Climb Kilimanjaro via
Northern Circuit Route
ย ย Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit Route is the newest and longest trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a 360-degree journey around the mountain. It begins on the western side via the Lemosho Trail, but instead of heading straight toward the summit like other routes, it loops around the rarely visited northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, providing a remote and scenic wilderness experience.ย ย ย ย ย Route Highlights
- Maximum time for acclimatization and the highest summit success rate
- Stunning views of Kenyaโs Amboseli plains
- Fewer crowds, offering a peaceful and immersive wilderness experience
- Ideal for serious trekkers aiming for Uhuru Peak
ย ย ย ย ย Why Trekkers Love It
With fewer visitors and plenty of time to adjust to the altitude, the Northern Circuit is perfect for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding Kilimanjaro adventure. This route gives you the best possible chance to reach Uhuru Peak while enjoying the tranquility and beauty of Africaโs tallest mountain.9-Day Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
All Kilimanjaro itineraries are fully customizable.
Daily schedules can be adjusted based on your groupโs acclimatisation, physical condition, oxygen levels, and pace.
Your safety and comfort are our top priority, and our experienced guides may modify the route at any time to ensure a responsible and successful summit.
๐๏ธ Day 1
๐ Moshi โ Londorossi Gate โ Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
๐๏ธ Elevation: 2,360m โ 2,820m
๐ถ Distance: ~7 km
โฑ๏ธ Hiking Time: 3โ4 hours
๐ฟ Highlight: Rainforest & wildlife
๐ After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi, youโll drive to Londorossi Gate for registration.
The hike begins through dense rainforest, where you may spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys.
Todayโs journey is short and scenic, leading to Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp.
๐ Mti Mkubwa Camp โ Shira 1 Camp
๐๏ธ Elevation: 2,820m โ 3,610m
๐ถ Distance: ~8 km
โฑ๏ธ Hiking Time: 5โ6 hours
๐ฟ Highlight: Moorland & Shira Plateau
๐ Leaving the forest behind, youโll ascend into the moorland zone with views of giant heather and volcanic rocks.
The trail opens up to the vast Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert.
Tonightโs camp is Shira 1, offering distant views of Mount Meru.
๐ Shira 1 Camp โ Shira 2 Camp
๐๏ธ Elevation: 3,610m โ 3,850m
๐ถ Distance: ~7 km
โฑ๏ธ Hiking Time: 3โ4 hours
๐ฟ Highlight: Plateau views & wildlife
๐ Trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp, allowing time to acclimatize.
Enjoy sweeping vistas and spot wildlife such as elands or sunbirds.
A gentle day, designed to help your body adjust to higher altitude.
๐ Shira 2 Camp โ Moir Hut via Lava Tower
๐๏ธ Elevation: 3,850m โ 4,600m (Lava Tower) โ 4,200m
๐ถ Distance: ~10 km
โฑ๏ธ Hiking Time: 6โ8 hours
๐ฟ Highlight: Acclimatization & Lava Tower
๐ A key acclimatization day.
Youโll ascend to Lava Tower for lunch at high altitude, then descend to Moir Hut, a secluded campsite beneath the Lent Hills.
Following the โclimb high, sleep lowโ strategy, this day improves your chances of summiting successfully.
๐๏ธ Day 5
๐ Moir Hut โ Buffalo Camp
๐๏ธ Elevation: 4,200m โ 4,020m
๐ถ Distance: ~12 km
โฑ๏ธ Hiking Time: 5โ7 hours
๐ฟ Highlight: Northern slopes & peaceful landscapes
๐ Start heading around Kilimanjaroโs northern slopes, a rarely visited part of the mountain with stunning views into Kenya.
The trail is tranquil, giving a feeling of solitude.
Tonightโs camp is Buffalo Camp, overlooking the expansive plains.
