Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit (9 Days)

Ilboru Safari Lodge is located at the base of the majestic Mt. Meru, on the outskirts of Arusha. An oasis after the bustle of the nearby city, this family property is run by a Dutch Tanzania couple, both of whom have worked in the hotel industry for many years. It is a budget lodge, but well-kept, with comfortable rooms and good food. Accommodation is in rondavels in the traditional African-style, with two self-contained rooms to each cottage. All rooms have a private balcony overlooking the gardens and swimming pool. Ilboru is booked on a half-board basis.

This evening there will be a climb briefing covering kit, camping arrangements, and what to expect on the mountain (climate, altitude etc), as well as tomorrow’s transfer times. This is a good chance to ask any questions you may have about the coming climb, particularly any concerns regarding kit.

After orientation and a thorough kit check, we will register at Londorossi Gate (please ensure that you send us your passport number and date of birth before the climb starts.) From the gate, it is a short drive to the Lemosho Glades, where we begin our trek through the rainforest to camp 1 at Big Tree (2,785m).

Approaching Kilimanjaro from the west, this is an exciting wilderness route, which allows us to avoid the over-crowding common on the main eastern and southern climb routes. Our trek today will take us along a little-used track starting at the Lemosho Glades. In places the vegetation is so undisturbed by humans that it grows right across the narrow track. Flora and fauna are richer here than on other, more trodden routes through the rainforest. [3-4 hours walking]

After lunch we head up a long ridge before dropping down into the Shira Caldera – a high altitude desert plateau rarely visited by man.

Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. It is filled with lava flow from Kibo, its rim eroded and blasted away by weather and volcanic action.

Today you can expect to get your first views of Kibo – the dramatic summit cone of Kilimanjaro.

Camp at Shira One (3,500m). [5-6 hours walking]

Optional and recommended early morning start for those wanting to try the acclimatizing trek to Shira Cathedral (3,860m). The views from the top of this ridge are very special (though those with vertigo should take care!) Allow 4-5 hours for the full-day trek via Shira Cathedral.

Our goal is Moir Hut (4,155m) – a well-located refuge built by the Sheffield Univ. Mountaineering Club, and set within a deep valley.

Though it has over the years been battered by the wind and rain, Moir Hut forms a basic shelter (though you will be sleeping in tents as normal). In the afternoon it is possible to take a guided trek up the nearby Lent Group – a series of wind-eroded parasite cones and ridges from whose upper slopes you can gaze down on the plains of southern Kenya.  You may be lucky and see the elusive and rare Kilimanjaro eland (a long haired antelope) high in these remote uplands. Wear good boots and take waterproofs, water and snacks for this half day trek, and be prepared to scramble on the slopes of the Lent Group (4700m). [5-7 hours walking]

After admiring the views, we return to the trail and head eastwards around the northern circuit trail. Here the trail passes through a field of rock slabs that clink as they’re walked on.

The final section of today’s walk undulates until you reach Buffalo Camp (4,150m). This remote, little-used campsite enjoys a marvellous location on the edge of the ridge, overlooking the Kenyan plains that extend northwards into the horizon. [4-7 hours walking]

The trail continues eastwards through a landscape of increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp (3,930m). [5-7 hours walking]

The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for tonight’s attempt on the summit. [4-5 hours walking]

The meandering trail over loose volcanic scree is steep and tough in places, but taking it at a slow and steady pace we can expect to reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) in about five or six hours. Time-allowing, we can rest here for a short time while enjoying the view of the sun rising over Mawenzi.

From Gilman’s, the trail leads west along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy much of the summit area. Take the time to rest your bones and savour the view from the summit, before beginning the long descent.

We retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descend down through Barafu Camp to reach Millennium Camp, or Mweka High Camp, at 3,800m. Relax, get some rest, and congratulate yourself on a hard day’s trekking – you’ve done it! [11-15 hours walking]

This is a long walk-off lasting 5 to 6 hours, and perhaps even longer if there is rain on the route.

As the southern flank tends to receive more rain, it is quite likely that you will encounter wet and very muddy conditions in the rainforest section on this last day. Please be prepared for this and do not expect an easy jaunt back to the gate! Nevertheless, the route is very beautiful and well worth the effort.

After lunch, we drive approx.. 2 hours to Ilboru Lodge, where a hot shower, dinner & rest await!

If flying out this evening, we can arrange for a day room and lunch at Ilboru Lodge or at KIA Lodge, situated just outside the airport (lunch to own account).