Mount Kilimanjaro 5895m – Northern Circuit, 11 Days JUNE-OCTOBER
fromTrek to the roof of Africa to the summit of the highest freestanding mountain in the world, at 5895m. From the dusty African plains to the spectacular snow capped glacial summit, this bucket list adventure will challenge you both physically and mentally. The trekking distance for the Northern Circuit is 97km or 60 miles and has one of the highest ascent rates.
HIGHLIGHTS
- A rarely walked route meaning the paths and campsites are quieter
- Substantial acclimatisation with 9 days on the mountain, giving a higher chance to summit than some other routes
This trip offers participants the chance to test their endurance at high altitude on the Northern Circuit Route. To climb Kilimanjaro, you need to be physically fit, have strong mental stamina and be capable of strenuous exercise for several days’ duration. You will be supported by our fantastic Freedom Trail Treks Leader and a team of enthusiastic guides and porters! We can offer as per the itinerary or in 12 days to include the safari extension.
| 2022 PRIVATE CLIMBS Price Per Person | ||||
| Route | 1 person | 2 person group | 3 person group | 4+ person group |
| Recommended Routes | ||||
| 9 Day Northern Circuit (11 days total) | £3600 | £2,950 | £2,950 | £2,750 |
Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits. These are the highest mountains of each of the seven continents.
We offer: Kilimanjaro, Elbrus and Aconcagua.
Kilimanjaro
Elbrus – August / September
Aconcagua – December / January
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Activity Level Tough - Trip grade 4
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Group Size Medium Group
Days Total: 11
Trekking days: 9
Availability: June-October
Activity Level: Extreme
Accommodation: Camping & Hotels
Highlights:
- Climb the worlds highest free standing mountain, reaching 5895m.
- A world heritage site and wonder of Africa
- Bucket list adventure and cultural experience
- Trek through five distinct climate zones, from rocky mountains, to green pasture lands to snow caps.
- Spectacular views
- We start along the Lemosho Route and up to Lava Tower before contouring around the northern flanks of the mountain. We briefly touch the Rongai Route before summiting via Gilman’s Point and descend on the Marangu Route.
Challenges:
- Terrain
- Altitude
Private Kilimanjaro Climbs
For those who want to climb on different dates or routes than our group depatures, we offer private climbs. Private climbs are also for those who would like to keep the group size small to have a more intimate experience on the mountain. Climbers with children or special needs are required to book private climbs for increased individual attention from our guides.
We can organize private climbs on any route, for any length, on any dates, for any size group, subject to staff availability. We fill to capacity many months ahead of time during the high season, so reserve your dates as soon as possible.
- Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi and return
- All meals except where specified, accommodation and camping equipment
- Mountain Leader
- Local guides, porters and cooks
- Back-up equipment
- 1 night accommodation in Moshi as per itinerary on B&B basis sharing ( double/ twin + single room)
- 1x transfer from JRO to Moshi on arrival
- 1x transfer from Moshi to JRO on departure
- 1 transfer from Moshi to the park gates per group
- 1 transfer from park gates to moshi per group
- Kilimanjaro National Park conservation fees (entrance fees)
- Kilimanjaro National Park compulsory rescue fees
- Kilimanjaro National Park camping fees/ Hut fees
- 4 season mountain dome tents, kitchen tent and dining tent with table & chairs
- Camping chairs, tables and dining tents
- Portable toilet including toilet tent, toilet roll and cleaning chemicals
- Certified professional Mountain guide(s), chef and porters
- Emergency equipment such as Oxygen bottles
- All meals indicated in the itinerary [B,L,D – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
- Drinking water on trek
- Basic first aid kit
- Flights
- Visa
- Any meals specified ‘not included’ in the itinerary
- Personal spending money, souvenirs and drinks
- Personal mountain snacks
- Tips for the local guides and support crew
- Fees for any optional sites, attractions or activities
- Personal climbing equipment such as mattresses, sleeping bags, walking poles, duffel bags etc.
- Water bottles, water bladders etc. (please note, No soft plastics allowed on the mountain)
- Extra accommodation not included on the itinerary
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Additional transfers
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Day 1
ARRIVE KILIMANJARO
Arrive into Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to our Hotel in Moshi.
After a briefing from your leader enjoy a free afternoon/ evening. Depending on your time of arrival you will have lunch at the hotel and in the afternoon there will be orientation and gear check.
