One of the most exciting and unique trekking experience on the Kilimanjaro is offered by this new route. Breathtaking varied scenery and almost offering a 360 degrees view of the whole mountain. This relatively new route experiences just a handful of climbers. Making it the least visited.
Being the longest route in distance and time, it yet comes with the added acclimatization benefits which results it having the highest success rate.
This exciting route approaches the mountain from the Western side via the Lemosho route however instead of traversing it towards the southern side to the direction of Lava tower like the Machame and Lemosho routes, it deviates around the mountain towards the northern side which is the least visited part of the mountain. The summit is attempted via the Kibo base camp or School Hut and the trail down is via Mweka camp.
Mega Adventures offers the Northern circuit trek in 9 days. With the start from the Lemosho gate which is preceded by a long 3-4 Hrs drive from Moshi. This route is highly recommended.
Day 1: Lemosho – Big Tree Camp
After breakfast, head to Londrossi gate, a 3-hour drive. Your guide will arrange climbing permits, porters’ luggage will be weighed, and an early lunch prepared. Explore the starting point before driving to the Lemosho trail. Hike through Mount Kilimanjaro’s rainforest to Big Tree camp. The team will handle logistics, and a warm dinner will be served. Your guide will provide a briefing before you retire to your tents for the night.
6 Km
2,250 m – 2,780 m
3 - 4 hrs
Rain forest
Day 2: Big Tree Camp – Shira 1
After breakfast, we’ll venture onto the trail, leaving the rainforest for heather and Moorland. Ascend rolling hills and descend to Shira 1 camp. Arrive at camp in time for lunch, where you can relax or engage in an acclimatization hike with your guide. A warm dinner will be served before you retire to your tent.
7 km
2,780 m – 3,610 m
5–6 hrs
Moorland
Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2
Following breakfast, set out for Shira 2 camp with a gentle walk through the moorland, heading east. Arrive in time for lunch and take the opportunity to explore the Shira plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth.
10 km
3,610 m – 3,900 m
6–8 hrs
Moorland
Day 4: Shira 2 – Moir Hut
After breakfast, we will embark on the trail going east into the High Alpine desert zone. As the trail continues it will connect with the Machame Route for a moment towards Lava tower for acclimatization at 4,630 m, lunch break will be at lava to have proper acclimatization before you leave for a more secluded trail heading towards Moir hut. This trekking part involves continuous exposure to higher altitudes, consolidating your acclimatization process. Arrive at Moir Camp (4,175 m), placed behind the magnificent Lent Hills. You will be offered a warm dinner in time and your guide will brief you about the day ahead before you retire to your tents overnight.
14 km
3,900 m – 4,630 m - 4,175 m
5–7 hrs
Alpine Desert
Day 5: Moir – Pofu Camp
After breakfast, we will climb out of the Moir Valley. A brief trail detour brings us to the summit of Lent Hills with amazing views to admire then after rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. The trail passes around the northern slopes of Kibo before reaching Pofu Camp. With the stunning Kenyan plains stretching out below the camp you can relax for the next day. You will be offered a warm dinner in time and your guide will brief you about the day ahead before you retire to your tents overnight.
12 km
4,175 m – 4,030 m
5–7 hrs
Alpine Desert
Day 6: Pofu Camp – Third Cave
After breakfast, the Northern Circuit trails continue with a refreshing morning climbing to the top of the ridge where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, the journey continues eastwards through High and Low Alpine scenery with sparse and very rare vegetation. The trail ends after bypassing the northern slopes to reach the Rongai Third Cave Camp. At this height, you’ll be fully acclimatized to the high altitude.
You will be offered a warm dinner in time and your guide will brief you about the day ahead before you retire to your tents overnight.
8 km
4,030 m – 3,935 m
5–7 hrs
Semi Desert
Day 7: Third Cave – School Hut
After breakfast, we will embark on the final part of the trail before ascending up to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. The day’s highlight will be trekking up and over more of the lunar landscape located between the Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. You’ll then continue southwest to School Hut (4,715 m) to rest in preparation for the final push toward the summit. Guides will thoroughly check all gear and supplies in preparation for an early morning start.
5 km
3,935 m – 4,715 m
4–5 hrs
Alpine Desert
Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
On this day you will get off to an early start, after breakfast you will ascend through the darkness towards Kilimanjaro’s main crater rim at Gilman’s Point. You will have a brief break before the final push, passing through enormous ice cliffs and glaciers. You’ll reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro just in time to enjoy the sunrise, at the top of Africa’s highest peak. Enjoy and embrace the sense of joy and accomplishment with guides and support crew. Afterward, we will descend down to the crater rim followed by a continuous descent following Mweka Route towards the last trail stop at Millenium Camp.
6 km Ascent | 14.5 km Descent
4,715 m – 5,895 m – 3,820 m
6-8 hrs Ascent | 4-6 hrs Descent
Arctic | Alpine desert | Moorland
Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
Following breakfast, head to Mweka gate for a short downhill trek covering approximately 13.5 km in 4- 5 hours. At the park headquarters, Mweka Gate, collect your summit certificate, celebrate the accomplishment, and our team will be ready to transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
13.5 km
3,820 m – 1,630 m
4 - 5 hrs
Rain forest
Inclusive Of:
Exclusive Of:
Do you have any queries or wish to tailor this tour? Please click here to contact us.
| 9 Days, Northern Circuit Route | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| NO. of PAX in one group | 2-3 PAX | 4-6 PAX | 7+ PAX |
| Price pr. person | $2,911 | $2,586 | $2,505 |
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