Nine days Kilimanjaro Hiking
9 days—The 9 days Northern Circuit route starts from Londorossi Gate to the summit and finishes at Mweka Gate, Africa's highest free-standing peak at 5895 m.
$1800-6000 USD
pp
Safari summary
This 9 days Kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit route starts from Moshi to Londorossi Gate and culminates at the summit of Africa's highest free-standing peak, standing resolutely at an astounding altitude of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). The best and most affordable price is from $1800 to $6000 per climber; this price depends on luxury, mid-range, and budget services, including transportation, meals, and park fees. The price can also be paid in US dollars, Euros, Pounds, or Tanzanian Shillings.
The 9 days Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit allows for the best acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate.
This 9 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Northern Circuit route the average Summit Success rate range from 90 to 98%. It is important to note that individual success rates can vary depending on factors such as personal fitness, acclimatization, and weather conditions.
About this tour
| Tour type | Set-date, set-itinerary, group | |
| Main focus | Hiking | trekking | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | January, February, June, July, August, September, October, December | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Bird watching—with professional guide
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Park fees
Itinerary
Day 1:Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Kilimanjaro
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. Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, Distance: 6 km/4 miles, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest.
Camping
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
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. Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, Distance: 8 km/5 miles, Hiking Time 5-6 hours. Habitat: Heath.
Camping
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
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. Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft, Distance: 7 km/4 miles, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Heath.
Camping
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Kilimanjaro
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.
camping
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
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. Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft, Distance: 12 km/7 miles, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
camping
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Kilimanjaro
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. Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft, Distance: 8 km/5 miles, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Heath.
camping
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
Kilimanjaro
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. Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft, Distance: 5 km/3 miles, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Camping
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak
Kilimanjaro
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. 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.
camping
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Kilimanjaro
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 Moshi. Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft, Distance: 10 km/6 miles, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
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