Northern Circuit Route - 9 Days

Destination: Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit Route.

Major Attractions:Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.

Tour Guides Language: English.

Starting Point: Moshi.

Ending Point: Moshi.

Route Accessibility: This route approaches the mountain from the west through Londorossi gate. It crosses over Shira plateau and proceed with the same trail as that of Lemosho. Descent is done through Mweka route.

Additional info: We provide porters and cooks for guidance and assistance while on the mountain.

    DAY 1

  • Londorossi Gate (2250M) to MtiMkubwa (2650M)
  • Transfer from your accommodation in Moshito Lemosho gate for registration processes. Start climbing through lemosho starting point which 2100M is leading into the tropical rainforest while spotting wild animals like colobus monkeys and blue monkeys. Continue hiking to reach Mtimkubwa for some rest and overnight stay at the campsite.

  • Distance: 7 Kilometers.
  • Time: 3 Hours walking.
  • Zone: Rain forest.
  • DAY 2

  • MtiMkubwa (2650M) to Shira 1 Hut (3610M)
  • Trek out of the rainforest into the moorland zone and volcanic rocks draped with lichens beard. Proceed into the shira ridges which will finally leads to Shira camp. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

  • Distance: 7 Kilometers.
  • Time: 4 Hours walking.
  • Zone: Moorland.
  • DAY 3

  • Shira Hut 1 (3610M) to Shira Hut 2 (3850M)
  • Spend the day exploring the Shira plateau which allows you to getting used to the high altitude. Pass through the moorland zone leading to Shira hut 2. Drink enough water, dinner and overnight at the campsite.

  • Distance: 10 Kilometers.
  • Time: 5 Hours walking.
  • Zone: Moorland.
  • DAY 4

  • Shira Hut 2 (3850M) to Moir Hut Camp (4150M)
  • Lead to the left side towards to Moir hut for a long rest “pole pole”. Drink enough water while on the way and arrive at mid-day for the lunch. The day provides chance to acclimatize to the little lent hill which founding very close to the campsite and it is 4350M and back to the campsite before dark for the dinner and overnight at the campsite.

  • Distance: 4 Kilometers.
  • Time: 3 Hours walking.
  • Zone: Moorland.
  • DAY 5

  • Moir Hut (4150M) to Buffalo Hut (4000M)
  • Trek out from Moir hut while clicking the “slabs” of the little lent hill and joining to northern circuit trail. Explore the landscape which offers stunning view across the plains which lies the north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyans’ / Tanzanians’ border. Proceed with the trail to reach Buffalo hut for lunch. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

  • Distance: 12 Kilometers.
  • Time: 6 Hours walking.
  • Zone: Moorland.
  • DAY 6

  • Buffalo Hut (4000M) to Third Cave (3800M)
  • Climb up the Buffalo Ridges which provides beautiful view sand a remote wilderness feeling. The path leads to Third cave for lunch. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.

  • Distance: 5 Kilometers.
  • Time: 4 Hours .
  • Zone: Alpine desert.
  • DAY 7

  • Third Cave (3800M) to School Hut (4800M)
  • Trek steadily over the “Saddle,” which lies between peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The path leads to school hut where you will arrive in the afternoon for lunch. Take a long rest waiting for the dinner and get prepared for the summit.

  • Distance: 10 Kilometers.
  • Time: 5 Hours .
  • Zone: Alpine desert.
  • DAY 8

  • Ascend to Uhuru Peak
  • Wake up around 23:00 for adding more warm clothes and headlamp. Leave the campsite and start summiting by midnight into the glacial zone. The path leads to Gilman’s point 5681M and then to Stella point 5756M. Have time for pictures while looking the sun rise and a little rest for the water or hot tea. For climbers who have experienced AMS are advised to start descending down, however for those interested can take a round trip along the crater rim to reach Uhuru peak 5895M.Proceed by descending from the summit to arrive at high campsite 3950M. From school hut to the summit is 6 kilometers and 7 hours walking. Have some lunch and overnight at the campsite.

  • Distance: 7 Kilometers.
  • Time: 6/7 Hours.
  • Zone:Alpine/Glacial zone.
  • DAY 9

  • High Camp (3950M) to Mweka Gate (1640M)
  • After the hot breakfast, continue hiking through the beautiful rain forest to arrive at Mweka gate. Get awarded with certificates whereby golden certificates are given to hikers who reached at Uhuru peak and green certificates for Stella point hikers. Retreat back to Mweka village for a drive to Moshi town for resting or airport for a flight back at home. “Normally tipping ceremony can be done to the last campsite or at the certain gate”.

