ITINERARY FOR 9 DAYS NORTHERN CIRCUIT

The 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 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, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east. Descend is made via the Mweka route.

ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT.

Representative of Picture Tanzania Safari will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi/Arusha. As local Tanzania’s our guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave.

DAY 1: LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA.
Elevation: 7,742 ft. to 9,498 ft.
Distance: 6km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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.
DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA TO SHIRA 1 CAMP.
Elevation: 9,498 ft. to 11,500 ft.
Distance: 8km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
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.
DAY 3: SHIRA 1 CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP.
Elevation: 11,500 ft. to 12,500 ft.
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
DAY 4: SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER.
Elevation: 12,500 ft. to 15,190 ft.
Distance: 7 km/ 4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 15,190 ft. to 13,580 ft.
Distance: 7 km/ 4 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.

DAY 5: MOIR HUT TO BUFFALO CAMP.
Elevation: 13,580 ft. to 13,200 ft.
Distance: 12km/ 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
DAY 6: BUFFALO CAMP TO THIRD CAVE.
Elevation: 13,200 ft. to 12,700 ft.
Distance: 8km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
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.
DAY 7: THIRD CAVE TO SCHOOL HUT
Elevation: 12,700 ft. to 15,600 ft.
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
DAY 8: SCHOOL HUT TO UHURU PEAK
Elevation: 15,600 ft. to 19,341 ft.
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft. to 10,065 ft.
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Artic
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.
DAY 9: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE.
Elevation: 10,065 ft. to 5,380 ft.
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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.

Safari Package Includes:
• Portable toilet tent.
• 2 Nights Hotel accommodations in Moshi, a day before trek and a day after trek.
• Transportation to and from your selected route.
• Transfer from Airport/Bus station in Moshi on arrival and return to airport/Bus station after climb.
• Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent.
• Quality Mess tents with table and chairs.
• Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides.
• All Tanzanian National Park Fees.
• Government Climbing Taxes.
• Climbing permits.
• All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain.
• Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries.
• Fair and ethical treatment of Porters.
• Enough porters to carry your luggage:
-Safety Equipment
-Emergency Oxygen
-Pulse Ox meter

• Hot drinks at every meal.
• Water provided on climb, mineral water for the first day and boiled water every day.
• Emergency rescue fees.
• Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide.

Safari Package Excludes:
• Personal items and toiletries.
• Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain.
• Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber):

-Guides: $20/day/guide
-Assistant Guide $15/day/guide
-Cook: $15/day
-Porter: $10/day/porter

• Nonalcoholic drinks and Alcoholic drinks.
• Laundry services International airfares and departure taxes.
• All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc.
• Visa and International flight tickets fees.

N/B: Our Guides, cooks and Porters are always satisfied with your thanks giving (tip) you have and not beyond your ability.