NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE KILIMANJARO

The Northern Circuit route is the newest route up Mount Kilimanjaro and arguably the best. That’s because the combination of all of the best elements of the other routes made for one fantastic hike. If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, plenty of solitude, a healthy challenge, and the potential to spot wildlife, this is definitely the route for you.

The Northern Circuit route follows the same route as the Lemosho route for the first few days, but rather than sticking to the south side of Kibo, it turns to the little-used northern trails instead.

Northern Circuit route Kilimanjaro

This path is virtually devoid of other trekkers, and as a result, the campsites are quiet, peaceful, and practically deserted.

Because the Northern Circuit route is longer than the other trails, it gives trekkers a chance to take in more of the mountain. Not only do they get a chance to hike across the awe-inspiring Shira Plateau, they’ll also catch glimpses of Kibo Peak and Uhuru Summit along the way.

It also provides amazing views down onto the open plains that are found to the north of the mountain, something that is seen by only a handful of other hikers while climbing Kilimanjaro.

Which Kilimanjaro route has the highest success rate?

The Northern Circuit Route has the highest Kilimanjaro success rate, which is 98%, and approaches from south of Kilimanjaro. It is the newest and longest route and offers the most spectacular view of the overall 360-degree scenery of Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on this route takes 8 to 9 days to reach the summit.

Due to its extended length, much of which hovers around the same altitude for improved acclimatization, the Northern Circuit route has the highest success rate of any of the routes on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The trek begins at the Londorossi Gate and makes its way up the western flanks of the mountain, passing through the rainforest and climbing onto the Shira Ridge.

From there, it is up to the Shira Plateau itself, before heading north to circle in a clockwise direction starting at the Moir Hut, then moving on to Buffalo Camp, and finally School Hut. Along the way, trekkers make an almost 360 degree hike around Kilimanjaro, before summiting from the east.

So with everything that the Northern Circuit route has going for it, what’s the downside? The only issue with hiking this route is that it requires a bit of extra time, something that few travelers have. While most of the other routes can be done in as few as six or seven days, the Northern Circuit route often requires as many as nine or more. That often limits the number of people who can work this trail into their schedule, although those that do will find that it is completely worth it.

Climbing Kilimanjaro offers the Northern Circuit 9 day trek.

Northern Circuit 9 Days Itinerary Overview

Starting from Londorossi Gate to the summit and finish at Mweka Gate. For a day-by-day itinerary for the Northern Circuit Route please click on this link: 9 day Northern Circuit Route

Northern Circuit Detailed Itinerary

7 nights or 8 Days

Day 1: Lemosho Glades

From your lodge, we will make our way to the Londorosi gate on the western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro (a few hours drive from Arusha). We will begin our hike at the Lemosho trailhead. Please note that in rainy or muddy conditions, sometimes the vehicles can’t make it to the true trailhead so there can be some extra hiking, but Serengeti Pride vehicles usually make it farther than any other company due to our great drivers and vehicles.

After a picnic lunch, we will hike for about 4 hours to the forest camp. In the forest, exotic moss and flowers delight the eye, while bird calls entertain the ear. You may see black and white Colobus monkeys as well as signs of the elephants that travel in this area. We will stay overnight at Forest Camp.

• Hiking: 4-5 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~9,498’

Day 2: Shira Plateau

As we leave the Montane Forest and enter the Hagenia zone, our views open and we will catch our first views of the Kibo peak. This is a good acclimatization hike, as we go up and down several ridges along the way to our highest point of the day at 11,500’ before descending to camp. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp

• Hiking: 6–9 hours
• Overnight Altitude: 11,500’

Day 3: Moir Camp

We will traverse the heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Along the way, we will enjoy a picnic lunch at Scott Fisher's memorial camp (the well-known Mt. Everest guide). We will continue on to the upper heath zone and Moir camp. Depending on the weather, acclimatization hikes can be arranged in the late afternoon

• Hiking: 5–6 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~13,580′

Day 4: Pofu/Buffalo Camp

Hike for about 4–7 hours, depending on stops along the way. You have quite a ridge to climb up as you depart Moir camp, so it’s best to start out very slowly until you crest the ridge. This is a great acclimatization day.

• Hiking: 5-7 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~13,200′

Day 5: Third Cave Camp

Continue your traverse around the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, with expansive views, as you find your way to Third Cave Camp.

• Hiking: 5-7 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~12,700′

Day 6: School Huts Camp

We get into our highest elevation camp today. Try to get to bed early for some rest before you start your night-time summit ascent (usually starting around midnight) to Gilman’s Point, through Stella Point, and for the final push up to the summit.

• Hiking: 4-5 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~15,600’

Day 7: Summit and Mweka Camp (or Millennium Camp by request)

Summit day. We will start our ascent to the summit (19,340 feet to 5,896 meters) around 11:00 p.m. or midnight the night prior. The goal for you—and numerous other climbers—is to reach the peak right at sunrise.

In reality, due to differences in hiking speed, energy, and altitude acclimatization, there is a several-hour span where most climbers reach the summit. Using headlamps (bring extra lithium batteries, which last much better in cold, dark conditions!) you will ascend 6-7 hours to Gilman’s Point, traverse the Crater Rim to Stella Point and then up another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the summit.

After a summit celebration and photo, descend to Barafu camp for lunch and then to Mweka camp to sleep overnight. By advance request we can sleep at Millenium camp instead; this is at ~12,000’ so less descent today, but means more descent tomorrow.

Hiking: Very variable on both the up and the down; 13-17 hours typical

• Summit 19,341’
• Overnight Altitude:10,065’

Day 8 – Mweka Park Gate

We make the final descent to the trailhead today, about 3-5 hours hiking. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to town. Arrive at your lodge usually between 3-5 PM.

• Hiking: 3-5 hours

Northern Circuit Route Frequently asked questions

The questions and answers below are specific to the Northern Circuit Route.

How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route?

The Northern Circuit has a lowest difficulty level on all the Kilimanjaro Routes. Although it is the longest route, the longer itinerary means that it has the best acclimatization profile which makes the trek less difficult.

The physical trek over nine days is excellent for altitude acclimatization and generally easy under foot. Good level of fitness is highly recommended.

What is the distance of the Northern Circuit Route and how many days does it take?

The exact trekking distance for the Northern Circuit Route is 88km or 53 miles. The shortest number of days required for the Northern Circuit Route is 8 days, Shorter ascents are possible but mean some strenuous trekking days.

By the time you have added on arrival and departure days it is 10 or 12. However, as it’s considered one of the longest routes on the mountain it is actually best done over 9 days of trekking to increase your changes of success.

What is the Northern Circuit Route Summit Success Rate?

The Northern Circuit is the longest route up Kilimanjaro which gives the best chance for acclimatization. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 90%. However, We have a summit success rate of over 98% for the Northern Circuit Route!

What is the Scenery like on the Northern Circuit Route?

The main approach will take you through the rich Lemosho forest and across the Shira Plateau. Then as the climber traverses around to the remote and rarely-visited north side of Kilimanjaro, the scenery becomes more arid and austere. It is so remote here that the shy eland are often seen as well as the occasional buffalo that come to lick minerals from the natural caves on the high slopes of Kilimanjaro.

When is the best time to Trek Northern Circuit Route?

July-September is the best time to trek the Northern Circuit Route, as the weather is most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. That said, since it is close to the equator it is possible to climb the mountain at any time of the year. April and May is the rainy season so this period is best avoided.