Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek: A Complete 9-Day Review

So, you might just be sitting there thinking of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, right? It’s almost one of those dream trips a whole lot of folks have. One way to make that dream happen is by thinking about the Northern Circuit Route. Very, very different compared to, say, the Marangu or the Machame routes, the Northern Circuit gives you more days on the mountain, awesome views, and a way better chance to get used to the altitude. I mean, getting to the top is a big thing, of course. Let’s get into what makes this route unique, why it could be perfect for you, and everything you should expect every day on the trail.

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?

Well, the Northern Circuit Route, too it’s the longest route on Kilimanjaro, usually needing around nine days. So, why would you choose it? The biggest reason could be acclimatization. More days on the mountain usually means your body has way more time to adjust to the rising altitude. Very, very few people seem to think about how altitude sickness can ruin a climb. Besides that, the Northern Circuit is way less busy compared to other routes. You get some peace as you hike, letting you completely take in those great views and nature. Plus, this route goes around the quiet northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, giving you vistas that other routes don’t offer. You’ll see everything, right from the lush forests at the start to the glacial landscapes near the summit.

Day-by-Day Breakdown: What to Expect

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

The climb actually starts at Londorossi Gate. It’s almost where you meet your crew and get the permits checked. Then, very, very fast, you start hiking. The first day is mainly through the rainforest. It tends to be pretty damp, filled with cool plants and perhaps monkeys jumping through the trees. It’s more or less a relaxed start, usually used to get your legs warmed up and start getting used to hiking with your backpack. You’ll get to Forest Camp in the late afternoon, set up the tents, and just relax.

Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1

The trail gets steeper so, too it’s getting out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. That just means the scenery starts changing pretty fast. Now, the views are really opening up, giving you those first sights of Kibo Peak. It’s like your motivation for real. The hike itself isn’t extremely hard, yet you’re getting higher, right. You’ll get to Shira Camp 1, which just offers amazing views of the Shira Plateau. The evening tends to be about resting, keeping yourself hydrated, and eating dinner as you look at that sunset.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

This day, yet it’s about acclimatization, so, too it’s a pretty easy hike to Shira Camp 2. So, it’s important, you’ll hike a little high and then come back down to camp. Very, very important if you really don’t feel well with the altitude. That short climb high helps your body get used to the thinner air. Shira Camp 2 is kinda cool because it gives you great views of both Kibo and Mount Meru. It’s pretty wonderful taking images during the sunset from there.

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Now, very, very soon, the day gets harder as you hike to Lava Tower at 4,600 meters. That’s just super high, right. Many people feel the altitude here, sometimes with headaches or feeling tired. But, that’s what the acclimatization is for. You hang out at Lava Tower for lunch before going back down to Moir Hut. Going down just helps your body recover. Moir Hut, just located in a nice and sheltered spot, and too it’s kinda near some cool rock formations, gives you pretty wonderful sunsets.

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Leaving Moir Hut takes you on a path that’s pretty untouched compared to some routes. The trail to Buffalo Camp just takes you across wide plains, it tends to be offering sights of the northern side of Kilimanjaro. It’s really peaceful because there aren’t as many hikers. Buffalo Camp tends to be kinda remote, which makes it really something. It might be used to see some animals around, so always just listen to your guide.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave

The climb to Rongai Third Cave can be just a little steeper so, too it’s as you move up, with the landscape getting drier. This cave serves as a camp spot, but too it’s known for those great views back down the slope. Being on the northern side has upsides with a bit more shelter and less exposure to those intense sun compared to the southern routes. You would relax here to prepare your body for the summit attempt. Actually, get hydrated and store that energy!

Day 7: Rongai Third Cave to School Hut

This day can be a grind. That climb to School Hut is up a tough slope. So, it’s almost a straight path to the summit base. At School Hut, just located at 4,800 meters, you just hang out, but really can’t sleep much because of the altitude and knowing you will have to go to the top real soon. Eat something, drink lots of water, and perhaps plan on getting just a little sleep. Your summit climb begins very, very late at night.

