8 Days Summit Secrets Trip Unraveling Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit
Embark on a mesmerizing 8-day journey through the Northern Circuit of Kilimanjaro, revealing the mountain's hidden secrets. From Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi/Arusha and back, each day unfolds a new chapter of awe-inspiring landscapes, challenging terrains, and the ultimate triumph of reaching Uhuru Peak. Delve into the geographical details, diverse vegetation, and unique experiences that make this adventure an unparalleled exploration of Kilimanjaro's Northern Circuit.
Itinerary
Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Big Tree Camp
Embarking from Moshi, your journey officially kicks off at Londorossi Gate. The trail unfolds through dense montane forests, with temperatures gradually dropping as you ascend. The Big Tree Camp welcomes you, surrounded by an array of flora at an elevation of approximately 2,780 meters
Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp
Entering the mysterious Mti Mkubwa, the landscape transforms into heath and moorland. Shira 1 Camp, situated at around 3,500 meters, provides a panoramic view of the Shira Plateau, revealing the vastness of Kilimanjaro's northern circuit
Shira 1 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut
The journey leads to Lava Tower, a striking rock formation at 4,630 meters, offering breathtaking views. As you descend to Moir Hut, the vegetation shifts, and the alpine desert terrain sets the stage for a night at an elevation of approximately 4,200 meters
Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp
Ascending towards Buffalo Camp, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged. At around 4,020 meters, the campsite nestled amid towering cliffs provides a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro's northern slopes
Buffalo Camp – Third Cave
Traversing through the Alpine and Heather zones, the journey leads to Third Cave at approximately 3,870 meters. Here, the vegetation becomes sparse, revealing the raw beauty of the mountain
Third Cave – School Hut
Ascending to the high-altitude School Hut at 4,715 meters, the air thins, and the landscape transforms into a stark alpine desert. The proximity to Uhuru Peak adds a palpable sense of anticipation
School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
The summit day arrives, taking you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. Descending to Mweka Camp, the landscape transitions from snow-capped peaks to moorland, providing a sense of accomplishment
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Back to Moshi/Arusha
The descent continues through lush rainforests, offering a stark contrast to the higher elevations. Reaching Mweka Gate marks the conclusion of the journey, with a return to Moshi/Arusha.
Price Includes
- Sleeping bag or bed linen
- Rescue fee
- Park fees
- A professional driver/guide
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
Price Excludes
- International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Questions & Answers
Reviews for 8 Days Summit Secrets Trip Unraveling Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit
Our guide emphasized Leave No Trace principles, ensuring we left the mountain as we found it. It was refreshing to see a commitment to preserving Kilimanjaro's beauty
The operator provided reusable water bottles, reducing plastic waste. However, more could be done to educate trekkers about minimizing personal waste
Kudos to our guide for enforcing responsible trekking practices. We were encouraged to pick up any litter we found, leaving the trail cleaner than we found it
The trek operator supported local communities, but I wished there was more information on how they contribute to environmental conservation in the region