1. Q: What is the Northern Circuit Route, and how does it differ from other routes?

A: The Northern Circuit Route is a longer and less crowded trail around Kilimanjaro's northern slopes. It offers a more scenic and off-the-beaten-path experience compared to other popular routes like the Machame or Marangu.

2. Q: How long is the 9-day Northern Circuit Route?

A: The Northern Circuit Route spans 9 days, providing ample time for acclimatization and increasing the chances of a successful summit attempt.

3. Q: What is the difficulty level of the Northern Circuit Route?

A: The Northern Circuit is considered to have a moderate difficulty level. While it is longer, the gradual ascent and extra acclimatization days make it suitable for fit and determined hikers.

4. Q: Are there any age restrictions for the Northern Circuit hike?

A: The minimum age to participate in the Northern Circuit trek is 12 years old. However, individuals of all ages should be in good physical health and well-prepared for high-altitude hiking.

5. Q: Is previous hiking experience required for the Northern Circuit Route?

A: While prior hiking experience can be beneficial, it is not mandatory. However, participants should maintain a regular fitness routine and be prepared for multiple days of TREKKING at high altitude.

6. Q: What is the highest point on the Northern Circuit Route?

A: The highest point reached during the Northern Circuit trek is Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.

7. Q: What is the best time of year to undertake the Northern Circuit hike?

A: The optimal time to hike the Northern Circuit is during the dry seasons, which are January to mid-March and June to October. These periods offer stable weather conditions and clearer skies.

8. Q: Are there any wildlife encounters on the Northern Circuit?

A: Yes, the Northern Circuit Route offers opportunities to spot various wildlife, including monkeys, antelope, and various bird species, especially in the lower rainforest zones.

9. Q: What type of accommodation is provided during the hike?

A: Accommodation during the Northern Circuit trek is in tents at designated campsites along the route. All necessary camping gear, such as tents and sleeping bags, is usually provided.

10. Q: Is it safe to hike the Northern Circuit route?

A: Yes, hiking the Northern Circuit route is generally safe with experienced guides and well-trained support staff. However, hikers must follow the instructions of their guides and adhere to safety protocols to ensure a secure journey.

9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour

Price $2109 pp

Book this tour

9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Itinerary

The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit also has the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate. Thus, the Northern Circuit route is highly recommended. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west.

Tour highlights

Day 1 : From Moshi hotel to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp Via Londorossi Gate
Day 2 : From Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp Hiking to Shira I Camp
Day 3 : Shira I Camp to Shira Camp II Kilimanjaro Hiking
Day 4 : From Shira II to Lava Tower to Moir Camp (4,200 m)
Day 5 : Hiking from Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp
Day 6 : From Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Day 7 : Kilimanjaro Hiking from Third Cave Camp to School Hut camp (4,800 m)
Day 8 : From School Hut to Uhuru Peak Back to Mweka Camp
Day 9 : Final Kilimanjaro Hiking From Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Day 1 : From Moshi hotel to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp Via Londorossi Gate

Your journey begins with an early and invigorating wake-up at your Moshi hotel. After a hearty breakfast, you'll depart for the Londorossi Park Gate, venturing through the captivating townscapes of Boma N’gombe, where you'll get a glimpse of the local culture. At the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities' registration, our team will organize all your gear and supplies. From there, our friendly chefs and guides will accompany you to the starting point of your trek. The first leg of your adventure takes you through a lush rainforest filled with ancient botanical wonders, and if you're lucky, you might spot Black and White Colobus Monkeys and other fascinating wildlife. Your resting place for the night will be the Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 m), where you can rejuvenate for the days to come

Accommodation for day 1

Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Big Tree (Mti Mkibwa) Campsite Kilimanjaro

Day 2 : From Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp Hiking to Shira I Camp

Today marks the longest and most breathtaking day of your hike. Leaving the rainforest behind, you'll enter the Low Alpine moorland zone, adorned with rare flora, including magnificent violet lobelias. As you cross the vast Shira Plateau, you'll be in awe of the collapsed remnants of an ancient volcanic crater. The day's hike concludes at Shira Camp 1 (3,600 m), where you'll set up camp for the night

Accommodation for day 2

Shira 1 Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 3 : Shira I Camp to Shira Camp II Kilimanjaro Hiking

Following a hot breakfast, you'll venture through the untouched beauty of the exposed moorland zone. Few travelers have explored this section of Kilimanjaro, giving you a unique and serene experience. As you emerge from the Shira Plateau, you'll be treated to a mesmerizing view of Kilimanjaro's peak before reaching Shira Camp 2 (3,810 m). Enjoy your free time to explore the remarkable surroundings, including the stunning Shira Cathedral, a rock buttress surrounded by spire formations, and let your body continue acclimatizing.

