Climb 8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern circuit
About the route
The Northern Circuit stands out as a relatively recent addition to Kilimanjaro's trekking routes, offering adventurers a distinctive journey up Africa's highest peak. Unlike the more traditional paths, this route embarks from the Lemosho trailhead, gradually revealing the mountain's diverse terrain. As hikers traverse the expansive Shira plateau, they're treated to panoramic views and a sense of solitude amidst the rugged beauty.
What distinguishes the Northern Circuit
Its deviation from the heavily trafficked eastern trails. Instead, it diverges northward, tracing the mountain's less frequented slopes. This unconventional approach not only provides a unique perspective but also offers trekkers a quieter, more immersive experience with Kilimanjaro's natural wonders.
By opting for the Northern Circuit, adventurers can spend deeper into Kilimanjaro’s nature wilderness also getting more time for successful summit and acclimatization, encountering diverse ecosystems and captivating landscapes along the way. It's a route that invites exploration and rewards those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure amidst one of Africa's most iconic destinations.
PRICE
2Pax/person2500$
INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE:
- Kilimanjaro hiking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking and CPR certified Guide
- Proper of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Gate transfer
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full healthy Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Fair Salary for Crew
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Portable Private Toilet and Porter
- Quality and inspected equipment like Tent, oxygen etc.
- Airport transfer
EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:
- Medication
- flights
- personal balance for spending in some purchases’
- Gamow Bag
- Visa fee
- Travel and medical insurance seek for recommendation
- Tips for porters and whole team standard recommended is 20usd for guides, 10usd for porters and 15for cook and other
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
CREW LIST IDEA FOR 2 CLIENT IS PER BELOW:
- 10porters this includes waiter and toilet man (if needed)
- 1cook
- 1cheaf guide
- 1assistance guide
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Tanzania travel fact
- Important gear to pack
- Meals provided in the mountain
- Weather
Activities
DAY 1
The night before trekking, the guest will meet a lead guide who will provide a briefing and inspect all the necessities for successful summiting including gears this will be done to the respective hotel KEYS HOTEL after that you will agree for the next day departure time to the gate
Accommodation: KEYS HOTEL
From Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2100m to 2750m
Distance: 8 km
Trekking time: 3 hours
Vegetation: Montane Forest
Recommended Gears
Expect wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles can be helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are suitable, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
After breakfast, we depart Moshi at 9 AM, driving for 2 hours to Lemosho Gate on Kilimanjaro's west side. After park registration, we start on a 3-hour hike into the rainforest, spotting Colobus monkeys plays on trees. We'll have a packed lunch on the way. Upon arrival at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m), porters will set up tents, on arrival you will have a hot. tea, coffee and ginger just before super delicious dinner provided by our chef then meeting our guide for night briefing.
Early in the morning
Woken up for good hot drink from our waiter and hot water to clean ourselves (not shower) then well-prepared breakfast and some dessert, there after you will have some minutes before starting the next challenge heading to Shira 2 camp (All of this are inclusive cost from the amount provided for hiking)
DAY 2
From Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 2750m to 3840m
Distance: 17 km
Trekking time: 8 hours
Vegetation: Moorland
Recommended Gears
As temperatures drop above 3000m, dress warmly with long underwear, hiking pants, liner gloves, and a proper jacket. Rain gear should be accessible. Nights may be freezing.
After an early breakfast, we ascend out of the rainforest into the heather moorland zone. Crossing streams and plateaus, we reach Shira 2 Camp (3840m) with a stunning view of the Western Breach and glaciers. Porters will provide water, snacks, and dinner.
Early in the morning
Woken up for good hot drink from our waiter and hot water to clean ourselves (not shower) then well-prepared breakfast and some dessert, there after you will have some minutes before starting the next challenge heading to Barranco camp (All of this are inclusive cost from the amount provided for hiking)
DAY 3
From Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp
Elevation: 3840m to 4140m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking time: 3 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
Dressing guidelines
Given the descent in temperature commencing from an altitude of 3000m, it is imperative to attire oneself suitably to conserve energy.
Long underwear, coupled with hiking pants, liner gloves, and a substantial jacket, suffice until the summit endeavour. Rain gear shall persist within your day bag.
Anticipate a chilly night as temperatures plummet below freezing at this encampment.
On this day we shall have one task of going lava tower to do acclimatization at 4600m where porters and chef will have to go moir camp for preparation then will join them after some hiking to lava tower . after acclimatization will descend down to moir take some relaxation and medical check from our guide during evening, also waiting for dinner.
