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The Tecomate Tours 9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is a compelling and less-travelled hiking route that is around the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers a longer and more steady ascent and is noted for its good acclimatization profile, which boosts your chances of reaching the Uhuru Peak. The Northern Circuit path is one of the greatest on Kilimanjaro, with nearly 360 degrees of stunning scenery, including the calm, rarely frequented northern slopes. As Kilimanjaro’s longest route, the Northern Circuit provides the best acclimatization time and summit success rate, hence it is highly recommended. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, commencing with a lengthy journey from Arusha/Moshi to Londorossi Gate. Following that, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The path then turns north and arcs clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east.
Itinerary Details - Day-by-day
On the first day of the Tecomate Tours’ nine-day Northern Circuit Route; – We leave Moshi/Arusha City for Londorossi Gate, which takes around 2/3hours, where you will complete entry requirements. We will calmly wait for our permits to be approved while observing the hustle and bustle of operations as several teams prepare for the voyage ahead. Enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery and winding trails while your guide briefs you on the area’s flora and fauna, as well as natural creatures. At lower levels, the trail can be muddy and slippery. We strongly recommend gaiters and walking poles here. We continue to hike till we reach our first campground for leisure, a hot meal, and overnight.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ftDistance: 6 km/4 milesHiking Time: 3-4 hoursHabitat: Rain Forest
On the second day of our Tecomate Tour’s nine-day Northern Circuit Route, we follow the route out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped in lichen beards. As we travel through the beautiful rolling hills and pass multiple streams, we arrive at Shira Ridge before gradually descending to Shira 1 Camp. Here, we get our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heather
On the third day of the Tecomate Tour’s nine-day Northern Circuit Route, we explore the Shira Plateau. Shira 2 Camp is accessible via a pleasant trek east through moorland meadows. The heather zone is characterized by numerous wildflowers and unusual Senecio trees. Nine-day climbers will spend the night at Shira II Camp, alongside climbers ascending via the Machame Route. Shira II Camp is worth the extra effort to climb a little further up the plateau to appreciate the breathtaking panorama across the valley below and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed, so expect a cold night with temperatures dropping below zero. Note: 8-day climbs continue east to Shira Plateau Ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 meters), then descend to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).
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: Heather
On the fourth day of the 9-day Northern Circuit Route, we continue to the east along a ridge before heading southeast to the Lava Tower, a 300-foot-tall volcanic rock feature. Then we deviate from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used location at the base of Lent Hills. Lent Hills offers a variety of walks, giving it a good acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of Earth’s highest plateaus.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower) Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft (7km/3-4hrs)(Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower) Habitat: Alpine Desert(Lava Tower to Moir Hut) Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft (7km/2-3hrs)(Lava Tower to Moir Hut) Habitat: Alpine Desert
On the fifth day of our nine-day Northern Circuit Route, we walk out of Moir Valley over a relatively difficult climb before hiking to the summit of Lent Hills and returning to the main trail. Before arriving at Buffalo Camp, the road winds through a rock field and gradually undulates. This segment of the trail provides spectacular views of the plains north of Kilimanjaro, which extend to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
On the sixth day of our nine-day Northern Circuit route, as we go up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain gets sparser. This path is infrequently used, and we will enjoy the mountain wilderness vibe. We journey through lonely valleys to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, where we arrive at Third Cave. Today’s ascent is shorter than yesterday’s, and you should be feeling more acclimatized to the altitude by now. You will arrive at the Third Cave around mid-afternoon for lunch, leisure and overnight.
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
On the seventh day of the Tecomate Tours’ nine-day Northern Circuit Route, we ascend steadily and cross the Saddle that sits between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. Continue southwest to School Hut, where you will be served an early dinner and rest before beginning your summit attempt shortly before midnight. Before going to bed, make sure you have all of your gear ready, such as warm clothes, insulated water bottles, munchies, headlamps, and a camera.
Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
On the eighth day of our nine-day Northern Circuit route, we start our climb to the summit quite early in the morning, around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically hard part of the journey. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day may be brutal. We ascend through the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but brief stops. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most spectacular dawn you will ever see over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we descend straight to the Mweka Hut camp site, pausing at Barafu for lunch. The terrain is highly rocky and can be hard on the knees; trekking poles are recommended. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, so mist or rain might be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we have our final dinner on the mountain and get some well-deserved sleep.
(School Hut to Uhuru Peak) Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft (6km/6-8hrs)
(Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp) Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 (12km/6 – 7hrs)
Day 9 is the final day of your incredible trip with Tecomate Tours and Safari service. The day begins after breakfast with our team’s traditional farewell ceremony, followed by the descent. The descent from Mweka Gate (1,600 meters above sea level) will take 2 to 3 hours. At the gate, you will sign out of the park and eat lunch before being driven back to your hotel for rest and an overnight stay.
If you wish us to arrange for an airport transfer on your departure day, please let us know and we would be pleased to organize it for you at a low cost
Our expert team is always ready to assist you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re happy to guide you in planning your perfect safari experience.
Whether it’s your first safari or your fifth, we’ll help you discover experiences that match your dreams and travel style.
