9 Days Northern circuit route - Kilimanjaro Climbing

Itenerary (Day by Day)

DAY 1: LEMOSHO GATE((2,389/7838ft) MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2,785/9137ft))

Altitude gained: 396m

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 (2,785 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 MtiMkubwaCamp.
Distance: ~4.8km / 3 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest

DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2785m/ 9137ft) - SHIRA I CAMP (3504m/ 11496ft)

Altitude gained: 719m

You will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of 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 (3,504 meters).
Distance: ~7.9km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

DAY 3: SHIRA I CAMP –SHIRA II CAMP: 6.9km/4mi | 3-4hrs | Low Alpine

Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Altitude gained: 391m
Our trek crosses the Shira one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. Nine-day climbs will stay the night at Shira II Camp joining climbers ascending from the Machame Route. At Shira II Camp it is worth the extra energy to go a bit higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: 8 Day Climbs continue east to Shira Plateau Ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and descend to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)

DAY 4: SHIRA II CAMP- LAVA TOWER - MOIR: 17.7km/11.1mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine

Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 91m
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.

DAY 5: MOIR CAMP (4,155m/13,632ft) TO BUFFALO CAMP (4,033m/13,232ft)

Altitude lost: 122m

Today its 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 (4,033 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: ~9.2km / 5.8miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone

DAY 6: BUFFALO CAMP (4033m/13,232ft) – RONGAI 3RD CAVE (3,936m/12,193ft)

Altitude lost: 97m

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 3,936 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
Distance: ~6.8km / 4.3miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone

DAY 7: RONGAI 3RDCAVE (3936m/12913ft) – SCHOOL HUT (4717m/15,476ft)

Altitude gained: 781m

Today its 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: ~4.8km / 3miles
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone

DAY 8: SCHOOL HUT (4717m/15476ft) – SUMMIT (5,895 m/19341ft) – MILLENIUM CAMP (3,827 m/12556ft)

Altitude gained: 1178m

Altitude lost: 2068m (descent)

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Millennium Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Millennium Camp.
Distance: ~5.9km / 3.7 miles ascent and 8.4km / 5.2 mile descent
Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones

DAY 9: MILLENIUM CAMP 3827m/12,556ft - MWEKA GATE 1633m/5358ft – MOSHI 970m

Altitude lost: 2194m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
Distance: ~12.2km / 7.6 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest zone Overnight HOTEL IN MOSHI B&B. before being transferred to your journey home, safari or relaxing trip to Zanzibar.

CERTIFIED ETHICAL CLIMBING:

As Alpine chat adventure we believe that tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world’s natural habitats, cultural heritage sites and communities. We actively promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
As a Partner for Responsible Travel, we are proud to raises public awareness to ensure proper treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro and assists implementing procedures that ensure fair and ethical treatment of the portersthrough fair salaries, mountain equipment, food, clothing and sleeping conditions for crew members.
Every climb is audited to ensure crewmembers are provided proper salaries, tips, food, equipment and sleeping conditions. We think it’s pretty great and our clients do as well, check out our Trip advisor profile to see what people are saying about us.

TREKKING COSTS:

Contact us For Price details

INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE:

CREW

Lead Guide(s), Assistant Guide(s), for 2+ people.

English Speaking & Wilderness First Responder Trained

Cook, Porters, equipment, personal client luggage (15 kg per client)

The ratio of porters per client is 4 to 5.

EQUIPMENT

Sleeping tent, 3-person size for 2 people

Sleeping mat, 2-inch foam

Pillow

Walk-in dining tent and table

Backed chairs

Wash basins with hot water each morning and evening

Private portable toilet with toilet paper

FOOD & DRINK

Three meals per day & afternoon snack during the trek

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free upon request

Treated drinking water (minimum of 3L per day while trekking with additional water available at camp)

Coffee and tea during the trek

HEALTH & SAFETY

Pulse oximeter

Altitude sickness checklists

First aid kit

Emergency oxygen

PREPARATION & FEES

Kilimanjaro National Park fees and VAT.

Camping/hut, rescue, conservation and taxes

Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages

Pre-trek briefing with your guide

ACCOMMODATION & TRANSFERS

Round-trip airport transfer between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Moshi

Round-trip transfer between Moshi and the park gate

Hotel stays in Moshi pre- and post-trek (2 nights total) on bed & breakfast.

EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:

Gratuities/tips

Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bag and clothing

Favored beverages (water, soda and alcohol at hotels)

Additional accommodation or meals resulting from early descent

Tanzania entry visa

Travel insurance

Domestic or international flights

Expenses of a personal nature

Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc

Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.

NOTE, Additional accommodation nights for acclimatize is $ 150 for one room bed breakfast

RECOMMENDED TIPPING GUIDE

Tipping is customary on Mount Kilimanjaro for all members of your mountain crew. Although they receive a fair wage, they rely on tips for a total fair compensation Tips for the team (guide, assistant guide, cook and porters) Industry recommendations are $20 a day to the Guide, $15 a day to your Assistance guide and Cook and 8$ a day to each of your porters divided by everyone in trip.

TO ENSURE FAIR AND TRANSPARENT TIPPING FOR EACH CREW MEMBER, THERE WILL BE A TIPPING CEREMONY AT THE ALPINE CHAT ADVENTURE OFFICE FOLLOWING YOUR DESCENT FROM THE MOUNTAIN. ENVELOPES WILL BE PROVIDED TO DIVIDE YOUR TIPS FOR EACH MEMBER OF THE CREW.

Activities And Transportation

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This tour starts and ends in Moshi

Book your own international flights when using this operator

Fly to/from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO – Check price) near Arusha. Or fly to/from Arusha Airport (ARK – Check price) via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya)

A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost