The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and least-traveled path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also the newest route, a modification of the Lemosho route, offering a more circumventing route with better acclimatization. The route offers a long duration, gradual ascent, and panoramic views, making it the perfect route for climbers who prioritize acclimatisation. It starts at Londorossi gate, which is also the trailhead for the Lemosho route, and continues along the same trail up to Shira Plateau, where the two routes briefly part ways, only to converge later with all the other routes on the southern and western sides of the mountain after summiting. The route usually takes over a week and traverses the four sides of the mountain, enabling guests to enjoy alpine landscape views from all sides.
The trekking experience
The Northern Circuit offers a unique, clockwise traverse around Kilimanjaro, starting in the lush rainforest zone and gradually climbing into the heath and moorland, then into alpine desert landscapes. Because it circumnavigates the mountain, trekkers are rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views, including lesser-seen perspectives of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo’s glaciers.
It is a non-technical trek, but the long daily distances and altitude require stamina and careful pacing.
Summit success rate
The Northern Circuit Route is one of the most successful routes for reaching Uhuru Peak due to its gradual ascent and extended duration:
- 8 days: 90–95% success
- 9 days: 93–97% success
- 10 days: 95%+ success
The extended itinerary allows the body to acclimatize slowly, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. For climbers seeking the highest likelihood of summiting, the Northern Circuit is often considered the best choice.
Merits of the Northern Circuit Route
- Highest Summit Success: Gradual elevation gain optimizes acclimatisation.
- Spectacular Scenery: Trek around the entire mountain offers panoramic views and untouched landscapes.
- Solitude: Fewer trekkers and camps provide a more private wilderness experience.
- Well-Paced Ascent: Ideal for first-time climbers
- Wildlife & Flora: Trek through giant heathers, lobelias, and occasional wildlife sightings in the forested zones.
Demerits of the Northern Circuit Route
- Time Commitment: 8–10 days are required, which may not suit travelers with limited schedules.
- Cost: Longer itineraries mean higher logistics and camping expenses.
- Physical Demand: Although non-technical, long daily walks and high-altitude trekking require fitness and endurance
- Limited Facilities: Camps are basic, particularly in remote northern sections.
Tips for a successful Climb via Northern Circuit
- Plan for at least 8–9 days to maximize summit success.
- Train in advance with long hikes and cardio workouts.
- Hire experienced guides familiar with the Northern Circuit.
- Stay well-hydrated and maintain proper nutrition.
- Pace yourself carefully, especially on long days and during the summit push.
A typical itinerary for the Northern Circuit Route
Day 1: Moshi to Big Tree Camp (2780 m a.s.l)
Trekking time: 3 hrs
Elevation: +396 m a.s.l
Trekking distance:5 km
You drive from Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate. Once the check-in is approved, you will drive to the trailhead at Lemosho Glades, where you will gently start the climb towards the camp. You arrive at the Big Tree Camp at lunch hour. Afternoon spent relaxing and energizing for the following day trek.
Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 camp (3510 m a.s.l)
Trekking time: 3 hrs
Elevation: +730 m a.s.l
Trekking distance:7 km
After breakfast, you will start the trek gently, passing through the rainforest before reaching stunning moorlands with flourishing wildflowers. Lunch is served in a stunning valley before slowly proceeding to Shira 1 camp in the evening.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3890 m a.s.l)
Trekking time: 3 hrs
Elevation: +380 m a.s.l
Trekking distance: 7 km
On this day, you will spend much of the time acclimatizing on the expansive plateau formed by a collapsed caldera. You will enjoy several scenic short trails as you head to Shira 2 camp. You will have an opportunity to view and take photos of the western breach, a stunning gap in the Kibo caldera formed by lava flows. Besides the view of the peak, the Shira Plateau also features photogenic giant lobelias, senecios, and giant groundsels. You head to the camp for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut (4206 m a.s.l)
Trekking time: 3 hrs
Elevation: +316 m a.s.l
Trekking distance: 14 km
On this day, you will traverse the stunning moorlands. The trail leads to the lava tower and the shark tooth formation. The challenge is to climb the tower, gain some altitude, and then descend to Moir camp, where you will spend the night.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4200 m a.s.l)
Trekking time: 5 hrs
Elevation: -6 m a.s.l
Trekking distance: 12 km
In the morning, you will start the trek. This will be another great acclimatization day as you ascend through the Moir Valley, inclining into the north face. This reveals some of the most stunning views of the Amboseli landscape, a popular wildlife area in Kenya. You will gain altitude as you climb into the Lent Hills (4375 m), thereafter you will have a gradual descent to Buffalo camp at 4200 m a.s.l
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Rongai third cave (3870 m a.s.l)
Trekking time: 6 hrs
Elevation: -330 m a.s.l
Trekking distance: 8 km
On this day, you will continue into the drier northern corner of the mountain. You will still enjoy the stunning views over the Amboseli and Tsavo landscapes. You will arrive at Rongai Third Cave Camp around 1430 hrs. You will have lunch and relax till evening.
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut (4800 m a.s.l )
Trekking time: 3 hrs
Elevation: +930 m a.s.l
Trekking distance: 15 km
On this day, you will wake up and start the trek up the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. You then traverse southwesterly to School Hut, where you will be served an early dinner, and take an early nap in preparation for the midnight summit the following morning.
Day 8: School Hut to Mweka Camp (3050 m a.s.l) via Uhuru Peak (5895 m a.s.l)
Trekking time: 6 hrs/ – 8 hrs
Elevation: +1095 m a.s.l/ – 2845 m a.s.l
Trekking distance:6 km / – 11.5 km
On this day, you will wake up at midnight and begin the climb to Uhuru Peak. The climb is about 6 hrs steep climb. You will make a brief stop at the Hans Meyer Cave before proceeding to Gilman’s Point (5,681 m a.s.l.). By 0600 hrs, you will have reached the peak at Point Uhuru. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of ice cliffs on the crater rim and distant views of Mawenzi Peak. Thereafter, you descend to Mweka via Barafu Camp for breakfast. Spend the rest of the day relaxing.
Day 9: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate
Trekking time: 4 hrs
Elevation: – 1410 m a.s.l
Trekking distance: 9km
In the morning, you will have breakfast, then start the journey down through the stunning moorlands and into the rainforests. You will have a picnic lunch at the gate before heading back on your road trip to Moshi or Arusha.
Conclusion
The Northern Circuit Route is ideal for climbers seeking high summit success, stunning landscapes, and a tranquil trekking experience. Its gradual ascent, panoramic vistas, and extended duration make it one of Kilimanjaro’s safest and most rewarding routes, especially for climbers prioritizing acclimatisation and solitude. For those willing to commit 8–10 days, the Northern Circuit provides a memorable, immersive Kilimanjaro adventure.
Ready to climb Kilimanjaro? Explore our 7 day Machame Route climb, 7 day Marangu Route climb and 10 day Lemosho Route climb, or contact us and we will help you choose the right route and dates.