Transfer: Approx. 1 hour
Accommodation: Hotel
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Day 2
MOSHI (900M) – LONDOROSSI GATE (2385M) – MTI MKUBWA/ BIG TREE CAMP (2780M)
We leave the Hotel and drive to the Londorossi Gate (2385m), which can take 3.5 hrs. We then meet the team of porters, guides and head upwards through the pristine forest to Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2780m. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Trek: 6km 2-3 hours
Accommodation: Camp
B,L,D included
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Day 3
MTI MKUBWA (2780M) – SHIRA 1 CAMP (3500M)
We make our way further through the forest then out on to open heathland which is a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. The land undulates gently and after crossing several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge and descend gently to Shira 1 Camp at 3500m. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Trek: 8km 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Camp
B,L,D included
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Day 4
SHIRA 1 CAMP (3500M) – SHIRA 2 CAMP (3840M)
This is a relatively short day from Shira 1 to Shira 2 but an important day in terms of rest and acclimatisation. We’ll explore the vast Shira Plateau as we enjoy the gentle walk across the heathland meadows of wildflowers and Senecio trees whilst looking up at the mass of Kibo seemingly only a stone’s throw away and the clouds which will be below you.
Trek: 7km 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Camp
B,L,D included
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Day 5
SHIRA 2 CAMP (3840M) – LAVA TOWER (4600M) – MOIR HUT (4200M)
This is an important day in terms of acclimatisation heading south east as we continue across the Shira plateau to the Lava Tower, which is a 100m volcanic rock skyscraper of a formation and our high point at 4600m not just for the day but also up until our summit attempt.
Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Trek: 14km 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Camp
B,L,D included
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Day 6
MOIR HUT (4200M) – BUFFALO CAMP (4000M)
We trek out of camp and the Moir Valley starting with a bit of a steep climb and then we have a detour option to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4700m, which is great for acclimatisation before returning to the main circuit trail. The path crosses a rock field and undulates up and down before reaching Buffalo Camp at 4000m. The views this day are simply stunning across the plains to the north of Kilimanjaro to the border and Kenya’s famous Amboseli national park.
Trek: 12km 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Camp
B,L,D included
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Day 7
BUFFALO CAMP (4000M) – RONGAI THIRD CAVE (3800M)
We leave camp and head up the Buffalo Ridge in the morning and usually have some lunch at Porfu Camp before we start our trek around the northern slopes heading towards the eastern side of the mountain. The terrain becomes increasingly sparse and dry with little shrubs. This route is rarely travelled and feels remote, wild and free as we then reach our camp at what’s known as Rongai’s Third Cave at 3800m.
Trek: 8km 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Camp
B,L,D included
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Day 8
THIRD CAVE (3800M) – SCHOOL HUT (4800M)
We climb steadily up and over the Saddle, which sits between Kilimanjaro’s two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi through an environment akin to the moon or a high-altitude desert. We then continue to our high camp at School Hut. We then have plenty of time to rest in the afternoon and to prepare for early start and summit day.
Trek: 6km 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Camp
B,L,D included
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Day 9
SCHOOL HUT (4800M) – UHURU PEAK (5895M) – MILLENNIUM CAMP (3850M)
Around midnight, we begin our push to the summit. This is a night-time ascent on rock, scree and occasionally snow to the crater rim and beyond to the summit.
We wake about 23.30 and have some snacks before starting our trek. It’s not a steep climb from beginning to end but undulates and changes throughout. We stop for rests along the way and the pace is slow. The final slope to the crater rim is steep and has loose scree and you can expect cold temperatures and wind chill throughout, however as you approach the crater rim you will start to see the sun rising over the African plains thousands of feet below. We continue the final 45-minute climb up from the crater rim to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
After some time on the summit we then descend to Barafu and then walk down along a gentle path to Millennium Camp.
Trek up: 6 km, 6-8 hours
Trek down: 10 km, 4-6 hoursAccommodation: Camp
B,L,D included
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Day 10
MILLENIUM CAMP (3850M) – MWEKA GATE (1640M) – MOSHI HOTEL (900M)
Descending through the lush forest to Mweka Gate where we sign out of the national park and pick up our summit certificate. This is a walk surrounded by monkeys, lush ancient forests and can be slippery underfoot especially with tired legs!
