9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route and 4 Days Safari

DAY 1: ARRIVE AT KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met by our guide at the Airport and transferred to the hotel in Moshi.
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast basis
Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 2: LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)

DAY 3: MTI MKUBWA – SHIRA HUT 1

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savanna of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira Hut 1
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)

DAY 4: SHIRA HUT 1 – SHIRA HUT 2

We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira 2
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)

DAY 5: SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER THEN MOIR HUT

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we 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. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Moir Hut
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)

DAY 6: MOIR HUT TO BUFFALO CAMP

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately 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.
Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Buffalo Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)

DAY 7: BUFFALO CAMP TO THIRD CAVE

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely traveled  and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Third Cave
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)

DAY 8: THIRD CAVE TO SCHOOL HUT

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at School Hut
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)

DAY 9: SCHOOL HUT TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA

Around midnight, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

From the summit, we now 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 enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Artic
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)

DAY 10: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Elevation Loss: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 11: MOSHI to SERENGETI  NATIONAL PARK

Today we will start by driving from Moshi to the Serengeti National Park crossing the Masaai Steppe and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, entering the Serengeti via Naabi Hill Gate. The afternoon will be spent doing game drives in Serengeti until late afternoon when you will drive and check in to Tented Safari Camp , for dinner and overnight. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner. 
Accommodation: Embalakai Authentic Tented Camp or Similar Safari Lodge
Room plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 12: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK FULL DAY

Wake up for a full day of game drives in the Serengeti plains with picnic lunch taken at one of the designated sites, or if you wish you can do an early morning game drive then go back to the lodge/tented camp for breakfast then relax until in the afternoon. You can then go for a sunset game drives in the endless plain.

Meal Plan: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner. 
Accommodation: Embalakai Authentic Tented Camp or Similar Safari Lodge
Room plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 13:SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA 

Area After breakfast in the morning, we drive back slowly through the Central Serengeti with game viewing on the way until Naabi Hill Gate where we check out of the Serengeti National Park. We will drive to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. You will have a chance to visit the Olduvai Gorge or Maasai Village (at extra costs) if you wish. After arriving at Rhino Lodge drive to the starting point on the Crater rim about 5 kilometers from Rhino Lodge. The walk is along the Western rim of the Crater past the Oloirobi viewpoint. There are patches of forest, to begin with, and later it opens up into thicket and grassland, giving beautiful views down into the Crater on your right and eventually equally good views towards Olduvai Gorge, the Serengeti and the Gol mountains to your left. This is an easy-paced walk with no arduous climbs, just a few short gradients. It lasts about 2 hours and can be done at any time of day.

Meal Plan: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner. 
Accommodation: Rhino  Lodge
Room plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 14: NGORONGORO CRATER DRIVE BACK TO MOSHI

Very early morning we drive down the Ngorongoro Crater walls to the Crater floor where we will spend the better part of the day doing game drives in this 8th wonder of the world also referred to as the Eden of Africa. Here we will get the chance to spot the animals that we might have missed at Serengeti with a little luck you can spot the Big 5 that is; Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Rhinos, in a single day’s game drive. Later in the afternoon, we shall drive back to Hotel in Moshi where your safari ends.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch  
Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room plan: Double Occupancy

DAY 15: DEPARTURE DAY

We will transfer you from the hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will fly back home.if you will have more time you can extend to Zanzibar, but additional cost will be required.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

