Kilimanjaro | The Northern Circuit

Degree of difficulty

• A relatively tough challenge, participants should be in good physical condition, with experience of hiking for multiple consecutive days for six to seven hours.
• A good degree of ascent is involved in the challenge, and experience walking in mountainous areas would be beneficial. 
• No specific technical climbing skills are required. 

Accommodation on Kilimajaro

• Accommodation during the trip is taken in high quality, high altitude Mountain Hardware tents. 
• Meals are taken in a separate mess tent, where it's possible to sit comfortably and relax in the evenings. 
• Hotel accommodation is provided when staying in Moshi.

Food and drink

• Special menus are designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of climbing Kilimanjaro
• Meals include fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Fresh meat is available for at least the first part of the trek
• There's chance to sample Tanzanian cuisine before leaving the mountain
• Breakfast is a hearty affair and would include porridge, sausage, eggs and toast with jam. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are readily available.
• Lunches are either packed to carry in a rucksack, or otherwise a stop during the day to take a hot cooked lunch. 
• Afternoon tea is served at the end of the day of hiking. Tea and other drinks are provided with a selection of snacks. 
• Evening meals are hearty and consist of three courses, a great way to replenish calories.

Essential information

• A strict 15kg bag weight limit is enforced by Kilimanjaro National Park. This limit includes a sleeping bag. All bags will be weighed before leaving the hotel in Moshi to check for compliance, and items would have to be removed if above the 15kg limit.
• Tanzania observes a ban on all single use plastic bags. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, passengers may be asked to surrender any plastic bags before leaving the airport.
• It is advisable to travel with US Dollars as the Tanzanian Shillings is a closed currency, not available to purchase before arrival in country. ATMs are available at the airport or en route to the hotel.
• Tipping is customary on Tanzanian trekking adventures, and the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project recommend tips in the range of $6 to $10 per day for each porter. For other roles, $20 per day is recommended for guides, and $12 to $15 per day for assistant guides and cooks. These suggested figures are per group, not per person.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro International Airport - KIA (JRO)
Kilimanjaro Airport Road
Makao Mapya
Tanzania

Getting to Tanzania

• It's best to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). KLM flies to JRO from all major UK airports, with a number of flights from US international airports.
• Transfers from the airport to the hotel will be arranged. 

The Northern Circuit Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Tanzania

  Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, to meet with representatives, before taking a transfer to the hotel. Full pre-climb briefing either that evening oro the following morning. 

• Day 2 | Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  Take a transfer to Londorossi Gate for registration. Start the ascent via a forest trail, arriving at Mti Mkubwa campsite to overnight at 2895m.

• Day 3 | Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

  Continue eastwards across the Shira Plateau, with great views of Shira Cathedral. Cross moorland meadow to reach the Shira 1 Camp to overnight at 3500m. 

• Day 4 | Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

  Hike to the Shira Cathedral, a short ridged summit on the southern rim of the Shira Caldera. A shorter day of hiking, but a great acclimatisation day. 

• Day 5 | Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

  Leaving the moorland zone, a gentle walk traverses the high altitude Shira Caldera, to Shira Cave with excellent views of the Arrow glacier. Camp here for the night at 4200m.

• Day 6 | Moir Hut to Pofu Camp

  Climb out of the Moir Valley, reaching the summit of Lent Hills. The path veers eastward around the Northern Circuit trail. An undulating finish to the day of hiking, arriving at Pofu Camp to overnight.

• Day 7 | Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp

  Cross numerous small valleys today, as the trail winds across the landscape, growing ever more devoid of vegetation as the altitude increases. Overnight at Third Cave Camp.

• Day 8 | Third Cave Camp to School Hut

  Ascend to the Saddle, a lunar landscape, nestled between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Continue upwards to reach School Hut, where there is the rest of the day to relax and prepare for the summit bid. 

• Day 9 | Summit day

  Leaving around 0100, following a switchback trail through the scree slopes, to reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point. There's time to tak a short break here to watch the sun rise, before continuing to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak at 5895m above sea level. Sensational views abound, with glaciers and ice cliffs surrounding the summit. Retrace the route to Stella Point, before descending to Barafu Camp to take lunch. Further descent after lunch to the Millennium Camp to overnight and enjoy a well-earned rest. 

• Day 10 | Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

  After breakfast follow the trail leading to the Mweka Park Gate, with 1300m of descent. Collect the summit certificates from the Park H!Q before taking a transfer to the hotel. 

• Day 11 | Departure

  After breakfast, take a transfer to the airport to start the journey home. 

What's Included

• Hotel accommodation before and after your climb
• Airport transfers
• Transfers to and from the mountain
• National Park entry, camping, climbing and rescue fees
• A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
• All meals and drinking water on the mountain
• A clean and private portable toilet (no long drops for you!)
• High quality dining tent and sleeping tents with comfortable foam mattress
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
• A certificate documenting your summit ascent

What's Not Included

• Flights
• Visas
• Tips for your guide and crew
• Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
• Your personal trekking gear
• Snacks on the mountain
• Meals and drinks not on the mountain

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

From the moment we Initially contacted them they were honest, professional, experienced and very friendly. Their office staff provided answers and advice on all the numerous questions I had and gave me reassurance that all would go well. On the ground in Tanzania the team were excellent. There was nothing which was too much trouble for them and the care we received was humbling. The team of five guides and porters were magnificently managed by August the head guide. | John

What a FABULOUS trip. Well organised. From day 1 till the end. Local Rep in Tanzania was great help to organise a local town tour the day before trek. Trek was high standard ! Good food , experienced guides , friendly & strong SMILING porters. Been looked after very well. Food was great , a lot!!! No question or request was too much. | Bridget