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Nick Wild Nature offers the Northern Circuit as a nine-day group climb or private climb. A 10-day variation with an overnight at Crater Camp is available as a private climb by special request.
The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before the summit from the east. Descend is made via the Mweka route.
Kilimanjaro International Airport – KIA (JRO) (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Do not forget lightweight safari shoes or trainers, sandals, sunglasses, sun creams, insect repellent creams, a lightweight first aid kit, day pack for your cameras, rucksack for your safari gears and clothes. Of course, you will want to capture much of Tanzania’s wildlife, so don’t forget a camera, batteries, memory cards and charger (we have usb connectors to charge your mobile and camera in the car). A telephoto lens will be found useful as well as a pair of binoculars. In case you’re bringing any electrical equipment, the electricity is 220v.
Our guide will pick you up from the Kilimanjaro international airport to Arusha. Once at Arusha you will be taken to your preferred hotel and be briefed on your safari.
Soon after early breakfast, We will depart Moshi to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.
After an early breakfast, We will continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savanna of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Day 4 We will explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
After an early breakfast, We will continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Early in the morning, we will trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
After an early breakfast, as we will head up to Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely traveled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys onto the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Around midnight, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
On our last day, we will continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport to continue your holidays at Zanzibar or your flight back home