WHAT INCLUDE ON TREKKING

• 2 ways transfer to and from Kilimanjaro airport.
• Tanzania 18% VAT on tourism activities and park fees.
• The Adequate and appropriate number of guides, porters, and cooks for your Trek.
• Government taxes.
• All park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and team fees.
• Transfers to and from the route gate(s) (2 transfers).
• Sleeping mattress pad(s), dining tent(s), sleeping tent(s), and crew‟s equipment–Dining tent and sleeping tent for Kilimanjaro trek.
• 2 nights in a hotel in Moshi on a Bed & Breakfast basis and Double Occupancy (1 night before trekking & 1 night after trekking).
• 3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooker (we also
  consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian). Menu especially designed for climbers.
• Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provided every day on the mountain.
• 3-4 liters of mineral (per Climber) provided daily during the climb.
• Portable toilets for the trek with the tent for Kilimanjaro trek.
• Emergency evacuation covers with Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter but the climber must have insurance which cover up to 6000 meters above the sea level.
• Carbon Offset.
• Hotel accommodation includes storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
• Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team).
• Chief guide carries a Pulse Ox meter, used to take blood-oxygen level readings of clients twice a day.
• Forest fee.
• Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summit aid).
• Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).
• Salaries for the mountain support crew, as per required by MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND NATURAL RESOURCES and KPAP.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
• Porter to carry your duffel bag, with a maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next camp.
• Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.

WHAT NOT INCLUDED ON TREKKING

• Visa fee (50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival).
• Tips.
• Drinks and beverages in Hotel.
• Personal hiking/trekking gear – you could rent some of the gear in Tanzania.
• Sleeping bag.
• Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets.
• Meals and drinks not specified.
  

   

   

WHAT INCLUDE ON SAFARI

• 4 days/3 nights  safari.
• Transport and wildlife drives in modified 4 x 4 Land Cruiser with photographic roof hatch.
• All meal per itinerary.
• 3 nights’ accommodation in lodges and/or permanent tented camps as mentioned in the itinerary.
• 1 night at hotel in Moshi after Safari on bed and breakfast.
• Services of a professional English speaking safari guide.
• All wildlife reserve entry fees All game drives as mentioned in the itinerary.
• 03 x 1.5 mineral water per person/day during game drives.
• 03 x Fullboard basis at safari lodges or tented camps as per itinerary.
• Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority.
• Carbon offsetting.

WHAT NOT INCLUDED ON SAFARI

• International Flights Any domestic connection flights on arrival or departure.
• All items of a personal nature Gratuities for safari guide and lodge staff (please tip separately).
• Travel insurance if needed. Visa fee (50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival).
• Drinks and beverages in lodges Tip for the Driver, whereby the recommended tip for Safari Driver/Guide is $50 per day per car.
• Hot Air Balloon Safari at Serengeti National Park, including concession fees which cost $599

 COST OF ADDITIONAL SERVICES

• Sleeping bag rental, Mountain Hardware Lamina, synthetic -30F, per trip $50.
• Extra porter(Personal porter), for excess gear, costs $30 per day.
• Trekking poles rental, telescopic, cost $20 per trip.
• Single Supplement(Single Mountain Tent and Single Room) for the trekking only  cost $250 per person.
• Single Supplement(Single Tented Safari Camp and Single Room) for the safari only  cost $450 per person.
• Extra night at the hotel in Moshi costs $90 for Double Occupancy, $70 for single occupancy  on the bed and breakfast basis.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATION

• Guide – $15 to $20 per day.
• Assistant Guide – $10 to $15 per day.
• Cook – $10 to $15 per day.
• Porters – $6 to $10 per day per porter.
•  Safari Driver/Guide is $30–$50 per day per car.

PRICE

• Price is  US  $5550 per person when 2 people and above travel together
• Single Supplements for both Climb and Safari will be  total of 700 per person.

ETHICAL KILIMANJARO CLIMBS
We are doing ethical climbs and responsible Trekking; we believe the tourism the industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world‟s natural
habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities. We actively promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
We are not doing cheap Climb, cheap climb means we are doing tourism while exploiting our Porters who are the ones who make Kilimanjaro trek possible for the vast majority of climbers, and who do all the heavy lifting. Fair and ethical treatment of our porters (crew) is one of the important priorities of Eco-Africa Climbing when we do climb. We are proud to be a Partner of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). Please contact ([email protected]) to confirm this.
KPAP raises public awareness regarding the proper treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro and assists climbing companies with implementing procedures that
ensure fair and ethical treatment of their porters. Every of our climb is audited by KPAP to ensure crewmembers are provided proper salaries, tips procedure, food, equipment and sleeping conditions.