The Northern Circuit route to the summit of Kilimanjaro offers a number of benefits to the hiker. The longer route offers more time for acclimatisation, thus maximising the potential for summit success. By ascending via the northern side of the mountain, the busier southern routes are avoided, making for a much more tranquil and natural experience on the ascent.
Enjoy wonderful wild views on the northern approach to Kilimanjaro, with increased chances of wildlife sightings.
Taking nine days on the mountain, there's more time to grow accustomed to the demands of trekking at high altitude.
Maximise the chances of a successful summit bid, by taking the longer route to the summit.
Kilimanjaro International Airport - KIA (JRO)
Kilimanjaro Airport Road
Makao Mapya
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.
Take a transfer to Londorossi Gate for registration. Start the ascent via a forest trail, arriving at Mti Mkubwa campsite to overnight at 2895m.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After breakfast, take a transfer to the airport to start the journey home.
This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.
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.
Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.
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.
Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.
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.
Deposit
£599.80
Price per person (inc deposit)
£2999.00
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
If you have any questions or would like to check availability or make a booking, please provide a few details about you, your group size and any preferred dates. A member of the team will then get back to you or you can go ahead and book online.