Northern Circuit/Grand Traverse 9 Days
Discover the breathtaking Northern Circuit or Grand Traverse Route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning from the western side, this route winds around the north before finally ascending to the Uhuru Peak from the east. Descending down the Mweka Route, this is a perfect opportunity for acclimatization while enjoying scenic views. Currently, the route is not crowded, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful climb. The route is available for both 8-day and 9-day climbs, offering flexibility to suit your needs
Day 1 – Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – start point
2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)
Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
The Grand Traverse Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same starting point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephants and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)
Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
On day two you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of the rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up on the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).
Day 3 Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Shira Camp 2
(3,850 meters)
Distance: ~7km / 4 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below freezing.
Day 4 Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Lava Tower
(4,600 meters) and then north to Moir Camp (4,200
meters)
Distance: ~14km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch, you will join the Northern Circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatization process.
Day 5 Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Pofu Camp (4,020
meters)
Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone
Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of McValley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Grand Traverse Trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Pofu (Buffalo) Camp (4,020 meters). The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/ Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Pofu Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day of hiking.
Day 6 Pofu Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)
Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High Alpine Zone and Low Alpine Zone Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and then continues east along the northern slopes to the Rongai. Third Cave Camp at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well-acclimatized to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
Day 7 – Third Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters) or Kibo Hut
Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High Alpine Zone and Glacial Zone
Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle, the area which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.. Trekkers then continue walking southwest up to School Hut Camp (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some sleep as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamps, and a camera before going to bed.
Day 8
School Hut (4,800 meters) through the crater to
Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then onto Millennium Camp (3,950 meters)
Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile
descent
Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour
descent
Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
You will be awakened at midnight with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi
Peak. From here, you descend into the crater. It is common to feel the effects of the altitude inside of the crater but you will feel a boost in fitness as you ascend up to reach Uhuru Peak. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then head down back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total, you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated, and keep your blood sugar levels up.
Day 9 Millennium Camp
(3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)
Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest Zone
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). We will go through some record-keeping procedures at the gate with park authorities. From here you will be driven back to Moshi where you can get a hot shower, say farewell to your staff, give out tips, receive your certificate, and celebrate! The hotel for this night is included in your climb package (B & B plan).