Northern Circuit Route
Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven established Kilimanjaro routes. It’s one of the best routes because of its great acclimatization profile, high summit success rate, stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It’s also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes. Simply put, it’s one of the best ways to experience the roof of Africa.
You also get to explore more of Kilimanjaro via this slightly longer route, thereby enjoying its various environments thoroughly. We recommend choosing this Kilimanjaro climb route if you have the extra time and money available. It is one of the most beautiful of all seven established Kilimanjaro routes. In fact, it might be the most beautiful route of all! Along the route you have the chance to witness all of the different environments and ecosystems the mountain has to offer.
Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?
Setting out on a journey to summit Kilimanjaro is a thrilling adventure, and selecting the right route can greatly enhance your experience and chances of success. Here’s why the Northern Circuit Route stands out as the preferred choice for many climbers:
1. High Success Rate:
The Northern Circuit Route boasts an impressive success rate ranging from 90% to 95%, making it one of the most reliable routes to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. Its longer itinerary and strategic acclimatization schedule contribute to its high success rate.
2. Longer Itinerary for Acclimatization:
Offering both an 8-day and a recommended 9-day option, the Northern Circuit Route provides ample time for proper acclimatization. The additional day in the 9-day itinerary allows climbers to adjust gradually to the altitude, significantly increasing their chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
3. Sleeping at Lower Altitudes:
Climbers on the Northern Circuit Route have the opportunity to sleep at lower altitudes, which aids in acclimatization and reduces the risk of altitude-related complications. This allows for a more comfortable and safer ascent to the summit.
4. Less Crowded:
Compared to other popular Kilimanjaro routes, such as the Machame and Marangu routes, the Northern Circuit Route is less crowded. This means fewer climbers on the trail, providing a more serene and immersive experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Kilimanjaro.
Difficulty Level and Itinerary Options
5. Moderate Difficulty:
While the Northern Circuit Route is not as challenging as some of the more technical routes on Kilimanjaro, it still presents a moderate level of difficulty. Climbers should be prepared for strenuous ascents and varying terrain throughout the trek.
6. Itinerary Options:
The Northern Circuit Route offers two primary itinerary options: the 8-day route and the recommended 9-day route. Both options follow a similar path, starting from the western side of the mountain, providing ample time for acclimatization and ensuring a higher likelihood of summit success.
Summit Success Rate
7. Exceptional Summit Success:
With its longer itinerary and strategic acclimatization schedule, the Northern Circuit Route boasts one of the highest summit success rates among all Kilimanjaro routes. Climbers can expect a summit success rate of 90% to 95%, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a successful and memorable climb.
Commence Your Kilimanjaro Expedition
We specialize in guiding adventurers on unforgettable journeys to the Roof of Africa. Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring your safety, comfort, and success as you conquer Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route.
Begin Your Kilimanjaro Climb Today!
Ready to experience the thrill of summiting Kilimanjaro? Contact We to start planning your Northern Circuit Route expedition. With our expert guidance, personalized itineraries, and commitment to excellence, we’ll help you make your Kilimanjaro dreams a reality. Join us on an epic adventure to the summit of Africa’s highest peak!
8 Days Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
DAY 1: LEMOSHO GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP: 4.8km /3mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
Altitude gained: 396m
Departing from Moshi a 3 hours drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA I CAMP: 7.9km/5mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
Altitude gained: 719m
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SHIRA I CAMP –SHIRA HUT: 6.9km/4.3mi | 5-7hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Altitude gained: 391m
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
DAY 4: SHIRA HUT – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.1km/6.3mi | 4-6hrs | Semi Desert
Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 91m
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5.2km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude gained: 48m
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
DAY 6: HIKE KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3km /2 mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
DAY 7: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86km /3mi up | 5-7hrs | – MWEKA CAMP: 13km /8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
DAY 8: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
9 Days Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
DAY 1: LEMOSHO GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP: 4.8km /3mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
Altitude gained: 396m
Departing from Moshi a 3 hours drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA I CAMP: 7.9km/5mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
Altitude gained: 719m
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SHIRA I CAMP –SHIRA II CAMP: 6.9km/4mi | 3-4hrs | Low Alpine
Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Altitude gained: 391m
Our trek crosses the Shira one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. Nine-day climbs will stay the night at Shira II Camp joining climbers ascending from the Machame Route. At Shira II Camp it is worth the extra energy to go a bit higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero
DAY 4: SHIRA II CAMP- LAVA TOWER – MOIR: 17.7km/11.1mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine
Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 91m
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
DAY 5: MOIR CAMP – BUFFALO CAMP: 9.2km/5.7mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine Zone
Elevation: 4155m/13,632ft to 4033m/13,232ft
Altitude loss: 122m
We begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Spectacular views of plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretches as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest.
DAY 6: BUFFALO CAMP – RONGAI 3RD CAVE: 6.8km /4.3mi | 5-7hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4033m/13,232ft to 3936m/12,193ft
Altitude lost: 97m
Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and down into Pofu Camp where lunch is served. We continue East around the Northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before and you should be feeling better acclimatized to the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon
DAY 7: RONGAI 3RD CAVE – SCHOOL HUT:4.8km /3mi | 5-7hrs | Glacial Zone
Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 4717m/15,476ft
Altitude gained: 781m
A steady ascent and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue Southwest to School Hut where you will be served an early dinner and the rest as you will begin just before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera before going to bed.
DAY 8: SCHOOL HUT – SUMMIT: 5.9km /3.7mi | 6-8hrs | – MWEKA CAMP: 13km /8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1178m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost:2789m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
DAY 9: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide
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Here, we’ve compiled crucial insights to prepare you for your Kilimanjaro climb. Find valuable hints, tips, tricks, and recommendations in our comprehensive guide, all offered free of charge. Dive in!
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