The Northern Circuit Route is your ticket to an exceptional journey on Kilimanjaro, especially if you have the advantage of time and are ready to embrace a premium trekking experience. This trail takes you through the less frequented, yet incredibly scenic, northern slopes, offering a panoramic spectacle unlike any other.

As Kilimanjaro's longest route, most tour companies schedule it as an eight-day or nine-day expedition. This length, combined with the route's gentle ascent, provides climbers with excellent opportunities for acclimatization, significantly boosting the chances of summiting the mountain.

A Comprehensive Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is often hailed as the grand tour of Mount Kilimanjaro. It's a route designed to encompass the most diverse and breathtaking views while making the altitude gain more manageable through a gradual ascent and longer duration. The route traverses from the west side; the same as the Lemosho Route. Here is what you need to know about Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro:

  • Distance: About 98 kilometres
  • Difficulty: Moderate to High, mainly due to the duration of the trek
  • Duration: 8-9 days; the more time the better acclimatization
  • Crowds: Lesser crowds, offering climbers tranquillity and a more personal experience.
  • Trails Conditions: The hikers on Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing expeditions will find great solace in the tranquillity of this trail, as it remains relatively undiscovered due to its reputation as one of the costlier routes to undertake. Otherwise, the pathway offers captivating vistas with its awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Scenic Highlights

The Northern Circuit takes you through an ever-changing landscape, ensuring you experience all of Kilimanjaro's diverse environments: Distinctive Attractions: Rainforests, moorland, alpine desert, the stunning Northern slopes, and the magnificent Crater Camp. Panoramic Views: Unrivalled, continuous views of Kibo’s northern glaciers

Concise Itinerary

Your journey along the Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro unfolds as follows:

  • Start: Your adventure begins at Londorossi Gate, moving through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp
  • Acclimatization: Plenty of acclimatization hikes, especially at Third Cave and School Hut
  • Summit Push: The final push to the summit is from School Hut to Uhuru Peak, via Gilman’s Point
  • Descent: The descent follows the Mweka Route

Essential Insights

Some other insights related to Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro are:

  • Success Rate: Approximately 90%
  • Best Time to Climb: During the dry seasons, ideally January-March and June-October

Balancing the Pros and Cons

Every route has its ups and downs, and here are the Northern Circuits:

  • Pros: High success rate, most comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience, and ample acclimatization time
  • Cons: Longer duration, physically demanding, and higher cost

Route-Specific Tips

To make the most of your Northern Circuit adventure, here are some handy tips:

  • As it's a longer route, you'll need great stamina. Regular endurance training can help.
  • Don't forget your camera! This route offers the best continuous views of Kilimanjaro.

The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro's ultimate journey, promising an extensive experience of the mountain's scenic grandeur. Despite being longer and more expensive, its high success rate, unrivalled views, and great acclimatization make it a popular choice for the well-prepared and adventurous climber.

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Tour Guides

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Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro

Technically, you can climb Mount Kilimanjaro at any given time of year. But there are certain months which will make your climbing experience better and worse. This is why it’s important to know What is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro.

High Season

July and August are the peak months in Mountain Kilimanjaro, so if you’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro during this period, book in well-advanced.

Low Season

If rain is not a big concern, you can climb Kilimanjaro in the wet season and shoulder season which receives fewer numbers of crowds.

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Kilimanjaro Climbing Cost

Arguably, Mont Kilimanjaro is the perfect spot for adventure lovers, globally. If you planning to scale this mountain, you show how much it cost to climb it. In this guide, we have done a total breakdown of all the factors that are involved in Kilimanjaro Climbing Cost.

Tour Operator

Typically, your biggest expense will be the fee you pay to your chosen tour operator. This cost is inclusive of several key elements

Park Fees

Conservation fee: $70 per day

Camping fee: $50-$60 per night

Rescue fee: $20 per trip

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Kilimanjaro Climbing Gear List

Arguably, Mont Kilimanjaro is the perfect spot for adventure lovers, globally. If you planning to scale this mountain, you show how much it cost to climb it. In this guide, we have done a total breakdown of all the factors that are involved in Kilimanjaro Climbing Cost.

The next essentials are camping gear. Your success rate in Kilimanjaro highly depends upon the camping gear you carry with you. So, make sure you are carrying the high-quality and right gear before you climb Kilimanjaro.

Head Gears are also important aspects of the Kilimanjaro Gear List. They protect you from the blistering sun during Kilimanjaro Climbing. Here are some of our recommended head gears to you must need to consider.

