The 9 days Northern Circuit Route is one of the easiest routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a recently introduced route that gives climbers enough time to acclimatize as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery that it offers. If you have enough time on your hands and are not on a tight budget this route will take you to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro with ease.
Boasting a high summit success rate, the rarely-visited northern slopes of Kilimanjaro will reward you with beautiful 360-degree panoramic views. The 9 Days Northern Circuit route is one of the longest routes hence it takes longer to climb Kilimanjaro using this route. This route can be done as an 8-day itinerary or a 9-day itinerary which we strongly recommend. Download the 9 days Northern Circuit Route Itinerary in PDF below
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a real challenge due to the altitude, rate of ascent and different temperatures. During an average climbing day you will walk six to seven hours per day. If you are healthy and fit it is absolutely within reach. There are many things you can do to increase your chances to reach the summit and to make sure you enjoy the trek.
The 9 days Northern Circuit Route is one of the easiest routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a recently introduced route that gives climbers enough time to acclimatize as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery that it offers. If you have enough time on your hands and are not on a tight budget this route will take you to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro with ease.
Boasting a high summit success rate, the rarely-visited northern slopes of Kilimanjaro will reward you with beautiful 360-degree panoramic views. The 9 Days Northern Circuit route is one of the longest routes hence it takes longer to climb Kilimanjaro using this route. This route can be done as an 8-day itinerary or a 9-day itinerary which we strongly recommend. Download the 9 days Northern Circuit Route Itinerary in PDF below
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a real challenge due to the altitude, rate of ascent and different temperatures. During an average climbing day you will walk six to seven hours per day. If you are healthy and fit it is absolutely within reach. There are many things you can do to increase your chances to reach the summit and to make sure you enjoy the trek.
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From your lodge, we will make our way to the Londorosi gate on the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro (a few hours drive from Arusha). We will begin our hike at the Lemosho trail head. Please note that in rainy/muddy conditions, sometimes the vehicles can’t make it to the true trailhead so there can be some extra hiking – but Serengeti Pride vehicles usually make it farther than any other company due to our great drivers and vehicles. After a picnic lunch, we will hike for about 4 hours to the forest camp. In the forest, exotic moss and flowers delight the eye while bird calls entertain the ear. You may see Black and White Colobus monkeys as well as signs of the elephants that travel in this area. We will overnight at Forest Camp. Hiking: 4-5 hours Overnight Altitude ~9,498’
As we leave the Montane Forest and enter the Hagenia zone, our views open and we will catch our first views of the Kibo peak. This is a good acclimatization hike, as we go up and down several ridges along the way to our highest point of the day at 11,500’ before descending to camp. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp. Hiking: 6-9 hours Overnight Altitude 11,500’
We will traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Along the way, we will enjoy a picnic lunch at Scott Fisher’ memorial camp (the well-known Mt. Everest guide). We will continue on to the upper heath zone and Moir camp. Depending on the weather, acclimatization hikes can be arranged in the late afternoon Hiking: 5-6 hours Overnight Altitude: ~13,580′
Hike about 4-7 hours, depending on stops along the way. You have quite a ridge to climb up as you depart Moir camp, so it’s best to start out very slowly until you crest the ridge. This is a great acclimatization day. Hiking: 5-7 hours Overnight Altitude: ~13,200′
Continue your traverse around the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, with expansive views, as you find your way to Third Cave Camp. Hiking: 5-7 hours Overnight Altitude: ~12,700′
We get into our highest elevation camp today. Try to get to bed early for some rest before you start your night-time summit ascent (usually starting around midnight) to Gilman’s Point, through Stella Point, and for the final push up to the summit. Hiking: 4-5 hours Overnight Altitude: ~15,600’
Summit day. We will start our ascent to the summit (19,340ft – 5,896m) around 11:00 PM or midnight the night prior. The goal for you – and numerous other climbers – is to reach the peak right at sunrise. In reality, due to differences in hiking speed, energy, and altitude acclimatization, there is a several hour span where most climbers reach the summit. Using headlamps (bring extra lithium batteries, which last much better in cold dark conditions!) you will ascend 6-7 hours to Gilman’s point, traverse the Crater Rim to Stella Point and then up another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the summit. After a summit celebration and photo, descend to Barafu camp for lunch and then to Mweka camp to sleep overnight. By advance request we can sleep at Millenium camp instead; this is at ~12,000’ so less descent today, but means more descent tomorrow. Hiking: Very variable on both the up and the down; 13-17 hours typical Summit 19,341’ Overnight Altitude:10,065’
We make the final descent to the trailhead today, about 3-5 hours hiking. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to town. Arrive at your lodge usually between 3-5 PM. Hiking: 3-5 hours
After a good night’s rest at your hotel, you will take breakfast ready for the scheduled check-out by 11.00hrs.(If you wish to remain in the hotel during the day, please advise us of this when you book your trip and we will inform you of the cost for a ‘day room’ which allows you to stay until 18:00hrs, and then make the booking on your behalf.)
Ready to embark on your African adventure? Reach out to us for booking inquiries and let’s make your dream trip a reality!
