Kilimanjaro Climbing Northern Circuit Route a Roof of Africa

Today, we gather at Londorossi Gate, located at an altitude of 2,100 meters, in the Western part of Kilimanjaro. This is the same starting point as the Lemosho Route, and the drive here from Moshi takes about two hours (longer from Arusha). At the gate, we'll complete registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, and then we'll proceed further up the mountain to the trailhead, our actual starting point. After a brief stop for lunch provided by our dedicated tour operators, we embark on our first day's climb to Mti Mkubwa Camp. The trail takes us through the lush rainforest zone, and if we're fortunate, we might catch glimpses of magnificent wildlife like elephants and buffalos that sometimes emerge onto the path. The day's climb covers approximately 5.5 kilometers (around 3 miles) and should take us 3 to 4 hours to reach our first campsite, Mti Mkubwa, situated at 2,820 meters above sea level.

Destination: Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp

Accommodation: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

As the sun rises, we begin the second leg of our journey, leaving behind the last section of the rainforest and entering the low alpine moorland zone, leading up to the vast Shira Plateau. The climb today is relatively short and gradual, covering about 8 kilometers (approximately 5 miles), and should take us 5 to 6 hours to reach Shira Camp 1, nestled at an elevation of 3,610 meters. During our journey, we'll enjoy nourishing breakfast and lunch, as well as a sumptuous dinner upon reaching Shira Camp 1.

Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp

Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking water

Day three promises to be a long and exciting climb, taking us eastward through the 'Garden of the Senecios' and into the high alpine desert zone. Our morning will be dedicated to ascending to the iconic Lava Tower and the breathtaking Shark's Tooth rock formation, both at around 4,600 meters. Here, we'll pause for lunch before joining the northern circuit, which will lead us down to Moir Camp at an altitude of 4,200 meters. This day is particularly important for acclimatization, as we experience higher altitudes and then sleep at a lower one. The day's climb spans approximately 15 kilometers (about 8 miles) and should take 5 to 7 hours, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided to keep us energized.

Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Moir Hut Camp

Accommodation: Moir Hut Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Today's journey involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley, offering an opportunity to take a brief detour to summit Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters, granting us stunning panoramic views. Afterward, we rejoin the Northern Circuit trail, climbing through inclines and declines along the northern slopes of Kibo, affording us vast vistas of the northern plains of Kilimanjaro, stretching towards the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. We'll reach Buffalo Camp, located at 4,020 meters, just after midday. This leg of the climb covers around 12 kilometers (approximately 7 miles) and should take 5 to 7 hours, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.

Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp

Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

On day five, we start with a climb up Buffalo Ridge, descending into Porfu Camp for lunch. The climb then continues east, tracing the northern slopes until we reach Rongai Third Cave at an elevation of 3,800 meters. As the journey becomes shorter, our acclimatization to the altitude should be at its peak. We'll arrive at Rongai Third Cave in the mid-afternoon, where we'll have breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Destination: Pofu Camp To Third Cave Camp

Accommodation: Third Cave Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

After breakfast, we embark on the path leading to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 meters), the starting point for the night's summit attempt on Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). The climb takes us across barren scree slopes, devoid of vegetation, making it challenging due to the altitude. Our team will have already set up a camp for us, including tents and sleeping bags, to ensure our comfort during this part of the journey. After resting, we'll complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 meters) before returning to Barafu Camp. A nourishing hot dinner awaits us, and we'll spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping in preparation for the night's summit.

Destination: Third Cave Camp To School Hut Camp

Accommodation: School Hut Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Dinner, Drinking water

Today marks a momentous occasion as we awaken before dawn to embark on our summit approach. We aim to reach Uhuru Peak in the early afternoon when there are fewer groups around, granting us a more serene experience. After conquering the peak, we descend to Crater Camp, a unique spot set amidst soft sands near the renowned Furtwangler Glacier. Crater Camp presents an extraordinary opportunity, available only to the most adventurous climbers, to spend a night in the crater's bowl. This awe-inspiring experience will surely be cherished forever. Afterward, we proceed to Millennium Camp, descending a total of 6 kilometers (around 3.5 miles) and climbing for 6 to 8 hours for the ascent and 4 to 6 hours for the descent. Throughout this momentous day, we'll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner to sustain us.

Destination: School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Millenium (High) camp

Accommodation: Millenium Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

The journey continues as we gently climb downward through the lush rainforest, making our way to Mweka Gate. At the gate, we'll complete the necessary park formalities and receive certificates to commemorate our exceptional achievement. Our vehicles will be waiting to take us back to the hotel in Moshi, where a well-deserved shower and celebration with refreshing drinks await. Tonight, we'll rest comfortably at our arranged hotel, reminiscing about the amazing experiences shared on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Destination: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

Accommodation: Kilimanjaro White House Hotel

  budget 2 star lodge

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking water

On this day, it's time to bid farewell to the remarkable Kilimanjaro region. Our vehicles will transport us back to Moshi, where you may embark on your next adventure, whether it's continuing with a safari or flying to the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. We offer various reasonably priced trips and safaris in the area, so if you choose to explore further, we'll gladly arrange it for you. For those heading home, our vehicles will ensure a timely transfer to the airport, and as you depart, remember to cherish the memories of this extraordinary expedition.