How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route?

The Northern Circuit is considered one of the easiest Kilimanjaro routes in terms of altitude acclimatization. Although it is the longest route, the extra days help climbers adjust to the altitude gradually, increasing summit success rates. A good level of physical fitness is still required.

How long is the Northern Circuit Route?

The Northern Circuit trek covers approximately 88 km (53 miles). Most climbers complete the route in 9 days, although shorter itineraries are possible.

What is the summit success rate?

Because of its excellent acclimatization profile, the Northern Circuit has one of the highest summit success rates on Mount Kilimanjaro, often around 90% or higher.

What is the scenery like?

Trekkers pass through several ecological zones including: lush rainforest moorland and alpine desert volcanic ridges and valleys glaciers near the summit. The remote northern slopes also provide opportunities to see wildlife such as eland and buffalo.

Best Time to Climb the Northern Circuit Route

The best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit are: June – OctoberDry season with clear skies and stable weather. January – MarchCooler temperatures with fewer climbers on the mountain. The rainy seasons (April–May and November) can make trails wetter and more challenging.

Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

The Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route on is the longest and one of the most scenic routes to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. This 9-day Kilimanjaro trek begins on the western side of the mountain at Londorossi Gate, following the famous Lemosho Route before circling around the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Because it is the longest Kilimanjaro route, the Northern Circuit offers excellent altitude acclimatization, making it one of the routes with the highest summit success rates on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit Route is often considered the best Kilimanjaro route for trekkers seeking stunning scenery, quieter trails, and a higher chance of reaching the summit.

Because this route circles the entire northern side of the mountain, trekkers experience a wider variety of landscapes than on most other Kilimanjaro routes.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route

Highlights

Incredible views of Kibo Peak and Uhuru Summit
Trekking across the breathtaking Shira Plateau
Remote northern trails rarely visited by other climbers
Excellent altitude acclimatization over several days
Opportunities to spot wildlife such as eland and buffalo
One of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro

Day 01 :

Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp (Lemosho Glades)

After breakfast at your lodge in Arusha or Moshi, we drive to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.

From the trailhead we hike through lush rainforest where giant trees, exotic plants, and birdlife surround the trail. Trekkers often see black-and-white colobus monkeys and signs of elephants that move through the forest.

Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Forest Camp (~9,498 ft)

Day 02 :

Forest Camp to Shira Plateau

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail climbs into the heath and moorland zone where vegetation becomes more open.

This is the first day where trekkers enjoy stunning views of Kibo Peak, the main summit cone of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route crosses several ridges before reaching Shira Camp.

Hiking time: 6–9 hours
Overnight altitude: ~11,500 ft

Day 03 :

Shira Plateau to Moir Camp

Today we cross the vast Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful landscapes on Kilimanjaro.

Along the way we pass Scott Fischer’s Memorial, honoring the famous Everest guide. The trail continues toward Moir Camp, where optional acclimatization hikes can be done in the afternoon.

Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Overnight altitude: ~13,580 ft

Day 04 :

Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp

Leaving Moir Camp, we begin trekking along the remote northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The trail climbs a ridge before descending into wide alpine valleys with sweeping views of the plains of Kenya far below.

Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Overnight altitude: ~13,200 ft

Day 05 :

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Today we continue traversing around the northern side of the mountain, an area rarely visited by other climbers.

The scenery becomes increasingly rugged and remote, offering spectacular views across the alpine desert.

Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Overnight altitude: ~12,700 ft

Day 06 :

Third Cave to School Hut Camp

This is the final approach to the summit base camp at School Hut.

After an early dinner, climbers rest before the midnight summit attempt.

Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Overnight altitude: ~15,600 ft

Day 07 :

Summit Day: Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Around midnight we begin the climb to the summit using headlamps. The route ascends steep scree slopes to Gilman’s Point, then continues along the crater rim to Stella Point, before the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

Reaching the summit at sunrise is one of the most unforgettable moments of the Kilimanjaro experience.

After celebrating and taking photos, we descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.

Hiking time: 13–17 hours
Summit altitude: 19,341 ft
Overnight altitude: ~10,065 ft

Day 08 :

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast we descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, where climbers receive their summit certificates and say farewell to the mountain crew.

A transfer will take you back to your lodge in Moshi or Arusha.

Hiking time: 3–5 hours

What’s Included – Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro

Your Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route climbing package includes all essential services required for a safe and successful summit attempt.
Professional Mountain Guides
Experienced, English-speaking Kilimanjaro guides trained in mountain safety and high-altitude trekking.
Porters and Mountain Crew
A dedicated team of porters and cooks to carry equipment, prepare meals, and support your climb.
All Kilimanjaro National Park Fees
Includes park entrance fees, camping fees, conservation fees, and rescue fees required by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority.
Camping Equipment
High-quality mountain tents, sleeping mats, and dining tents for comfort during the climb.
Meals on the Mountain
Freshly prepared meals during the trek including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Drinking Water
Purified drinking water provided daily while on the mountain.
Safety Equipment
Pulse oximeter, oxygen cylinders, and first aid kits carried by the mountain crew.
Airport Transfers
Pickup and drop-off from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Accommodation Before and After the Climb
Comfortable lodge or hotel accommodation in Moshi or Arusha before and after the trek.
All Ground Transportation
Transportation to and from Kilimanjaro National Park gates.
Summit Certificates
Official Kilimanjaro National Park certificates for climbers who reach the summit.

What’s Not Included

The following items are not included in the Kilimanjaro climbing package.
International Flights
Flights to and from Tanzania.
Tanzania Visa Fees
Visa costs required for entry into Tanzania.
Travel Insurance
Personal travel and medical insurance including coverage for high-altitude trekking.
Personal Climbing Gear
Items such as sleeping bags, trekking poles, hiking boots, and personal clothing.
Tips for Guides and Porters
Gratuities for the mountain crew are customary and greatly appreciated.
Personal Expenses
Laundry, souvenirs, snacks, or other personal purchases.
Alcoholic and Soft Drinks
Drinks not included in standard mountain meals.
Additional Hotel Nights
Extra nights in the hotel before or after the climb if required.
Optional Add-ons
You may also choose to add additional experiences to your Kilimanjaro trip:
Tanzania safari in Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater
Zanzibar beach holiday after your climb
Kilimanjaro gear rental
Private airport transfers

Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route

Highlights

Itinerary

What’s Included – Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro

What’s Not Included

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