If you’re looking for a less crowded and more scenic route to the summit of Kilimanjaro, then the Northern Circuit is the perfect option.
Climbing up the northern slope of the mountain, this nine-day trek offers stunning views that are rarely seen by other trekkers. It’s not only the longest route, but it also has the highest summit success rate, making it the perfect choice for those who want to increase their chances of reaching the peak.
The Northern Circuit also boasts a variety of breathtaking landscapes that are unmatched by other routes. From lush rainforests to high-altitude deserts, this trek will take you on an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful terrain in Africa.
If you’re up for a challenge and want to experience the beauty of Kilimanjaro in a unique way, we highly recommend the Northern Circuit route.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation in Moshi/Arusha where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check. Overnight at Arusha Planet Lodge or similar
This morning you will drive to the Londorossi gate where you will complete entry formalities. From here your drive continues for around 1 hour to the Lemosho trailhead. Enjoy lunch before commencing your trek through lush undisturbed forest where you may be lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys. The path undulates, steeply in places, to arrive at the first camp after 2-3 hours of trekking.
Overnight Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)
On the third day of your Kilimanjaro trek, you will follow the ‘climb high, sleep low’ str
The start of your trek leads you through a forested area, but soon you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering heather plants and rugged volcanic rocks. This part of the climb can be demanding as you make your way up the lush hills that lie beneath the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro and as you ascend, the trail gradually becomes easier. After about 5-6 hours of hiking, you’ll reach your campsite located at the edge of the plateau, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Kibo towering in the distance.
Embark on a trek across the majestic Shira Plateau, with an optional climb to the awe-inspiring Shira Cathedral (3,880m). As one of the highest plateaus on earth, the views from here are truly breathtaking. After a full day of trekking, you will gradually climb to Shira 2 Camp, with the option to include an acclimatisation excursion to the peak of Shira Cathedral. Without the optional excursion, trekking time is approximately 3 hours, but adding the climb will extend it by about 1 hour.
That sounds like an amazing day of trekking! The high desert landscape and views over the Shira Plateau must be absolutely stunning. The Lava Tower is an impressive feature and reaching the base of it after a 4-5 hour trek is quite an accomplishment. The circuit of Kibo, the summit cone of Mount Kilimanjaro, is an exciting challenge, and the views from Moir Huts are sure to be breathtaking. The optional guided trek of the Lent Group also sounds like a great way to spend the afternoon, with the opportunity to see wind-eroded parasite cones and gaze out over the plains of Kenya.
On this day, you will venture further into the barren alpine desert. If you didn’t explore the Lent Group yesterday, you can make a brief stop at the summit of Little Lent Hill (4,375m/14,350ft) in the morning before returning to the trail towards Buffalo Camp. The entire trek will take about 5 to 7 hours, covering a distance of 12km.
Today’s trek takes you through various terrains, including valleys, ridges, alpine desert, and moorland, as you continue your circuit towards the east. The route is less frequented, allowing you to relish the vast mountain wilderness in solitude. The trekking time for today is approximately 5 to 7 hours.
Ascend steadily to reach the saddle, an otherworldly terrain situated between the summits of Kibo and Mawenzi. Then continue upward to reach School Hut Campsite by early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day resting and making preparations for your summit ascent, which will commence in the early hours of the following morning. Though you will only cover a distance of 5km, the trekking time will take around 4-5 hours due to the high altitude and steep ascent.
At midnight, start the final climb towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You will hike for about six hours in the dark with the help of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most demanding part of the entire trek, consisting mostly of steep switchbacks with a rocky section called Jamaica Rocks that requires scrambling as you approach the rim at Gilman’s Point (5,756m). The hike from there to Uhuru Peak is gradual and not very difficult, but the high altitude makes it feel long and exhausting. After celebrating your summit achievement, descend from the rim at Stella Point to Barafu Camp and then straight down to Mweka Hut, stopping for lunch on the way. This part of the descent covers new terrain and takes about 6 hours. Enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest.
After your descent from the mountain, you will trek through a lush forest, which will take approximately 2-3 hours. Along the way, keep an eye out for monkeys. Once you reach Mweka Gate, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel in Arusha.
You’ll have a dayroom to pack, freshen up, and prepare for your journey back home. Before departing you may consider extending your adventure with a Tanzania safari or a well-deserved relaxation in Zanzibar. Choose to add on this exciting option and make the most of your trip with us at Glad Of Africa Safari & Tours.
We understand that every traveler is different, and we want to make sure that your experience with us is nothing less than perfect. Therefore, please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any special requests or preferences that you would like us to consider when crafting your personalized itinerary.
Experience Mount Kilimanjaro's diverse climatic zones on the Marangu route. Rainforests to high-altitude deserts. Same path for ascent and descent.
The Marangu route, the oldest Kilimanjaro route, has communal A-frame huts for accommodation but a low success rate due to limited time for acclimatization.
The Machame Route's 7-day itinerary ensures safe acclimatization, making it popular for stunning scenic beauty and successful summiting. Recommended for experienced climbers, longer routes have higher success rates.
The Machame Route's 7-day itinerary ensures safe acclimatization, making it popular for stunning scenic beauty and successful summiting. Recommended for experienced climbers, longer routes have higher success rates.
Embark on our 6-day Rongai Route trek, offering picturesque scenery, ease of trekking, and a high success rate. Sleep in tents pitched by porters, enjoy meals outdoors, and experience the less crowded northern side of Kilimanjaro.
The Rongai Route is a quieter and easier option up Kilimanjaro, with stunning views and less chance of adverse weather. Includes acclimatization and scramble over Jamaica Rocks.
The 7-day Lemosho route is known for its scenic beauty, diverse vegetation, and less crowded trails. It takes you through the dramatic Shira Plateau and offers an excellent alternative among the Mount Kilimanjaro routes.
Glad Of Africa Safari & Tours offers a unique and less crowded Lemosho Route to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit, with stunning views, diverse wildlife, and recommended 8-day itinerary for acclimatization.
The Northern Circuit is a scenic and less crowded route to the summit of Kilimanjaro, taking 9 days with a high success rate.
We offer Kilimanjaro treks, wildlife safaris, and Zanzibar beach holidays in Tanzania with a dedicated team committed to quality service and safety.
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