9 days Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit is the most current and best route to reach the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers a 98% success rate to reach Uhuru Peak due to the fusion of the prominent features that other routes have to offer for a magnificent hike. The northern circuit route is endowed with spectacular scenery, tranquility, less strenuous, and the ability to glimpse a variety of wildlife, which is makes it an ideal trail for all climbers, whether beginners or experienced.
Despite the fact that one can summit Kilimanjaro for at least 5 or 6 days, the northern circuit route takes on 8 to 9 days so that climbers can enjoy more of the mountain, as well as more time for acclimatization.
Detailed Itinerary
On arrival, a representative from Aloyo Safaris will pick you up, thereafter, he will brief you about your 9 days Kilimanjaro Northern circuit trip to summit Uhuru Peak. From here, you will be transferred to your preferred lodge for dinner and an overnight rest.
Day 1: Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa /Forest Camp
7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, 4 miles, approx. 3-4 hours
You will have breakfast in the morning, then set off by 9:00am with the driver, who will transfer you westwards, for approximately 3-4 hours to Londorossi gate, where you will finish the registration procedures. You will then be provided with packed lunch, then head for another 45 minutes’ drive to Lemosho glades where your trek will start.
Hike up steeply through the verdant rain forest, which could be very wet and muddy, in about 3 hours.
You will then break off for lunch, shortly after, proceed to Mti Mkubwa camp, where you will reach in the afternoon. Settle and wait for dinner and an overnight sleep.
Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp
9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, 5 miles, approx. 5-6 hours
Following your morning breakfast, you will descend from the lush slopes of Lemosho through the pordocarpus & juniper, then branch off to the heather zone of heather, shira plateau( which was previously known as the peak of Kilimanjaro before collapsing) & volcanic rock wrapped with Lichen
You will stop for a lunch break along the trail, but later on reach the Shira camp in the afternoon for dinner & overnight. It is at this point that one can see the magnificent peak of Kilimanjaro-Kibo from a suitable angle
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft, 4 miles, 3-4 hours
Have your morning breakfast, then embark on hike up the Shira plateau to Shira Camp 2 at 3,850 meters, where you will meet trekkers from the Machame Route as you enjoying breathtaking views across the valley beneath and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above, hence one has to be prepared for a cold night with low temperatures below zero.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut Camp
12,500 ft to 13,580 ft (Lava Tower), down to 15,190 ft, 8 miles, 5-7 hours
Following your early morning breakfast, depart the forest, then set off for the moderate grade walk, which takes you to high altitude Shira Caldera to Shira Cave with fabulous views of Arrow. You will then camp here at night, at 4200m.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp/Pofu Camp
13,580 ft to 13,200 ft, 7 miles, 5-7 hours
You will trek out of the Moir Valley and reach the Lent Hills (15,400ft) peak. You will be stunned by its beautiful views, there after return to the trail and proceed eastwards around the northern circuit trail- the final section of today’s walk winds until you arrive at reaching the location of Pofu Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Buffalo Camp / Pofu to Third Cave
13,200 ft to 12,700 ft, 5 miles, 5-7 hours
Have breakfast, and leave Pofu Camp and trek cross a number small valleys as the trail heads eastwards through a landscape with increasingly little/no vegetation to finally arrive at the Third Cave Camp.
Dinner & overnight at the cave Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut Camp 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hours
Ascend steeply after your morning breakfast, to reach the lunar landscape between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. There after you continue upwards and arrive at School Hut in the early afternoon. Spend the rest of the afternoon for the summit day.
Dinner and overnight at School hut.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
15,600 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065, 4 miles ascent, 7 miles descent, 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
You will wake up early for breakfast before midnight, after then you will set off at 0000hrs, climbing through the weak volcanic scree to arrive at the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. At this point, you will take a short brake, as you fully enjoy the stunning views of the sun rising over Mawenzi peak. You will then continues through the snow for 1 hour, at Uhuru Peak, passing nearby to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still cover majority of the summit surrounding . You will spend time capturing great moments on the peak, as you celebrate your victory. Retrace your way back to the cater rim at Stella Point and then move further downwards through Barafu Camp to reach Mweka Camp
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
10,065 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hours
On this day, as you wrap up your 9 days Kilimanjaro Northern circuit route, you will be wake up for your final celebration upon your summit success. After then You will set off for the final 3 hour scenic trek downwards to Mweka Gate, where you will be awarded a certificate. The safari driver guide will then take you for lunch in a reliable restaurant, afterword drop you at your reserved lodge of preference