    Kilimanjaro Climbing Packing List

    Kilimanjaro climbing is one of the adventurous tour activity that one shouldn’t miss. However to make it more entertaining, it’s required to pack the right and necessary equipment.
    The following list will be of a great help:-


    packing list


    Clothes

  • Waterproof pants
  • 1-2 Long Sleeve Trekking Shirts
  • 1 Pairs of hiking pants
  • 1 Fleece Jacket
  • 1 Insulated Winter Jacket
  • 2 pairs synthetic warm weather trekking socks
  • 4 pairs heavier synthetic or wool blend socks
  • Top and Bottom Base Layer
  • 3-4 Short Sleeve
  • Water/Windproof mittens
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Lightweight Rain gear
  • 1 Pair of hiking boots
  • Balaclava
  • Trekking Equipment

  • A day pack
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • 1 Sleeping bag
  • 1 Duffel bag
  • A pair of trekking poles
  • Accessories

  • Backpack cover
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Electronic devices

  • Camera/Smartphone
  • Extra batteries/Power bank







    PRICE INCLUDES

  • Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi.
  • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate.
  • Park entry fees.
  • Camping fees.
  • Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees.
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services.
  • 4 Season mountain tents.
  • Double layered Sleeping Mats.
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters.
  • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain.
  • Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
  • Hot water for washing.
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
  • Government taxes.
  • Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter.
  • Emergency first-aid kit.
  • PRICE EXCLUDES

  • Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 70 for the entire trek.
  • Flights.
  • Laundry (Available at hotel).
  • Personal items and toiletries.
  • Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain).


MOUNT Kilimanjaro INFORMATION

Kilimanjaro standing at 5895 meters above the sea level is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. It is very unique since it’s rare for it to have snow especially because it’s located near the equator at 200 miles.

Month Low (F) Average (F) High (F) Humidity (%) Rain Fall (in)
January 64 78 92 58 1.4
February 64 78 92 57 2.0
March 66 78 90 63 4.7
April 67 76 85 73 13.8
May 65 72 79 77 9.3
June 62 70 78 69 1.0
July 60 69 78 69 1.0
August 60 60 80 69 0.7
September 60 71 83 61 0.6
October 62 75 88 57 1.0
November 64 76 86 57 2.5
December 64 77 90 60 2.1

    Kilimanjaro is the tallest free standing mountain on earth and the highest mountain in Africa. It stands at 5895 m above sea level making it unique by providing a challenging and interesting climb.
    The mountain is one of a kind since it passes through five different climatic zones. The trek is challenging though worth it since it provides an accomplished feeling standing at the roof of Africa.
    The following guidelines will help trekkers prepare for the climb for higher summit success rate.

    Mental And Physical Preparation

    A clear mind is most crucial for the climb. A good mental preparation will provide higher summit success rate. This is through listening to what the guides tell you and having a positive mind since you are on vacation.
    However physical preparation is not to be set aside. Prior to the climb, it’s important to do physical exercises including taking long walks with a backpack. Also to do lung exercises to help you breathe normally in reduced levels of oxygen.

    Acquire The Right Trekking Gears

    It’s important to pack the right clothes which are to be used through different climates on the mountain.
    Consider the following before packing:-

  • Packing trekking outfit which include a long sleeve shirt, hiking pants, underwear, hiking socks, waterproof and sturdy boots.
  • Packing personal items inside a plastic bag before putting them in the bag in case of rain.
  • Thermal socks (more than 3 pairs), gloves (preferably mittens), warm head protection, rain coat, sunglasses, sun protection cream.
  • Clothes for higher temperatures including shorts, sweaters and T-shirts.
  • Water bottle including Camelbak and Nalgene style plastic bottle.
  • Being Aware of AMS

    (AMS) Acute Mountain Sickness is a pathological effect on humans caused by high altitude effect resulting in lower oxygen levels which makes it hard to breathe normally.
    It has several symptoms like headache, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and rapid heart rate. However being physically fit doesn’t guarantee a hiker not getting AMS since anyone can have it.
    The following are to be done so as to avoid AMS:-

  • Choosing a longer route of above 6 days, Northern circuit, Machame and Lemosho routes are highly recommended.
  • Drinking lots of water while on the mountain. 5 liters of water is recommended.
  • Doctor’s prescription of Diamox to help acclimatize comfortably.
  • Taking slow paces in order to avoid exhaustion.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol, stimulants and caffeine.
  • Taking It Slow

    On the mountain, it is important to walk slowly since it’s not a race but rather a holiday. Walking slowly will help hikers acclimatize properly and avoid exhaustion.

    Maintenance Of Personal Hygiene

    It’s important to know that you will not shower while on the mountain.
    You need to consider:

  • Using baby wet wipes for bathing.
  • Carrying a roll of toilet paper.
  • Get a toilet tent in the campsites.
  • Personal Hydration

    It’s recommended to drink lots of water while on the mountain. This will help giving you strength and reduce fatigue. The amount that is recommended is 5 liters a day.

