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NORTHERN CIRCUIT KILIMANJARO route and information

So you probably have a lot of questions, like "Is the Northern Circuit quiet? How difficult is the Northern Grand Traverse route," "When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro" "Which route should I choose?"  "Do I need insurance on Mount Kilimanjaro "What are the routes on Kilimanjaro and how do I choose one? "

Less hiked scenic Northern Circuit Route

Northern Circuit Route is the newest route to open on Kilimanjaro and is a modified clone of parts of Shira and Rongai routes with a traverse to connect them. This route has also been called the 360 and Grand Traverse by some companies. The route has a very long approach to the mountain but like Shira, starts off at a high altitude, making acclimatisation more difficult initially. However, it then remains at a relatively stable altitude for two days before ascending to Kibo Camp. The route is done over 8-9 days.

It offers amazing scenery, excellent acclimatisation, and a quiet trek. It offers stunning scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slope. It is the one route where you will see very few if any other people.

The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the western side after a long drive of about 3 hours from Moshi. Then, as with Shira route, your are driven to quite high on Shira Plateau for the start of the trek, thereby completely missing the forest section. From Shira plateau, you climb in an easterly direction to Moir's camp nestled behind a ridge near the famous Lava the route. It then heads around the northern approach route via Pofu camp to join up with the Rongai route at third caves. You then ascend to Kibo, joining Marangu route and leading to summit via Kibo. After summit, descent is made via the Machame route                      

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best time to climb

Being equatorial,  Tanzania has two wet seasons.

The first is the long rains from March to May, and then a short rainy season in November. The daytime temperatures tend to range around 32 to 38 degrees C in the forest, to anything from -2 to 6 degrees at the summit. Nights tend to range from 10 degrees down to well below freezing. Summit temperatures can drop below -20C. 

Distances trekked per day vary, between 6km’s on day two, to close on 30km’s on the day of your summit, dependent on which route you take.

The warmest months with the clearest trekking days on Kilimanjaro,  are from mid to late December, January, February, September and October. The rains often come in April and the start of May with the possibility of some snow.  June through to August are superb trekking months, though evening temperatures tend to be colder. The wettest months on Kilimanjaro are November and early December, where snowfalls are likely. Note, that as this is a mountain it is not impossible to get sporadic snow or rainfall at odd times throughout the year, although the snow normally only falls above 4800m.

Emergency Evacuation

As  part of your Kilimanjaro Park Fee, emergency evacuation services are included. This means that you will be carried down to the base of the mountain as quickly as possible, on a mountain stretcher.  In many cases, a foot evacuation is quicker than waiting for insurance cover to arrange the logistics for a helicopter.

There are helicopter evacuation points on all of the major routes at specific locations, namely Horombo, Barranco, Barafu, Kosovo, Stella, Millennium and Shira. All points are within less than five hours from the crater by stretcher and SAR emergency medical service can be deployed within 5 minutes from Kilimanjaro or Meru, regardless of the season. Of course, nothing is free and deployment of this service is contingent on you already have an insurance covers for evacuations to 6,000 meters above sea level. 

Kilimanjaro TOILETS

So lets start with the worst problem of all; human waste. It is something we all need to do at some point of the day and there are purpose built toilets at each camp and at some places along the route. If you are on Marangu you fill find nice flush toilets but for the rest of the mountain they are long drops. Lower down the mountain in the forest zone and at the first camps, the toilets smell due to low altitude and warm weather during the day. The effect of this is that many people elect to go outside the toilet in the surrounding area, resulting in unwanted piles of human waste and toilet paper littering the area. The situation at Crater camp at 5700m is even more dire, where they are no custom toilets meaning that the only places to go are in and around crater camp itself. Due to the sub zero temperatures, nothing freezes. Between camps, there are few, if any toilet facilities. 

For the reasons mentioned above, regardless of how dire the conditions are in the toilet we ask that climbers make use of them.  They are there for good reason. Take vicks and rub it under your nose if you must.  If not, hire a toilet tent where the waste can be properly disposed of. And if you really do need to go between camps, find yourself a “loo with a view” a good 20m off the trail and away from any streams, dig and hole and bury your deposit.

