Kilimanjaro Trek via Northern Circuit

Kilimanjaro Trek via Northern Circuit

The Northern Circuit is Shrike's newest route on Kilimanjaro.  We take 11 days to traverse the entire mountain, trekking over the untouched northern slopes.  On this track, the views are nothing short of spectacular and unpopulated; it is true wilderness, and rarely trekked.  Because of the longer duration, you will acclimatize well, making your summit easier, and truly rewarding.

Day 1: Arrive Tanzania - Moshi

3,000-ft/ 914-m

We will pick you up at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and transfer to Moshi. Your tour guide will meet, greet and brief you about your trek to the Kilimanjaro. He will also make sure that you have  all the gear necessary for the trek.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa

9,170-ft/ 2,795-m | 2.5 mi/ 4 km | 3-4 hrs.

We drive to Londorosi  gate and start the trek. The forest is stunning and full of life, birds, and insects are particularly prevalent. As the path enters a small clearing in the upper reaches of the forest zone there stand a camping ground normally known as Forest camp

Day 3: Shira Plateau

11,500-ft/ 3,505-m | 5.2 mi/ 8.4 km | 7-8 hrs

After gaining the Shira Ridge then the main path drops slightly as it negotiates heathers, everlasting and small builder outcrops on its way to Shira 1 camp.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp

13,650-ft/ 4,160-m | 6.3 mi/10 km | 7-8 hrs

Forge the path via a route south-east towards Shira 2 Camp

Day 5: Barranco

12,950-ft/ 3,950-m | 6.2 mi/ 9.9 km | 6-7 hrs

Follows the leading path to the southern direction and passes via an area of interest rock formation with an alternative ascent to lava tower (4600m) before branch off to  Barranco.

Day 6: Karanga

13,200-ft/ 4,023-m | 3.6 miles/ 5.8 km | 4-5 hrs

Our big challenge is to hike up the Barranco Wall, a 500 -ft lava flow. Once on top of the "wall", the climb becomes easier. Lastly, we descend into the Karanga Valley and up the other side, for our overnight camp.

Day 7: Barafu

14,950-ft/ 4,556-m | 2.1 miles/ 3.4 km | 3-4 hrs

The path contours around the mountain and through a patch moorland before cresting a ridge reaching a crossroad, the left-hand path lead to the scale broad ridge that climbs to the northeast towards Kibo. The virtue of it is elevated and exposed position the views from Barafu are spectacular when approached from the western side of Kilimanjaro.

Day 8: Summit - Uhuru Peak | Crater Camp Summit: 19,340-ft/ 5,895-m | 3.75 mi/4.5 km | 7-9 hrs. Crater Camp: 18,700-ft/ 5,700-m | 1.5  mi/2.4 km | 1.5 hrs.

We slowly wind our way up to the summit! After our summit celebration, we descend to the crater camp for overnight facing the amazing Furtwangler Glacier.

Day 9: Mweka

10,400-ft/ 3,170-m | 8.3 mi/ 12 km | 8-9 hrs

We proceed downhill to Mweka Camp, where we will spend the rest of the day and enjoy the last night on Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Day 10: Mweka Gate | Moshi

Gate: 5,500-ft/ 1,676-m | 5.3 mi/ 8.5 km | 4-5 hrs

Moshi: 3,000-ft/ 914-m | 30 minute drive

This is a short relatively swift and final day, descending via the forest with lush and extremely picturesque to Mweka gate. We will pick you up and drive to the hotel for a hot shower.