๐๏ธ Day 6
๐ Buffalo Camp โ Third Cave Camp
๐๏ธ Elevation: 4,020m โ 3,870m
๐ถ Distance: ~8 km
โฑ๏ธ Hiking Time: 5โ6 hours
๐ฟ Highlight: Alpine terrain & open landscapes
๐ Todayโs hike is relatively short, helping your body continue to acclimatize.
The route follows alpine terrain with wide-open views and clear skies.
Rest tonight at Third Cave Camp, a quiet and remote location.
๐๏ธ Day 7
๐ Third Cave Camp โ School Hut
๐๏ธ Elevation: 3,870m โ 4,750m
๐ถ Distance: ~6 km
โฑ๏ธ Hiking Time: 4โ5 hours
๐ฟ Highlight: Base camp & preparation
๐ Trek up to School Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt.
As you gain altitude, the air thins, so take it slow.
The afternoon is for rest, preparation, and an early dinner.
Guides will brief you for the summit night ahead.
๐๏ธ Day 8
๐ School Hut โ Uhuru Peak โ Mweka Camp
๐๏ธ Elevation: 4,750m โ 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) โ 3,100m
๐ถ Distance: ~16 km
โฑ๏ธ Hiking Time: 12โ14 hours
๐ฟ Highlight: Summit & descent
๐ Summit dayโthe most challenging but rewarding part.
Begin your final ascent around midnight.
The climb to Gilmanโs Point is steep and cold, but reaching the crater rim and Uhuru Peak offers unforgettable views.
After photos and celebration, descend via Stella Point to Mweka Camp for rest.
๐๏ธ Elevation: 3,100m โ 1,640m
๐ถ Distance: ~10 km
โฑ๏ธ Hiking Time: 3โ4 hours
๐ฟ Highlight: Rainforest & celebration
๐ Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where youโll receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and well-earned celebration.
Congratulations on conquering Mount Kilimanjaro!
Northern Circuit Route โ Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the Northern Circuit Route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a full 360-degree traverse of the mountain, showcasing views from every angle. It is widely considered the best route for scenery, solitude, and exceptionally high summit success.
How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit is moderate in terms of terrain but requires strong endurance. As the longest Kilimanjaro route, it demands good stamina for multiple days of trekking. However, the daily hiking distances are generally shorter and less steep, which keeps the physical challenge manageable.
How long does the Northern Circuit Route take?
The standard itinerary is 9 days. This extended duration is one of the main advantages of the Northern Circuitโit allows for a very gradual ascent and provides far more time for proper acclimatization compared to shorter routes.
What is the success rate of the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit has the highest success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes, often above 95%. Its 9-day program allows for near-optimal acclimatization, greatly reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Is the Northern Circuit Route crowded?
No. The Northern Circuit is one of the quietest and most remote routes. While the first days overlap with the Lemosho Route, the trail then turns north, where trekkers enjoy long stretches of solitude with very few other groups.
When is the best time to climb the Northern Circuit Route?
The best time to climb the Northern Circuit is during the dry seasons: JuneโOctober and DecemberโFebruary. Given the length of the route, dry and stable weather greatly enhances the overall trekking and camping experience.
Will I see wildlife on the Northern Circuit Route?
Yes. Starting from Londorossi Gate, the Northern Circuit crosses rich rainforest where Blue Monkeys, Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, and various bird species are commonly seen. On the lower slopes, buffalo or elephant tracks may also appear.
Is the Northern Circuit Route good for acclimatization?
It is the best Kilimanjaro route for acclimatization. The Northern Circuit spends several days around 4,000 metres while circling the northern slopes, enabling the body to adapt steadily before the final approach to Uhuru Peak.
How cold does it get on the Northern Circuit Route?
Summit night temperatures on the Northern Circuit typically range from โ10ยฐC to โ20ยฐC with wind chill. The northern slopes, facing Kenya, are often slightly windier and drier than the southern side, so proper layering is essential.
What is included in a Kilimanjaro Joy Travel Northern Circuit climb?
Typical inclusions: airport transfers, park & camping fees, professional mountain guides, porters, full-board meals during the trek, high-quality tents, hot drinks, oxygen cylinder / emergency support, summit certificate, hotel accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek, included but can be removed if not needed).