- +255 767035927
- info@africajoytours.com
- Tanzania Travel FAQs
- Contact us
- +255 767035927
- info@africajoytours.com
- Tanzania Travel FAQs
- Contact us
11-DAY TRIP: WANDER UP
KILIMANJARO VIA THE 8-DAY
NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE
From $2978 USD* / Park fees / 11 days
*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation,
food, drinks, guides and park fees. Excl.
International flight (based on six persons)
Overview
- Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
- Day 2: Northern Circuit (1/8) | Lemosho Trailhead (2,000 m/6,561 ft) – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft)
- Day 3: Northern Circuit (2/8) | Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft) – Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft)
- Day 4: Northern Circuit (3/8) | Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft) – Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft)
- Day 5: Northern Circuit (4/8) | Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190) – Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft)
- Day 6: Northern Circuit (5/8) | Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft) – Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft)
- Day 7: Northern Circuit (6/8) | Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft) – School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft)
- Day 8: Northern Circuit (7/8) | School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) – Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)
- Day 9: Northern Circuit (8/8) | Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) – Hotel
- Day 10 – 11: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb.
11-Day Trip: Wander Up Kilimanjaro via the 8-Day Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit route is the newest route to climb Kilimanjaro. It offers a unique experience as you hike along the quiet and less-traveled northern side of the mountain. This route provides an entirely new perspective of Mount Kilimanjaro!
The daily hikes on the Northern Circuit route are relatively short, allowing your body ample time to rest and recover. Additionally, this route is ideal for acclimatization since it is a longer climb (in terms of days), giving your body more time to adjust to the increasing altitude.
The entire ascent (including descent) via the Northern Circuit Route takes 8 days.
Africa Joy Tourss Offers a Unique Service Throughout the Climb
Climbing Kilimanjaro is the ultimate challenge! Every small detail can make a big difference, which is why at Africa Joy Tourss, we ensure you are supported by professional guides, porters, and a cook throughout your ascent via the Northern Circuit route. Our team monitors your health twice a day and serves you delicious meals to keep you energized during the climb. These efforts are essential for managing altitude sickness, which can arise unexpectedly, and for ensuring you remain strong throughout the trek.
Additionally, we provide a comprehensive information package to help you prepare for your climb via the Northern Circuit. This package includes useful details about Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro, how to best prepare for the climb, and what materials to buy or rent.
We are also proud partners of the Kilimanjaro Responsible Travel Organisation (KRTO), which ensures that we care for our crew and the mountain during the climb. This means you can embark on your adventure with peace of mind. Are you ready for an unforgettable experience?
If you would like to see the menu, we can send it to you in advance.
Fitness Requirements for the Northern Circuit Route
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a real challenge due to the altitude, rate of ascent, and varying temperatures. On average, you will be hiking six to seven hours per day. If you are healthy and fit, the climb is absolutely within reach. Here are some tips to increase your chances of reaching the summit and ensuring you enjoy the trek:
- Take Your Time: It’s important not to rush. Hiking at a steady pace allows your body time to adapt and acclimatize.
- Prepare in Advance: Being in good physical shape makes the climb much easier. Go hiking a few months before your trip, especially multi-day hikes, which are excellent training. Running and aerobic exercises are also great preparation.
- Add an Extra Day: Altitude sickness can be unpredictable. By adding an extra day to your climb, you give your body more time to adjust to the higher altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and increasing your chances of reaching the summit.
Trip Prices:
Low season (April 1st – May 19th)
| 2 People | 4 People | 6 People + |
$3.469,00 USD* | $2.962,00 USD* | $2.978,00 USD* |
Mid season (the rest of the year)
| 2 People | 4 People | 6 People + |
$3.626,00 USD* | $3.102,00 USD* | $3.119,00 USD* |
High season (July + August + 20 Dec + 10 Jan)
| 2 People | 4 People | 6 People + |
$3.775,00 USD* | $3.229,00 USD* | $3.247,00 USD* |
INCLUDED
Park fees
Pickup and transfer airport
Private cook speaking fluently English
Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Portable toilet
Porters who carry your luggage
Private guide speaking fluently English
High quality tents (including dinner-tent)
Rescue fee (up to 11.483 feet above sea level by car)
EXCLUDED
International flights and visas
Accommodation on day of arrival and departure
Travel insurance
Itinerary
Exploring all that Tanzania has to offer is a dream for many. From epic Tanzania safari adventures spotting Africa’s Big Five, to climbing Kilimanjaro or relaxing on the paradise beaches of Zanzibar: Tanzania has it all. Good news: Tanzania Specialist can build a custom made itinerary that suits all your wishes.
