About this tour
The Northern Circuit is the newest of the eight established routes to climb Kilimanjaro. It’s also the longest route on the mountain and the only route that allows you to see Mount Kilimanjaro from all four sides. Some operators advertise the Northern Circuit route as the easiest of all Kilimanjaro routes due to its longer itinerary and relaxed pace. It’s true that this trail offers good acclimatization without very challenging daily transitions. However, if you don’t have experience with long hiking trips, the 8-day journey may be more fatiguing compared to shorter itineraries.
Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit stands out as a route with a great acclimatization profile, breathtaking views, and off-the-beaten-path trails. Being the least frequented trail for climbing Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit route is perfect for travelers seeking a more private climb without crowds.
Northern Circuit Route Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Altezza Travel representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group’s arrival and departure times.
PLEASE NOTE:Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Day 2: High-Altitude Drop Off Destination And Trekking To Shira 1 Cam
In the morning, your guide and climbing support team will meet you at your hotel for a final briefing. Then you will drive for approximately 3-4 hrs to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance, Londorossi Gate (2,250 m /7,380 f).
After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, your group will continue in vehicles to the drop-off point (3,414 m / 11,200 f). Here you will see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.
The route from your drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp (Shira 1) features a small gain in altitude and is not very physically challenging. Thanks to this, you will be able to begin the process of acclimatization properly. By the time you reach the camp, the climbing team will have prepared everything needed for you to have a relaxing evening; the tents will be pitched, chairs set up, refreshments and a full dinner will be waiting for you.
PLEASE NOTE:This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
- Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
- To help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, consider using a preventive measure like a high-altitude aid medicine. Many mountain climbers take such pills in the morning, before they begin their ascent, to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. Our managers will provide more specific details together with your travel itinerary. We recommend consulting your doctor prior to the trip to discuss any potential allergies or health concerns.
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Trek
This day brings yet another modest altitude gain of 240 m /787 f as you trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp. The low physical demands of the trek will leave you with both time and energy to enjoy Kilimanjaro’s incredible views, magnificent flora endemic to the mountain, and, if the weather is favorable, views of Mount Meru, which is the 5th highest mountain on the continent.
PLEASE NOTE:After lunch, you will enjoy a 2-hour rest. Then you are encouraged to take an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower, which allows you to gain another 260 meters (853 feet) in altitude, helping you to further adjust to the elevation gain.
Day 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower Trek
After breakfast, your group will depart Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m /12,628 f) and hike to Lava Tower (4,600 m /15,088 f).
This route offers a challenge for climbers, and many find this day more physically difficult than previous days. Therefore, your team will enjoy a lunch break at Lava Tower.
After lunch and a rest, your group will climb slightly higher and then descend to Moir Hut Camp.
Day 5: Trekking from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
On this day you will have a rather long, but easy trek. Climbing out of Moir Valley (where you camped for the night) is a steep, but short climb, and then the rest of the day you will hike around the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Most of the day will have up-hill and down-hill climbs, but there are no steep altitude gains.
This route passes close to the border with Kenya, so you will be treated to amazing views of the Tsavo and Amboseli valleys.
Day 6: Trekking from Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Cam
You will finish trekking up the northern slope of Kilimanjaro and stop for the night in 3rd Cave Camp, where the route will meet up with the classic Rongai route. On this day, trekking is shorter than on the day before, and by this time your body should have already become completely acclimated to the altitude of 3,800 m /12,464 f, which will contribute to your general well-being.
Day 7:Trekking from 3rd Cave Camp to School Hut
Day 8: Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
On the summit night, your safety is our number-one concern; therefore, we will assign one guide for every two climbers. The responsibility of a guide is to watch the climber’s health as they summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). The climb starts at School Hut Summit Camp(4,800 m /15,744 f) around midnight, Technically, it is an easy climb, but because of the high altitude, it will feel more strenuous.
Upon successful summiting, you can walk to the nearest glaciers. The group then descends to Barafu Camp for a two-hour lunch and rest break. You will then continue to descend to Millenium Camp (3,950 m /12,956 f) where you will spend the night.
PLEASE NOTE:Please keep in mind that 9/10 accidents occur during descent. Mind your step to avoid potential falls, injuries, and damaged toes.
Day 9:Return to Mweka Gate from Millennium Camp
Millennium Camp sits amidst a tropical rainforest. The lower altitude and feelings of accomplishment from having reached the summit make for a good night’s rest. Hot breakfast is followed by your final descent to the park’s exit gate: Mweka Gate (1,640 m /5,379 f). This is the final stop before you are taken to our office to receive your summit certificates. It also provides a good opportunity to recap the adventure with your support team and take a final team photo. Finally, you will be taken to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 10: Departure
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE:Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
Included
- All transfers
- Hotel before and after the hike
- Camping equipment
- Meals on the hike
- Professional guides and porters
- Oxygen tanks
- GPS Trackers
- Medical check-ups, fully-loaded medical kits, and in-company doctor
- All park fees and taxes
- Fully-loaded medical kits
Excluded
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
