Northern Circuit Route

If you want the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience, plenty of time to acclimatize, jaw-dropping 360° views, and the highest summit success rate, the Northern Circuit Route is your golden ticket.

At 9 days on the mountain, it’s Kilimanjaro’s longest official route and the only one that circles the mountain’s northern slopes, offering remote trails far from the usual crowds. It combines the beauty of the Lemosho Route’s western approach with a unique northern traverse, giving trekkers more variety in terrain, climate, and perspective than any other path.

Yes—it’s longer, pricier, and requires more days off work, but for those who can spare the time and budget, the Northern Circuit is as close to a guaranteed summit as Kilimanjaro gets. 

Why Choose the Northern Circuit?

• Highest summit success rate – ~95% on the 9-day itinerary.

• Maximum acclimatization – Longest time at altitude.

• Epic scenery – Western slopes, northern wilderness, and the crater rim.

• Low crowd levels – Quiet northern flank avoids busier southern camps.

Northern Circuit Quick Facts

Day-by-Day 9-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Londorossi Gate (2,100 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,785 m)

• Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Scenery: Rainforest teeming with wildlife.

Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)

• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Transition from forest to moorland.

Day 3 – Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Views of Kibo peak and Mt. Meru.

Day 4 – Shira 2 to Lava Tower (4,630 m) to Moir Hut (4,206 m)

• Distance: 14 km (8.6 miles)

• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

• Key acclimatization day—climb high, sleep lower.

Day 5 – Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)

• Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)

• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

• Enter Kilimanjaro’s northern wilderness.

Day 6 – Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp (3,870 m)

• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Peaceful, remote trekking day.

Day 7 – Third Cave to School Hut (4,800 m)

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Rest and prepare for summit night.

Day 8 – Summit Attempt: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

• Distance: 6 km up + 11 km down

• Hiking Time: 10–14 hours

• Reward: Sunrise from Africa’s rooftop.

Day 9 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Celebration: Certificate and photos.

Pros and Cons of the Northern Circuit

Advantages:

• Best acclimatization profile of any route.

• Highest summit success rate.

• Variety of landscapes—rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, arctic.

• Quieter trails with minimal early congestion.

Disadvantages:

• Longest route—requires more time and budget.

• Colder nights due to longer exposure.

• Not ideal for those on tight schedules.

Best Time to Climb

Dry seasons offer the safest and most pleasant experience:

• January–March – Cooler, fewer crowds, possible summit snow.

• June–October – Warm days, clear skies, slightly busier near the end.

Difficulty & Training

The Northern Circuit is considered moderate because of its gradual climb, but the longer days and colder nights demand stamina. Train with:

• Long hikes (6–8 hours) with a weighted pack.

• Regular cardio workouts (running, cycling, stair climbing).

• Strength training for legs and core.

Packing Essentials

• Clothing: Full layering system for temperatures from +20°C to -10°C.

• Footwear: Waterproof boots with ankle support.

• Gear: Cold-weather sleeping bag, trekking poles, hydration system.

• Extras: High-SPF sunscreen, power bank, thermal gloves.