Kilimanjaro - Northern Circuit

Hi,

I`m planning to climb Kilimanjaro in September 2015. After the first research it seems that the most interesting route is the Northern Circuit but not all the companies are offering this one. Did any of you do it and could recommend some agencies?

Or maybe it is not the wisest choice to go for the Northern Circuit?

Thanks!

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!

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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

Hi, I climbed Machame route in 2008 as a 55 year old. We did it in 6 days/5 nights and I would really recommend taking the extra night other wise it is a very long tiring day between Barranco camp and Barafu camp, we only stopped for lunch at Karanga and we were all very tired when we got to Barafu.
I'm still intouch with my guides from my trek and I see them every year. Most have their own companies now and they are all lovely guys and very good guides so if you want to get in touch with one or all of them let me know.

Hi,

thanks a lot for the information. It seems that the extra day is a must then - especially that I don`t see anything wrong in spending one more day in this beautiful scenery.

When it comes to the companies it seems that Mar Tours are way ahead of the competition, especially when it comes to price. And they are also widely recommended by people on the interenet so I guess it should be the right choice if we don`t want to spend fortune on the hike.

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Forget about Machame. It is the most popular route and looks like super bisy all the year around. In my opinion, staying in the overcrowded camps on the way up is not a pleasure at all.
Maybe it is better to think about Lemosho route? I had the fantastic Kili experience via Lemosho and really enjoyed it in February 2015.
In my opinion this route is fantastic for the correct acclimatization due to starting from 3500 metres and long lasting approach on high altitude with lots of ups and downs. I cannot say that it was something unexpected for me. Ive read a lot about this journey. It was quite easy, mostly because of experienced crews support.
Lemosho is super scenic and you always admire with the snowy peak on the route.
Small tip: you should be prepared for the low temperatures during the last pitch ascent. It was extremely cold for me.
And be aware of the local Tanzanian travel companies. I have nothing against them, however, pole-pole (slowly-slowly) is not only the useful command in mountains, it is also local lifestyle. Obviously, they are not ready to compete with european companies that are also located in Tanzania.
So be careful with your choice.
And have a nice trip!

Sorry to jump into this late - but you really can't go wrong doing the Machame or Lemosho. I did the Machame about two years ago and had a blast. It is a bit more crowded, but for me it made it fun to have a lot of people around for support and for energy to feed off of. I also agree that the 7 day /6 night route is the way to go. The summit ascent is the same and will be challenging no matter what route you take, but at least the 7 day route will give you more energy when it's time for that final push.

As for a tour operator, whatever you decide I recommend booking with them directly. Most websites you see are run by agencies that have a few middlemen before they actually reach the tour operators. The company I work with (www.venturefar.com) has a travel marketplace where we've certified a few tour operators and you can book with them directly. You'll notice that the fee of booking with them on our site is a bit less than what you might expect. The operator we work with the most is Ahsante Travel. Please let me know if you have any questions as you continue to plan your trip. Thanks!

Hi Dajbanana
I am also planning a trek to Kilimanjaro but in late September. Can you let me know if you have decided on a travel agency . I am a solo trekker and looking for climbing mates.
Thanks

Hi there,

I did Lemosho route this June 2015 with ANAPA Travel.
I warmly recommend this local agency: the trip was adjusted to my personal needs (regarding budget and paying, dates of the trip etc.) due to the very friendly and service oriented tour operator Tumaini. I also had a great guide (ask for Marwa) and team on the mountain. There was nothing I could complain about.
I planned the tour via internet in advance - very reliable.

Wish you a nice journey and awesome days on the Kili!

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