Shira Camp 2 and continues straight on to Moir Camp.


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The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
  • Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi in FULL BOARD (FB). (WERUWRU RIVER LODGE OR PARK VIEW HOTEL)
  • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
  • Park entry fees,
  • Camping fees
  • Crater fee (if any)
  • Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • 4 Season mountain tents
  • Double layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
  • 3 meals daily while on the mountain
  • 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 (KIATO)
  • Government taxes
  • Portable oxygen tanks
  • Ox meter
  • Emergency first-aid kit
  • Stethoscope
  • Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent
  • Mountain climbing certificates
What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Flights (International)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Tips for safari guide
  • Personal expenses in nature such as money for souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees etc.
  • Visa fees (100 USD for American and 50 USD for non-American)
  • Immunization documents (yellow fever recommended for visa processing on arrivals)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and /or park fees
  1. Day 1 Arrive in Tanzania

    You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  2. Day 2 Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – Start Point 2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)

    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 Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant 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 Mti Mkubwa Camp.

    • Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
    • Trekking time: 3-4 hours
    • Zone: Rainforest
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  3. Day 3 Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)

    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 Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant 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 Mti Mkubwa Camp.

    • Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
    • Trekking time: 3-4 hours
    • Zone: Rainforest
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  4. Day 4 Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)

    On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. 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 Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: Trekkers on an eight day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

    • Distance: ~7km / 4 miles
    • Trekking time: 3-4 hours
    • Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  5. Day 5 Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)

    Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.

    • Distance: ~14km / 8 miles
    • Trekking time: 5-7 hours
    • Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  6. Day 6 Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)

    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 hiking.

    • Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
    • Trekking time: 5-7 hours
    • Zone: High alpine zone
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  7. Day 7 Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)

    Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu 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 acclimatised to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

    • Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
    • Trekking time: 5-7 hours
    • Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  8. Day 8 3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)

    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.

    • Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
    • Trekking time: 4-5 hours
    • Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  9. Day 9 School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Millennium Camp (3790m)

    You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.

    • Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
    • Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
    • Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  10. Day 10 Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)

    The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.

    • Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
    • Trekking time: 3-4 hours
    • Zone: Rainforest zone
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Kilimanjaro Climb Accommodation

Where do you sleep on Kilimanjaro?

Accommodation in Kilimanjaro is Camping Unless you are on the Marangu Route, accommodation on Kilimanjaro will be in tents brought up by your porters. Do not be tempted to sleep in any of the caves, which is against park regulations.

On the Marangu Route, camping is forbidden and instead people have to sleep in huts along the route. The sleeping arrangements in these huts are usually dormitory-style, with anything from four to twenty beds per room. You will see people camping on this route, but they are trekkers who took the Rongai Route to ascend and are now descending on Marangu.

Confusingly, away from the Marangu Route many of the campsites on Kilimanjaro are actually called ‘huts’ but don’t be fooled: they are called huts because of the green shacks that you’ll find at these campsites, which are usually inhabited by the park rangers. Trekkers used to be allowed to sleep in these huts too, but no longer.

Porters and guides, however, do still sometimes sleep in them depending on the ranger’s mood and the space available.

The only other buildings you will possibly see along the trail are the toilets. Most are of the same design, namely a little wooden hut with a hole in the floor. Some are in better condition than others; all we will say is that some people are terrible shots, while other latrines are in desperate need of emptying before the contents become Kilimanjaro’s fourth peak.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance.
Marangu Huts

 

Camping Accommodation

 

You can choose your comfortable and preferred time to climb Kilimanjaro. In case of time required for the summit, you should ask for the Best Route To Climb Kilimanjaro? However, we would highly recommend you to take an 8 days or 9 days itinerary if you are a beginner and 7 – 8 days if you are a professional climber. The extra days will give you time for proper acclimatization and allow you to get adjusted to the climatic and weather conditions on the higher altitude. Hence, prefer 8 – 9 days while climbing Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro is the only highest mountain which allows you to reach its summit Uhuru peak without any technical skills. Climbing Kilimanjaro is easy compared to other mountains, as it has easier terrains than steeps. However, you may need to use your hands while climbing the Barranco wall as it is the only steep wall in the entire Kilimanjaro zone. This is one of the important Kilimanjaro FAQs and has a proper answer. During wet season you may require hiking poles because the rocks are more slippery. Make sure you wear proper hiking boots or gaiters while you are climbing Kilimanjaro.

