Embark on the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure with our 9-day Northern Circuit trek, offering unparalleled beauty and exclusivity. This route, renowned for its stunning panoramic views and less-traveled paths, provides a peaceful, immersive experience through Kilimanjaro's diverse ecosystems. From lush rainforests to the dramatic alpine desert, you'll trek along the quieter northern slopes, all the way to the majestic Uhuru Peak. The highlight? An unforgettable night of crater camping beneath Kilimanjaro's towering glaciers, a once-in-a-lifetime experience few adventurers get to enjoy. With expert guides, personalized service, and the best acclimatization schedule, this is the ideal trek for those seeking both challenge and serenity on Africa’s highest mountain.
Duration: 9 or 10 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Low
Our Airport Pick-up Team always have a paper with your name on it; kindly observe right after coming out to spot her/him/them
Kindly inform us of your spot (It may be a hotel, a restaurant, a bus stop etc.) and with our excellent knowledge of the region, we will reach you.
Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft Altitude gained: 396m Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft Altitude gained: 719m After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft Altitude gained: 391m Our trek crosses the Shira one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. Nine-day climbs will stay the night at Shira II Camp joining climbers ascending from the Machame Route. At Shira II Camp it is worth the extra energy to go a bit higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero.
Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft Altitude gained: 91m Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
Elevation: 4155m/13,632ft to 4033m/13,232ft Altitude loss: 122m We begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Spectacular views of plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretches as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest.
Elevation: 4033m/13,232ft to 3936m/12,193ft Altitude lost: 97m Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and down into Pofu Camp where lunch is served. We continue East around the Northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before and you should be feeling better acclimatized to the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon
Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 4717m/15,476ft Altitude gained: 781m A steady ascent and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue Southwest to School Hut where you will be served an early dinner and the rest as you will begin just 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: 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft Begin your ascent to the Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, just before dawn. After celebrating at the summit, descend into Kilimanjaro’s Crater for an unforgettable night at Crater Camp, just beneath the glaciers. Trekking Time: 7-9 hours
Explore the Ash Pit in Kilimanjaro’s crater in the morning before descending to Millennium Camp. Enjoy a well-deserved rest after the strenuous summit day. Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Complete your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your certificate of achievement. Drive back to Moshi for celebration and relaxation. Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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