Early in the morning
Woken up for good hot drink from our waiter and hot water to clean ourselves (not shower) then well-prepared breakfast and some dessert, there after you will have some minutes before starting the next challenge heading to moir camp (All of this are inclusive cost from the amount provided for hiking)
DAY 4
from Moir Camp to Buffalo camp
Elevation: 4140m to 4024m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Dressing guidelines
Given the altitude exceeding 4000m, a comprehensive attire ensuring warmth retention becomes paramount to conserve energy.
Long underwear, hiking pants, liner gloves, and a substantial jacket are deemed sufficient until the summit expedition. Rain gear remains within your day bag.
Prepare for a chilly evening as temperatures descend below freezing at this site.
After breakfast, a hike spanning approximately hours, contingent upon pauses en route, ensues. The ascent from Moir camp involves navigating a substantial ridge, warranting a gradual commencement until cresting the ridge. An early dinner precedes rest, facilitating acclimatization for the forthcoming day.
Early in the morning
Woken up for good hot drink from our waiter and hot water to clean ourselves (not shower) then well-prepared breakfast and some dessert, there after you will have some minutes before starting the next challenge heading to buffalo camp (All of this are inclusive cost from the amount provided for hiking)
DAY 5
Hiking from Buffalo camp to Third Cave Camp
Elevation: 4024m to 3871m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Dressing guidelines
Commencing from an altitude of 3000m, the climate begins to cool significantly, necessitating thorough insulation to mitigate energy loss.
Long underwear, hiking pants, liner gloves, and a substantial jacket suffice until the summit endeavor. Rain gear remains within your day bag.
Prepare for a frigid night as temperatures dip below freezing at this encampment.
Continuing our traverse along the northern flank of Mount Kilimanjaro, reveling in expansive vistas, we proceed toward Third Cave Camp. Here, camp shall be established, offering respite, an early dinner, and preparation for the ensuing day.
Early in the morning
Woken up for good hot drink from our waiter and hot water to clean ourselves (not shower) then well-prepared breakfast and some dessert, there after you will have some minutes before starting the next challenge heading to third cave camp(All of this are inclusive cost from the amount provided for hiking)
DAY 6
From Third Cave Camp to School Huts Camp
Elevation: 3871m to 4755m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Guidelines on how to dress
As the altitude surpasses 4000m, safeguarding against energy dissipation becomes imperative.
Long underwear, hiking pants, liner gloves, and a substantial jacket suffice until the summit endeavour. Rain gear remains within your day bag.
Prepare for a cold evening as temperatures plummet below freezing at this site.
An early dinner shall be served, affording hikers ample rest before embarking on the summit bid later the same night. Detailed instructions from your guide shall be provided regarding summit preparation. Retire by 19:00 hours for optimal rest.
SUMMIT DAY - PHASE 1
From School Huts Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 4755m to 5895m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine glacier
Guidelines on how to dress
During the nocturnal ascent to the summit, temperatures fluctuate between -10 to -20 degrees Celsius, necessitating comprehensive insulation for sustained mobility over 5 hours in sub-zero conditions.
Layering comprising 5-6 layers (inclusive of a jacket), ski trousers, gaiters, a thermal hat, and a balaclava are recommended. A head torch assumes paramount importance for the nocturnal ascent. In the early hours of the midnight, donned in multiple layers of attire, the ascent to the summit starts
Traversing in a north-westerly trajectory, we ascend amidst rugged scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This segment epitomizes the pinnacle of mental and physical exertion throughout the trek.
At Gillman’s Point (5756m)
A brief respite awaits, accompanied by the splendour of a sunrise unparalleled in its magnificence.
From Stella Point
A mere hour's ascent remains until the summit is attained. Uhuru Peak marks the zenith of Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. Expedient hikers may witness the sunrise from the summit.
SUMMIT DAY – PHASE 2
Descending from Uhuru Peak to High camp
Elevation: 5895m to 3900m
Distance: 9km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
The descent from the summit commences, with a direct trajectory toward the high campsite, pausing at Barafu for luncheon. High camp is nestled amidst the upper reaches of the moorland zone.
DAY 8
Journeying from High Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3900m to 1860m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Guidelines on how to dress
Commencing amidst cooler temperatures, the day’s attire should accommodate the progressive ascent in temperature. Layering facilitates adaptability as conditions evolve throughout the day.
Further details can be found here.
Post-breakfast, the descent towards the Mweka Park Gate commences.
The National Park protocol mandates hikers to register their names to obtain certificates of achievement. Those attaining Stella’s Point (5756m) receive green certificates, while summit conquerors of Uhuru Peak (5895m) are conferred with gold certificates.
Following registration, a communal repast offers an opportunity for expression towards the team. Subsequently, transportation shall be arranged to return to the KEYS HOTEL MOSHI affording overdue ablutions and celebratory revelry.
