8 DAYS | 7 NIGHTS KILIMANJARO HIKING VIA NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE

The northern circuit route it is considered to be the easiest route and the longest one. the trail begins at londorossi gate and go along with lemosho route for the first two days but after crossing the shira plateau the trail diverge north near lava tower , proceeding to the northern circuit instead of the southern circuit which is more popular.

The route is also known as the grand traverse or the 360 route and offers the view of the mountain from all angles which make it one of the best routes to the mountain. The long trail gives hikers a perfect chance to acclimatize well whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery from all corners while hiking. Summit is done from the eastern side of the mountain so descent is usually done using the mweka route.

DAY 1

Moshi – Londorossi Gate (7,800ft) – Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp (9,500ft)

Departure will commence from moshi as we head to londorossi gate for registration, the drive will only take about 4 hours, and from there we will drive to lemosho trailhead. Lunch will be offered on arrival and then will proceed through the lush, green forest which leads to the first camp

Elevation: 7,800ft- 9,500ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: rain forest

DAY 2

Mti Mkubwa Camp (9,498 ft) – Shira 1 Camp (11,500ft)

We proceed with the trail that will lead us to the savannah grasses, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. We will continue descending through the lush rolling hills, and along the way crossing several streams, and after reaching the shira ridge we will gently descend to shira 1 camp. The view of the kibo is spectacular from here

Elevation: 9,498ft – 11, 500ft

Distance: 8km

Hiking time: 5- 6 hours

Habitat: moorland

DAY 3

Shira 1 Camp (11,500ft)-Moir hut (13,800ft)

On this day we traverse though the shira plateau for the whole day.

We will keep trekking towards shira camp 2 and join hikers from the machame route whilst indulging in the beautiful scenery across the valley below and western breach of Kilimanjaro above. Proceed to shira caldera and diverge to an off - the - beaten path to moir hut. This is a site at the base of lent hills. You can opt to take walks on lent hills, which can be the best for acclimatization.

Elevation: 11,500ft -13,800ft

Distance: 14km

Habitat: moorland

Hiking time: 5- 7 hours

DAY 4

MOIR HUT (13,580ft) -BUFFALO CAMP (13,200ft)

After having breakfast whilst enjoying the fresh mountain air, we will start our trek out of the moir valley and take a short detour to the summit of lent hills before getting back to the main trail. Proceed along the rolling terrain; the path gently undulates before reaching buffalo camp. Set up your camps for the night with the incredible Kenya plains stretching out before you

Elevation: 13,580 – 13,200

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 5

BUFFALO CAMP (13,200ft) -THIRD CAVE (12,700ft)

On this day we’ll hike up the buffalo ridge the route is less crowded so the mountain wilderness feel is just perfect, we keep trekking through the remote valleys around the northern slopes to the rongai third cave at 3,800.

Elevation: 13,200ft -12,700ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath

DAY 6

THIRD CAVE (12,700ft) -SCHOOL HUT (15,600ft)

On our seventh day we will have a steady climb up and over the saddle which is between kibo and mawenzi. We then proceed to our camp in school hut. Have an early rest and prepare all your gears including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamps and camera before bedtime.

Elevation: 12,700ft -15,600ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 7

SCHOOL HUT (15,600ft) -UHURU PEAK (19,341ft)-MILLENIUM CAMP (12,556ft)

On this day we will push our way to the summit our trek will begin around midnight, this can a bit more physically and mentally challenging compared to the other parts of the trek.

After reaching Gilman’s Point (18,600ft), we will take a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Gilman’s Point, snow may be encountered all the way on our 1-hour ascent to the summit. Your time at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa will be brief. Take as many pictures as you want, enjoy your accomplishment and then start heading back to Stella Point.

From the summit, we will immediately start our descent straight down to the Millenium camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch; this will be your final night on the mountain. The trail is rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are useful.

Distance: 5.9km / 3.7 miles ascent and 8.4km / 5.2 mile descent

Hiking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent

Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones

Altitude gained: 1178m

Altitude lost: 2068m (descent)

DAY 8

MILLENIUM CAMP (12,556ft) -MWEKA GATE (5,358ft) -MOSHI

Following a well-earned breakfast, we will have a celebration with all the team and afterward will have a walk to mweka gate (5,380). Upon arrival at the gate ,you will receive your gold certificate for reaching the summit and thereafter head to mweka village where we will meet our driver who will take you back to your hotel for a long rest.

Distance: ~12.2km / 7.6 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest zone

Altitude lost: 2194m