LITTER ON KILIMANJARO

Everything that is carried up the mountain that is not consumed must be brought back down again. At every camp, the gear that the porters carry must be weighed on leaving each camp and again on arriving to the next one.  KINAPA enforces strict regulations to keep Kilimanjaro clean. Licenses are easily revoked or heavy fines imposed if it is found that a guide is leaving litter on the mountain. So in theory, all you have to do is give your little paper bag to the kitchen team to be carried off the mountain or better still, leave it in a bag in your duffel and dispose of it when home. Why paper bag? Simple, plastic is a global curse and as of 1 June, Tanzania has banned the use of plastic bags. Anyone arriving into Tanzania will have to “surrender” plastic bags in their possession before entering the country. En route to summit, sucking on glucose sweet helps with thirst and a dry mouth but sadly, most of those sweet wrappers find there way to the scree paths. If you have the energy to dig out a sweet and open it, then you have the energy to put the wrapper back in your pocket. The same applies to hand warmers and dead camera batteries.

travel insurance

The cost of a medical evacuation from the mountain is expensive, which is why adequate travel insurance  is required on all climbs booked through us. Adequate, means you must be covered for 1) Trekking or hiking – this may sound strange, but many insurance list that as an exclusion. 
2) Altitude up to 6,000 meters. Most travel insurance providers do not include this under their standard cover and often limit it to 3500m or less. 
3) Sprains strains and physiotherapy – yes, many insurers exclude this; though ironically, this is what you will most likely need cover for. 
4) Personal accident – this is the horrible part of insurance. Yes, you need to be covered in the case of death. We are often told by clients – “if anything happens to me, just leave me there.” It is not that simple. 


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Kilimanjaro Northern Route Overview

Day Start Altitude Finish Altitude Duration Distance Habitat
Day 1 Morum Barrier 3600 Shira I 3720m 2hrs 4km Montane
Day 2 Shira I 3720m Moir Camp 4205m 5-6hrs 9km Moorland
Day 3 Moir Camp 4205m Buffalo Camp 4150m 5-7hrs 10km Moorland
Day 4 Buffalo Camp 4150m Kikelewa 3995m 4-5hrs 8km Alpine
Day 5 Kikelewa 3995m Mawenzi Tarn 4330m 3-4hrs 5km Alpine
Day 6 Mawenzi Tarn 4330 Kibo Huts 4750m 5-7hrs 8km Alpine
Day 7 Kibo Huts 4750m Uhuru Peak 5895m 6-9hrs 7km Scree/snow
Uhuru Peak 58985m Mweka Camp 1980m 7-8hrs 13km Alpine to Forest
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NORTHERN CIRCUIT GRAND TRAVERSE route ITINERARY

Day-1: Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport and  transfer to hotel. Overnight hotel.            

Day-2: Morum Barrier Gate (3,600m) Shira Camp I (3,720m)

Hiking: 2 hours
Distance: About 4 Km
Habitat: Montane

Departure from Moshi will be at around 7:30am for Londorossi gate, about 4 hours away, where you will complete entry formalities. We will then start the hike up to Morum Barrier Gate about an hour away. Once there, we will enjoy lunch and then hike up through the shrub land and moorland to reach the first camp, about 2 hour away. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is stunning.

Day-3: Shira Camp I (3,720m) - Moir Camp (4,205m)

Elevation: 2835 metres - 3850 metres
Distance: 9 kmshira northern circuit
Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
Environment: Moorland

Today we trek across the Shira plateau in an easterly direction to Moir camp. Shira plateau is the remains of a once volcanic crater, which after Kibo's last eruption was filled with volcanic lava. We head away from the main tourist trails as we head around the flanks of Kibo. The trek is about 4-5 hours over easy terrain. Moir camp is an isolated and seldom used camp affording views over the Shira Plateau.

Day-4: Moir Camp (4,205m) - Buffalo Camp (4,150m)

Hiking: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
Distance: 10 km's

Today we head out across the moorland and into the stark alpine desert heading up a ridge , on off the main trail along the quite and seldom used Northern Circuit Route. The trail heads across massive beds of shale. The final section of today's walk is undulating until we reach the location of Buffalo Camp (4150m). the views across the vast Kenyan plains that stretch out far below re incredible. The total trekking time is about 5 - 7 hours.

Day-5: -Buffalo Camp (4,150m) (also known as Pofu) - Kikelewa Caves (3600m)

Elevation: 4,150m to 3,600m
Hiking time: 5hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Distance: 8 km's

From Buffalo Camp we climb up to the top of 'Buffalo Ridge' and the descend to reach Pofu, where there is a small spring and some vegetation. The trail continues eastwards through a landscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp (3600m) or Kikelewa, at 3900m. Approx 5-7 hours walking.

Day-6: Kikelewa Cave (3600m) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)

Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today we will find ourselves joining with the Rongai route. It is a short but steep climb up grassy slopes offering superb views of this wilderness area. Here, we will leave the moorland region behind and quickly enter into the lunar alpine desert stretched out between the imposing peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. We will camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated in the shadows of Mawenzi.

