Northern Circuit Route
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Distance: 88 km (53 miles)
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Elevation gain: 2,360m to 5,895m (7,742 ft to 19,341 ft)
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Duration: 9 days
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Acclimatization: Good
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Terrain: Varied, including rain forest, heath, alpine desert, and artic
Overview of the Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
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The Northern Circuit Route is the newest and longest established path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers climbers a unique and immersive experience. Known for its excellent acclimatization profile, stunning views, and solitude, this route takes trekkers around the entire mountain, providing a 360-degree perspective of the mountain's diverse landscapes. It is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more relaxed pace with the time to fully experience the mountain's beauty.
Key Highlights of the Northern Circuit Route
1. Longest Route on Kilimanjaro: The Northern Circuit is the longest route, taking 9 days to complete. This extended itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization, which improves summit success rates compared to shorter routes. The slow, steady ascent reduces the risk of altitude sickness, making the Northern Circuit one of the most successful routes for reaching Uhuru Peak.
2. Scenic Beauty and Varied Landscapes: The Northern Circuit offers some of the most breathtaking and varied scenery on Kilimanjaro. The journey begins on the western slopes, trekking through lush rainforests and crossing the vast Shira Plateau. As trekkers move northward, they are treated to panoramic views of the African savannah, the volcanic landscapes of Kilimanjaro, and the stunning glaciers near the summit. The trail provides an off-the-beaten-path experience, far from the crowded southern routes, with vistas unique to the mountain's northern side.
3. Complete 360-Degree Experience: The Northern Circuit is unique because it goes all the way around Mount Kilimanjaro, allowing hikers to see the mountain from every angle. This route provides a complete look at the mountain's different environments, including rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacial areas. Hikers also get clear views of the Kenyan plains to the north, which is not possible on other routes.
4. Less Crowded and More Private: The Northern Circuit is the least trafficked route on Kilimanjaro, providing a peaceful and private trekking experience. Trekkers follow the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first few days, but after reaching the Shira Plateau, they veer north and away from the more popular southern trails. The campsites along the northern side are quiet, often with few other trekkers in sight, making it an excellent choice for those seeking solitude.
5. Excellent Acclimatization and High Success Rates: The Northern Circuit offers one of the best acclimatization profiles on the mountain due to its longer itinerary and gradual altitude gain. The slow ascent helps trekkers adjust to the altitude, leading to higher summit success rates. The relaxed pace of the route also allows climbers to enjoy the experience without the pressure of rapid altitude changes.
6. Wildlife and Unique Flora: The Northern Circuit provides the opportunity to observe Kilimanjaro's wildlife during the early stages of the trek, especially in the rainforest zones, where you can see black-and-white colobus monkeys and various bird species. The route also features Kilimanjaro's distinctive high-altitude plant life, such as the unusual and beautiful Dendrosenecio kilimanjari, which adds a surreal element to the trek.
7. Summit and Descent: After several days on the mountain's northern side, the route merges with the Rongai Route for the final ascent to Kibo Hut. This hut serves as the base camp for the summit push. Trekkers depart for the summit at midnight, ascending Uhuru Peak in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the African plains. The descent follows the Mweka Route, offering a quick and efficient path down the southern slopes.
Lemosho Route FAQ for Kilimanjaro Climbing​
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1. What makes the Northern Circuit Route unique compared to other Kilimanjaro routes?
The Northern Circuit is the longest and least crowded route on Kilimanjaro. It traverses all four sides of the mountain, providing trekkers with a 360-degree mountain view and diverse landscapes. These include lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and arctic summit zones. Due to its longer duration, the route also offers excellent acclimatization, making it one of the most successful paths to the summit.
2. How long is the Northern Circuit Route, and how many days does it take?
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The Northern Circuit Route is around 88 km (53 miles) in length. It usually takes 9 to complete, allowing for a gradual ascent that improves acclimatization and summit success rates
3. What is the summit success rate of the Northern Circuit Route?
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The Northern Circuit Route is known for having one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro, averaging around 90%. The extended itinerary and gradual ascent are designed to help with acclimatization, which is crucial for preventing altitude sickness. Some operators, including ours, have reported success rates as high as 98% for this route.
4. How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit is considered one of the least challenging routes on Kilimanjaro due to its extended itinerary and relaxed pace. The longer duration allows trekkers to acclimatize better, reducing the physical strain of climbing at high altitudes. While the route is long, the daily hikes are moderate, making it suitable for most trekkers with a good fitness level.
