9 Days Northern Circuit Route
Tour Overview
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route stands out as the newest and most extensive route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Commencing from the West at Londorossi Gate, it initially follows the same path as the Lemosho route for the initial two days of the journey. Upon traversing the Shira plateau, the route diverges northward near Lava Tower, opting for the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more commonly traversed Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley. From there, the path winds around the quieter northern slopes, eventually leading to the eastern side of the mountain.
Distinguished by its length, the Northern Circuit requires a minimum of eight or nine days to complete. The eight-day trek foregoes the additional acclimatization day typically spent at Shira Camp 2 and proceeds directly to Moir Camp. This extended duration allows trekkers ample time to acclimatize to the altitude and fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery of Kilimanjaro's northern reaches.
In summary, the Northern Circuit offers a unique and immersive experience for those seeking to conquer Kilimanjaro. With its longer duration, quieter trails, and unparalleled vistas, it promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the natural wonders of Africa's tallest peak.
- Destination: Tanzania
- Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel 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. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – Start Point 2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)
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.
- Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)
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.
- Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)
On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. Nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: Trekkers on an eight day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).
- Distance: ~7km / 4 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)
Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.
- Distance: ~14km / 8 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)
Day five involves 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.
- Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: High alpine zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)
Day six starts with 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 acclimatized to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
- Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 8: 3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)
Day seven 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.
- Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
- Trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 9: School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Millennium Camp (3790m)
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.
- Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
- Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
- Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 10: Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.
- Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 11: Depart Tanzania
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
- Meals: Breakfast Included
- 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
- Crater fee (if any)
- Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 4 Season mountain tents
- Double layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- 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
- Stethoscope
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent
- Mountain climbing certificates
- Drinks at your hotel before and after the climb.
- Travel insurance
- Laundry (Available at the hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters and cook
During a day on Kilimanjaro the temperatures can easily range from the high 20’s (centigrade) right down at night to -15c. To cope with this huge range in temperature your clothing and kit strategy needs to be based around combining lots of thin layers that you build up and take off as the weather demands. Kilimanjaro National Park operates an absolutely strict limit of 15kg per porter for your main equipment bag, which includes your sleeping bag. This is more than sufficient for your needs on the mountain. Your bag will be weighed before you leave the hotel to start the climb and if it is overweight you will have to take items out and leave them at the hotel.
Head and Hands:
- Cap or hat to wear while walking in bright sun
- Wool or fleece cap or hat to keep your head warm
- Neck warmer to protect your throat from catching cold
- Uv protection sunglasses
- Warm wind and waterproof gloves
Upper body:
- Dri fit trekking shirts
- Thermals
- Warm trekking shirts
- Hiking hoodie
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
Lower body:
- Trekking pants
- Trekking shorts
- Thermals and inners
- Waterproof pants
- Trekking socks
- Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Slippers or sandals
- Gaiters
- Microspikes
Other items:
- Strong rucksack or large holdall to be carried by porters.
- Day rucksack to be carried personally.
- Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store/separate trekking gear inside your main bag.
- One or two-liter water bottle.
- Personal first aid kit to include essential items.
- Sleeping bag, 4 seasons.
- Torch, ideally head torch.
- Digital Camera and a spare battery and battery charger
- Toilet paper, quick dry towel,
- Toothbrush
- Large handkerchief/bandana for neck
Paper Work
- Trip Receipt
- Passport
- Visa (available at JRO)
- Immunization Papers
- Insurance Documents
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Testimonies From Our Happy Clients
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Since I read a lot about Tanzania i decided to put in my backet list for this year which I save and fulfill to complete my goal of visiting Tanzania.... read more
I arrived Tanzania early this august alone and try to check with the local tour operator on the internet and found Boker adventures. I requested for a joining group to Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro that departure on early august and lucky enough i got one.
The agent was very active in responding and looks very professional on how to organize the joining group because he was very transparent.
The Serengeti was amazing and Ngorongoro as well, i saw a lot of animals like zebras, antelopes, lions, birds and so many. I was so surprised to see so many people visit the parks. I asked, and been told its a high season, hahaha. The guide was also very professional and calm to make sure everyone in the jeep have enough time to enjoy their interest
The hotels in the park were so nice, clean and meals was actually so delicious than i was expected.
I wish to say thank you so much and i really appreciate Boker Adventures efforts for making sure i fulfil may goal.
I recommend this agency for the best service and kindness team.