Day-7 : Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo Huts/Outward Bound Camp (4,750m)

Elevation: 4,330m to 4,750m
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
The trekking time today is 5 - 7 hours, with a steady ascent across the wide saddle with it stark contrasts, between Mawenzi and Kibo. We will then ascend further up to Outward Bound Camp or School hut, or Kibo to spend the night. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight.

Day-8: Kibo/Outward Bound Camp (4,750m) - Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Elevation: 4,750m to 5,895m to 3,100m
Distance: 24 km/14 miles
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Arctic to Heath Zone

A midnight wake-up call Kibo huts kilimanjarois the start of a long trek. You begin trekking at 1am up the winding path of endless switchbacks. From your camp to the rim of the crater (Gillman's Point (5,712 m) to Uhuru Peak, the trekking time is about 7 - 8 hours. Today is by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The slope is steep, with switchbacks over loose rock and scree with some boulders as you near Gilman's Point. You will stop at Hans Meyer cave on the way, the famous place where Kilimanjaro's first western climber described in his journals. Once you arrive at Gilman's Point at the edge of the crater, the trail to the summit is less demanding, and is reached after a further 1½-2 hours along the snowy crater rim. After a short time at the summit, re-trace your steps back along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descend down through Barafu Camp where you will have a chance to rest before heading down towards Mweka hut (3100m).The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

Day-9: Mweka camp (3100m) - Mweka Gate (1980m)
After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 3-hour scenic hike back to the Park gate. It is recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. At Mweka gate you will have to sign your name and details in a register in order to receive you summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will meet up with your team and bus, and head back to the hotel a long over due hot shower.

Day-10: Depart

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight home.

End of services 



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Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked Questions

 Is Kilimanjaro a technical climb?

No. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak in that you essentially hike or trek to summit. No technical expertise is required, nor use of rope etc. There are sections on the mountain which require a scramble up rocky areas, dependant  on which trekking path you follow.                    

 How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro on Northern Route?

The shortest number of days required is 8, but by the time you have added on arrival and departure days it is 9. As a longer approach route it is best done over 8 or 9 days to increase your chances of success.

What distance does Northern Circuit Route cover?

The northern route is approximately 70 km /42 miles from gate to gate so a good 8km longer than e.g. Machame or Whiskey route. The distances each day will vary e.g. on day one the distance is 3.7 miles or 6km. The elevation gain is 500m/ 1,640 feet.  On the summit climb to Uhuru Peak as a contrast you will hike around 12 miles/ 21km

Do we stay in tents or huts on Northern Circuit?

On this route you stay overnight in two person tents

 Where do we get water from at camps?

There are several streams on the  trail and porters will collect water from them. The cook  then boils this water for you to fill you water bottles for your days hike. You can also use purifier tablets in  stream water or add it to your boiled water however it  can also have an effect on the diamox and make you feel  nauseous. The higher you climb the less water there is. On the Machame trail, for example, the last water point is at the Karanga Valley, the lunch-stop before Barafu; on Marangu, it’s just before the Saddle. For this reason it is essential that you carry enough bottles for at least two litres.

 How fit do I need to be for Climbing Kilimanjaro?

Although Kilimanjaro is classified as a ' trek,' it has a very fast altitude gain.   Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires physical fitness training and stamina and most importantly, mental fitness  training. Your legs will get you up the first 4-5 days but for  your summit night, mental  strength will get you to the top - (assuming of course that you are not affected by altitude, sickness or pure fatigue). A good exercise and training program is essential. The climb should not be undertaken lightly, after all, why spend the money if you are not willing to prepare yourself physically as well?

 Do I need to undergo specific medical tests?

This really depends on the operator you travel through. The parks Kilimanjaro Park authorities do not ask for any medical information on the climbers when permits are purchased. Some operators request the clients complete a medical  form, others do not. We require that all of our clients complete a medical form and based on the answers, we may request a letter from your medical practitioner. People suffering with conditions such as severe asthma e.g. should not climb. Regardless, anyone attempting the climb, or any climb for that matter, should ensure that they are medically fit, and convey any medical conditions to the operator they book with.

 How will the altitude affect me on Kilimanjaro?

This is one of the most often asked questions - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly,  pole pole. Choosing a path like Machame where you get to follow the principle of "climb high, sleep low" is also advisable.                    

 What gear do I need on Kilimanjaro?

There are certain essentials that are needed for most climbs and Kilimanjaro is no different.  The best way to draw up your list is from the base up, i.e. thermal underwear, then hands and feet (gloves, socks etc). Then boots which must be waterproof with good ankle support, trekking pants, trekking tops, short and long sleeve, thermal jacket, outer shell jacket which likewise is windproof and water proof, hat, scarf, beanie, balaclava. Then consider  sleeping, i.e. sleeping bag, mat etc. Most companies supply sleeping mats so check before you buy one. Then, the last items to add are personal items like toiletries, camera, medicines, water bottle, backpack, camera etc.                        

