Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport for pick up and transferred to your hotel either Parkview Inn or Weruweru River lodge in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at your arranged Hotel
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the
same start point 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 (2,820 meters)
begins.
You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes
emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when
you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.
On day two 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).
On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 for lunch. Here nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. But for 8days trekkers will continue with trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone, then you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200.
A moderately 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. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.
A climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu 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 acclimatised to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
Day six 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.
You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep
incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point 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 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn
and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to
reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy.
The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or 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). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950
meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight
so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some
tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.
After a well-deserved breakfast, it is a short, scenic, 3-hour hike back to the park gate. Don't give your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely, but do remember to tip your staff at the gate. At Mweka Gate, you can sign your name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down to the Mweka Village, possibly a muddy, 3 km, 1 hour hike if the road is too muddy for vehicles. In the Mweka Village you will be served a delicious hot lunch after which you are driven back to Moshi for an overdue hot shower and comfortable night at your hotel in Moshi.
FOR EVERY DETAIL ABOUT THESE ITINERARIES OR FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM ONE, PLEASE CONTACT US THROUGH OUR CONTACT PAGE. WE WILL MAKE A TAILOR-MADE ITINERARY THAT CAN INCLUDE NOT ONLY THE SAFARI BUT ALSO TRANSFERS, ACCOMMODATION IN TOWN BEFORE/AFTER TOURS, INTERNAL FLIGHTS, EXTENSION TO ZANZIBAR, ETC.
The Lemosho Route is a newer route on Mount Kilimanjaro that approaches from the west. It is a difficult and long route, but one that is favored by most reputable Kilimanjaro outfitters due to its smaller crowds, scenic variety and high success rates.
This is a region of incredible natural beauty with a great range of landscape and terrain. Furthermore, all the game viewing areas offer a selection of excellent accommodation options - a winning combination!
Postal Address P. O BOX 1199 Moshi, Tanzania.
Moshi - TANZANIA
Phone (Tanzania) : +255 766 834 768
E-mail : info@seasonmasteradventures.com
Need any help? Write to us at:
+255 766
834 768
seasonmasteradventures1@gmail.com
