Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – start point 2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) Distance: ~5.5km

LONDOROSI GATE - The Northern Circuit Route kicks off at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, sharing the same starting point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes about two hours from Moshi and significantly longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities happens at the gate, after which you’ll be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead. Most tour operators provide lunch here before the brief first-day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You might be fortunate enough to spot large wildlife like elephants and buffaloes that occasionally emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you head towards your first camp.

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) Distance: ~8km / 5 miles

Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters) Distance: ~~14km / 8 miles

Shira Camp - On the third day, the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 for lunch. Here, nine-day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2, where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. However, eight-day trekkers will continue east through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enter the high alpine desert zone, before joining the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters.

Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) Distance: ~12km / 7 miles

Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters) Distance: ~8km / 5 miles

3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters) Distance: ~15km / 8 miles

Mount Kilimanjaro - Day six involves a steady climb up and over the Saddle, which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking southwest up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut, you will be served an early dinner and then should get some rest 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.

School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then onto Millennium Camp (3,950 meters)

Mount Kilimanjaro - preceding zones

You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep climb 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 becomes steeper as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after leaving School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and the incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours of 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, stay hydrated, and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.

Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters) Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles Trekking time: 3-4 hours Zone:

• Accommodation in wooden cabins on the mountain
• Emergence first aid kit
• Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
• All meals included: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
• Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porter
• Portable oxygen tanks and ox-meter
• 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
• 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
• Hot water for washing
• Treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek
• Double layered sleeping mats
• 4 season mountain tents

• Flights.
• Travel insurance.
• Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
• Tips for guides, porters and cook.
• Portable flush toilet tents are available for extra charges $ 70 for entire trek.

Starting at the Londorossi Gate in the west, the Northern Circuit is Mount Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest path. For its initial two days, it shares the track with the Lemosho Route before heading north near the Lava Tower after crossing the Shira Plateau. Instead of following the Southern Circuit which is a popular route through the Barranco Valley, it trail proceeds via the lesser-trafficked Northern Loop onto the mountain’s tranquil eastern slopes.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.