The Northern Circuit is the newest route up Kilimanjaro and also the longest. Because of its length, the Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate. The route follows the same as the Lemosho Route for the first two days and then veers off to circle around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. Northern Circuit approaches the summit via Gilman’s Point before descending on the same route as the Machame and Lemosho.
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Lemosho Park Gate. From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
This day 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. 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.
- Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13780ft
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance: 14km/8mi
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Today, we encountered a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. We can do an optional hike to 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.
- Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft
- Habitat: High Alpine
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance: 12km/7mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
We start the day 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. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimated to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
- Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft
- Habitat: High Alpine
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Climbing Time: 5-7 hours
Today 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. 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.
- Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft
- Down to 3090m/10,150ft
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance: 15km/8mi
- Climbing Time: 4-5 hours
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.
- Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3950m/12,959ft
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance: 6km/3.5mi up / 11km/6mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Rioba Safaris vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
- Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