5. What kind of scenery can be expected on the Northern Circuit Route?
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The Northern Circuit is one of Kilimanjaro's most beautiful and diverse routes. Along this route, trekkers journey through lush rainforests, traverse the stunning Shira Plateau, and cross alpine deserts on the northern slopes, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Kenyan plains. The tranquil northern side of Kilimanjaro offers pristine, remote landscapes and some of the mountain's most spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
6. When is the best time to climb the Northern Circuit Route?
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The Northern Circuit Route is best climbed during the dry seasons, which are June to October and January to March. These months provide stable weather, clearer skies, and lower chances of rain, making the trek more comfortable. However, it is advisable to avoid the rainy seasons, especially in April and May, due to slippery trails and reduced visibility.
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7. How busy is the Northern Circuit Route compared to other routes?
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The Northern Circuit is the least crowded of all Kilimanjaro routes, making it ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter, more secluded experience. While other routes can become congested, particularly during peak seasons, the Northern Circuit offers peaceful trails and remote campsites, allowing trekkers to enjoy the solitude of the mountain.
8. How does the Northern Circuit Route compare to the Lemosho Route?
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The Northern Circuit starts on the same western approach as the Lemosho Route, passing through the Shira Plateau. However, while the Lemosho Route continues on the southern slopes, the Northern Circuit diverges to circle the northern side of Kilimanjaro. The Northern Circuit offers more varied and remote landscapes, fewer trekkers, and a longer, more gradual ascent for better acclimatization.
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9. What kind of physical preparation is required for the Northern Circuit Route?
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The Northern Circuit trek on Kilimanjaro is not technically challenging, but it is a long trek that requires good stamina and fitness. Trekkers should engage in cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and endurance hikes to prepare for it. Altitude acclimatization is crucial for success, so physical preparation and the gradual ascent of the route will increase your chances of reaching the summit.
​​Nine Day Itinerary
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Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Your guide and climbing team will meet you at your hotel in the morning for a final briefing before setting off on a 3-4 hour drive to Kilimanjaro National Park's Londorossi Gate (2,250 m / 7,380 ft). You'll enjoy lunch after we complete all necessary paperwork, including obtaining permits and registering with the search and rescue service. We'll then begin the trek through the forest to your first campsite, Mti Mkubwa.​
Elevation: 2,360 m to 2,895 m / 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
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Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
We follow the trail as it leaves the rainforest and transitions into a savannah filled with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock. As we climb through the rolling hills and cross a few streams, we arrive at Shira Ridge. From there, the path descends to Shira 1 Camp, where we get our first view of Kibo.
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Elevation: 2,895 m to 3,610 m / 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Low-alpine
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Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2
Today, you will experience a gentle ascent as you hike from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp, gaining around 240 meters (787 feet) in altitude. Enjoy the sweeping views of Kilimanjaro's unique landscape, and if the weather is clear, you may even spot Mount Meru, Africa's fifth-highest peak.
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Elevation: 3,610 m to 3,850 m / 11,843 ft to 12,631 ft
Distance: 7km / 4 mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Low-alpine and high-alpine
Day 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower
On day 3 of the trek, you will leave Shira 2 Camp after breakfast and make your way to Lava Tower at 4,600 m (15,088 ft). After stopping for lunch at the tower, the group will continue climbing higher before descending to Moir Hut Camp, where you will spend the night.
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Elevation: 3,850 m to 4,200 m / 11,843 ft to 13,779 ft
Distance: 14 km / 8 mi
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: High-alpine
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Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
This day involves a long yet relatively easy trek around Kilimanjaro's northern slope. The path offers breathtaking views of the distant Tsavo and Amboseli valleys, making for a scenic journey to Buffalo Camp.​
Elevation: 4,200 m to 4,200 m / 13,779 ft to to 13,779 ft
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High-alpine
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Day 6: Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Camp
Today's trek is shorter to help you adjust to the altitude. You'll head to 3rd Cave Camp, intersecting with the traditional Rongai route. By now, your body should be acclimatizing well to the elevation.​
Elevation: 4,200 m to 3,800 m / 13,779 ft to 12,467 ft
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High alpine and low alpine
Day 7: 3rd Cave Camp to School Hut
The trek continues to the School Hut Summit Camp (4,800 m / 15,744 ft). Pace yourself carefully today, as you'll need to conserve energy for tomorrow's summit push.​
Elevation: 3,800 m to 4,800 m / 12,467 ft to 15,748 ft
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: High alpine
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Day 8: Summit to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
Your summit attempt will begin at midnight from School Hut. Safety is our top priority, with one guide for every two climbers. Once you reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, you'll celebrate your achievement before descending to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.​
Elevation: 4,800 m to 5,895 m to 3,950 m / 15,748 ft to 15,341 ft to to 12,959 ft
Ascent Distance: 6km / 3.5 mi
Ascent Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Descent Distance: 10.5km / 6 mi
Descent Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Artic to all preceding zones
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Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
After a restful night, you will begin your final descent to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,379 ft), where you will receive your summit certificates and head back to the hotel.​
Elevation: 3,950 m to 1,640 m / 12,959 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10km / 6.5 mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
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