9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climb
9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Mount Kilimanjaro offers six established routes for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Among these, the Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe approach from the south, while the Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route, on the other hand, approaches from the north, near Kenya. All routes, except Marangu and Rongai, descend via Mweka.
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route: Immersive Beauty and Optimal Acclimatization
Regarded as one of Kilimanjaro’s finest routes, the 9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climb offers a panoramic spectacle with nearly 360 degrees of stunning vistas, including the tranquil and seldom-visited northern slopes. As the lengthiest route, it provides ample time for acclimatization, resulting in the highest summit success rates, making it a top recommendation for climbers.
Commencing from the west at Londorossi Gate, the journey begins with a scenic drive from Moshi. The initial days are spent traversing the lush rainforest to reach Shira Ridge, followed by crossing the expansive Shira Plateau. The route then veers northward, tracing a clockwise path from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp and finally to School Hut before ascending from the east for the summit bid.
Safari Itinerary
DAY 1: LEMOSHO GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP: 4.8km /3mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
Altitude gained: 396m
Departing from Moshi a 3 hours drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA I CAMP: 7.9km/5mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
Altitude gained: 719m
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SHIRA I CAMP –SHIRA II CAMP: 6.9km/4mi | 3-4hrs | Low Alpine
Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Altitude gained: 391m
Our trek crosses the Shira one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. Nine-day climbs will stay the night at Shira II Camp joining climbers ascending from the Machame Route. At Shira II Camp it is worth the extra energy to go a bit higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero
DAY 4: SHIRA II CAMP- LAVA TOWER – MOIR: 17.7km/11.1mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine
Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 91m
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
DAY 5: MOIR CAMP – BUFFALO CAMP: 9.2km/5.7mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine Zone
Elevation: 4155m/13,632ft to 4033m/13,232ft
Altitude loss: 122m
We begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Spectacular views of plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretches as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest.
DAY 6: BUFFALO CAMP – RONGAI 3RD CAVE: 6.8km /4.3mi | 5-7hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4033m/13,232ft to 3936m/12,193ft
Altitude lost: 97m
Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and down into Pofu Camp where lunch is served. We continue East around the Northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before and you should be feeling better acclimatized to the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon
DAY 7: RONGAI 3RD CAVE – SCHOOL HUT:4.8km /3mi | 5-7hrs | Glacial Zone
Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 4717m/15,476ft
Altitude gained: 781m
A steady ascent and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue Southwest to School Hut where you will be served an early dinner and the rest as you will begin just before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera before going to bed.
DAY 8: SCHOOL HUT – SUMMIT: 5.9km /3.7mi | 6-8hrs | – MWEKA CAMP: 13km /8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1178m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost:2789m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
DAY 9: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
Tour Price Includes
Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board Meals
All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
Quality Imported Equipments
Tour Price Excludes
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
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Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide
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