The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins on the western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira Plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the busier Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the eastern side of the mountain. The Northern Circuit typically is done as an eight or nine days itinerary. The eight-day trek skips the additional acclimatization day that is typically spent at Shira Camp 2 and continues straight on to Moir Camp.
Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
Duration: 7 nights/8 Days Climb
Arrival Day
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) you will see our driver waiting for you just outside the secured customs area - with a Kilifortune Expeditions sign with your name on it. From there you will be drive to your hotel in Moshi. After allowing some time to settle in, there will be a climb briefing with your guide. Here all questions will be answered. There will also be an equipment check. If you are lacking any items, they can be rented locally of good quality at a reasonable price. If you have a nightime arrival, these things can be done early the next morning.
Day 1: Lemosho Glades
After breakfast at your hotel, we will drive you to the Londorosi Gate on the western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. We will begin our hike at the Lemosho trail head. Please note that in rainy/muddy conditions, sometimes the vehicles can’t make it to the true trailhead so there can be some extra hiking – but Kilifortune Expeditions vehicles often make it closer than any other company due to our great drivers and vehicles.
After a picnic lunch, we will hike for about 4 hours to the Forest Camp. In the forest, exotic moss and flowers delight the eye while bird calls entertain the ear. You may see black and white colobus monkeys as well as signs of the elephants that travel in this area. We will overnight at Forest Camp.
Hiking hours: 4 hours
Distance: 7km
Overnight Altitude: 2,650M
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Day 2: Shira Plateau
As we leave the montane forest and enter the Hagenia Zone, our views open and we
will catch our first views of Kibo Peak. This is a good acclimatization hike, as
we go up and down several ridges along the way to our highest point of the day at
11,500’ before descending to camp. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Hiking hours: 4 hours
Distance: 7km
Overnight Altitude: 3,610M
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Moir Camp
We will traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western
slope of the Kibo Massif. Along the way, we will enjoy a picnic lunch at Scott
Fisher Memorial Camp (named after a well known Mt. Everest guide). We will continue on to the
upper heath zone and Moir Camp. Depending on the weather, acclimatization hikes can
be arranged in the late afternoon.
Hiking hours: 6-7 hours
Distance: 6km
Overnight Altitude: 3,810M
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Day 4: Pofu/Buffalo Camp
Hike about 7-8 hours, depending on stops along the way. You have quite a ridge to
climb up as you depart Moir Camp, so it’s best to start out very slowly until you
crest the ridge. This is a great acclimatization day.
Hiking hours: 7-8 hours
Distance: 12km
Overnight Altitude: 4,200M
Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 5: Third Cave Camp
Continue your traverse around the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, with expansive
views, as you find your way to Third Cave Camp.
Hiking hours: 6 hours
Distance: 7km
Overnight Altitude: 3,800M
Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 6: School Huts Camp
We get into our highest elevation camp today. Try to get to bed early for some rest before you start your night-time summit ascent (usually starting around midnight) to Gilman’s Point, through Stella Point, and for the final push up to the summit.
Hiking hours: 5 hours
Distance: 6km
Overnight Altitude: 3,960M
Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 7: Summit and Mweka Camp (or Millenium Camp by request)
Summit day. We will start our ascent to the summit (5,895M) around 11:00 PM or midnight. The goal for you – and numerous other climbers – is to reach the peak right at sunrise. In reality, due to differences in hiking speed, energy, and altitude acclimatization, there is a several hour span where most climbers reach the summit. Using headlamps (bring extra lithium batteries, which last much better in cold dark conditions!) you will ascend 6-7 hours to Gilman’s Point, traverse the Crater Rim to Stella Point and then up another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the summit.
After a summit celebration and photo, descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and then to Mweka Camp to sleep overnight. By advance request we can sleep at Millenium Camp instead; this is at 3100M so less descent today, but means a longer trek the following day.
Hiking hours: 5 hours
Distance: 7.5km
Overnight Altitude: 3,100M
Habitat: Moorland
Day 8: Mweka Park Gate
We make the final descent to the trailhead today, about 3-5 hours hiking. Here we will have lunch before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to town. Arrive at your hotel usually between 3-5 PM. Once back in town you have the chance to tip your mountain crew and say goodbye.
Hiking hours: 3-5 hours
Distance: 10km
Overnight Altitude: 1,640M
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Departure Day
Breakfast at the hotel in included in your climb package. If you have booked a safari we will leave after breakfast. Otherwise our driver will be available to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) at any time necessary for your flight. Hotel checkout is at 10am. If you have a flight leaving later in the day, we can try to arrange a late checkout or a day room (there would be an extra charge for a dayroom).