Northern circuit route
The longest route
You will have more acclimatization time, a nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery and quietness when you choose northern circuit route. rarely visited northern slopes. The route starts at Londorosi gate, in the western side of the mountain. You will go through a montane forest to reach Shira Ridge, cross the Shira Plateau then take the quite northern route. So, for some part you will share the trails with those who take Lemosho and Machame routes.
Highlights of the Northern circuit route
Very scenic
Rare experience of the northern slopes. You will witness montane forest, Shira plateau, waterfalls, and so much more.
Minimum trekking days
We recommend that you take at least 9 days to complete this route succesfully.
Barranco Wall
This is a 257 meters rock wall that you scramble to climb it. It is one of the best experience on Kilimanjaro.
High success rate
More days on the mountains means better aclimitization hence high chance of summit success.
Why Trek with Kili Quests
Your success on climbing Kilimanjaro largely depend on your mental strength and physical stamina. Equally important is the crew that will take you there. That’s why you need to choose Kili Quests:
- We've experience of over 25 years
- Our guides are medically trained
- Attention to details and you have ability to customize your trek
What You Get
Your trek package includes the following:
- Wages of all mountain crew members
- Tents, foam mattress, tables and chairs
- All park fees, meals, rescue fee and bottled oxygen
- Oximeter, airport transfers and transport to and from Kilimanjaro gates.
- Pre and post climb accommodation (Two nights total)
THE ITINERARY
A NOTE ON THE FLEXIBILITY OF THIS ITINERARY
- Please note that our itineraries are flexible and we customize them according to your needs.
- Airport pick up and drop off are optional, meaning if you are already in Moshi or Arusha or you can arrange your own airport transfers, we can take them out of the price for this tour.
- Pre and post trek accommodations are optional.
We depart fromMoshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry procedures. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Londorossi Gate to MtiMkubwa – Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles – Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We carry on 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.
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp -Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles – 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.
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp -Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles – Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
We catch up 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 worldwide.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower -Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles -Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Moir Hut – Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles – Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trekking 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.
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp -Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles – Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled 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.
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave -Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles – Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
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.
Third Cave to School Hut -Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles – Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
School Hut to UhuruPeak -Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles – Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
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.
Uhuru Peak to MwekaCamp -Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065
Distance: 12 km/7 miles – Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Artic
On our last day, we continue the descent 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/ Arusha.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles -Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
This will be the end of our hiking.
Inquire Northern circuit route trek
Our Northern circuit treks start at $2900 per person. Inquire for a quote below.