The weather in Kilimanjaro is considered as wet season and dry season. Before knowing about Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro”, the weathers and climates are very important to decide for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. All the Kilimanjaro routes pass the ecological or climatic zones where the weather tends to change hourly due to the high-altitude condition and the trade winds. The wet season has more rainfall and dry season has lesser rainfall with more dry days. The main climatic zones are: Cultivation zone, Rainforest zone, Heath or moorland zone, Highland dessert zone and Artic zone. Each zone are unique in its own way and also have a distinct weather conditions all the way.

Best time to climb Kilimanjaro is a major Kilimanjaro Faq’s asked by most of the trekkers. Mount Kilimanjaro can be ascended year around and all the Kilimanjaro routes will support climbing Kilimanjaro round the year. As Kilimanjaro is near to equator the region experiences a very less extremes of winter and summer weather, rather it has wet and dry seasons. Hence, the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro is dry season which is warm. It is advised to avoid climbing Kilimanjaro during wet season for beginners. However, if you are with a professional climber and have all the safety precautions taken, then climbing Kilimanjaro in wet season would be really adventures. This also depends on your preference of Kilimanjaro Routes. You will need to choose best Kilimanjaro route and also choose a longer itinerary for better acclimatization.

You will be provided with tents, camping gear, food, utensils, and guidance. You should bring your own sleeping bag, water system, personal clothing, light duffle bag, and day pack. Hiking poles can be rented. If “What Do I Need To Climb Kilimanjaro?” is your question, the following list is for you. A packing list is provided to all climbers, along with our pre-departure packet:

  • 1 mountaineering sleeping bag
  • 1 LED flashlight with spare batteries
  • 1 Pair of comfortable trekking boots
  • 1 towel
  • 2 fleece jackets
  • 1 down jacket or long-sleeved wind-breaker
  • 1 set of thermal underwear
  • 2 pairs of trekking trousers
  • 1 waterproof jacket
  • 1 pair of waterproof trousers
  • 1 sun hat
  • 1 pair of sunglasses

The Kilimanjaro Food during your climb will help you to avoid from Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness. The menu on Kilimanjaro is designed to ensure your food intake matches your level of exertion. It will provide you with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables. When you are at altitude you could start to feel uneasy and your appetite may be suppressed, so the meals prepared at high altitude usually contain more carbohydrates and less protein to help you to digest your food.

Your meals will be prepared by your cooks on Kilimanjaro and the food will be carried by your porters. You will be provided with Porridge, Toast, Pancakes, Egg, Smoked sausages, Tea, coffee and Hot chocolate. Sandwiches, Hard boiled eggs, Biscuits, Fruit juice. Soup, Pasts, Rice, Potatoes, Chicken, Beef, vegetables, Salad and Fresh fruits.

Mount Kilimanjaro has recorded the highest altitude level and one needs to be physically and mentally fit to summit the highest peak. You will need to have good acclimatization if you are climbing Kilimanjaro. You will need to sleep on the lower elevations and spend more time on higher elevations. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be an achievement as well as more than the failure. The main health issue is related to respiratory problem. You will have Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness, Acute Mountain sickness and also it may lead to High altitude pulmonary edema and also High altitude cerebral edema. However, these are self-diagnosable at the beginning.

If you reach the severe condition you will need to descend.
Yes, it is. We encourage the parents who are looking for a good place for planning a family vacation to bring their kids in safari. There can’t be a better place for your kids to be on a vacation. Being close to nature and wildlife they can learn a lot more than reading about them in text-books. Safari vacation is safe for the children completely. We can choose child-friendly accommodations. This could mean anything from having an extraordinary pool, to gigantic rooms resting up to 4 people. We can also arrange some great activities for your children to enjoy at the lodges.

The guides and porters are professionally trained to handle the emergency situations. They are equipped with first aid kits and also trained to provide first aid medicines. In case of any severe emergency the recuse team will be available to help you descend through a stretcher or in case of more sever emergency there will be a helicopter rescue team who will take you to the high altitude medical clinic and transfer to the best hospital in the city.

It is better to check with your doctor or centre of disease control before leaving for any recommendations. This one of the major Mount Kilimanjaro Facts you should take into considerations. However, while entering Tanzania you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate and also malaria vaccination certificate. Apart from these other vaccinations are not compulsory. However, it is better to consult your doctor for Vaccinations for Kilimanjaro if you have asthma or any chronic health problems.