This route is for those who want to spend some time on the summit and in the crater on top of the mountain and want a different take on Kilimanjaro. While this route misses some of the dramatic geological features of the standard routes, such as Machame and Lemosho, it does head way off the beaten track and has a charm all of its own.
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the West at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Crater camp is not a route in its own right but a challenging extension that in principle can be added to any route. It involves sleeping overnight in the bowl of the crater. An amazing experience enjoyed by only a few of the most adventures. The time period depends on the route.
Camping at the crater is a bit expensive since it’s charged extra by the park authority and also the crew wages are paid extra.
After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate your crew finalise packing and after finishing with formalities you return to your vehicle for another 30 minutes or so until you arrive at the start of the Lemosho Trail. A picnic lunch is usually taken on trail during the hike before reaching Forest Camp for the night.
Elevation: 6,890 ft to 8,695 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 7km
Habitat: Afrompntsne forest
From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. A hot lunch is taken at Shira 1 Camp and the rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing and acclimatising to the Camp.
Elevation: 8,695 ft to 11,844 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 7km
Habitat: Heath
Crossing the Shira plateau can be one of the most scenic parts of the trip and this morning we hike for around 4-5 hours to Moir Camp, where lunch is taken. The afternoon is spent acclimatising and for those with the energy a hike in the late afternoon up to a viewpoint is highly recommended to keep the blood flowing.
Elevation: 11,844 ft to 13,780 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7km
Habitat: Alpine desert
The route today diverges from the traditional western routes and heads north, curving clockwise around the Kibo Massif. Here, for the time being at least, there are relatively few other groups. You hike through the alpine desert skirting the edge of the heath zone to Pofu Camp. Most groups arrive for lunch and then take an afternoon acclimatisation hike.
Elevation: 13,780 ft to 13,232 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 12km
Habitat: Aline desert
From Pofu you hike a ridge and continue around the northern side of the Kibo Massif to Cave 3, still skirting the edge of the heath zone. Once at Cave 3 there is time to rest and a short acclimatisation walk in the late afternoon.
Elevation: 12,232 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 8km
Habitat: Alpine desert
From Cave 3 you continue around the north eastern flanks of Kibo until you arrive at School Hut in time to check through your gear for the summit bid. After an early dinner you will get sleep before setting off for the summit bid.
Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.
Elevation: 12,486 ft to 15,749 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5km
Habitat: Alpine desert
You will awake before dawn to start your summit attempt, meandering up the switch backs to Gilman’s Point before hiking around the edge of the caldera to Uhuru Peak – The Roof of Africa! After pictures are taken and the views enjoyed, you will head to Crater Camp inside the volcano.
Elevation: 15,749 ft to 18,865 ft
Hiking Time: 8-12 hours
Distance: 8km
Habitat: Alpine desert
In the morning after early breakfast, we begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope passing Barafu camp for a short break before heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Elevation: 6,890 ft to 8,695 ft
Hiking Time: 13 hours
Distance: 13km
Habitat: Arcitc, Alpine desert
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. Then you will being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.
See the famous Ash Pit during a morning hike to Reusch Crater, or summit for a second time as the sun rises. Afterwards, you make your way to your hotel in Moshi, where you will spend your night.
Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,171 ft
Hiking Time: 9-11 hours
Distance: 15km
Habitat: Arcitc, Alpine desert
The best part of any journey is hearing that our guests had an amazing time. There’s no greater testament to our passion and dedication to this goal than the multiple reviews Kilimanjaro Brothers have received.
Patrick Chauka
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Houston TX 77042 USA
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