Our longest route, both in distance and time, ‘Orbit Kilimanjaro’ offers excellent acclimatisation, exceptional scenery, very little traffic and some challenging terrain. The Northern Circuit orbits the mountain beginning in the west, traversing the north and descending via the Mweka Route to the south. Starting on the Lemosho route, soak in your first up-close view of Kibo, the daunting but surmountable summit cone, from the Shira Plateau and climb onwards to the impressive Lava Tower. From here part ways and begin to explore the northern slopes, circumnavigating Kibo, which rises high above as a constant reminder of the task ahead. Throughout this traverse you will find few other trekkers. From the high camp the trail climbs steeply, eventually scrambling over Jamaica Rocks and popping out on the rim of the crater at Gilman’s Point. The chance of reaching Uhuru Peak is extremely high. Descend from Stella Point alongside trekkers from Lemosho and Machame. Highly recommended if time and budget allow!
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be met and transferred to Moshi. Your Kilimanjaro head guide will come to the hotel for a full briefing, equipment checks and to help you hire anything additional you need.
Moshi to Lemosho Trailhead (2,400m/7,900ft) to Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp (2,800m/9,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 400m/1,500ft
This morning you will drive from Moshi to the Londorossi gate, taking approximately 90 minutes. Here you will complete entry formalities. From Londorossi your drive continues for around 1 hour to the Lemosho trailhead along a 4WD track. Upon arrival at the trailhead you will eat lunch and then commence trekking through lush undisturbed forest where you may be lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys. The path undulates, steeply in places, to arrive at the first camp after 2-3 hours of trekking.
Overnight: Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)
Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp (2,800m/9,100ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,500ft)
Elevation Gain: 700m/2,400ft
Today your trek will begin in the forest; however, you will soon leave this ecosystem behind taking a steep track into a zone of giant heather and volcanic rock. This is a full day ascending through the lush rolling hills below the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. It is filled with the lava flow from Kibo and its rim has eroded and been blasted away by weather and volcanic action. Finally, the trail begins to ease as you reach the edge of the plateau. You will camp at Shira One after 5-6 hours of trekking. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is incredible.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,500ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,800m/12,500ft)
Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft
Your third day on the mountain consists of a trek across the Shira Plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral (3,880m). Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. The day finishes with a gradual climb to Shira 2 Camp. Trekking time without the optional excursion is approximately 3 hours. Including the optional acclimatisation to the peak of Shira Cathedral will add approximately 1 hour.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Shira 2 Camp (3,800m/12,500ft) to Moir Huts (4,200m/13,800ft) via Lava Tower (4,550m/14,900ft) (Optional)
Elevation Gain: 750m/2,400ft
Elevation Loss: 350m/1,150ft
Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridgelines of high desert en route to Moir Huts. If time and fitness allow it would be beneficial to ascend to Lava Tower first, as this is a great opportunity to acclimatise. The trek to the base of Lava Tower is about 4 hours. This tower is a 300- foot-high volcanic plug. If time and energy allow, you can scramble to the top of Lava Tower for fabulous panoramic views. From Lava Tower head North West beginning your circuit of Kibo, the almighty summit cone of Mount Kilimanjaro. Moir Huts Camp is an isolated and seldom used camp affording views over the Shira Plateau. Trekking time approximately 5-7 hours. An alternative to this route would be to take a gentle ascent across the alpine desert to Moir Huts in the morning and then spend the afternoon on a guided trek of the nearby Lent Group, a series of wind eroded parasite cones and ridges from whose upper slopes you can gaze down to the plains of Kenya in the north.
Overnight: Moir Hut Camp
Moir Huts (4,200m/13,800ft) to Buffalo/Pofu Camp (4,020m/13,200ft)
Elevation Loss: 180m/590ft
Begin the morning trek heading out of the moorland and into the stark alpine desert, on a steep ridge off the main trail, beginning your venture on the Northern Circuit Route. If you chose not to explore the Lent Group yesterday, take a short detour to the top of Little Lent Hill (3,375m/14,350ft) in the morning before regaining the trail to Buffalo Camp. The total trekking time today is approximately 5 – 7 hours covering a distance of 12km.
Overnight: Buffalo Camp
Buffalo/ Pofu Camp (4,020m/13,200ft) to Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft)
Elevation Loss: 150m/500ft
Proceed onward through valleys and over ridges through the alpine desert and moorland, continuing your circuit to the east. This rarely travelled route allows you to enjoy the vast mountain wilderness in peace. Trekking time today is 5 - 7 hours.
Overnight: Third Cave Camp
Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft) to School Huts (4,750m/15,600ft)
Elevation Gain: 880m/2,890ft
Climb steadily to reach the Saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here, continue upwards to reach School Hut Campsite in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for summit day, which will begin in the early hours of tomorrow morning. Despite the short distance of 5km covered, trekking time is approximately 4-5 hours today due to the high altitude.
Overnight: School Huts
Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft) to School Huts (4,750m/15,600ft)
Elevation Gain: 880m/2,890ft
Climb steadily to reach the Saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here, continue upwards to reach School Hut Campsite in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for summit day, which will begin in the early hours of tomorrow morning. Despite the short distance of 5km covered, trekking time is approximately 4-5 hours today due to the high altitude.
Overnight: School Hut Camp
Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft) to Moshi
Elevation Loss: 1,280m/4,220ft
Descend straight to the gate through lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)
Today you will be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in time for your flight.
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