9-Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb: An Honest Review

So, thinking about taking on Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit? It’s quite an adventure, alright. You get nine days to seriously get to know the mountain. Is that cool or what? This route offers what I think is one of the most scenic paths up, with killer views and way fewer crowds. So you’re looking at a bit of a deep dive into what makes this hike so awesome. From what to expect each day to how best to prepare, that kind of stuff, you will find it here.

What Makes the Northern Circuit Special?

Basically, the Northern Circuit gives you a full circle tour of Kilimanjaro. Very special indeed. Starting in the west, it snakes around the quieter northern slopes, and then finally hits the summit from the east. The landscape morphs too: from forests, and moorlands to high alpine desert, it pretty much offers you all the different types of scenery Kilimanjaro has to offer. The thing that people appreciate? It’s how gradual it is. It helps with getting your body used to the altitude, that in turn makes you a summit success. The lower foot traffic is nice too, since you almost feel like you’ve got the mountain all to yourself! It really is very very different from the really hectic southern routes.

Day-by-Day Breakdown: What to Expect

So, breaking down what each day holds? Actually helps quite a bit. This is what you are potentially looking at, keep in mind, itineraries sometimes shift depending on conditions and operators:

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp (6 km, 3-4 hours): Very gentle start is what’s needed. A drive to Londorossi Gate is required first, then a hike via a super dense forest to Forest Camp. It gives your legs a nice warm up. Expect it to potentially be very wet too, so good boots are an absolute must.
Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 (8 km, 5-6 hours): It’s almost when the landscape starts to morph quite dramatically. Saying goodbye to the forest, it’s hello to the Shira Plateau with some incredible views. The altitude change starts to show itself as well. It might mean you feel a bit more winded.
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 (4 km, 3-4 hours): An easy day to just, alright get your body accustomed to the elevation. Walk around the Shira Plateau and drink lots of water, that seems like what you need to do here. Shira Cathedral gives you incredible photo ops, and it just gives you a taste of what’s to come.
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Moir Hut (12 km, 6-8 hours): Today you start seeing just how remote this hike is. The day kicks off with a trek to Lava Tower (4,600m), a really impressive spot. You will go higher so your body can acclimatise. Then its down to Moir Hut for the night. So very crucial to get to the next stage.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (12 km, 5-7 hours): It’s pretty, very pretty on this day as you continue trekking east around the north face. Buffalo Camp provides crazy panoramic views. What is crucial here? Is keeping an eye out for wildlife. It is an off the beaten track kind of area.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave (7 km, 5-6 hours): Third Cave has some interesting terrain as you make your way through valleys. Scramble carefully and remember that the air thins. The body responds accordingly. So keeping an eye out is what you need to be aware of.
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut (5 km, 4-5 hours): This is almost the day you gear up for your summit. Hike to School Hut right below the crater rim. Now? Eat, hydrate, and prep all gear as you rest. Its crucial.
Day 8: Summit Day! School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp (16 km, 10-15 hours): What you’re looking at is that it’s the big one. A super early start at midnight gives you what you need. Then it’s a push to Uhuru Peak. The views are well, next level. Going down can be tricky but doable, and then you’re staying at Millennium Camp lower down for your own recovery.
Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate (12 km, 4-5 hours): Last walk now, which is downhill through the forest to Mweka Gate. Job done after that. The last opportunity for photo ops and thank yous. You get given certificates too which is an incentive.

Acclimatization: Key to Summit Success

What is what makes the Northern Circuit better for getting your body used to high altitude? So, because the route takes its time to gain elevation gradually and has the “walk high, sleep low” system? Your body almost adjusts more kindly to the altitude changes. Days like the trek up to Lava Tower and the descent to Moir Hut are key. Those almost prepare the body for summit day. Pay real mind to how you feel, stay hydrated, and eat enough food. Those can alleviate some altitude related issues. Seriously, listening to your guides and heeding their advice really assists you!

Gear and Packing Tips

You think you can show up with any old backpack for this type of expedition? That, could almost be a grave mistake! Temperature varies so much, almost going from tropical to freezing, then high quality gear is not just handy, but absolutely must have! That is critical for what I am describing to you now. Make sure to have some warm layers like thermals, fleece, a good down coat. Bring a waterproof jacket and pants and really rugged hiking boots. Think about packing sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and gloves for UV rays and cold. Remember a headlamp with good batteries for summit night too! Then make sure to pack a basic first-aid kit with blister treatment.

Choosing the Right Operator

Picking the proper climbing team can totally affect whether you have what might be a great time or not. So when looking, keep an eye out for folks with: Solid credentials; great reviews; guides who are really qualified; how well they are with ensuring fair wages and that the porters are looked after. Is that a tall order? I dont know. Try asking your potential operators really detailed questions, see how the guys deal with altitude illness, what kind of emergency strategies they use, see if the climbing team know of any good food. Look for someone who customises it to your own fitness level and personal preferences. Seriously that matters so much. Cost isn’t everything – a cheaper choice almost can translate to some compromises regarding the safety or ethical components, in reality.

Training and Physical Preparation

Climbing Kilimanjaro? Not just popping out for a little walk! If you want the strength for a multi-day trek, starting what you think might be several months before? Well it does give you time to get ready for it. You probably want to do this to get you ready physically: Cardiovascular fitness; building stamina and strength; exercises like hiking with a loaded pack; running. Almost build to doing longer hikes so you can handle being on your feet for days and days! Also, go simulate your acclimatization through training in spots with high altitudes as well; what could very easily assist your adaptation to the conditions.

Personal Reflections: My Experience on the Northern Circuit

So, thinking back on it, my time on the Northern Circuit? It changed my entire outlook to mountains. Yes it pushes you. The solitude of those northern slopes? And just getting views not that many folks actually get to see? Almost are untouchable. Were things super hard at moments? Really! It’s the camaraderie among those I hiked with, seeing just what I can potentially push myself towards physically and mentally? That stays. It may be more than hiking just up a tall mountain, it can, seriously, be that lifetime moment kind of thing.

Hopefully you are clearer now! The 9-day Northern Circuit? Seems like it could be what’s potentially your ideal Kili hike. Getting fantastic scenery, and with getting used to the altitude more? It seems pretty sound all round.

Key Takeaways:

Northern Circuit gives unique panoramic views and reduced footfall.
Acclimatization that’s gradual can improve what might very easily be the chances to go summit.
Appropriate gear and climbing teams actually really matters for a hike that’s both safe and very pleasant.
Starting what seems months out can help you, to fully enjoy.

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