9Days Northern Circuit Route

9Days Northern Circuit Route

per person

The 9Days Northern Circuit Route is the newest route in Kilimanjaro. This is a unique itinerary in that it is the only route that visits the northern slopes, while traversing around nearly the entire mountain. The Northern Circuit is also the longest route on the mountain, in distance and time, making it a difficult route. However, it has the best acclimatization profile which makes it the route with the highest success rate as well.

The path begins west of the peak, on the same trail as the Lemosho route. Once climbers reach Lava Tower, the route heads North West to Moir Hut, circling the mountain clockwise at an altitude of approximately 13,000 feet. This path then intersects with the Rongai route variant at Third Cave, before summiting from School Hut. The descent is down Mweka.

The Northern Circuit route is easily one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro. It is best suited for those who enjoy backpacking for many days, and want to do something that is different. The Northern Circuit is also preferred by those who want to get away from other travelers while on their trek.

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DAY 1
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft Distance: 6 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
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DAY 2
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft Distance: 8 km Hiking Time 5-6 hours Habitat: Heath We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
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DAY 3
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Heath We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Scenario trees.
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DAY 4
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Moir Hut Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
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DAY 5
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft Distance: 12 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
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DAY 6
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft Distance: 8 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Heath As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely traveled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
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DAY 7
Third Cave to School Hut Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
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DAY 8
School Hut to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 6 km Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft Distance: 12 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Artic Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
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DAY 9
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest In our last day, we continue descending to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.