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Kilimanjaro Foods

During your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing expedition, you can expect a diverse range of food options that provide a perfect blend of local African cuisine and high-energy mountaineering meals.

High-Energy

During the actual Kilimanjaro Climb, meals are designed to provide the calories and nutrition needed for intense physical effort. Porters and chefs, using portable stoves, cook meals even at the high camps.

Breakfast

Hot drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate

Porridge or cereal for a healthy start

Scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausages for protein

Fresh fruits and toast with butter, jam, or marmalade.

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Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a significant risk when ascending Kilimanjaro due to the rapid elevation gain.

Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of altitude sickness can be vital in ensuring a successful and safe Kilimanjaro Climb.

Preventing

There are several ways to mitigate the risk of AMS during a Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing expedition:

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Tipping In Kilimanjaro

Gratuities or Tipping in Kilimanjaro, at the end of a successful climb, carry a deep-seated tradition and noteworthy significance. It's not only a token of gratitude but an essential part of local customs.

Helicopter

With the mission of making Kilimanjaro Africa's safest tourist destination, search, and rescue companies operate high-altitude helicopters crewed by trained medical personnel.

Why Is Tipping

The porters, guides, and cooks are key to your success in summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. They not only ensure you are safe and comfortable during your journey but also provide emotional support when the climb gets tough.

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Climbing Kilimanjaro Faq

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a physically demanding, but rewarding adventure.

Mount Kilimanjaro

The nearest airport to Kilimanjaro is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. Many international flights connect through Dar es Salaam or Nairob

Do I Need A Visa

Yes, a visa is required for most visitors to Tanzania. It can be obtained online, from a Tanzanian embassy, or on arrival.

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Electronic Gadgets On Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the Seven Summits in the world, is a dream come true for many adventure enthusiasts. And to enhance your experience and document this journey, electronic gadgets are invaluable.

Smartphones

In this era of advanced technology, smartphones are a must-have gadget, even on the peaks of Kilimanjaro.

Cameras

Despite smartphones being handy, nothing beats the quality and control offered by a dedicated camera.

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kilimanjaro Rescue

Kilimanjaro Rescue represents the crucial emergency procedures designed to swiftly respond and evacuate climbers who face health crises or other emergencies while ascending Mount Kilimanjaro.

Helicopter

With the mission of making Kilimanjaro Africa's safest tourist destination, search, and rescue companies operate high-altitude helicopters crewed by trained medical personnel.

Altitude Sickness

Your safety is our number one priority, and we aim to provide you with all the information needed to prevent and deal with altitude sickness.

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Kilimanjaro Porters

Scaling Kilimanjaro is an immense feat, made feasible by the dedication of porters who tirelessly carry heavy loads and prepare camps for climbers.

Kilimanjaro Porters

The Kilimanjaro Porters comprises a team of committed individuals tasked with helping tourists in carrying their gear during the trek.

Key Responsibilities

The main job of a porter is to carry all the luggage belonging to the entire team. The list of items includes gear for each climber, tents, oxygen bottles, stretchers, medical kits, food, sleeping bags, hyperbaric chambers, and toilets.

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Kilimanjaro Private Toilet Tents

Discover the ultimate comfort and convenience during your Mount Kilimanjaro expedition with our private toilet tents.

Privacy Amidst

One of the significant advantages of Kilimanjaro Private Toilet Tents is the privacy they provide.

Hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation is essential while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

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Kilimanjaro How Long Does It Take

Many travelers planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro often wonder How Long It Will Take To Climb Kilimanjaro.

How Many Days

The number of days required to Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing can vary significantly based on the route you choose and your climbing experience.

Longer Routes

One major factor to consider when deciding on the duration of your Kilimanjaro climb is the route's length.

Testimonials

What Client Say About Us?

My dear Venance, I haven't really finished unpacking my bags yet, but I already want to tell you that we all had a great pleasure spending these holidays in Tanzania, that the organization of the trip was excellent and that we loved it. our two guides who were really fantastic

Francois
North Park

Magnificent trip beyond what I had imagined! Fred was on top, we had a hard time leaving him. A big thank you for arranging our stay.

Christopher
North Park

Hello Venance, We are back from the Kili and the safari. Everything went great! Thank you, for your idea of ​​Lake Natron, it was really great these 2 days. Obviously the Kilimanjaro, incomparable compared to the safari. We did well to do it first, and we all got there.

Christiane Bulit
north park