Day 8: Summit Day – School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

Now, the summit hike is the hardest part. So, it’s important, you usually start around midnight to get to Uhuru Peak just as the sun appears. The climb takes about six to eight hours and it’s kinda slow and tough. The ground is kinda rocky and steep, right, and the altitude has effects on everybody. When you finally make it to Uhuru Peak, right at 5,895 meters, the views can be kinda stunning. So, you see that sun come up, it’s nearly a view you will remember always. After the photos, it is very, very fast you begin going back down. It’s nearly a really long day because you hike down to Millennium Camp, which is a lot lower. This really helps to breathe easier and too it’s easier on those aching muscles.

Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

That last day is generally just a relaxed walk through the rainforest. I mean, coming down, everything feels easier, right. You’ll get to Mweka Gate, do sign out, and then, very, very fast, you go back to your lodging in Moshi or Arusha for that needed shower and a chance to relax after a big achievement.

Things to Know Before You Go

Fitness Level

The Northern Circuit isn’t so much technical so, too it’s as physically exhausting. So, you can take on it, being in pretty great shape just tends to be a must. Preparing with walks, especially on hills or stairs, helps build that stamina. Regular exercise some months before the climb just gives you that fitness so, too it’s can handle some days hiking for hours. It’s better preparing for this way.

Acclimatization

Acclimatization, just adjusting to high altitude, could be a big deal when hiking Kilimanjaro. The Northern Circuit just offers better chances to get used to that altitude compared to shorter routes. Always, constantly just listen to that guide about how you really feel, hydrate a bunch, and don’t hurry up to go faster. Very, very easy steps really makes sure you feel better.

What to Pack

Packing is an art. Layers just seem to be vital. The climate on Kilimanjaro just ranges a bunch, right, right from hot to way cold. Take hiking boots, warm clothes, rain gear, a good backpack, and just equipment such as trekking poles. Not just skip those important items like sunscreen, lip balm, and that first aid box.

Choosing a Tour Operator

Choosing a decent tour operator is really something. Find one with good reviews, experienced guides, and one that takes care of their porters and crew. They must have safety plans, great equipment, and clear communication. So, do ask questions, and too it’s making sure they tend to be responsible. I mean, what can go wrong? That crew just makes your climb smooth and more happy. They’re worth that weight in gold, I say!

Is the Northern Circuit Right for You?

If you would be seeking some time in the wilds, mind blowing vistas, and greater chance to succeed to climb because acclimatization, right, that Northern Circuit may be perfect for your plans. It just calls for physical stamina and a willingness to climb for days, so, too it’s but if the body loves doing things for those extended hikes, then the unforgettable adventure would be waiting on Kilimanjaro’s quiet northern face. Remember that, right? Make your booking and travel! This way!

FAQs About the Northern Circuit Route

What is the success rate for the Northern Circuit Route?

The success rate, just often higher than shorter routes because that better acclimatization. Hikers usually get used to that altitude because they would have more days. Now, a number relies on things just like individual fitness, how well someone gets used to that altitude, and the guide crew.

How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route compared to other routes?

I mean, physically, it would be kinda hard because of its length. So, the trek itself may not really need technical skills. The upsides would be more time, that can help a lot with how someone feels and adjusting to that climb.

What is the best time of year to trek the Northern Circuit?

The decent times tend to be during that dry season, I guess, right from June to October and December to March. Those times come with less rain and better trekking weather. So, really think about what you really don’t want as part of your plans for hiking there.

How much does it cost to trek the Northern Circuit Route?

A trek, it can really be different. Expect it that you just can go anywhere right from $4,000 to $6,000, so, too it’s based upon the tour operator and what’s added. What is something worth paying or not. Always do check just what has been said during that agreement and the reviews to avoid scams. And always have fun!