Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
This unique route combination stands out as the least-traveled path on Kilimanjaro by a significant margin, providing solitude away from other hikers. Beginning at a high elevation, our journey commences at a gradual pace. The trail kicks off on the Shira Plateau, offering a breathtaking hike across one of the most stunningly beautiful landscapes in Africa.
Payment Terms
Deposit Payment
- Deposit is 10% of the total booking amount.
- Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
- We offer bank accounts in 10 different currencies for bank transfer.
- Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance Payment
- Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or with cash.
- Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
- Card Payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
- Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).
Cancellation Policy
8 days and above departure
0 to 7 days before departure
- 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
- Trek can be postponed to any new date without any extra cost at any point in time.
- The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.
| Included |
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
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| Excluded |
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
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Details
This unique route combination stands out as the least-traveled path on Kilimanjaro by a significant margin, providing solitude away from other hikers. Beginning at a high elevation, our journey commences at a gradual pace. The trail kicks off on the Shira Plateau, offering a breathtaking hike across one of the most stunningly beautiful landscapes in Africa.
We embark from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, a journey of approximately 4 hours, where you'll fulfill entry formalities. From there, we proceed to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon reaching the trailhead, our hike commences through pristine forested areas, leading us to the first campsite. The elevation rises from 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, covering a distance of 6 km/4 miles, with a hiking time of 3-4 hours. The habitat transitions to a rainforest environment.
"We press on along the trail, leaving the rainforest behind and entering a savannah adorned with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen. Ascending through lush rolling hills and crossing multiple streams, we eventually arrive at the Shira Ridge. Descending gently, we reach Shira 1 Camp, where the expansive plateau offers our first view of Kibo. The elevation climbs from 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, covering a distance of 8 km/5 miles, with a hiking time of 5-6 hours. The habitat transitions to heath.".
We venture into the vast expanse of the Shira Plateau, taking a leisurely stroll eastward through moorland meadows en route to Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone showcases a profusion of wildflowers and distinctive Senecio trees. The elevation rises from 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft, covering a distance of 7 km/4 miles with a hiking time of 3-4 hours. The habitat in this section transitions to heath.
We proceed eastward along a ridge and then turn southeast, making our way towards the imposing Lava Tower—a striking 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Our route diverges from the main trail, leading us to Moir Hut, a less frequented site nestled at the base of Lent Hills. This area offers diverse walking options on Lent Hills, providing an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Notably, the Shira Plateau ranks among the highest plateaus on Earth.
We ascend out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, reaching the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. Traversing a rock field, the path gently undulates, leading us to Buffalo Camp. This segment of the trail provides spectacular views across the plains to the north of Kilimanjaro, extending all the way to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. The elevation ranges from 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft, covering a distance of 12 km/7 miles, with a hiking time of 5-7 hours. The habitat transitions to Alpine Desert.
Ascending Buffalo Ridge, the landscape gradually transforms into a more barren environment. This less-traveled route provides a genuine sense of mountain wilderness. We traverse through secluded valleys onto the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, ultimately reaching Third Cave. The elevation descends from 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft, covering a distance of 8 km/5 miles, with a hiking time of 5-7 hours. The habitat shifts to heath.
We ascend steadily over the 'Saddle,' situated between Kibo and Mawenzi, progressing towards our destination, School Hut. Upon arrival, we take the opportunity to rest, indulge in an early dinner, and prepare for the upcoming summit day. The elevation climbs from 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft, covering a distance of 5 km/3 miles, with a hiking time of 4-5 hours. The habitat transitions to Alpine Desert.
We start our summit ascent around midnight, facing challenging conditions. After reaching Gilman's Point at 18,600 ft, a spectacular sunrise awaits over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we conquer Uhuru Peak, the highest on Kilimanjaro and in Africa. Descending to Mweka Hut, the trail is rocky, and trekking poles help. Expect mist or rain at Mweka Camp. After our last dinner on the mountain, we rest.
On the final day, we descend to Mweka Gate to receive summit certificates. Lower elevations may be wet and muddy. From the gate, an additional hour takes us to Mweka Village. A vehicle awaits in Mweka Village to transport us back to the hotel in Moshi. The descent covers an elevation from 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft, spanning 10 km/6 miles, with a hiking time of 3-4 hours through the Rain Forest habitat.
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