Description
The Northern Circuit Route offers the longest and one of the most scenic paths up Mount Kilimanjaro, circling around most of the mountain and providing spectacular views from all sides. This 9-day itinerary is designed for climbers who want a comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience, combining stunning vistas, varied landscapes, and excellent opportunities for acclimatization. The route starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate, traverses the beautiful Shira Plateau, and then makes its way northwards before circling east to approach the summit from the north. This less-traveled path provides solitude and a unique perspective of the mountain, making it ideal for those who wish to take their time and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Africa’s highest peak.
Day by Day Itineray
Day 1: Arrival at Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Start at Londorossi Gate (2,250 meters) and trek through lush rainforest to reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters). This first day involves a gentle hike, taking about 3-4 hours, allowing climbers to ease into the trek and begin acclimatizing to the altitude.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Ascend out of the forest and cross into the heath and moorland zone, reaching Shira 1 Camp (3,610 meters). This day’s hike, taking about 5-6 hours, offers expansive views across the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert that was once a volcanic crater.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Trek from Shira 1 across the Shira Plateau to Moir Hut (4,200 meters). This route section, taking about 5-6 hours, starts to introduce more significant altitude gains, testing climbers’ acclimatization while providing stunning views of the mountain’s rugged landscape.
Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Ascend from Moir Hut through the alpine desert to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters). The trek, taking about 5-6 hours, leads you around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, offering a more secluded and less trodden path with chances to see wildlife.
Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Continue eastward, with the path undulating before reaching Third Cave (3,870 meters). This portion of the route, taking about 5-6 hours, starts to descend slightly, allowing for further acclimatization and providing a different perspective of the mountain.
Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut
Trek from Third Cave to School Hut (4,800 meters). This shorter but steeper section, taking about 4-5 hours, prepares you for the summit bid. Spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the midnight start to the summit.
Day 7: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Begin the summit attempt around midnight, heading towards Gilman’s Point (5,685 meters) on the crater rim and continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). The climb takes about 6-8 hours. After reaching the summit, descend to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters), completing a long but rewarding day of approximately 12-14 hours of hiking.
Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Descend from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters), taking about 5-6 hours. This final descent through the forest is a gentle close to the strenuous journey, and upon reaching the gate, collect your summit certificates and celebrate your accomplishment.
Day 9: Departure
Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey around and up Mount Kilimanjaro.