Northern Circuit Route
Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route is one of the longest and newest routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a comprehensive trekking experience, circumnavigating nearly the entire mountain and providing stunning panoramic views and excellent acclimatization opportunities. Here’s a detailed overview:
Key Features:
Length and Duration:
- The route is approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) long.
- Typically, the climb takes 9-10 days, offering ample time for acclimatization.
Starting Point:
- The trek begins at Londorossi Gate, located at an altitude of about 2,100 meters (6,890 feet).
Major Campsites:
- Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp: The first campsite, located at 2,750 meters (9,020 feet).
- Shira 1 Camp: Situated at 3,610 meters (11,844 feet), on the Shira Plateau.
- Shira 2 Camp: At 3,850 meters (12,600 feet), offering expansive views of the plateau.
- Moir Hut: Located at 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), excellent for acclimatization.
- Buffalo Camp: At 4,020 meters (13,188 feet), offering views of the northern plains.
- Third Cave: Located at 3,870 meters (12,700 feet).
- School Hut: The final camp before the summit push, located at 4,800 meters (15,750 feet).
Summit Attempt:
- The summit push starts from School Hut around midnight.
- Climbers aim to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet) by sunrise.
Descent Route:
- The descent is typically via the Mweka Route, offering a faster and more direct path down the mountain.
Highlights:
- Panoramic Views: The Northern Circuit offers some of the most diverse and expansive views on Kilimanjaro, including vistas of the Northern Icefields.
- High Success Rate: Due to the longer duration and gradual ascent, the route offers excellent acclimatization, leading to a higher success rate.
- Less Crowded: The Northern Circuit is one of the less crowded routes, providing a more tranquil and solitary trekking experience.
Preparation and Considerations:
- Physical Fitness: Adequate physical preparation is essential due to the demanding nature of the climb and the length of the trek.
- Altitude Sickness: The route’s gradual ascent helps with acclimatization, but climbers should still be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and take appropriate measures.
- Gear and Equipment: Proper gear, including warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and a high-quality sleeping bag, is necessary.
- Guides and Porters: Hiring experienced guides and porters is mandatory and enhances safety and the overall experience.
Typical Itinerary:
- Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
- Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
- Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
- Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
- Day 8: School Hut to Summit to Mweka Camp
- Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Route Advantages:
- Comprehensive Experience: The Northern Circuit offers a full circumnavigation of Kilimanjaro, providing a unique and varied trekking experience.
- Optimal Acclimatization: The longer duration and gradual ascent profile significantly improve acclimatization.
- Solitude and Scenery: The route’s remoteness and panoramic views make it ideal for trekkers seeking solitude and stunning scenery.
The Northern Circuit Route is perfect for those who have the time for a longer trek and want to maximize their chances of reaching the summit with excellent acclimatization. Its diverse landscapes, less crowded paths, and comprehensive mountain experience make it a top choice for a Kilimanjaro climb.
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