After a rest at the gate we’ll say thank you and farewell to our team of porters before transport back to the Moshi hotel, arriving back mid-afternoon for a hot shower, cold drink and an overnight in the hotel.
Trek: 10km 4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
B,L,D included
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Day 11
FLY HOME
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport
We say our goodbyes and head home!
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EXTENSION
SAFARI
Experience the wild side of East Africa on a four day, three-night safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara!
We climb steadily up and over the Saddle, which sits between Kilimanjaro’s two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi through an environment akin to the moon or a high-altitude desert. We then continue to our high camp at School Hut. We then have plenty of time to rest in the afternoon and to prepare for early start and summit day.
You will be accompanied by a Freedom Trail Treks Leader, a local guide and a wonderful team of porters, cooks and drivers.
You will need to have a good level of fitness for this challenge. However, it is more about endurance rather that speed. You will be trekking for long days over undulating terrain. We will provide you with a training guide that will make sure you arrive in the best shape possible.
Over the 12 days on the mountain you will pass through a variety of different eco systems. From forests, moorland and rocky trails, to snowcapped glaciers you will experience it all. Lower down the terrain will be muddy and wet, higher up it will be barren.
In Moshi you will stay in a lovely 3* hotel with a swimming pool. On the mountain you will be in two man tents.
You should be prepared for all weathers on this challenge. The temperature on the mountain can range from scorching hot to bitterly cold! It can be humid and it can rain. Make sure to bring everything on the kit list so you don’t get caught out.
We will have a fantastic cook with us on the mountain. The food is fresh and plentiful, with a high carbohydrate content. You should expect lots of porridge, bread, soup, potatoes, pasta and meat dishes with fruit and vegetables.
If you have a dietary requirement please let us know well in advance and we can make arrangements.
You should also bring lots of extra snacks from home to keep up your energy levels!
It’s important to stay hydrated and you should be consistently drinking water whilst trekking. There will be sterilised water provided throughout the day to keep your water bottle topped up. You should bring 3 litres water capacity.
Symptoms of altitude sickness usually develop between 6 and 24 hours after reaching altitudes more than 2,500m above sea level.
Symptoms are similar to those of a bad hangover and include:
- headache
- feeling and being sick
- dizziness
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
- shortness of breath
The Northern Circuit allows for excellent acclimatisation to the altitude as you will contour around the mountain instead of going straight up. We will trek up high in the day then descent slightly at night as this will help your body adjust.
Your leader/guide will always be walking at the font of the group and making sure you are going at a very slow pace, the slower you trek the less likely you are to feel unwell.
There is no way of knowing how you will respond to altitude. If you are suffering badly with the effects you may need to be walked down the mountain.
You will need a valid 10-year passport with at least 6 months remaining.
You will also need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. We recommend you apply for an e-visa online in advance of your trip, you can get one at the airport on arrival but there can be a long wait.
Make sure to check the foreign travel advice given here
It is essential you have adequate travel insurance including trekking at altitude.
Your luggage will be transported between camps by the porters. There is a weight limit of 12kg and it must be a soft sided rucksack/kitbag (no suitcases!).
You will not have access to your main luggage during the day on the trek so you will need a smaller day sack to carry extra layers, water, snacks, suncream etc.
You will need to ensure you have had the required vaccinations prior to travel. You should consult your GP or Travel Clinic and can also find guidance on the NHS Fit for Travel webpage.
All climbers should have a medical check prior to attempting the mountain. Ask your doctor if high altitude trekking is permissible for your age, fitness level and health condition. Ask if you have any preexisting medical conditions that can cause problems on the climb. Ask if any of your medications can affect altitude acclimatization. Ask whether Diamox can be taken with your existing prescription medicines.
If you have any medical issues that can be make climbing Kilimanjaro more dangerous for you than the average person, we need to be informed of this before you book.
Such medical issues include but are not limited to: spine problems; circulation problems; internal problems such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, intestinal or kidney problems; respiratory issues such as asthma; high or low blood pressure; head trauma or injury; heart conditions; blood disease; hearing or vision impairment; cancer; seizure disorders; joint dislocations; sprains; hernia.
The minimum age for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is 10 years old. There is no maximum age. However, the climb is strenuous and presents health risks, especially to people in high risk categories. Serious consideration should be given to anyone under the age of 18 and over the age of 60. The climbers on the extreme ends of the age spectrum should definitely consult their doctor.