8 Days Roof of Africa Odyssey Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Expedition
The Northern Circuit Route is renowned for its panoramic vistas and lower traffic, providing a unique and serene trekking experience. With our seasoned guides, you will navigate through varied ecosystems, from lush rainforests to arid alpine deserts, culminating in the exhilarating ascent to Uhuru Peak. Prepare to be captivated by the diverse flora and fauna, changing landscapes, and the camaraderie forged on this unforgettable expedition.
Tour highlights
- Arrival Day : Kilimanjaro Airport- Moshi/Arusha
- Day 1 : Moshi -Londorossi gate Big- Tree Camp
- Day 2 : Mti Mkubwa -Shira 1 camp
- Day 3 : Shira 1 camp- Lava Tower -Moir Hut
- Day 4 : Moir Hut- Buffalo camp
- Day 5 : Buffalo camp- Third Cave
- Day 6 : Third Cave- School Hut
- Day 7 : School Hut- Uhuru Peak -Mweka camp
- Day 8 : Mweka camp- Mweka gate Back to Moshi/Arusha
Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi -Londorossi gate Big- Tree Camp
Travel from Moshi to Londorossi gate, the starting point of your journey. Hike through dense rainforests, covering approximately 7 km, with temperatures around 25°C. Reach Big Tree Camp, your first overnight stop.
Destination: Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp
Accommodation: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa -Shira 1 camp
Venture into moorlands and heath, covering around 15 km. The day's hike takes you to Shira 1 camp, situated at an elevation of 3,505 meters. Experience a temperature drop to 15°C as you gain altitude.
Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp
Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 3: Shira 1 camp- Lava Tower -Moir Hut
Trek through the Shira Plateau, passing the Lava Tower at 4,600 meters. The day spans approximately 13 km, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 5°C. Reach Moir Hut for a night amid stunning alpine landscapes.
Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Moir Hut Camp
Accommodation: Moir Hut Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 4: Moir Hut- Buffalo camp
Traverse rocky terrain and ascend to Buffalo camp, covering around 12 km. Experience a temperature range of 5°C to -5°C as you progress through the alpine desert.
Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp
Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 5: Buffalo camp- Third Cave
Hike through the Barranco Valley, covering about 15 km. The day's temperature ranges from -5°C to -10°C as you reach Third Cave, nestled in the moorland.
Destination: Buffalo Camp To Pofu Camp
Accommodation: Third Cave Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 6: Third Cave- School Hut
Ascend through the lunar-like landscape, covering approximately 9 km. Arrive at School Hut, the final camp before your summit attempt, with temperatures dropping to -10°C.
Destination: Third Cave Camp To School Hut Camp
Accommodation: School Hut Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 7: School Hut- Uhuru Peak -Mweka camp
The summit day! Begin the ascent to Uhuru Peak, reaching the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. Traverse the snowfields, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to -20°C. Descend to Mweka camp for a well-deserved rest, covering a total of 21 km on this challenging day.
Destination: School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Mweka camp
Accommodation: Mweka Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 8: Mweka camp- Mweka gate Back to Moshi/Arusha
Descend through lush rainforests, covering approximately 10 km. Reach Mweka gate, where you will bid farewell to Kilimanjaro's slopes. Return to Moshi/Arusha, cherishing the memories of your extraordinary adventure.
Destination: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking water
Price Includes
- Sleeping bag or bed linen
- Rental vehicle
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Park fees
- A professional driver/guide
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- 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
- Bath towels
- Climbing gear
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All flights during the tour
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
• Answer: The optimal time is during the dry seasons, from January to March and June to October.
• Answer: It is a challenging trek, requiring good physical fitness and mental preparedness.
• Answer: Comfortable tents are provided throughout the trek, offering a genuine camping experience.
• Answer: Our guides are trained to recognize symptoms, and gradual acclimatization is built into the itinerary.
• Answer: Group sizes are kept small for a more personalized experience, usually ranging from 6 to 12 participants.
• Answer: Yes, we cater to various dietary needs. Please inform us in advance.
• Answer: Charging facilities are limited, so it's advisable to bring portable chargers.
• Answer: Our guides are trained in first aid, and we provide emergency communication devices.
• Answer: Both options are available. However, bringing personal gear ensures familiarity and comfort.
• Answer: Various bird species and small mammals may be spotted, but large wildlife is rare due to the high altitude.
• Answer: Yes, comprehensive travel insurance, including medical coverage and evacuation, is mandatory.
Reviews for 8 Days Roof of Africa Odyssey Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Expedition
The Northern Circuit Route was a true adventure! The guides were knowledgeable, and the landscapes were awe-inspiring. A challenging yet rewarding experience.
I can't express how well-organized this tour was. The team's commitment to responsible tourism and the environment made the journey even more meaningful.
The Northern Circuit Route exceeded my expectations. The guides' expertise and the camaraderie among the group made it a life-changing journey. Highly recommended.
As a solo traveler, I felt safe and supported throughout the trek. The cultural insights shared by the guides added a unique touch to the adventure.
Kilimanjaro's Northern Circuit is a jewel. The blend of ecosystems, from rainforests to snowfields, is astounding. The guides' passion for the mountain is contagious.
An unforgettable journey filled with challenges and triumphs. The team's dedication to environmental conservation resonated throughout the trek. Kudos.
A spiritually enriching experience. The guides' respect for local customs and the mountain's sacredness added a profound dimension to the trek.
The Northern Circuit Route revealed the beauty of Kilimanjaro in ways I never imagined. The team's commitment to sustainability made this journey even more special.