Our most popular itineraries can help you find some inspiration. Most of our clients love to end their exciting safari with a few days of relaxation on one of Zanzibar’s most stunning beaches. Would you like that as well?
Whether you choose one of our popular Tanzania itineraries or prefer to customize your journey, we are here to assist you. Come aboard and get ready to explore Tanzania at your own pace, exactly the way you like it!
Our most popular itineraries can help you find some inspiration. Most of our clients love to end their exciting safari with a few days of relaxation on one of Zanzibar’s most stunning beaches. Would you like that as well?
Whether you choose one of our popular Tanzania itineraries or prefer to customize your journey, we are here to assist you. Come aboard and get ready to explore Tanzania at your own pace, exactly the way you like it!
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Africa Joy Tours guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.
Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible
Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible
Day 2: Northern Circuit (1/8) | Lemosho Trailhead (2,000 m/6,561 ft) - Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft)
Your adventure starts at your hotel, where your driver picks you up and drives you to Londorossi Gate (on the west side). You then go to Lemosho trailhead for lunch and begin the climb. This easy walk through dense rainforest lasts 3 to 4 hours and offers the chance to spot various animals, including buffalo and monkeys. After a narrow path and a few steep sections, you reach Big Tree Camp, where you spend the night.
Day 3: Northern Circuit (2/8) | Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft) - Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft)
This morning you leave the forest to enter an environment of meadow heather and volcanic rock. You ascend and descend through the lush hills below the Shira Plateau, the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic peaks. Upon reaching the edge of the plateau, the long 5-6 hour hike ends, and the trail becomes easier. You then arrive at Shira Camp, where you spend the night enjoying an incredible view of the Kibo summit.
Day 4: Northern Circuit (3/8) | Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft) - Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft)
Today’s hike lasts 7-8 hours and takes you from Heather into the alpine desert. You pass the Shira Plateau, one of the highest in the world, on the way to the Lava Tower, with an optional visit to the Shira Cathedral. From the Lava Tower, the path continues northwest toward Kibo, the highest peak of Kilimanjaro. Afterwards, you follow a steep trail to Moir Hut Camp, a remote spot with stunning views over the Shira Plateau.
Day 5: Northern Circuit (4/8) | Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190) - Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft)
As you continue the route on the Northern Circuit, you get over a steep ridge along the main path. Today's hike lasts about 8 to 9 hours, taking you through heathland and alpine desert to Buffalo Camp. In the morning, you have the option to make a quick detour to Little Lent Hill.
Day 6: Northern Circuit (5/8) | Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft) - Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft)
On the fifth day on the mountain, you continue across diverse landscapes, including heathland, valleys, and alpine environments. The Northern Circuit route heads eastward and is less frequented, allowing for a peaceful experience of the scenery, wilderness, and stunning mountains. This trek takes approximately 5 to 7 hours.
Day 7: Northern Circuit (6/8) | Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft) - School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft)
Today involves a 4-5 hour climb to reach the "Saddle", a stunning lunar landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. From there, you continue to School Hut Camp, arriving in the early afternoon. You have the rest of the day to relax and prepare for the final ascent the following day.
Day 8: Northern Circuit (7/8) | School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)
Around midnight, the summit push begins in the cold. Prepare for the steep path to Gilman’s Point, the rim of the main crater. After ascending for a few hours with short breaks, you reach Gilman’s Point to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Continue for 2-3 hours to Uhuru Peak, where you celebrate your success with incredible views. You then descend to Millenium Camp via Kibo Huts Camp, where you have dinner and spend your last night on the mountain.
Day 9: Northern Circuit (8/8) | Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) - Hotel
Finally, you appreciate the drop in altitude. After breakfast, you walk to the national park's exit. Following the descent, the group gathers to congratulate each other. Your driver takes you back to the hotel, where you enjoy a shower, a delicious dinner, and a well-deserved rest.
Day 10 - 11: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb
Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!