Northern Circuit Route (8 Days)

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Big Tree Camp (2,700m)

• Distance: 4-5 km (2.5-3.1 miles)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Elevation Gain: +600m
• Description:
  • After registration at Londorossi Gate, begin your trek through the rainforest to Big Tree Camp (2,700m).
  • The trail is relatively gentle and offers an introduction to the rainforest environment of Kilimanjaro. This is a short first day to allow for acclimatization and a good night’s rest.

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2,700m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,600m)

• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: +900m
• Description:
  • Today, you’ll hike through the rainforest and into the moorland zone, heading toward Shira 1 Camp (3,600m).
  • You’ll witness a transition in the landscape, with the rainforest giving way to alpine meadows. Once at Shira 1 Camp, you can relax and enjoy expansive views of Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,600m) to Moir Hut (4,200m)

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: +600m
• Description:
  • Hike across the Shira Plateau toward Moir Hut (4,200m), located on the northern side of the mountain.
  • The landscape is spectacular, offering wide views of Kilimanjaro’s summit and the surrounding valleys. Moir Hut is remote and provides a peaceful environment for acclimatization.

Day 4: Moir Hut (4,200m) to Buffalo Camp (4,500m)

• Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Elevation Gain: +300m
• Description:
  • From Moir Hut, head towards Buffalo Camp (4,500m), a less frequently used but scenic camp located on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
  • The day is relatively short but provides great views of the surrounding landscape, with rocky terrain as you approach the camp.

Day 5: Buffalo Camp (4,500m) to Third Cave (4,500m)

• Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Elevation Gain: +0m
• Description:
  • Today, you’ll take a short hike from Buffalo Camp to Third Cave (4,500m), which is located just a bit higher up on the northern slopes of the mountain.
  • The area around Third Cave is perfect for acclimatization, with stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the Kilimanjaro peak.

Day 6: Third Cave (4,500m) to School Hut (4,800m)

• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain: +300m
• Description:
  • The trail from Third Cave to School Hut (4,800m) offers some of the best views of the Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks.
  • School Hut is a great spot for acclimatization and offers a fantastic vantage point of the southern side of Kilimanjaro.

Day 7: School Hut (4,800m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) then descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

• Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) to summit, then 13 km (8 miles) to Mweka Camp
• Trekking Time: 7-9 hours to summit, then 4-5 hours descent to Mweka Camp
• Elevation Gain: +1,095m to summit, then -2,795m to Mweka Camp
• Description:
  • Summit Attempt: Depart from School Hut around midnight and ascend towards Uhuru Peak (5,895m). The route takes you via Gilman’s Point (5,681m), where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and the peak.
  • After reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ll begin the descent back to Barafu Camp briefly for a rest and a quick snack, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100m).
  • The descent is long, but it offers beautiful views as you move through the alpine desert and lower moorland.

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Elevation Loss: -1,460m
• Description:
  • On the final day, descend through the beautiful rainforest back to Mweka Gate (1,640m).
  • At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, marking the successful completion of your Kilimanjaro climb.
  • From here, you will be transferred back to your hotel to rest and celebrate your achievement.

Summary of the 8-Day Northern Circuit Itinerary:

• Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp (2,700m)
• Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,600m)
• Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut (4,200m)
• Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,500m)
• Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave (4,500m)
• Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut (4,800m)
• Day 7: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
• Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Additional Notes:

• Acclimatization: This itinerary offers good acclimatization opportunities, particularly with the alternating ascents and descents between camps. This is critical for success on Kilimanjaro.
• Less Crowded Route: The Northern Circuit is one of the least crowded routes, providing a quieter, more peaceful experience on the mountain.
• Diverse Landscapes: This route offers a great variety of landscapes, from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts, and stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Kilimanjaro Climb Package Includes:

• Quality, Waterproof, Four-Season Mountain Sleeping Tents (on a twin-sharing basis)
• Mess Tents with tables and chairs for dining
• Conservation Fees (part of the park fees)
• Clean, Purified Drinking Water provided throughout the climb
• Sleeping Mattress for comfort during your stay at camps
• Large Portions of Fresh, Healthy, Nutritious Food to keep you fueled throughout the hike
• Hot Water for Washing Up daily
• Basic First Aid Kit for emergencies
• Camping facilities as part of the park fees
• Airport Pickup and Drop Off (from Kilimanjaro Airport to your hotel and back)
• Orientation and Gear Check before the hike to ensure you’re fully prepared
• Medically Trained, Qualified Guides, Porters, and Cooks (including their food, salaries, and their tents)
• Twice-a-Day Medical Health Checkups (including pulse-oximeter and stethoscope monitoring)
• Two Nights’ Accommodation in a Hotel:
  • Includes bed and breakfast with storage facilities for your excess luggage while you’re hiking
• Transfers to and from the Mountain (to and from your Moshi hotel)
• VAT (18%) as charged by the Government
• All Meals While on the Mountain (three meals per day)
• Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate awarded upon successful summit
• Emergency Oxygen Cylinder (for use in emergencies)
• Rescue Fees (included as part of park fees)

Exclusions:

• Travel Insurance (we recommend you obtain coverage for the trek)
• Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary (e.g., meals before or after the trek)
• Surcharge for Online Payment of advance and balance payments
• Liquors, Beers, and Bottled Beverages
• Personal Trekking Equipment (such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, and clothes, though these are available for rent)
• International and Domestic Flights
• Personal Expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Tips and Gratuities for guides, porters, and cooks
• Tanzania Visa (it is your responsibility to obtain this before departure)

Deposit Payment:

• Deposit Amount: 10% of the total booking amount (non-refundable)
• Payment Methods:
  • Bank Transfer or Online Card Payment
• Upon making the deposit, you will receive a Booking Confirmation email.

Balance Payment:

• The balance can be paid via:
  • Bank Transfer (recommended 30 days before the tour date)
  • Online Card Payment (recommended 7 days before the tour date)
  • Cash on Arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009)
• The balance must be settled 15 days before the tour for bank transfer payments and 1 day before the tour for card payments.