Northern Circuit Route
Climbing Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
Northern Circuit Route 9-Days Trek
Overview of Northern Circuit Route
Northern Circuit Route 9- Days Itinerary
Start your journey after breakfast with a ride from your hotel to Londorossi Gate. Excitement fills the air! You'll enjoy a leisurely 3-4 hour hike through the lush rainforest of the lower slopes, arriving at Mti Mkubwa Camp, located at 2,780 meters (9,120 feet). It's a peaceful way to begin appreciating the mountain's natural beauty.
Set off on a 5-7 hour hike through varied landscapes, climbing to Shira 1 Camp at 3,610 meters (11,845 feet). As you ascend, the moorland unfolds, showcasing Kilimanjaro's distinctive plants and animals. Sense the altitude and excitement mounting as you find your stride on the trail.
Today, you'll hike from Shira 1 Camp at 3,610 meters (11,845 feet) to Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 meters (12,630 feet), which takes 3-5 hours. As you trek across the Shira Plateau, you'll enjoy vast vistas of the landscape, giving you a taste of the heights ahead. The tranquil atmosphere of the campsite promises a memorable evening under the stars.
Prepare for a challenging 7-9 hour hike to Lava Tower, reaching an altitude of 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) before descending to Moir Hut at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). The semi-desert terrain offers a glimpse into Kilimanjaro's diverse ecosystems, priming you for the adventures that lie ahead.
Embark on a 5-7 hour hike from Moir Hut at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) to Buffalo Camp at 4,020 meters (13,190 feet). As you traverse, experience the rugged beauty of Kilimanjaro's semi-desert terrain, forging a deeper connection to its wilderness along the way.
Begin a 5-7 hour hike from Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave Camp, descending to 3,800 meters (12,470 feet). Traverse through the alpine desert terrain, where the stark beauty of Kilimanjaro's
Climb from 3,800 meters (12,470 feet) to 4,800 meters (15,750 feet), using Rongai Third Cave as a stepping stone toward School Hut Camp. A 5-7 hour hike readies you for the summit day ahead. Witness the expansive alpine desert, instilling a profound sense of achievement as you ascend.
Prepare for the ultimate challenge: a demanding 11-15 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), where you'll be greeted by stunning glacial vistas. After reaching the summit, descend to Horombo Camp at 3,720 meters (12,200 feet), where you can celebrate your triumph over the mountain. Note: Horombo has huts for those using the Marangu Route, while those descending from the Northern Circuit Route will sleep in tents.
Embark on a final 5-6 hour descent through the rainforest, bringing you back to Marangu Gate at 1,830 meters (6,000 feet). Our driver will then take you back to Moshi, where you'll bid farewell to your mountain crew and have the chance to tip them.
Trip Enquiry
Northern Circuit Route Price Per Person
Northern Circuit Route Price include and exclude
- Kilimanjaro (JRO) Airport transfers
- Transfers from hotel to park gate
- Park fees and taxes
- 4-season mountain tents
- Dining tent
- Sleeping mattress
- Meals while on the mountain
- Purified drinking water while on the mountain
- Emergency oxygen cylinders
- English-speaking guide (other languages available with advance notice)
- Mountain chef and all cooking/eating utensils
- Gratuity for climb staff
- Meals aside from breakfast at the Moshi hotel
- Additional charge for single occupancy (if applicable)
- Option for a private toilet with a privacy tent (available at an extra fee)
- Airfare and tourist visa
- Mandatory medical insurance for all participants
Kilimanjaro Climber’s Packing Guide
Porter Load Limits
- Porters’ loads are limited to 15 kg (35 pounds).
- Additional weight will require a second porter at a rate of $5 per day.
Packing Tips
Packing Tips
- Place electronics in waterproof bags (preferably double-sealed).
- Wrap clothing in plastic bags for extra protection.
- Your day pack should include essentials: water, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, rain pants, and a jacket. Add any items you’ll need throughout the day, as you might not see porters until camp.
