Mt Kilimanjaro Northern route

10 days—Start in Londorossi Gate and end in Mweka Gate! With the Hiking & Trekking tour Mount Kilimanjaro climb 10-Days Northern Crater route

$3800-3900 USD

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Safari summary

This is the newest route on mountain Kilimanjaro. The treks start from Moshi with long driving to Lemosho gate and follow the Lemosho trails in the beginning and approach Kilimanjaro from west and later instead of following the southern traverse as Shira and Lemosho route do, this route traverse around the quiet and rarely visited northern slopes of the mountain.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide
Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
All drinks
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

LONDOROSI GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start points as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp .

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MTI MKUBWA – SHIRA ONE

Today you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters). Distance: 5km/3miles, Hiking Time: 5-6hours, Eleven: 9,498ft to 11,500ft or, Habitat: Heath.

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SHIRA CAMP ONE – SHIRA CAMP TWO

On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 via Shira rock peak. Nine-day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note:

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SHIRA CAMP TWO – MOIR CAMP

The trek on this is long heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low.

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MOIR CAMP – BUFFALO CAMP

This day is moderately involving the steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border.

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BUFFALO CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP

This day begins with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Pofu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

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THIRD CAVE CAMP – SKULL HUT CAMP

This day involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut, you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.

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SKULL HUT CAMP – CRATER CAMP

Today after breakfast you will park your things together with few porters will start your steep hike to crater bowl of Mt Kilimanjaro. On your way to crater camp you will meet with people coming down from the summit. Your first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 4-5 hours after departing School Hut.

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CRATER – UHURU – MILLENNIUM CAMP

You will be awoken around 5:00 am with hot tea and biscuits you will start you summit ascent of 1 hour where you should reach the summit with sunrise just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).

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MILLENNIUM CAMP – MWEKA GATE

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. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.

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