Thanks
Robert
August 25, 2023Happy and Joyful trip in Tanzania - My family and friends highly recommend Tanzania for tourism. This was because of the experience and good time we had after been organized with local tour company Boker Adventures.
... read more /> Peter and the team worked so hard to make sure we had an amazing trip since we arrived in Tanzania. The hotel were great with good services all the time.
The guides very experienced and knowledgable with the nature. We spent enough time in each park Tarangire, Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti park. We saw all big fives close enough.
The Zanzibar part was awesome, the beach sand was white clean and enjoyable. Marijani hotel was the best since we had brilliant view at the ocean.
We highly recommend for safari and zanzibar tour with Boker Adventures.
Regards
Marcus
August 29, 2022Unforgettable 12-day honeymoon tour! - My wife and I had an unforgettable 12-day tour for our honeymoon with Boker Adventures! I truly have no words to describe how amazing our experience was with Peter and... read more our exceptional guide Kanti.
Our wonderful itinerary included: hiking to Materuni Waterfalls and making traditional coffee with the Chagga tribe, staying with the Maasai, visiting 5 splendid national parks (Mkomazi, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara), and discovering Zanzibar island. Needless to say, every day was a thrilling adventure. I still have goosebumps just thinking about all the memorable places we visited and the lovely people we met.
Everything was so perfectly organized! Peter and Kanti were so professional, cooperative, flexible, efficient, and most importantly, welcoming and friendly. We felt like we were part of their family during the whole trip. They made sure that we had a perfect time and they paid attention to every single detail (including the romantic ones). To be honest, the trip was beyond my - already very high - expectations!
I recommend them 150% as a trusted agency for local tourism and authentic adventures in Tanzania!
From the bottom of my heart, a thousand thanks for making our honeymoon a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
We cannot wait to come back to Tanzania and do another trip with you (sooner rather than later).
Warmest regards,
Jade
August 13, 2022 -
Unforgettable experience!
Boker provide very professional guide and super friendly crew. Without their support I will never make this trip happen.
向导和挑夫很专业也很友好,给了我很多鼓励。
January 21, 2022First time booking a trip through Boker Adventures and it will not be the last. I traveled to Dar Es Salam from the US and took a trip to... read more Zanzibarwhile I was there. When I got back to Dar I wanted to go see Kilimanjaro while I was out there and so close to it from US. I only had 3 days left in TZ so I did not want to risk driving so I asked the concierge at my hotel if she could assist me in getting to Kilimanjaro and back before my flight left and she said yes. She called Peter (The owner of Boking Adventures) and that same night he came to my hotel, asked some questions about what I wanted to see, what was my time frame there and back, and what kind of hotel I wanted to stay in. I answered his questions and he put together a package for me that night and had my flight and hotel booked that night. The next morning he arrived at my hotel at 7am to take me to the airport and when I arrived at Kilimanjaro airport there was a driver waiting for me who took me to my hotel to drop bags, asked if i needed time to relax for a bit or if I wanted to go sight seeing asap. I wanted to go sight seeing. We dropped my bags and he took me around town, to a great BBQ restaurant, and several other places that day and back to my hotel. The next morning he picked me up at 9am and took me all over Moshi. We went to Kilimanjaro national park, Madango waterfall, a coffee tour, and lunch. It was an AWESOME time. Bill and David, my guides while I was in Kilimanjaro were AWESOME. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Bill took me to fly my drone and get the best food in Moshi. David gave me the history of the Chaga people (I hope I'm not butchering their tribe name) and David is very knowledgeable about the mountain and the history of the people in that region. The coffee tour was unbelievable. At one point I was like nah, I think Ill skip the coffee tour but I'm sooo glad I didn't. That was AWESOME. I got the biggest bag of coffee I could fit in my pack to bring back, along with two bacs of Coco. The experience of the temperature change from the base of the mountain to the starting point of the mountain climb was unbelievable, Its like going from 100 degrees to 45ish Fahrenheit, and your ears pop like you're on an airplane. I will never forget it. I did this last minute trip in September of 2021 and Ill be back in January 2022. I will definitely be contacting Peter again for a Serengeti trip and to see Arusha while I'm out that way. Thank you Peter, Bill, and last but definitely not least David.
September 16, 2021Me, my beloved wife Jessica and our son James decide climb Mt Kilimanjaro via Lemosho route and 4 days safari with Boker Adventures Company this month August and manage to... read more make it to the Uhuru Summit.
