KILI
KILI
9 DAYS NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, it covers nine day trip on the mountain initially ascending the western Lemosho route up to the Shira Plateau before reaching the Lava Tower for Aclimatizing, then heading north and circumnavigating the entire main summit massif in a clockwise direction to the Eastern Part of the Mountain and joining up with the Rongai route. The summit is then climbed from this side of the mountain and the descent is straight down via Mweka route back to the southern.
This is a longer journey which allows you to explore the mountain in detail from all sides and through all the different habitats. It offers excellent acclimatisation and stunning scenery with views across the southern flanks, western forests, the northern plains to the Kenyan border and the dry arid eastern slopes. It takes you along remote, seldom used paths to quiet camps.
Itinerary
Distance: 6km
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Distance: 8km
Hiking time: 5-6 hrs
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Distance: 7km
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees
Distance: 7km
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Distance: 12km
Hiking time: 5-7 hrs
We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
Distance: 8km
Hiking time: 5-7 hrs
As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
Distance: 5km
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Distance: 6km
Hiking time: 6-8 hrs
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Distance: 10km
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.
Include/Exclude
- Two nights in comfort hotel in Arusha ( 1 night on arival and 1 after the trip )
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Hut accommodation
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- 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)
- Tanzania Visa
- Transfers (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
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Testimonials
Simon B
If you ever think about climbing kilimanjaro, this is your company.
Everything is arranged from the moment you step out of the plane until the moment you get back home.
On the mountain the porters are looking out for you, the guide was amazong and the food of Kassim couldn’t be better!
Jonas B
Great team which made possible for us to reach Klimanjaro peak! Everything was organised perfect. Thanks for all of you. My sincere recomendations 👍
Krzysztof B
great adventure only with kilidestinstion! safely, professionally with a smile and excellent food we climbed Kilimanjaro. the professionalism of the guides and the whole group was pure pleasure. we will come back here for other trips
Pranav
I and my sister did a 7-day lemosho route and a 4-day safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire.
Calvin and his team adjusted to our every need like my sister being vegetarian, helping us push during tough times, or literally carrying our bags at one point.
They are truly a set of professional crew with years of experience under their belt. Moreover, you would be supporting a local company directly rather than a European or American company as well as saving money while doing so.
Adrianna
Thank you to Kevin and the Kilidestination Adventures team for helping me make my biggest dream come true.
I really appreciate your professionalism, commitment, support, kindness and smile at every stage of the trekking along the Lemosho route.
Monika T
miss Kevin's team, for that morning coffee☕️ in the tent⛺️, for talking together at breakfast, lunch and dinner. For Jeff's guitar🎸, for this unknown way to the top📍 🏔🥾🥾, for overcoming our own weaknesses, because man is a fragile being and so strong at the same time.