Kilimanjaro - Northern Circuit

Jambo - the Northern Circuit as you have found, is not all that popular with most of the major trekking companies. There are a couple that do traverse this route but usually only when approached by a group of 4-6 trekkers looking for something different. It would be a more popular route (imho) if KINAPA (Kilimanjaro National Park Authority) would allow a new summit route (from the NW) - say from Moir Huts. But without such a new route the NC is very long - around 8-9 days even with an ascent visa the Arrow Glacier/Western Breach route. Having trekked all but the Lemosho its the only route that would draw me back to Kili. So if you can find 3 more mates you might be able to trek the NC. Good luck!

Thanks for the information. That sounds reasonable to take the Machame as this will be our first ever hike above 2k metres. Although we are not that old yet and very active, maybe it is better to be on the safe side. Would you say that 6 days is enough? Or is it true that 7 days is much safer and the success rate in 6 days hikes is much lower? Or is it pure marketing?

Any special recommendations regarding the operator? Something not too expensive but at the same time not too dodgy?

Given your ages, even if active, and your first time above 2000 metres then it is wiser to opt for a 7 day / 6 night trek. The extra day between Branco and Barafu will (imho) improve your chances of reaching Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak. Machame is the most scenic of the routes - on the second afternoon (if clear) and on the third morning (again if the cloud/fog has lifted) you get great views of Mt Meru - 30 km to the west and of Kibo itself. Good luck.

Fair enough. Then 7 day it is - I would really hate to be forced to go back down before reaching the summit! Good to know that it is the most scenic of the routes. I am only a bit affraid of the popularity of the route - I wouldn`t like to experience the same thing as on the Oxford Street in London during the Christmas time :)

Mike, have you got experience witn any particular operator? Could you recommend someone?

The following link can be usefully on your searching.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293750-i11370-k7076924-Kilimanjaro_operators-Kilimanjaro_National_Park_Kilimanjaro_Region.html

Hey dajbanana!
3 people from Uruguay are also planning to climb Kilimanjaro during September and dates not fixed. We have been given the following itinerary for 7 days Machame route from one of the Tour Operator we have contacted.
Day-1-Machame gate to Machame camp(3000m) for overnight-6--7 hours trek.
Day-2-Descend to shira cathedral then up to Shira camp(3840m) for overnight-5--6 hours trek.
Day-3-Shira camp up to lava tower(420m) then down to Baranco(3950m) for overnight-7-8 hours trek.
Day-4-Barranco up to Karanga valley(4100m) for overnight--only 4 hours trek(aclamatization day).
Day-5-Karanga valley to Barafu camp (4600m) --arrive at 12.00noon, get rest for the preparation to Uhuru peak
the next day.
Day-6- Start early after mid night to Uhuru peak(5896m), reach the peak at 7.00a.m then descend down to Mweka
camp(3100m) for overnight. (10--12 hours trek).
Day-7- Descend to Mweka gate in 4 hours before and transfer to Moshi.
Which itinerary were you offered-- let us communicate and part together.
detoitslolenzoatyahoodotcom

Hi rongai2015,

seems like a good idea if we manage to be there at the same time. For us, most probably, that would be more into the first half of the month.

At the moment I`m collecting the email from local operators that I chose after reading the information at TA, (link given to me earlier in this thread). Once I finish gathering the offers I will get back to you here.

Good idea dajbanana!
Collect the information and we will do the same. Tell us your exact time when you will be going on the first half of that month, so thatwe make a good team