9 Days Northern Circuit Route
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Overview
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
Climbing Tanzania
The 9-days Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique and less crowded experience. The northern side of Kilimanjaro is more remote, and so has the benefits of offering less traffic from other climbers, and much more untouched, untrammeled surroundings. The Northern Circuit Route provides breathtaking panoramic views and is perfect for those looking for a more immersive and rewarding Kilimanjaro climbing adventure.
Day By Day Itinerary
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
For Real Adventure
01 9 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
The first day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route. We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through an undisturbed forest that winds to the first campsite.
- Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
02 9 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Second day of our 9 days Northern Circuit Route, we continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau
- Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Hiking Time 5-6 hours
03 9 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Third day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route, we explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
- Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
- Distance: 7 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
04 9 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
The fourth day of 9 days Northern Circuit Route, we continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
- Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
- Distance: 7 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
05 9 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Fifth day of our 9 days Northern Circuit Route, we trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
- Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
- Distance: 12 km/7 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
06 9 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Sixth day of the 9-Day Northern Circuit Route, as we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys onto the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
- Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
07 9 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Third Cave to School Hut
Seventh day of the 9-day Northern Circuit Route, we climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, the School Hut. Once here, we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
- Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
08 9 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
School Hut to Uhuru Peak
On the eighth day of 9-days Northern Circuit Route, very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
09 9 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. End of the 9-day Northern Circuit Route.
- Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 10 km/6
- milesHiking Time: 3-4 hours
Day By Day Map & Navigation
9 Days Northern Circuit Route Map For Real Adventure
Inclusion & Exclusion
9 Days Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
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