The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most comprehensive trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, designed for climbers who want the highest success rate, best acclimatization, and a truly remote wilderness experience. This route starts on the western side at Londorossi Gate and gradually circles around the entire northern slopes of the mountain, offering breathtaking 360° views.
This 9-day itinerary gives your body maximum time to adapt to altitude with a unique "circumnavigation" of Kibo Peak. Unlike other routes that traverse only the southern slopes, the Northern Circuit takes you across remote landscapes that few climbers ever see, including the dramatic northern glaciers and the pristine Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Why choose the Northern Circuit? It offers the highest summit success rate on Kilimanjaro (often exceeding 95%), the most diverse scenery with a full 360° perspective, and a peaceful, uncrowded experience. This is the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure for those who want the best possible chance of reaching the summit.
Detailed itinerary for your 9-day northern circuit route experience
| Day | Start | Altitude (m/ft) | Finish | Altitude (m/ft) | Time (hrs) | Distance (km/mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Londorossi Gate | 2,100m / 6,890ft | Mti Mkubwa Camp | 2,820m / 9,250ft | 3-4 | 8km / 5mi |
| 2 | Mti Mkubwa Camp | 2,820m / 9,250ft | Shira 1 Camp | 3,500m / 11,480ft | 5-6 | 5km / 3mi |
| 3 | Shira 1 Camp | 3,500m / 11,480ft | Shira 2 Camp | 3,850m / 12,630ft | 3-4 | 7km / 4mi |
| 4 | Shira 2 Camp | 3,850m / 12,630ft | Moir Camp | 4,200m / 13,780ft | 5-6 | 5km / 3mi |
| 5 | Moir Camp | 4,200m / 13,780ft | Buffalo Camp | 4,020m / 13,190ft | 5-7 | 12km / 7mi |
| 6 | Buffalo Camp | 4,020m / 13,190ft | Third Cave Camp | 3,800m / 12,470ft | 5-7 | 8km / 5mi |
| 7 | Third Cave Camp | 3,800m / 12,470ft | School Hut | 4,800m / 15,750ft | 4-5 | 5km / 3mi |
| 8 | School Hut | 4,800m / 15,750ft | Uhuru Peak → Millennium Camp | 5,895m / 19,341ft | 14-16 | 18km / 11mi |
| 9 | Millennium Camp | 3,790m / 12,430ft | Mweka Gate | 1,640m / 5,380ft | 5-7 | 12km / 7mi |
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a drive to Londorossi Gate (2,100m) on the western side of the mountain. After registration formalities, you start your trek through pristine montane rainforest. The trail is peaceful and less crowded than other routes, winding through ancient trees draped in moss and lichen. You may spot colobus monkeys and colorful birdlife. You'll arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) — meaning "Big Tree" in Swahili — by early afternoon, where your tents await beneath the forest canopy.
After breakfast, you leave the rainforest behind and ascend into the heath and moorland zone. The trail opens up dramatically as you emerge onto the vast Shira Plateau — an ancient volcanic caldera. The vegetation transitions to giant heather, lobelias, and groundsel. On clear days, the views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru are breathtaking. Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) offers a stunning setting with panoramic views as the sun sets over the African savannah.
A shorter hiking day designed for acclimatization as you traverse the stunning Shira Plateau. The terrain is gentle and scenic, with giant lobelias dotting the landscape. Take your time to absorb the incredible 360° views of the mountain and the plains far below. In the afternoon, you can take an optional acclimatization hike to a nearby ridge to further aid your body's adaptation. Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) offers incredible sunset views of Kibo's glaciers.
This is a crucial acclimatization day using the "climb high, sleep low" strategy. You ascend toward Lava Tower (4,600m), a dramatic volcanic rock formation, stopping for lunch at high altitude. The landscape transitions to alpine desert, stark and beautiful. After lunch, instead of descending south toward Barranco, you continue north toward Moir Camp (4,200m), entering the remote northern zone of the mountain that few climbers experience.
Today you enter the true wilderness of the Northern Circuit. The trail traverses the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, far away from the busy southern routes. This part of the mountain is wild, quiet, and incredibly scenic — offering spectacular views stretching toward Kenya. The terrain is open moonscape with volcanic rock formations. Buffalo Camp (4,020m) is perched on a ridge with dramatic views of the northern glaciers and the vast plains below.
Your journey continues across the northern slopes, with fewer trekkers and a peaceful environment. The landscape is vast and open, with panoramic views of Mawenzi Peak growing closer. You'll traverse ridges and valleys, descending slightly to Third Cave Camp (3,800m). By now your body is well acclimatized, and you'll notice the trekking feels more manageable. The camp sits in a sheltered valley with views of the eastern ice fields.
Today you cross the famous "Saddle" — the vast, barren expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This alpine desert landscape feels like another world, with minimal vegetation and wide open skies. The trail climbs steadily toward School Hut (4,800m), your final base camp before the summit attempt. Upon arrival, your guide will brief you on the summit plan. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the midnight wake-up call.
The most challenging and rewarding day of your life! You'll be woken at midnight for a light snack and hot drink before beginning the summit push by headlamp. The trail ascends steeply through scree to Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim, arriving just before sunrise. From Gilman's Point, you trek along the crater edge past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point on the continent! After celebration and photos, you descend via the Mweka route to Millennium Camp (3,790m) for a well-earned rest.
After a celebratory breakfast reflecting on your incredible achievement, you continue your descent through the lush rainforest zone. The trail is steep in places but the thick vegetation, bird calls, and fresh mountain air make for a pleasant walk. You'll arrive at Mweka Gate (1,640m) by early afternoon, where you'll receive your well-earned summit certificates from Kilimanjaro National Park. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and celebration dinner.
Comfortable lodges and camps for your stay
Two nights on the spectacular Shira Plateau offer incredible panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru. The camps are spacious with well-equipped dining tents, comfortable sleeping tents, and stunning sunset vistas over the African plains.
Moir, Buffalo, and Third Cave camps are true wilderness camps on the remote northern side. Few climbers ever visit these sites. You'll enjoy exclusive views of the northern glaciers and the Kenyan plains — a truly unique Kilimanjaro experience.
School Hut is the final base camp before the summit, a basic shelter on the eastern saddle. Millennium Camp is a newer facility on the descent route, offering a comfortable rest after the summit triumph with beautiful forest views.
All-inclusive rates for your 9-day northern circuit route
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person (Solo) | $3,300 |
| 2 People | $2,850 |
| 3 People | $2,750 |
| 4 People | $2,630 |
| 5 People | $2,550 |
| 6+ People | $2,400 |
What makes this experience exceptional
The Northern Circuit boasts the highest summit success rate on Kilimanjaro — often exceeding 95%. More days on the mountain mean superior acclimatization and a safer, more comfortable climb.
The only route that circles completely around Kibo Peak, offering a unique perspective of all sides of the mountain. You'll see landscapes that few climbers ever witness — including the remote northern glaciers.
The least crowded route on Kilimanjaro. You'll trek for days on the northern slopes without seeing other groups, enjoying a true wilderness experience in complete solitude.
High-quality 4-season tents, thick sleeping mats, private toilet tents, and dedicated camp crews ensure your comfort even in the most remote campsites on the mountain.
At approximately 90km, the Northern Circuit is the longest route on Kilimanjaro. Every day brings new landscapes, from rainforest to alpine desert, with the most gradual altitude gain possible.
For serious trekkers seeking the complete Kilimanjaro experience, the Northern Circuit represents the ultimate challenge — the longest, most scenic, and most rewarding way to reach the Roof of Africa.
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