9 Days Northern
Route Map, Itinerary, Altitude, Distance & Time
At the beginning of this route we can choose whether we take a Shira route or we take a regular Lemosho route, because the two routes start parallel and get connected before Shira 2. From shira 2 they go all the way to Lava Tower where they separate.
This Kilimanjaro trekking route is quite new and so exciting in providing a higher acclimatization rate to the climbers. It gives one of the very useful strategies of acclimatization which is climb high and sleep low.
At the beginning of this route we can choose whether we take a Shira route or we take a regular Lemosho route, because the two routes start parallel and get connected before Shira 2. From shira 2 they go all the way to Lava Tower where they separate.
The Lemosho route start at Londorosi gate which is lying at 2,359M (7740feet) and hike to Mti Mkubwa for Camping which is 2,895 (9498Feet).
We suggest that we take the regular Lemosho route at the beginning and take our way at lava tower before heading to Moir Hut.
The Shira route start at Shira gate which is lying at 3,600M (11800feet) and overnight at Simba camp which is the same altitude as the starting point. At this case the climbers starting at Shira are about 1,240M higher than the Londorosi gate.
Day 1
Depart Moshi Town in the morning to Londorosi gate for all the formalities. The drive takes up to 4 hours to the gate. After the paperwork is completed, we will drive to the starting point.
| From Londorosi Gate 1 | To Mti Mkubwa Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation: 2359m = 7,742ft |
2895m = 9,498ft |
|
Distance Covered |
6Km = 4miles |
|
Hiking Time |
3 – 4 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
Day 2
After breakfast, we will walk the trail to Shira Camp. The trail starts in the rain forest and later emerges into the treeless grassland, heather, and volcanic rocks. We will go along Shira ridge before going down to Shira 1 Camp. Kibo Peak is visible throughout this hike.
| From Mti Mkubwa Camp | To Shira 1 Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 2,895m = 9,498ft |
3,505m = 11,500ft |
|
Distance Covered |
8 Km = 5miles |
|
Hiking Time |
5 – 6 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Day 3
We will explore the beauty of the Shira Plateau and gently walk toward the east on moorland meadows while approaching Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique trees.
| From Shira 1 Camp | To Shira 2 Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,505m = 11,500ft |
3,847m = 12,621ft |
|
Distance Covered |
7 Km = 4miles |
|
Hiking Time |
3 – 4 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Day 4
We will continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast toward the Lava Tower, at which stands a 91m/300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we will 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. One can skip Lava Tower by taking a path before it, but we recommend it as part of our hike in order to increase the acclimatization rate.
| From Shira 2 | To Lava Tower | To Moir Hut |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,810m=12,500ft |
3,847m = 12,621ft |
4,139m = 13,580 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
7 Km = 4miles |
7 Km = 4miles |
|
Hiking Time |
3 – 4 Hours |
2-3 hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Alpine Desert |
Day 5
From Moir Hut we have quite a steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
| From Moir Hut Camp | To Buffalo Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 4,139m=13,580 ft |
4,023m = 13,200 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
12 Km = 7 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
5-7 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 6
As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain We will head up Buffalo Ridge where the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely traveled, and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We will trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
| From Buffalo Camp | To Third Cave |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 4,023m = 13,200 ft |
3,870m = 12,700 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
8 Km = 5 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
5-7 hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Day 7
We will climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We will continue to camp, School Hut. Once here we will rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
| From Buffalo Camp | To School Hut Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,870m = 12,700ft |
4,754m = 15,600 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 Km = 3 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4-5 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 8
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we will begin our push to the summit. This is the most challenging portion of the trek. We will ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (5,670m/18,600 ft) you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we will arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we will make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
| From School Hut Camp | Summits ( Uhuru ) | Mweka Camp |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 4,754m=15,600ft |
5,895 = 19,341 ft |
3,067m = 10,065 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
6 km = 4 miles |
12 km = 7 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
6-8 hours |
4-6 hours |
|
Habitat |
Arctic |
Upper forest |
Day 9
On our last day, we will continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Our truck will meet us at the gate.
| From Mweka Camp | To Mweka Gate |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,068m = 10,065ft |
1,640m = 5,380 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
10 km = 6 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
3 – 4 hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
NOTE:
The price includes:
- All park entry fees, tour charges and respective taxes as per itinerary,
- Camping Equipment (i.e. tents, chairs, mattresses),
- Food – 3 meals a day and refreshments,
- Trained Personal Cook,
- Trained and licensed English Speaking Mountain Guide,
- Mountain Porters,
- Transportation to/from the mountain,
- Airport transfers,
- Two nights bed and breakfast hotel accommodation in Moshi before and after climbing,
- Air and ground ambulance cover for medical evacuation services,
However, the price excludes:
- Crews tip,
- Climbing gears – e.g. sleeping bag, walking poles, rainy and warm stuff, etc,
- Personal expenses, such as visa fee, airport taxes, insurance policy, etc.