All year
8 Days / 7 Nights
Kilimanjaro international Airport
Londorossi Gate, Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira Camp I, Moir Camp, Pofu Camp
Pofu Camp, Rongai Third Cave, to School Hut, Uhuru Peak, Millennium Camp, Mweka Gate
This route is also known as the Northern Circuit or Alternative Lemosho Route. The route starts on the western side of the mountain, then winds around the north side before ascending to Uhuru Peak from the east. Climbers have a great chance to experience many things. The descent follows the Mweka Route. It can be completed in 8+ days but is best done in 8 or 9 days. This route is becoming increasingly popular due to good acclimatization and its scenic beauty. Currently, this route is not crowded at all.
The extended 8-day trek offers gradual altitude gain, giving climbers more time to acclimatize, which significantly increases the chances of successfully reaching the summit.
The Lemosho Route often provides sightings of wildlife, especially in the early days as trekkers pass through the lush forests, adding a unique experience to the journey.
Lemosho is known for its breathtaking scenery, passing through diverse landscapes, including forests, heathlands, and panoramic views of the Shira Plateau.
Compared to other popular routes like Marangu or Machame, Lemosho is less crowded, offering a more peaceful and secluded climbing experience.
After arriving at the Airport, you will be picked up by a Nafika tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later on, you will enjoy dinner with your group before being briefed on the trek followed by an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. We can organize the rental of any missing equipment should it be needed.
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2100 m) in the west, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities is at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephants, giraffes and buffalos that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2820m)
Today, you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of the rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone, which leads up to the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, concluding at Shira Camp I (3610 m).
On day three, the trek takes us from Shira Camp I to Shira Camp II as we cross the Shira Plateau. We will continue eastward to reach the Shira Plateau ridge, proceed to Lava Tower (4600 m), and then descend to Moir Camp (4200 m).
Today, there is a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4375 meters before returning to the Grand Traverse trail. From here, the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Pofu (Buffalo) Camp (4020 m). The trek offers great vistas across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro, stretching out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Pofu Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch, dinner, and stay overnight.
Day five starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and then continues east along the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3800 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
On day six, you will experience a steady incline up and over the Saddle, which is situated between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Trekkers will then continue walking southwest to reach School Hut (4800 m). Upon arriving at School Hut, you will be served an early dinner, and you should get some sleep because you will be awakened before midnight to begin your summit attempt.
You will be awakened at midnight with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave, where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5681 m), which will be approximately 5-6 hours after departing from School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and the incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak. From here, gather all your energy and every bit of determination to reach Uhuru Peak (5895 m). The duration of your stay at the summit will depend on the time, weather, and your physical condition. Afterward, you will head around the crater rim to Stella Point (5739 m), where you will turn south and descend the heavily scree-covered slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4680 m). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3950 m) for your final night on the mountain.
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3950 m) to Mweka Gate (1640 m). 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.
Later in the evening or the next day you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to board your home bound flight. Also Nafika tours can organize an affordable safari trip to one of the best wildlife parks in Tanzania such as Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park.
Prices (quoted in USD/per person)
| No of Pax | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2250 USD |
| 2-4 People | $1900 USD |
| 5-9 People | $1850 USD |
| 10+ People | $1780 USD |
At Nafika Tours, we bring your dream trip to life! Our sample itineraries are fully customizable to suit your unique preferences. Whether you seek for Kilimanjaro adventure, Safari, culture, or relaxation, our dedicated specialists will collaborate closely with you to design a one-of-a-kind journey tailored just for you. With expert guidance and unparalleled flexibility, we ensure every moment of your trip reflects your vision, making your African adventure truly unforgettable.
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