Most companies will supply you with a comprehensive list for your trek, as do we. If you arrive to Kilimanjaro and are missing items, you can normally rent most gear. Do not, however, reply on buying your gear on arrival.                     

 What if I have to turn back?

Unfortunately this is something every trekker has to consider.  Anything from a stomach bug to altitude sickness can quickly stop a trekker in their tracks. If you are ill and need to turn back or even too tired to continue,  a porter will walk off the mountain with you and your gear. If you are too sick to walk, then part of your fee includes evacuation by teams already on the mountain and employed by the Parks authorities.                    

 Do I need climbing insurance?

Yes you do. We (Nomadic Adventures) do not allow anyone to climb with us unless they have adequate travel insurance. Adequate, means you must be covered for                        

1) trekking or hiking - this may sound strange, but many insurance list that as an exclusion.                          

2) altitude up to 6,000 meters. Most travel insurance providers do not include this under their standard option and often limit it to 3500m or less.

3) Sprains strains and physiotherapy - yes, many insurers exclude this, though ironically, this is what you will most likely need cover for.

4) personal accident - this is the horrible part of insurance. Yes, you need to be covered in the case of death. We are often told by clients - "if anything happens to me, just leave me there." Bodies need to be brought home or laid to rest overseas, and this can run into  thousands of dollars, creating a huge burden on family members.                              

We will assist in helping you provide good cover.   If you need cover or simply a quote, follow the  details herewith:. Once you have done your initial quote, you will need to upgrade your cover to include altitudes up to 6000m.  Towards the bottom of the page you will see a section called, Options: Upgrade your cover.   Click the link called 'View Adventure Sports Benefits'. A blue pop up screen will open. Look for the level of cover required for 'trekking to 6,000 meters' or 'hiking to 6,000 meters'. Depending on your country it is usually a level 1 or 2. Note: we are not insurance experts and it's your responsibility to ensure you have correct and adequate cover. If you live in South Africa, we have other cover options



Read More 
 What are the routes on Kilimanjaro and how do I choose one?

There are 7 summit routes; namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Of all, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper path up the mountain. The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easier but accommodation is in huts. As a result,  it tends to be very busy and ascent and descent are the same. Both of the latter have lower prospects to acclimatise by the climb high sleep low principle unless one adds on extra days. The Northern Circuit, approaches Kibo  volcano from the west, crossing the caldera of Shira Volcano before turning north to follow the trail through Moir Valley and around the northern side of Kilimanjaro.   For a quick overview we have a quick reference panel on the right of the screen. For a detailed look, click onto  Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes.

 How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

The Kilimanjaro National Park fees are something that nobody can escape and are a large portion of your climb cost.. For a six day/five night camping trek you pay about $800 in fees alone!  So on average a climb will cost you between $1450 and   $2800 depending on the number of days, number of people and the route that you take. There are some operators  who will quote you $1000 for a trek - ask yourself, what  are they skimping on and who is going to suffer as a  result. You? Your safety? The porters?

Books and other resources?

There are so many good books written on Kilimanjaro. Some of the ones we suggest are:-                        

1) Kilimanjaro: The Trekking Guide to Africa' s Highest Mountain by Henry Stedman                          

 2) The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway is a short story about a writer who is on safari in Tanzania

3) Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa by Audrey Salkeld. 

 A link to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park  website 

Kilimanjaro National Park -UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Acute mountain sickness:    MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia 

 Those who have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro know that the porters are the heart and soul of your trek. Without their hard work and strength we would not be able to fully experience the magnificence of Kilimanjaro. A link to the  Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project

What If I Don’t Have Anyone To Climb With Me?

We arrange treks from just 1 person on their own with a guide and porters to large groups. If you climb alone you will still get to meet other people on the mountain if you are sociable.

When is the full moon?

Moon phases (Full Moon) 2022

Full moon

January 17, 2022

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February 16, 2022

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March 18, 2022

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May 15, 2022

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June 14, 2022

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July 13, 2022

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October 9, 2022

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November 8, 2022

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December 7, 2022

Moon phases (Full Moon) 2023

Full moon

January 6, 2023

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February 5, 2023

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March 7, 2023

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April 5, 2023

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May 5, 2023

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June 3, 2023

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July 3, 2023

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August 1, 2023

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August 30, 2023

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September 29, 2023

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October 28, 2023

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November 27, 2023

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December 26, 2023