Sense Nature Adventures

8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Northern Circuit Route

Route Description

Embark on the ultimate adventure to conquer Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route, a journey through diverse ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes. This 8-day trek offers an unparalleled experience, combining scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and the thrill of summiting Africa’s highest peak.

Beginning at Londorossi Gate, you’ll traverse lush rainforests teeming with life, ascending gradually to the moorlands of Shira Plateau. The trail unfolds to reveal sweeping panoramas of Mount Meru and the Northern Icefield, setting the stage for the challenges and triumphs ahead.

As you venture higher, the landscape transforms into an otherworldly alpine desert, where the stark beauty of the terrain contrasts with the vibrant blue skies above. Along the way, keep a lookout for the elusive wildlife that inhabits these remote slopes, from buffalo grazing in the distance to agile klipspringers darting among the rocks.

This itinerary offers a comprehensive overview of the Northern Circuit Route, allowing you to experience the diverse landscapes and ecosystems of Kilimanjaro while maximizing your chances of summit success.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • Altitude: 2,100m to 2,780m
  • Duration: 4-6 hours
  • Description: Begin your journey at Londorossi Gate, where you’ll register and meet your guides and porters. The trail leads through dense rainforest, gradually ascending to Mti Mkubwa Camp. Keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna along the way.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

  • Altitude: 2,780m to 3,500m
  • Duration: 5-7 hours
  • Description: Today’s trek takes you through the moorland zone, with the landscape opening up to stunning views of the Shira Plateau. As you ascend, you’ll notice changes in vegetation and altitude, eventually reaching Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

  • Altitude: 3,500m to 4,200m
  • Duration: 4-6 hours
  • Description: Leaving Shira 1 Camp, the trail ascends steadily toward the high alpine desert. You’ll pass through the surreal lunar-like landscape of the Shira Plateau before reaching Moir Hut. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the Northern Icefield of Kilimanjaro.

Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

  • Altitude: 4,200m to 4,020m
  • Duration: 5-7 hours
  • Description: Today’s route offers a mix of steep climbs and descents as you traverse the vast wilderness of the northern slopes. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as buffalo and eland. The trail eventually leads to Buffalo Camp, nestled in a scenic valley.

Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

  • Altitude: 4,020m to 3,870m
  • Duration: 5-7 hours
  • Description: Descend from Buffalo Camp into the Great Barranco Valley, where you’ll navigate rocky terrain and cross streams. The trail then ascends the Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble that rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Continue to Third Cave Camp for the night.

Day 6: Third Cave Camp to School Hut

  • Altitude: 3,870m to 4,800m
  • Duration: 4-6 hours
  • Description: Today’s trek takes you through the alpine desert as you make your way to School Hut, the basecamp for the summit push. Take it slow and steady to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. Once at School Hut, rest and prepare for the final ascent.

Day 7: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Mweka Camp

  • Altitude: 4,800m to 5,895m (summit) to 3,100m
  • Duration: 6-8 hours to summit, 7-9 hours descent
  • Description: Begin the summit push in the early hours of the morning, ascending under the starlit sky. As dawn breaks, reach Stella Point on the crater rim, then continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Take in the breathtaking sunrise views before beginning the descent back to School Hut. After a short rest, continue descending to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  • Altitude: 3,100m to 1,650m
  • Duration: 3-5 hours
  • Description: The final leg of your journey takes you through the lush rainforest, descending to Mweka Gate where you’ll receive certificates of achievement. Bid farewell to your guides and porters before transferring back to your hotel for a celebratory dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Cost excludes

  • Domestic /International flights
  • Visas
  • Airport tax (International – pay direct)
  • Travel/medical/baggage insurance
  • guide/porter gratuities
  • Drinks
  • Laundry Service
  • Personal Equipment’s such as sleeping bags and trekking gear
  • Telephone bill
  • Any other items of a personal nature
  • Airport transfers
  • Pre and Post Accommodation (please enquire with us for more information)

Cost includes

  • Transfers as specified,
  • Park fees,
  • Hut fees,
  • Rescue fees,
  • Crew members (guide, assistant guides, porters, cook and waiter),
  • Meals and drinking water during trekking,
  • Mountain equipment (kitchen utensils and cooker).

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