8 Days Elevate Your Spirit Kilimanjaro Trekking Northern Circuit Route
8 Days Elevate your spirit on an 8 day Kilimanjaro trek through the Northern Circuit Traverse through breathtaking landscapes and stand tall at the Roof of Africa
Embark on a soul-stirring adventure as you trek through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route. Over 8 days, this journey will take you through diverse terrain, from lush rainforests to rugged alpine deserts, offering you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Africa's highest peak. Encounter rare wildlife, witness breathtaking vistas, and ultimately stand tall at the Roof of Africa. Get ready to elevate your spirit and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Travel Highlights
- Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi/Arusha:
- Day 1: Moshi to Londorossi gate to Big Tree Camp
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 camp:
- Day 3: Shira 1 camp to Lava Tower up to Moir Hut:
- Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo camp
- Day 5: Buffalo camp to Third Cave
- Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut:
- Day 7: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka camp
- Day 8: Mweka camp to Mweka gate Back to Moshi/Arusha:
Itinerary
After breakfast, we will drive to Londorossi Gate, the starting point of our trek. The trail begins amidst lush montane forest, where you will encounter a variety of flora and fauna. Our first campsite, Big Tree Camp, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Temperature: 20-25°C Trekking Hours: 6-7 hours Length: Approximately 8 kilometers Height: 2,650 meters above sea level Nature Vegetation: Montane forest with towering trees and diverse wildlife.
Destination: Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp
Accommodation: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Today, we ascend further through the rainforest, gradually transitioning into moorland. The trail leads us to Shira 1 Camp, nestled beneath the majestic Shira Plateau. Keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna along the way. Temperature: 15-20°C Trekking Hours: 4-5 hours Length: Approximately 5 kilometers Height: 3,500 meters above sea level Nature Vegetation: Moorland with scattered shrubs and grasses.
Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp
Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
We continue our ascent towards Lava Tower, an iconic volcanic formation offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From here, we descend to Moir Hut, where we will spend the night amidst the rugged beauty of the alpine desert. Temperature: 10-15°C Trekking Hours: 7-8 hours Length: Approximately 10 kilometers Height: 4,200 meters above sea level Nature Vegetation: Alpine desert with sparse vegetation and rocky terrain.
Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Moir Hut Camp
Accommodation: Moir Hut Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Today's trek takes us through the surreal landscape of the Northern Circuit. We will traverse rocky terrain and traverse the slopes of Kilimanjaro, eventually reaching Buffalo Camp, our next overnight stop. Temperature: 5-10°C Trekking Hours: 6-7 hours Length: Approximately 8 kilometers Height: 4,020 meters above sea level Nature Vegetation: Alpine desert with occasional stands of giant groundsel and lobelia.
Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp
Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
As we continue our journey, the landscape changes once again, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro's glaciers. We will make our way to Third Cave, a serene campsite nestled amidst the high alpine zone. Temperature: 0-5°C Trekking Hours: 4-5 hours Length: Approximately 5 kilometers Height: 3,900 meters above sea level Nature Vegetation: Alpine desert with sparse vegetation and rocky outcrops.
Destination: Buffalo Camp To Pofu Camp
Accommodation: Third Cave Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Today's trek brings us closer to our ultimate goal as we make our way to School Hut, the final camp before the summit push. Take in the stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks as you prepare for the challenging ascent ahead. Temperature: -5 to 0°C Trekking Hours: 4-5 hours Length: Approximately 5 kilometers Height: 4,800 meters above sea level Nature Vegetation: Alpine desert with rocky terrain and occasional patches of snow.
Destination: Third Cave Camp To School Hut Camp
Accommodation: School Hut Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
The moment you've been waiting for has arrived. We will start our summit push in the early hours of the morning, trekking through the darkness towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Watch in awe as the sun rises over the vast expanse below. After celebrating our achievement, we will descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest. Temperature: -10 to -5°C (Summit) Trekking Hours: 12-14 hours Length: Approximately 20 kilometers (Summit Day) Height: 5,895 meters above sea level (Uhuru Peak) Nature Vegetation: Arctic conditions with snow and ice.
Destination: School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Mweka camp
Accommodation: Mweka Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Our final day on the mountain involves a gentle descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we will bid farewell to Kilimanjaro and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha. Take some time to reflect on your incredible journey and celebrate your accomplishment. Temperature: 10-20°C Trekking Hours: 3-4 hours Length: Approximately 10 kilometers Height: 1,650 meters above sea level Nature Vegetation: Rainforest with dense foliage and abundant wildlife.
Destination: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
What's Included
Price Includes
- Sleeping bag or bed linen
- Rescue fee
- Park fees
- A professional driver/guide
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
Price Excludes
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All flights during the tour
- International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Frequently Asked Questions
While the Northern Circuit Route is longer and less crowded, it's still a challenging trek best suited for those with some hiking experience.
The best time to trek Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, typically from January to March and June to October.
While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, you may encounter various species such as monkeys, antelopes, and birds along the trail.
While it's not mandatory, hiring a porter can significantly ease the burden of carrying your gear, allowing you to focus on enjoying the trek.
Basic restroom facilities are available at designated campsites, but they may be limited and not always sanitary. It's advisable to bring along biodegradable toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. It's essential to acclimatize properly and listen to your body's signals to avoid complications.
While solo trekking is possible, it's safer and more enjoyable to join a guided group tour, especially for those unfamiliar with the terrain and altitude.
Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing layers, a sleeping bag, and a good quality backpack. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.
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