The Northern Circuit – 8 Days

Why this itinerary?

A different take on Kilimanjaro. While this route misses some of the dramatic geological features of the standard routes such as Machame and Lemosho, it does head way off the beaten track and has a charm all of its own. For those that want the most remote trip, this is it.

Description

Starting on the Western side of Kilimanjaro at the Lemosho trail head, this route is one of the least used and heads up around the Kibo Massif in anclockwise direct, skirting around to School Hut for a summit attempt from there.

Highlights

Kilimanjaro! Afro-Montane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and alpine desert, rarely visited northern region of Kilimanjaro, Kibo and hopefully the summit! Easy descent.

Day 1: KILIMANJARO – FOREST

FromArusha we set out in vehicles to the starting point of the Lemosho trail. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set of at a leisurely pace into afro-Montane forest. Lunch is taken on trail and camp is reached mid- afternoon. Overnight Forest Camp (full board)

Day 2: KILIMANJARO – SHIRA 1

From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on trail and you arrive in camp mid -afternoon. Overnight Shira 1 Camp (full board).

Day 3: KILIMANJARO- MOIR

After a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain, today is a short day and you arrive in Moir camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatization with the option of an afternoon walk with your guides. Overnight Moir Camp (full board).

Day 4: KILIMANJARO – POFU

The route today diverges from the traditional western routes and head north and then east around the Kibo Massif. Here, for the time being at least, there are relatively few other groups. You hike through the alpine desert skirting the edge of the heath zone and then have lunch on half way point to Pofu camp. Overnight at Pofu camp (full board).

Day 5: KILIMANJARO – CAVE 3

From Pofu you hike a ridge and continue around the Kibo massif to third cave camp skirting the edge of the heath zone. Once at third cave camp  there is time to rest and a short acclimatization walk in the late afternoon.

Day 6: KILIMANJARO – SCHOOL HUT

From Third cave camp you continue around the north and eastern flanks of Kibo and arrive into School Hut in time to check through your gear for the summit bid. After an early dinner you retire for some sleep. Dinner and overnight School Hut (full board).

Day 7: KILIMANJARO – SUMMIT – HOROMBO

Rising early normally before midnight you start out from School hut towards the peak. At night time the scree sections are normally much firmer and the night time start enables the best chance of a clear summits attempt. It takes around 6 hours to reach Gilman’s point and then a further 11/2 to 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest free standing point in the world and the highest point in Africa. You then descend the same route to stella point where you will take you route down to barafu camp for then hot luch then later after luch you will keep decending to Mweka camp/millennium camp for dinner with(full board).  and overnight

Day 8: KILIMANJARO – Mweka/Millennium  – END

A final descent of 4,500 ft brings you down to Mweka Gate where your team will have prepared another scrumptious and fresh lunch and your transfer vehicles will be waiting to collect you. Here you will say goodbye to our mountain staff before heading to the hotel near Arusha for a farewell dinner and either overnight or a day room and departure. Extend your Tanzanian vacation with Kili Climb Africa Safaris on safari, walking safari or other adventures.

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