Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed using one of six well-known routes: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. All three routesāMarangu, Machame, and Umbweāadvance from the mountain’s southern side. The west is where the Lemosho and Shira paths approach from. The Rongai route travels close to Kenya from the north. All routes descend via Mweka, excluding Marangu and Rongai.
One of the best routes on Kilimanjaro is the Northern Circuit, which offers nearly 360 degrees of breathtaking scenery, including the secluded, little traveled northern slopes. The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, allowing for the best acclimatization time and having the highest summit success rate.
The journey begins with a lengthy drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate as it makes its way toward Mount Kilimanjaro from the west. The first two days are spent making the trek from there through the rain forest to Shira Ridge and then across the Shira Plateau. The route then turns north and makes a clockwise loop from School Hut to Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp before ascending from the east.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Norbert safaris representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to trek Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho Route for 8 days.
The Kilimanjaro National Park Gate is a 45-minute drive from Moshi, passing through hospitable mountainside villages. We will wait patiently for the issuance of our permits while observing the flurry of activity as numerous crews get ready for the journey ahead. As your guide explains the local flora, fauna, and wildlife to you, take in the stunning rainforest scenery and winding trails. At these lower altitudes, the trail can be quite muddy and hazardous. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly advised here.
After a sound night’s sleep and a filling breakfast, we leave the rain forest and continue on an ascending path. The trail climbs steadily with expansive views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. The temperature starts to fall.
From Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp, we cross the Shira, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. Along with climbers ascending via the Machame Route, nine-day climbs will spend the night at Shira II Camp. It is worth the extra effort to ascend a little further on the plateau at Shira II Camp to take in the breathtaking view of the valley below and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. Since the plateau is exposed, be ready for a chilly night with lows below zero. Keep in mind that 8 Day Climbs continue to the East to the Shira Plateau Ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 meters), then descend to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)
This day is crucial for acclimatization even though you end it at a similar elevation to where you started. After leaving the Shira Plateau, we head east along a ridge, passing the turnoff for the Kibo peak, before heading south-east toward the “Shark’s Tooth” lava tower (4650m/15,250ft). We reach a second intersection, which leads to the Arrow Glacier, not far from the tower. We then keep descending to Barranco Camp for the night.
Out of Moir Valley, we start with a moderately steep climb. You can make a short detour from the Northern Circuit trail here to Little Lent Hill’s 4,375-meter summit if you’d like. Buffalo Camp is reached by taking a series of inclinations and descents that skirt the northern slopes of Kibo. Views of the plains north of Mount Kilimanjaro that are breathtakingly beautiful and extend as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Just after noon, you will arrive at Buffalo Camp, where you can have lunch and rest.
On day six, the ascent up Buffalo Ridge is followed by a descent into Pofu Camp, where lunch is provided. To reach the Rongai Third Cave, we keep moving eastward around the northern slopes. Your acclimatization to the altitude should be improving by now, and today’s climb is shorter than the one from yesterday. You will reach the Third Cave just before midday.
steadily upward and over the saddle that connects Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak. Continue southwest to School Hut, where you will be given an early dinner and the rest before starting your summit attempt just before midnight. Before turning in for the night, don’t forget to set up your equipment, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera.
Departure from School Hut at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak. Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak – the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and the last point of the climb, Opportunity for Pictures and Celebrations. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue to Mweka Camp for Dinner and Overnight
Today is your departure date, You Checkout is at 11:00 Am and according to your departure Time you can decide to book a addon Cultural Activity, Which are plenty in this Town. You can choose a Coffee Cultural Tour, Htspring relaxing Tour, Day Trip to Nearby National Parks or simply choose a Town Tour
We are at the top of the list when it comes to experts of Tanzania wildlife safaris, beach holidays, and Mountain climbing. Simply because we live, work and travel here so the best and beauty of Tanzania it’s in the palms of our hands.