Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest route, with wide views and few climbers. What to expect on the route, and our climbs on it.
Also on this route: 8 Days Northern Circuit, 11 Days Northern Circuit Route
Kilimanjaro climb
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro offers six established routes for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Among these, the Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe approach from the south, while the Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route, on the other hand, approaches from the north, near Kenya. All routes, except Marangu and Rongai, descend via Mweka.
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route: Immersive Beauty and Optimal Acclimatization
Regarded as one of Kilimanjaro’s finest routes, the Northern Circuit offers a panoramic spectacle with nearly 360 degrees of stunning vistas, including the tranquil and seldom-visited northern slopes. As the lengthiest route, it provides ample time for acclimatization, resulting in the highest summit success rates, making it a top recommendation for climbers.
Commencing from the west at Londorossi Gate, the journey begins with a scenic drive from Moshi. The initial days are spent traversing the lush rainforest to reach Shira Ridge, followed by crossing the expansive Shira Plateau. The route then veers northward, tracing a clockwise path from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp and finally to School Hut before ascending from the east for the summit bid.
Route itinerary
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Day 1 Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp Distance 4.8km / 3miHiking 3-4 hrsZone Rainforest
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.
- Elevation
- 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
- Altitude gained
- 396m
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Day 2 Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira I Camp Distance 7.9km / 5miHiking 4-6hrsZone Moorland
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.
- Elevation
- 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
- Altitude gained
- 719m
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Day 3 Shira I Camp – Shira II Camp Distance 6.9km / 4miHiking 3-4hrsZone Low Alpine
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
- Elevation
- 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
- Altitude gained
- 391m
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Day 4 Shira II Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Distance 17.7km / 11.1miHiking 5-7hrsZone High Alpine
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.
- Elevation
- 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude gained
- 91m
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Day 5 Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp Distance 9.2km / 5.7miHiking 5-7hrsZone High Alpine Zone
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.
- Elevation
- 4155m/13,632ft to 4033m/13,232ft
- Altitude loss
- 122m
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Day 6 Buffalo Camp – Rongai 3rd Cave Distance 6.8km / 4.3miHiking 5-7hrsZone Alpine Desert
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
- Elevation
- 4033m/13,232ft to 3936m/12,193ft
- Altitude lost
- 97m
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Day 7 Rongai 3rd Cave – School Hut Distance 4.8km / 3miHiking 5-7hrsZone Glacial Zone
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.
- Elevation
- 3936m/12,913ft to 4717m/15,476ft
- Altitude gained
- 781m
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Day 8 School Hut – Summit – Mweka Camp Distance 5.9km / 3.7mi; 13km / 8mi downHiking 6-8hrs; 5-6hrsZone Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1178m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost:2789mExcitement 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.
- Elevation
- 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude gained
- 1178m
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Day 9 Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi Distance 9.1km / 6miHiking 3-4hrsZone Rainforest
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.
- Elevation
- 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
- Altitude lost
- 1473m
Tour price includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Quality Imported Equipments
Tour price excludes
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
- Flights, Visa fees, Gamow Bag, and Medication
Before you go
Route guide
About the Northern Circuit Route
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