10 Days Northern Circuit Route | Zantrips and Tours Ltd
10 Days Northern Circuit Route

10 Days Northern Circuit Route

Kilimanjaro's Unforgettable Experience

Route Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, a nine day trip initially ascending Lemosho route on the western side of the mountain up onto the Shira Plateau before reaching the Lava Tower, then heading north and circumnavigating the main summit massif in a clockwise direction and joining up with the Rongai route

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The summit is then climbed from the eastern side of the mountain and the descent is straight down via the southern Mweka route.Understandably this is also known as the Grand Traverse or the 360 Route and offers the complete Kilimanjaro experience in terms of all the habitats and the views of the mountain from all sides. The longer journey has excellent acclimatisation and stunning scenery with views across the southern flanks, western forests, the northern plains to the Kenyan border and the arid eastern slopes. The paths are comparatively quiet and less used.

Boasting the highest success rate on the mountain, the Northern Circuit offers plenty of time to acclimatise and maximize your chances of making it to the top.

Northern Circuit Route Itinerary

Northern Circuit Route

Northern Circuit Route

Day - 1

Arrival

On day one, you'll fly in to Kilimanjaro Airport. We'll send a driver to meet you and take you and your luggage to your hotel in Moshi. Explore the town a bit, but make sure you're ready for tomorrow!.

Where To Stay : Moshi Town
Moshi Town
Moshi Town
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Londorossi Gate to MtiMkubwa Camp

Northern Circuit Route

Day - 2

Londorossi Gate to MtiMkubwa Camp

After a hearty breakfast we'll take you to the Park Gate at Londorossi. You can get registered with the Park whilst the Kandoo crew assemble all of the baggage, gear and supplies we'll take with us.The route passes through lush rainforest before arriving at MtiMkuba Camp ('Big Tree' Camp) which is at an altitude of 2895 metres..

Where To Stay : MtiMkubwa Camp
MtiMkubwa Camp
MtiMkubwa Camp
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MtiMkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Northern Circuit Route

Day - 3

MtiMkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Day three, and our second day on the mountain, will see us travel over the massive Shira Plateau, the eroded remains of the third and most ancient of Kilimanjaro's volcanic vents.We will then make our way to Shira 1 Camp. Bundle up, as the nights are substantially colder at this altitude.

Where To Stay : Shira Camp
Shira Camp
Shira Camp
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Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Northern Circuit Route

Day - 4

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today, we will take a short hike to the summit of awe-inspiring Shira Cathedral, one of the most amazing natural landmarks on Kilimanjaro.Then it is onwards to Shira 2 Camp, where we can see Mount Meru, 80km away in Arusha National Park..

Where To Stay : Shira 2 Camp
Shira 2 Camp
Shira 2 Camp
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Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

Northern Circuit Route

Day - 5

Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

Just after Shira 2 Camp the Lemosho Route joins the northern Route, and we will follow it for a short time. Expect to see other trekkers there. We will soon leave the main trail to get to the Moir Hut Camp, beneath the scenic Lent Hills.

Where To Stay : Moir Hut
Moir Hut
Moir Hut
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Moir Hut to Pofu Camp

Northern Circuit Route

Day - 6

Moir Hut to Pofu Camp

We will take a short but steep hike from Moir Valley to the top of the Lent Hills.Not only is the view worth the effort, proper acclimatisation requires you to 'walk high, sleep low'.Afterwards we will rejoin the trail and cross several valleys on Kilimanjaro's north side before reaching Pofu Camp.

Where To Stay : Pofu Camp
Pofu Camp
Pofu Camp
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Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp

Northern Circuit Route

Day - 7

Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp

Leaving Pofu Camp, we'll continue to circle around the mountain's north side, with magnificent views of Kenya the whole way.We'll cross more valleys, turning eastwards as the vegetation begins to thin with the drier conditions on this part of Kilimanjaro.

Where To Stay : Third Cave Camp
Third Cave Camp
Third Cave Camp
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Third Cave Camp to School Hut

Northern Circuit Route

Day - 8

Third Cave Camp to School Hut

A long and steady ascent takes us to The Saddle, and a landscape that can only be referred to as 'lunar', with the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo rising on either side.We'll reach School Hut and make camp in the early afternoon, giving us a chance to rest and prepare for the summit tomorrow.

Where To Stay : School Hut
School Hut
School Hut
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School Hut to summit at Uhuru Peak, descent to Millennium Camp

Northern Circuit Route

Day - 9

School Hut to summit at Uhuru Peak, descent to Millennium Camp

Day nine starts early, around 1 am. We'll ascend to the rim of Kilimanjaro's crater at Gilman's Point, where we will get to see the sun rise over Mawenzi Peak. After a short break, we'll follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak itself.The descent will take us back to Barafu Hut, where our porters will meet us with a packed lunch, before we continue our descent to Millennium Camp. This last stretch will be over loose gravel, so trekking poles will be quite useful. You'll have your last dinner on the mountain at Millennium Camp, and get some well-earned sleep.

Where To Stay : Uhuru Peak
Uhuru Peak
Uhuru Peak
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Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Northern Circuit Route

Day - 10

Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

This will be our last day on the mountain itself. Keep in mind that this leg of the trek is often fairly muddy. It will either be quite warm, raining, or both, so keep both light clothing and waterproof gear to hand. We'll make our way through the forest to Mweka Park Gate where you will receive an official certificate commemorating your climb.

We'll pick you up from your hotel in Moshi and take you to the airport.You've climbed Kilimanjaro! Now all that you have to do is brag about it!

Where To Stay : Millennium Camp
Millennium Camp
Millennium Camp

Routes

Exculdes & Inculdes

Inculdes
  • Park Entry Fees
  • Camping fees
  • Rescue fees
  • 3 meals a day on the mountain
  • Treated and boiled drinking water
  • 4 season mountain tents, mattress, dining tent, tables, chairs, cutleries, lamps
  • Safety equipment pulse oximeter, oxygen box
  • Guides, porters and chef salaries, tents, meals
  • Government taxes
Excludes
  • Personal gears
  • Mountain crew tips
  • Other meals and drinks
  • Medical insurance
  • Emergency evacuations

Whatever your travel needs and wishes are, our Tanzania Safari Experts will tailor-made your dream vacation to Tanzania and Zanzibar Beach.

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Trustpilot
Safari Booking
Safari Booking
Trip Advisor
Trip Advisor
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Tanapa
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