NORTHERN CIRCUIT

8 Days

The Northern Circuit is the newest and the longest route up Kilimanjaro. Thanks to its eight-day ascent, the Northern Circuit offers one of the best success rate. It is a really good itinerary for acclimatization, your body will have all the time needed to get used to the altitude. The first few days you will follow the Lemosho Route then after you will join the northern trails which are less crowded and used. A good opportunity to see Mount Kilimanjaro from a whole other and new perspective. Due to the few trekkers on this path, you will enjoy quiet and peaceful campsites. You will approach the summit through Gilman’s Point. After reaching the summit, you will descend on the same route as Machame and Lemosho Route. The Northern Circuit is a perfect combinaison of all the best elements to enjoy an extraordinary experience : potentially spotting wildlife, challenge, beautiful scenery, amazing views and the feeling of loneliness. ___ Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey with Eyes on Kilimanjaro as you conquer the less-trodden yet spectacular Northern Circuit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 8-day trek is designed for those seeking a comprehensive and immersive experience, combining the thrill of a challenging ascent with the exploration of diverse landscapes.

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Day 1 :

Arrival in Kilimanjaro area

Whether you have just arrived in Tanzania or if you are arriving from another region after the first part of your trip, we will meet you for a briefing generally the day before your departure for the hike to make sure you have all the equipment required for the climb. In case, there is some equipment missing, we will guide you to a rental shop where you can find all you need.
If you want, you can also add an extra day after your arrival to settle in, relax and give you ample time to acclimatize.

If you are arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport and you choose the airport transfers option, our driver will transfer you to your hotel.

NOTE: The hotel is not included in the price because depending on your preference, there will be a lot of options from basic to luxurious accommodations. If you need any advice to choose your hotel, let us know, we will be glad to help you.

Day 2 :

Lemosho Trailhead (2,000m / 6,561 ft) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,800m / 9,186 ft)

Elevation gain: 800 m/ 2,625 ft | Distance: 6 km. | Walking time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: easy | Environment: rainforest

Your trek will begin after our driver will pick you up at your hotel to drive until the Londorossi Gate, located on the western side of mount Kilimanjaro, then you will begin your hike at the Lemosho Trailhead. The walk is quite easy along forests trails enjoying exotic moss and flowers and you may also see black and White Colobus monkeys. This first hike will take about 3 to 4 hours.
For your first night, you will overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp
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Begin your adventure at Londorossi Gate, where the magic of Kilimanjaro unfolds. After registration, delve into the enchanting rainforest, where verdant vegetation and the melodies of unique wildlife surround you. Camp at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp), nestled beneath the towering trees, marking the initiation of your ascent on Kilimanjaro’s western slopes.

Day 3 :

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,800m / 9,186 ft ) – Shira 1 Camp (3,500m / 11,482 ft )

Elevation gain: 700 m/ 2,297 ft | Distance: 8 km | Walking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: easy | Environment: moorland

After breakfast, you will start the hike in the forest before entering in the heather moorland zone. Today you will have some ascents and descents over the Shira Ridges. Shira is one of the three volcano cones of mount Kilimanjaro and is categorized as extinct. The hike will last 5 – 6 hours, you will arrive at Shira Camp where you will spend the night. From the Shira Camp you can enjoy the first views the Kibo summit.
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As you ascend, witness the gradual transition from the rainforest to the expansive Shira Plateau. Shira 1 Camp becomes your haven for the night, offering panoramic views of the plateau’s vastness and the promise of the extraordinary journey ahead.

Day 4 :

Shira 1 Camp (3500 m/ 11,483 ft) – Moir Hut Camp (4200 m/ 13,780 ft)

Elevation gain: 700 m/ 2,297 ft | Distance: 14 km | Walking time: 7-8 hours ??!!!! | Difficulty: medium | Environment: heather

After leaving the camp, you will hike across the legendary Shira plateau which is one of the highest plateau in the world.
Depending on how your body acclimatizes to the altitude, you can climb of several hours to the Lava Tower and enjoy stunning views.
An other alternative is also possible, it’s having a morning ascent to Moir Hut then during afternoon organising acclimatization hikes such as going for a hike and spend time on the Lent Group, a ridge on the north-west side of the Kibo.

You’ll get away from the crowded trails and head towards the northeast edge of the plateau to reach Camp Moir. The Moir camp is a less used camp affording stunning views over the Shira plateau.
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Traverse the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert with a lunar-like landscape. Pass by the iconic Lava Tower and descend to Shira 2 Camp, where acclimatization is blended with breathtaking scenery, setting the stage for the days to come.

Day 5 :

Moir Hut Camp (4200 m/ 13,780 ft) – Buffalo camp (4,020m / 13,188 ft)

Elevation loss: 180 m/ 590 ft | Distance: 19 km | Walking time: 6-9 hours | Difficulty: medium | Environment: alpine desert

Today will start with a steep clim out of Moir Camp and will hike through the alpine desert.
If you didn’t go to Lent group yesterday, we will make a quick detour to Little Lent Hill at 4,375 m before continuing to the next camp on the Northern Circuit trail. The path will have several ascents and descents. Today will be a great acclimatization day.
You will overnight at Buffalo Camp.
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The trail leads through the alpine desert, revealing stunning views of Mount Meru and the plains below. Moir Hut, strategically positioned, provides a unique vantage point, allowing you to absorb the grandeur of Kilimanjaro from an awe-inspiring perspective.

Day 6 :

Buffalo Camp (4,020m/ 13,188 ft) – Third Cave Camp (3,870m/ 12,696 ft)

Elevation loss: 150 m/ 492 ft | Distance: 8 km | Walking time: 5-7 hours | Difficulty: medium | Environment: heather

During today’s hike you will enjoy stunning views and different kind of landscapes in peace because the path is not much crowded.
You will go through valleys, alpine and heathland landscapes.
The trek is shorter than during the previous day and you should feel comfortable at this altitude because your body had time to acclimatize himself well.
Tonight’s camp will be Third Cave Camp.
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Continue your journey through the high-altitude desert, where unique flora adapted to the harsh environment flourishes. Arrive at Buffalo Camp, nestled in a picturesque valley, surrounded by rugged terrains that underscore the raw beauty of Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes.

Day 7 :

Third Cave Camp (3870 m) – School Huts (4750 m)

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Trek through the Alpine Meadow, each step revealing the dramatic changes in Kilimanjaro’s ecosystems. Set up camp at Rongai Third Cave, a serene spot on the northern slopes, inviting reflection on the natural wonders that surround you.

Day 8 :

School Huts (4750 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Millenium Camp (3720 m)

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Ascend to School Hut, the final campsite before the summit push. As you rest and prepare for the challenge ahead, absorb the anticipation in the crisp mountain air, knowing that Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, is within reach.

Day 9 :

Millenium Camp (3720 m) to Mweka Gate (1830 m)

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Under the cover of darkness, embark on the summit attempt, reaching the pinnacle of Uhuru Peak just in time for a breathtaking sunrise. Descend to Mweka Camp, where the exhilaration of a successful summit bid is celebrated, and the journey’s profound impact is contemplated.

Conclude your Northern Circuit odyssey with a descent to Mweka Gate, where summit certificates await, a testament to your indomitable spirit and the unforgettable adventure crafted by Eyes on Kilimanjaro.

Day 10 :

Let's discover Tanzania or going back to Kilimanjaro airport

After this amazing experience, you can choose to fly home on the day after or choose to discover what else Tanzania has to offer you such as safaris, several day trips or going to relax on the beautiful coasts rather on the Mainland or on Zanzibar. We will be glad to help you to choose within all those possibilties.