5nights plus 2 nights in hotel
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Transfer from Airport to Hotel then to Machame Gate , Depend on Group Size
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Mid Range Hotels and Camps
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Arusha
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July , August , September, December; January , Februaty
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Kilimanjaro Climbing
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All meals
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English, Spanish, French, Chinese
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2-15
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12
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65
Visit
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK & NGORONGORO CRATER
Overview
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route is the longest, safest, and most scenic way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its excellent acclimatization profile, very high summit success rate, and full circumnavigation of the mountain’s northern slopes.
This is the most recommended itinerary for climbers who want a comfortable, gradual, and unforgettable journey to Uhuru Peak.
Highlights
- Higher Summit Success Rate: The extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization significantly improves your chances of reaching the summit compared to the 5-day route.
- Diverse Habitats: The trek takes you through four distinct climate zones, starting in the lush Montane Forest, transitioning to the open Heathland and Alpine Desert, and culminating in the Arctic Summit zone. This rapid change in scenery provides a varied and memorable experience.
- Gradual Slope: The path is well-defined with a more gentle incline, making the initial days of the climb less strenuous.
- Scenic Diversity: The route takes you through multiple climate zones, from lush rainforest to the arctic summit.
- Climb High, Sleep Low" Acclimatization: The optional hike on Day 4 helps your body adjust to the altitude, a proven strategy for preventing altitude sickness.
9 Days Northern Circuit Route Overview
- Route: Northern Circuit Route
- Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Starting Point: Londorossi Gate
- Ending Point: Mweka Gate
- Best For: Fit first-time climbers and adventure trekkers
- Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Begin the journey with registration at Londorossi Gate before trekking through rainforest.
Highlights
- Tropical rainforest
- Wildlife sightings
- Gentle start
Trek Details
- Elevation: 2,100m to 2,750m
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Overnight stays in mountain huts
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water, tea & coffee
- All national park fees
- Transfer from the hotel to the National park gate and back
The Cost Excludes
- International Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
- Tipping suggestion $10 a day per vehicle. The tip should be handed to the driver/guide at the end of the
- trip
FAQs
The success rate for the Machame Route is one of its most attractive features. The 7-day itinerary has an average summit success rate of 85-90%, while the shorter 6-day version has a rate of around 70-75%. The longer itinerary is highly recommended because it provides better acclimatization, significantly increasing your chances of reaching the peak.
The Machame Route is considered a moderately difficult trek. It is more challenging than the Marangu Route due to steeper sections, longer daily hikes, and a camping-based itinerary. However, it’s very manageable for individuals with good physical fitness and no prior high-altitude experience. Key challenges include:
Steep sections on days 2 and 3.
The Barranco Wall, a non-technical but steep rock face that requires a bit of scrambling.
The long and challenging summit day, which can take 12-15 hours.
The “climb high, sleep low” principle is a fundamental strategy for altitude acclimatization. It involves hiking to a higher elevation during the day and then descending to a lower camp to sleep. The Machame Route is an excellent example of this. On Day 3, you hike up to Lava Tower (4,630m / 15,190ft) before descending to Barranco Camp (3,900m / 12,800ft) for the night. This allows your body to start adapting to the high altitude without the added stress of sleeping there, which is a major factor in the route’s high success rate.
The Machame Route is often contrasted with the Marangu Route, and they have several key differences:
Accommodation: Machame is a camping route where you sleep in tents every night. Marangu is the only route with communal huts.
Success Rate: Machame (especially the 7-day version) has a much higher summit success rate due to its superior acclimatization profile.
Scenery: Machame is a more scenic route that traverses the mountain in a non-linear path, offering diverse landscapes and views. Marangu follows the same trail for both the ascent and descent, which can feel repetitive.
Difficulty: Machame is considered more physically demanding than Marangu due to its steeper sections and longer hiking days.
The main difference is the addition of an extra acclimatization day. In the 6-day itinerary, you spend an extra night at Horombo Hut (Day 3), allowing your body more time to adjust to the altitude. This extra day significantly improves your chances of a successful summit, often raising the success rate by 10-15% or more.
