9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Trekking
per person
9 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Route Trekking
The Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Route is one of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, which follows the Lemosho trail in the beginning, approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the west. However, instead of following the southern traverse like most other routes starting in the west, the Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Route traverses mount Kilimanjaro around the northern slopes.
Taking nine days to complete, this is the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, but is also one of the quietest and rarely used routes making it an attractive option. The Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Route is a wonderfully scenic track that is highly recommended for good acclimatization.
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Destination
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Departure
Moshi -
Dress Code
See the article regarding Mt Kidlimanjaro Trek Packing List
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Moshi Arrival
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) our driver will be waiting just outside the Customs Control area with a Nyange Adventure sign with your name on it. After he loads your bags into our van, he will drive you to your hotel in Moshi. Once you are settled in, your guide will go through a pre-climb briefing where all your questions will be answered and important information will be given. There will be an equipment check to ensure that you have everything needed to make your climb comfortable and safe. If you need any equipment, any/all items can be rented locally of good quality at a fair price. Note that if your arrival is at night, the briefing and equipment check may be done early the next morning instead.
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Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,360m (7,740ft) to 2,780m (9,120ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Your journey begins when, after breakfast, you are picked up from your hotel and driven to Londorossi Gate, where excitement fills the air. The lush rainforest of the lower slopes sets the scene for a gentle 3-4 hour hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp, situated at 2,780 meters. It's a tranquil introduction to the mountain's beauty.
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Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,780m (9,120ft) to 3,610m (11,845ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Embark on a 5-7 hour hike through changing terrain, ascending to Shira 1 Camp at 3,610 meters. The moorland opens up, revealing Kilimanjaro's unique flora and fauna. Feel the altitude and anticipation growing as you settle into the rhythm of the trek.
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Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,610m (11,845ft) to 3,850m (12,630ft)
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Today's journey takes you from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 meters, a 3-5 hour hike. The Shira Plateau offers expansive views of the landscape, hinting at the heights you'll soon reach. The campsite's serenity sets the stage for an unforgettable night.
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Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 3,850m (12,630ft) to 4,630m (15,190ft) (Lava Tower) then descending to 4,200m (13,780ft) at Moir Hut
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Terrain: Semi-desert
Challenge yourself with a 7-9 hour hike to Lava Tower, reaching an altitude of 4,630 meters before descending to Moir Hut at 4,200 meters. The semi-desert environment showcases the mountain's diverse ecosystems, preparing you for the days ahead.
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Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 4,200m (13,780ft) to 4,020m (13,190ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Terrain: Semi-desert
Transition from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp at 4,020 meters, a 5-7 hour hike. The journey offers unique glimpses into Kilimanjaro's rugged beauty and a deeper connection to its wilderness.
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Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave Camp
Elevation: 4,020m (13,190ft) to 3,800m (12,470ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert
Embark on a 5-7 hour hike from Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave Camp, descending to 3,800 meters. The alpine desert terrain presents a stark and stunning contrast, as you become one with the mountain's solitude.
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Day 7: Rongai Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp
Elevation: 3,800m (12,470ft) to 4,800m (15,750ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert
As you ascend to 4,800 meters, the Rongai Third Cave becomes a stepping stone toward School Hut Camp. A 5-7 hour hike prepares you for the summit day ahead. The vastness of the alpine desert unfolds, instilling a sense of achievement.
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Day 8: School Hu Campt to Uhuru Peak (summit) to Horombo Camp
Elevation: 4,800m (15,750ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) at Uhuru Peak, then descending to 3,720m (12,200ft) at Horombo Hut
Hiking Time: 11-15 hours to summit, 5-7 hours descent
Terrain: Glacial and snow-covered summit, alpine desert
The ultimate challenge awaits. A rigorous 11-15 hour trek to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters tests your determination and rewards you with breathtaking glacial vistas. Descend to Horombo Camp at 3,720 meters, celebrating your triumph over the mountain. Note: Horombo has huts used for those using Marangu Route. Those descending from Northern Circuit Route will sleep in tents.
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Day 9: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3,720m (12,200ft) to 1,830m (6,000ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
A final 5-6 hour descent through the rainforest brings you back to Marangu Gate at 1,830 meters. From here our driver will take you back to Moshi where you will have a chance to say goodbye to your mountain crew and have an opportunity to tip them. Your Kilimanjaro adventure concludes as we return you to your hotel, leaving you with a profound sense of accomplishment and a heart filled with memories.
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Departure Day
Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home (or to Zanzibar?). Breakfast is included in your Kilimanjaro Trek Package. Hotel Checkout is at 10am but if you have a later flight we might be able to negotiate a late checkout or book a dayroom for you (additional charge for a dayroom).
2024/2025 Prices
(All prices listed are in USD/person)
| # Climbers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $4350 | $3400 | $3100 | $3000 | $2950 | $2900 | $2800 |
Note: There is a substantial discount for Youths age 15 or under, East African Citizens, and Tanzanian Resident Permit Holders (class A, B, or C).
Climb Package Includes:
- 2 nights accommodations in Moshi (B&B plan, double occupancy)
- Kilimanjaro (JRO) Airport transfers
- Transfers hotel/park gate
- Park fees & taxes
- 4 season mountain tents
- Dining tent
- Sleeping mattress
- Meals while on the mountain
- Purified drinking water while on the mountain
- Emergency oxygen cylinders
- English-speaking guide (other languages are possible with advance notice)
- Mountain chef & all cooking/eating utensils
Climb Package Excludes:
- Climb staff tips
- Meals other than breakfast at Moshi hotel
- Single supplement (if applicable)
- Private toilet with privacy tent (available at additional cost)
- Flights & Tourist Visa
- Medical Insurance (required for all participants)