This has been possible without the best time organized by Boker Adventures Company. The guides were very friendly and cooperative all time since we started climbing. They checked our health every morning and evening before we slept to make sure me and my families are healthy well. They pushed us to the limit and courage us especially on the night before summit. We were almost about to given up at Stella point but Juma, Rashid and Mudi (Guides) inspired us to kept trying. Uhuru peak it’s was the best and beautiful place to be as the zone was covered with ice with amazing view, so we took photos with my family for best memories.
The cook was so nice and knows to cook varieties of healthy food and on time, we never climbed empty stomach, he make sure we get warm and fresh food everyday though I was so surprised how faster he is to make food at every point. Thank you for the Abbas the cook. Also porters were really strong and powerful, they were walking very fast as all the time we reached at the camp we found them already there waiting for us with all big duffle bags. They were doing a great job.
After descending back we overnight in moshi and next day travel to tarangire national park, Ngorongoro and Serengeti National park. We were so happy to see animals close on their natural nature. We managed to see all big fives and birds. The guide English was brilliant and had a big knowledge about animals and birds. After safari we went straight to the airport with our guide. Thanks you so much Erasto ( tour Guide)
On behalf of my family I wish to acknowledge the effort and hospitality Peter the director and your team for endless updates you shared with us from booking our flight, hotels and all tour until the last day. Your hard working team is the result of your success.
I will always recommend you as a trusted company for tourism in Tanzania.
Thanks
Charlse Donald.
August 19, 2021 -
We had the best trip ever after Climbing. Communication with Peter was great, he replies immediately and answers every question. That makes planning your safari very easy, thank you!
As... read more we arrived in Arusha, Peter met up with us at the hotel to arrange all the details. We had a look at the car the day before the safari, so we knew that everything was fine and we had a reliable car. Everything, from the very first contact to our last day on safari was simply amazing. We are so glad we chose Boker Adventures, the driver Mudi was such a nice guy, a very good driver who is very patient and knows a lot about safaris. We would always choose Boker Adventures for our next trip, it is a very reliable company, we would always support again. Thank you Peter & Mudi for making our safari a real authentic experience!!
November 15, 2020Kilimanjaro climbing is one of our best adventures we did this year 2020. It was so challenging because of the COVID breakdown but we truly appreciate Boker Adventure team for... read more their courage and make us fulfill our dream.
They took all precautions to COVID since Airport by checking our temperature and provide us with the mask though after that day we opt to stay without a mask as we saw everyone around town without a mask so we did not want to be different from others. This has been like born again on the other universe since we did not think this was true but finally it is.
We did Machame 7 days and it went very well, the food was fine and delicious, the guides were brilliant, kind, and very supportive including the porters who were there to assist with our backpack every time. we truly appreciate that as well and without you guys, we couldn't reach our dream.
We highly recommend people visit Tanzania as it is a safe place in the world to visit. Thanks, Peter and your team for good work.
See you soon.
October 1, 2020husband and I decided to break the fear and decide to travel to Tanzania during this pandemic period. We booked since last year but our government stopped people from traveling... read more and the lockdown was in all counties.
Soon after the government allows people to travel at their own risk we decided to rebook our trip. Boker Adventures were okay with us to reschedule the trip for us.
We did mt Kilimanjaro climbing and 3 days safari which was unbelievable. During Trek, everything was super okay from the guides who were taking all precautions against COVID like make sure we have sanitizer every time, wash our hand in every camp. Social distance was not a big deal as we wanted to get close to the crew most of the time and to kill the fear. I was so surprised as when I saw people happy, free-minded about this pandemic up there. The preparation and food were very okay with us and the porters were very helpful.
There where very few people than I was expecting, we understand that was due to COVID but hopeful things will be okay soon.
After the climb, We slept in Arusha so as we can catch up early in the morning to start our three days safari. The jeep was awesome. In fact, we have never been in a big jeep like the one we use for safari. Same to the trek, in the parks, we visit Ngorongoro and Serengeti people where very few, I guess animals were so relaxing this time as it was not crowded. The guide knowledge about fauna and flora was brilliant hence we were interested much in the fauna and flora found in the park. The animals were close enough and we got good pictures as well.
We inspire those who have fear about COVID to kill it and travel, in Tanzania it's different, very different with other countries, well done Mr president for your courage of daring to kill fear among your people.
Thanks to all Boker Adventures team who make this possible for us to travel and do a safari and Kilimanjaro climbing. We highly recommend Boker Adventures Company for Tourism in Tanzania
September 17, 2020
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At the base of Mount Kilimanjaro where the the climb starts, the average temperature is around 70 to 80 degrees.
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