9 Days Northern circuit Route – Kilimanjaro Trekking

Welcome to your adventure with Williamson Adventures! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly representative will be there to greet you. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi, which is situated at an elevation of 890m/2,920ft.

Once settled in, you’ll meet with your guide for a comprehensive climb briefing. This session will cover the upcoming trek, ensuring you are well-prepared and informed. After the briefing, we’ll conduct an equipment check to make sure you have everything needed for a successful and safe climb. Any missing gear can be rented or purchased at our Store.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Moshi, relax, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, where you can rest and acclimate to the local climate

• Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Elevation: 2360m/7743ft to 2895m/9497ft
• Altitude Gained: 535m

Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

• Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Elevation: 2895m/9497ft to 3500m/11,485ft
• Altitude Gained: 605m

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, and the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.

• Distance: 7 km / 4 mi
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Elevation: 3500m/11,485ft to 3850m/12,631ft
• Altitude Gained: 350m

Our trek crosses the Shira one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. Nine-day climbs will stay the night at Shira II Camp joining climbers ascending from the Machame Route. At Shira II Camp it is worth the extra energy to go a bit higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: 8 Day Climbs continue East to Shira Plateau Ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and descend to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)

• Distance: 9 km / 5.6 mi
• Duration: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: 3850m/12,631ft to 4200m/13,780ft
• Altitude Gained: 350m

Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continued to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.

• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Duration: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft
• Altitude Lost: 180m

We begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Spectacular views of plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretch as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest.

• Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3870m/12,700ft
• Altitude Lost: 150m

Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and down into Pofu Camp where lunch is served. We continue East around the Northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before and you should be feeling better acclimatized to the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon

• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
• Duration: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: 3870m/12,700ft to 4800m/15,748ft
• Altitude Gained: 930m

A steady ascent and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue Southwest to School Hut where you will be served an early dinner and the rest as you will begin just before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamps, and camera before going to bed.

• Distance Up: 6 km / 3.7 mi
• Duration Up: 6-8 hours
• Distance Down: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Duration Down: 6-7 hours
• Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit, Alpine Desert
• Elevation Up: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,341ft
• Altitude Gained: 1095m
• Descent to: 3106m/10,190ft
• Altitude Lost: 2789m

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.

• Distance: 9.1 km / 6 mi
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
• Altitude Lost: 1473m

The final descent takes you through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will then transport you back to Arusha/Moshi for a well-deserved shower, dinner, and celebration.