Kilimanjaro Climb 9 Days Northern Circuit Route

Price in South African Rand: 

2,450.00 US Dollar =

44,000.029 South African Rand

1 USD = 17.9592 ZAR

1 ZAR = 0.0556818 USD

The longest and the newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, Northern Circuit, is known for excellent acclimatization and breathtaking views of the Kilimanjaro northern slopes.

Itinerary:

Arrival day in Tanzania:

Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi town, afterward your guide will come to brief you about the trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. 

DAY 1: LONDROSSI GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP: 4.8K /3MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST

Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft | Altitude gained: 396m

Departing from Moshi a 45-minute 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 night’s 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 lost: 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 stretch 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 Porfu 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 then 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

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 of 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!

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. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi town.

Included in the Prices:

• 2 Airport Transfers, to/from JRO Kilimanjaro Airport.
• 1 night accommodation at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi town on Bed and Breakfast basis, Double Occupancy
• 3 Delicious meals a day while on the mountain
• All park entrance, camp and rescue fees
• Warm water for washing to be provided every morning and evening.
• Oxygen Cylinder - only for emergency
• English Speaking Guides (Wilderness First Responder certified), cook and porters
• Staff salaries and fees
• Transport to/from national park gates
• First aid kit and pulse oximeter
• Emergency telephone between the guides and our office in Moshi town
• 3 liters of bottled drinking water to be provided on the first day  of your hike, on the mountain porters will fetch water from the streams   to  be boiled and filtered for you
• Breakfast included at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi town

Excluded from the Prices:

• Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
• 2nd night at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel after the climb.
• Gratuities/Tipping your crew
• Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
• Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
• International airfare & VISA
• Laundry service (available at the hotel for small price)
• Meals not noted on the itinerary
• Personal travel insurance