    Summit Preparation

    The last day of the climb is very challenging and takes a lot of walking hours hence it’s required to do preparation. Take time to allow your body to rest prior to the summit. Also drinking lot of water will provide your body with strength and energy to move on.
    Above all, it’s required to sleep very early the day before summit so as to avoid exhaustion.
    Climbing Kilimanjaro provides you an amazing feeling especially standing at the roof of Africa. To make it more adventurous, one may opt for a wildlife safari in the national parks or a beach vacation in Zanzibar.

    ALTITUDE SICKNESS

    Sometimes called “mountain sickness,” altitude sickness is a group of symptoms that can strike if you walk or climb to a higher elevation, or altitude, too quickly.

    WHY IT HAPPENS?

    The pressure of the air that surrounds you is called barometric pressure. When you go to higher altitudes, this pressure drops and there is less oxygen available.

    If you live in a place that’s located at a moderately high altitude, you get used to the air pressure. But if you travel to a place at a higher altitude than you’re used to, your body will need time to adjust to the change in pressure.

    Any time you go above 8,000 feet, you can be at risk for altitude sickness.

    TYPES:

    There are three kinds of altitude sickness:

  • Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the mildest form and it’s very common. The symptoms can feel like a hangover – dizziness, headache, muscle aches, nausea.
  • High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a buildup of fluid in the lungs that can be very dangerous and even life threatening.
  • High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is the most severe form of altitude sickness and happens when there’s fluid in the brain. Its life threatening and you need to seek medical attention right away.
  • SYMTOMS

    You might have:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue and loss of energy
  • Shortness of breath
  • Problems with sleep
  • Loss of appetite
  • Symptoms usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then get better within a day or two as your body adjusts to the change in altitude.

    If you have a more moderate case of altitude sickness, your symptoms might feel more intense and not improve with over-the-counter medications. Instead of feeling better as time goes on, you’ll start to feel worse. You’ll have more shortness of breath and fatigue. You may also have:

  • Loss of coordination and trouble walking.
  • A severe headache that doesn’t get better with medication
  • A tightening in your chest.
  • If you develop a severe form of altitude sickness like HAPE or HACE, you might have:

  • Confusion
  • Shortness of breath even at rest
  • Inability to walk
  • A cough that produces a white or pink frothy substance
  • Coma.
  • WHO GETS TO?

    Anyone can develop altitude sickness, no matter how fit, young, or healthy they are -- even Olympic athletes can get it. In fact, being physically active at a high elevation makes you more likely to get it.

    Your chance of getting altitude sickness depends on a few other things: how quickly you move to a higher elevation, how high you go up, the altitude where you sleep, and other factors.

    Your risk also depends on where you live and the altitude there, your age (young people are more likely to get it), and whether you’ve had altitude sickness before

    Having certain illnesses like diabetes or lung disease doesn’t automatically make you more likely to develop altitude sickness. But your genes could play a role in your body’s ability to handle higher elevations.

    TREATMENT

    If you get a headache and at least one other symptom associated with altitude sickness within a day or two of changing your elevation, you might have altitude sickness. If your symptoms are more severe, you’ll need medical attention.

    Your doctor might listen to your chest with a stethoscope or take an X-ray of your chest or an MRI or CT scan of your brain to look for fluid.

    Knowing the symptoms of altitude sickness will help you seek treatment early, while the condition is still mild. The most important treatment for any level of altitude sickness is to go down to a lower elevation as soon as possible while remaining safe.

    If you have severe altitude sickness, you’ll need to be taken down to a lower elevation right away -- and it must be lower than 4,000 feet. You’ll have to see a doctor as soon as possible and you may need to go to the hospital.

    If you have HACE, you might need a steroid called dexamethasone. If you have HAPE, you will need supplemental oxygen and may need medications, as well as moving to a lower altitude.

    PREVENTION

    The best way you can lower your chance of getting altitude sickness is through acclimatization. That means you let your body slowly get used to the changes in air pressure as you travel to higher elevations.

    You’ll want to climb to higher altitudes gradually. Going slowly helps your lungs get more air through deeper breaths and allows more of your red blood cells to carry oxygen to different parts of your body.

    Some of the basic guidelines for acclimatization are:

  • Start your journey below 10,000 feet. If you have to fly or drive somewhere that’s higher up, stop at one destination that’s lower for at least a full day before going any higher.
  • If you walk, hike, or climb over 10,000 feet, only go up an additional 1,000 feet per day. For every 3,000 feet you climb, rest at least a day at that height.
  • “Climb high and sleep low”: If you have to climb over 1,000 feet in a day, make sure you come back down to a lower altitude to sleep.
  • Drink 3-4 quarts of water every day and make sure about 70% of your calories are coming from carbs.
  • Don’t use tobacco, alcohol, or other medications, such as sleeping pills.
  • Know how to identify the first signs of altitude sickness. Immediately move to a lower elevation if you start to develop these symptoms.

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