- Maranje Adventures may buy second-hand gear for rentals, and you may also consider bringing warm clothing as gifts for guides or donations to the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society.
Luggage
- Day pack: For items used daily
Large duffel bag or back pack: Carried by porters - Plastic bags: For additional waterproofing
Clothing Layers
Clothing Layers
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking, non-cotton material
- Middle layer: Insulating layer for warmth
- Outer layer: Waterproof, breathable shell
- Pack separate outfits for hiking, lounging in the evening, and sleeping. Layers are a must, since temperatures fluctuate greatly.
Suggested Clothing
- Shorts: Hot days (first and last day)
- Pants: Hiking and evening wear
- T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts: For night and day
- Long undergarments,
- fleece jacket, wool sweater
- Down jacket or ski parka: Extreme cold.
Rain gear: jacket and trousers for both rain and snow
Cold Weather Accessories
- Mittens/gloves: Waterproof, with layering options
- Wool or pile hat
- Balaclava or neck gaiter
- Hand and foot warmers
Footwear
- Trekking shoes: Sturdy, waterproof, with ankle support
- Evening footwear: Tennis shoes or sandals
- Gaiters
- Socks: Hiking socks for warmth, wool for cold, and moisture-wicking liners
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag: Rated -25°C/-10°F or colder
- Sleeping pad: Zara provides foam pads, though Thermarest pads are recommended.
Hydration
- Water bottles and Camelback: 2-3 total, aiming for 3 liters
- Guides will provide boiled water or steripens along the trail.
- To prevent water from freezing, keep bottles in your jacket and blow air back into Camelbacks after each sip.
Additional Essentials
- Sun protection: Hat and sunglasses
- Money: $400+ in cash and/or traveler’s checks, including small denominations of USD, Euros, or Tanzanian Shillings
- Trekking poles, headlamp, extra batteries
- Camera, binoculars
- Notebook, pencil, and pen
- Energy snacks: Bars, hard candy, etc.
- Small games or items: Cards, books, frisbee, for evening entertainment
Cancelation Policy
Cancellation of a booking or failure to join a tour will result in a retention of funds by Maranje Adventures as follows:
30+ Days Before Departure: Should written cancellation be received from any person named in this booking 30 days or more before departure, Maranje Adventures will retain 10% of the package price and refund the balance.
15-29 Days Before Departure: A cancellation received not less than 15 days and more than 29 days prior to the date of departure will result in a 30% retention of the package price, with a refund of the remaining amount.
Less than 15 Days Prior to Departure: The Company shall retain 70% of the package price for cancellations less than 15 days prior to departure.
Replacement Option: If a canceling party is able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 7 days prior to departure, and the replacement completes the booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place. If no replacement is provided, the above cancellation terms will apply.
Outstanding Balances: If cancellation is within 15 days of departure, outstanding balances are due immediately to cover costs for the tour. Right to Terminate Participation: Maranje Adventures and its agents shall be entitled, at their discretion and with immediate effect, to terminate the participation of any person on the tour who endangers the safety, well-being, or enjoyment of other participants or staff. Should such an event occur, Maranje Adventures will give a pro-rated refund of the unused portion of the tour, excluding non-refundable expenses.
Customer Testimonial
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Maranje adventure tours served me well. It is a very wonderful company to choose during your travel to Tanzania. - I have been to Mount Kilimanjaro, the staff and guides are professional. They assisted and cared about me from the beginning up to the end of the tour. 
Pacifique N
July 10, 2023Our experience with Maranje Adventures Tours was phenomenal! - Our experience with Maranje Adventures Tours was phenomenal! Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly and we were able to see all the big 5 and more during our trip. Would... read more 
Sunaina P
May 28, 2024Highly recommend this adventure with Maranje adventures tours. - Climbing Kilimanjaro via the 6 Days Machame Route was an incredible experience that I truly enjoyed. felt like a 5-star hotel on the mountain. Their support and expertise made... read more 
Hannatu M
June 2, 2024
