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This 9-day route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east. Descend is made via the Mweka route.
The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit also has the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate.
For the Head
Wool Hat, Balaclava, Sunglasses, glacier glasses better, Sunscreen (SPF 25+), Lip Balm (SPF 25+), Sun Hat, Bandana
Clothes (No Cotton)
Synthetic base layer (2) , Wool or synthetic layer (2), Wool or fleece sweater, Wind/Water-proof jacket, Convertible hiking pants, Underwear, Water-Proof Pants, Synthetic or wool pants for layering, Gloves or mittens, Glove Liner, Lycra tights.
For the Feet
Thin sock liners (2), Wool hiking socks (6), Good- broken-in hiking boots, Gaiters (knee lengthy is better), Tennis shoes or sandals (for camp)
For Sleeping
Zero degree sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner (optional), Inflatable pillow (optional)
For Hiking
Day pack (no larger than 2,200cu), Water bladder 100oz/3ltr, Rain cover for pack, Headlamp, Extra batteries, Large duffel bag for gear (porters carry), Energy bars/gels, Plastic bags
Personal Items
Toiletries, Small first aid kit, Small towel, Diamox for altitude sickness, Cash for tipping, Wet wipes, Bug Spray
Other Items
Sunglasses, Sunscreen (SPF 25+), Lip Balm (SPF 25+), Sun Hat, Bandana, Camera, Bug spray, Malaria pills, Flashlight/torch, Batteries, Cash for tips, etc.
Day 1 : Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate, where we will complete entry formalities. From here a forest track requiring one hour drive to Lemosho Glades. After lunch, we will walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite,
Day 2 : Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We will follow a trail that leads out of the forest and into a savannah giant heather moorland zone. Our ascend through scenic rolling hills, we will cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge before descending to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from the plateau is spectacular.
Day 3 : Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Habitat: Moorland
A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
Day 4 : Shira Camp 2 to Moir Hut
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert
Today we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Day 5 : Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Distance: 12km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today we take moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. You will have opportunity for small detour to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4375m before returning to the Northern Circuit path. 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.
Day 6 : Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine zone
As we head up Buffalo Ridge, and down to Porfu Camp where the lunch will be served. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave in the afternoon.
Day 7 : Third Cave to School Hut
Distance: 15km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: High Alpine zone
Today we take steady ascend over the Saddle, nested between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The path leads further south-west toward School Hut, where you will be served with early dinner, after which you should get some sleep, because 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.
Day 8 : School Hut – Summit (Uhuru Peak) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Distance: 6km ascent (Descend distance 17km)
Habitat: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
Altitudes (ASL): 4800m – 5895m,
Distance covered: 23 km,
Trekking time: 6 – 7 hours ascent, 3 hours descent to Kibo Hut, another 3 hours descent to Horombo Hut,
Habitat: Stone screed and ice-capped summit and Moorland,
Change in Altitude: Summit – Horombo Hut: (-2175m)
You will wake up around 11:30pm, and after some tea, pop corn and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer point (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s Point (5,685m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone screed, requiring a great physical and mental effort.
From Gillman’s Point you will go westerly all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs before the 3 hours descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and continue down to Horombo Hut Camp. In total you will be trekking for 15-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Later in the evening you enjoy your final dinner and night on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Day 9 : Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation (ASL): 3720m – 1920m,
Trekking distance: 18 km,
Trekking time: 6 hours,
Habitat: Morland/Montane forest
After early breakfast, you will continue your descent (6 – 7 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. On arrival there, you will sign for checking out and receiving your summit certificates. The successful climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with Gillman’s Point certificates, Stella Point (5759m) are issued with Stella Point Certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive Uhuru Peak certificates. Our vehicle will meet at Marangu Gate and transfer you back to Arusha or Moshi for a hot shower, dinner and overnight at the hotel/lodge.
Payment Terms & Methods :
* 20% Advance Percentage of total booking amount
Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
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About Zorilla Safaris & Treks
ZORILLA SAFARIS & TREKS is a well-known destination management company with its main office in Arusha, Tanzania, and branch office in Mombasa, Kenya. We offer you a range of specialized tours, safaris, and treks focused on the mesmerizing beauty of Tanzania and Kenya. We are experienced, cooperative, friendly, and knowledgeable people, and our clients are assured of an exciting, safe, and reliable safari and trekking experience while using our service.
Incorporated in 2000, ZORILLA SAFARIS & TREKS has a long-term objective of providing a reliable and secure travel medium to tourists visiting Tanzania and Kenya. Today, we are a prominent name in the leisure travel market. We provide tailor-made tours, safaris, and treks for individuals, couples, groups, and families. We customize your safari, tour, and treks to fit the number of days, places you prefer to visit, your budget, or any other special needs you may have. We are pleased to help and work with you to create the best possible Tanzania or Kenya trip, exceeding your expectations. Our expert team will always be available to arrange everything from transportation to accommodation and other facilities you may need during your trip to Tanzania and Kenya. We and our team ensure our clients end their jouey with memories of a superb travel adventure in one of the world's most spectacular regions.
Our Mission:
At ZORILLA SAFARIS & TREKS, our mission is to provide unforgettable, lifetime safari & trek experiences to our clients. We aim to build an organization dedicated to achieving customer satisfaction through understanding the ever-changing needs in the travel industry, delivering quality service, and following a value-for-money approach.
Our Vision:
Our Vision is to be a customer-oriented and friendly tour and travel company.
Why Choose Us?
The reasons that make us a preferred choice for your Tanzania and Kenya trip are:
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