Accommodation for day 3

Shira 2 Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 4 : From Shira II to Lava Tower to Moir Camp (4,200 m)

Today's hike will take you eastward into the High Alpine desert zone. As you progress, you'll encounter curious desert plant species and witness the iconic Shark's Tooth volcanic rock formation on your way to Lava Tower. The gradual ascent to higher altitudes will further aid in your acclimatization process. You'll end the day at Moir Camp (4,200 m), nestled behind the majestic Lent Hills, where you can relax and savor a delicious meal.

Accommodation for day 4

Moir Hut Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 5 : Hiking from Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp

Awake to the crisp mountain air and enjoy breakfast before leaving Moir Valley. A short detour leads you to the summit of Lent Hills, offering breathtaking views. As you continue along rolling terrain, you'll circumnavigate the northern slopes of Kibo, eventually arriving at Buffalo Camp, which offers panoramic vistas of the Kenyan plains below.

Accommodation for day 5

Buffalo Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 6 : From Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

The adventure continues as you climb 'Buffalo Ridge' in the morning, followed by a journey through High and Low Alpine scenery, with increasingly sparse vegetation. You'll reach the Rongai Third Cave Camp, where you'll be fully acclimatized to the high altitude.

Accommodation for day 6

Third Cave Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 7 : Kilimanjaro Hiking from Third Cave Camp to School Hut camp (4,800 m)

This is the final leg before your last ascent to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. You'll hike up and over The Saddle, a lunar landscape between the Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. Rest at School Hut (4,800 m) to prepare for the ultimate challenge ahead.

Accommodation for day 7

School Hut Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 8 : From School Hut to Uhuru Peak Back to Mweka Camp

Your last morning on the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit will begin early. With your guides, you'll make your way through the darkness to Gilman's Point on the main crater rim, witnessing spectacular ice cliffs and glaciers. Just in time for sunrise, you'll reach the summit and celebrate the momentous achievement. After taking in the breathtaking views, you'll descend on the Mweka Route to Mweka Camp, where you'll spend your last night on the mountain.

Accommodation for day 8

Mweka Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 9 : Final Kilimanjaro Hiking From Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Your final hike is a short one, leading you to Mweka Gate. You will have Gold Summit Certificate and celebrate your incredible accomplishment. Our drivers will be waiting to take you back to Moshi, where you can enjoy a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and fresh clothes.

Accommodation for day 9

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Drinking water

Costs for 9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour

1 pax	2 pax	3 pax	4 pax	5 pax	6 pax	7 pax	8 pax	9 pax	10 pax
$ 2184	$ 2159	$ 2159	$ 2159	$ 2134	$ 2134	$ 2134	$ 2134	$ 2134	$ 2109

Tour activities

Game drive tours

Getting around/Walking

Hotel resting

Photographs

Tour features and style

Private tour
You can do safari privately for solo, couple, family, or in group.

Group tour
Join a group with your fellow tourists through this tour.

Budget tour
You can compute the price for budget for the whole tour

Customizable
You can customize the itinerary, price inclusions, accommodations, and also the price.

First aid/Rescue
First aid and rescue during the tour is assured.

Price inclusions

Sleeping bag or bed linen

Rescue fee

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 exclusions

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

KILIMANJARO BIKE RIDERS

1032 reviews | Moshi, Tanzania |

Website https://www.kilimanjarobikeriders.com

Kilimanjaro bike Riders Company is a real Safari and Mountain Climbing company providing Tailor Made and Scheduled Safaris, Mountain climbing throughout Tanzania. We have an intimate and personal knowledge of all the regions here and are informed as to where and when to visit. With our experience and the knowledge of our Guides, we offer versatile itineraries for Families, Corporate teams, and Individual Groups.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the sunrise affect wildlife sightings?

Animals are often more active during the cooler hours of the morning, making sunrise game drives rewarding.

Is it possible to experience a cultural village tour during the Camping Group Join Safari?

Cultural village tours can often be arranged as an optional activity.

Can I see elephants near waterholes?

Elephants are drawn to water sources, making waterholes good spots for sightings.

How are emergencies handled during the Camping Group Join Safari?

Guides are trained in handling emergencies and can coordinate assistance if needed.

Can I participate in game walks with children?

Check with the operator about age restrictions for game walks.

Can I visit the Olduvai Gorge during the Camping Group Join Safari?

Olduvai Gorge is not included in this itinerary, but it's worth considering for an extended trip.

Can I see servals or caracals during the Camping Group Join Safari?

Servals and caracals are elusive, but lucky sightings can happen.

What's the policy on using flash photography during the Camping Group Join Safari?

Flash photography is often discouraged, as it can disturb animals and affect their behavior.

Are vegetarian meal options provided during bush dinners?

Most operators offer a range of meal options during bush dinners, including vegetarian choices.

Can I bring my own spotting scope for wildlife viewing?

Spotting scopes can enhance wildlife viewing, but consider portability and practicality.