Climb Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit
8-9 days + 2 nights hotel | From $2,390
This route rolls up the best that all other routes have to offer. If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, plenty of solitude, a healthy challenge, and a chance to spot wildlife, this is definitely the route for you.
What you can expect on the Northern Circuit route
REMOTENESS
The Northern Circuit route is less traveled and offers a more isolated and wilderness experience. This remote nature also means that the route has fewer facilities, making it a more challenging and rugged experience for hikers.
LONGEST ROUTE
The northern circuit is typically completed over 9 days, which is longer than the 5-8 days taken on other routes. The longer duration allows for a more leisurely pace and through the different vegetation zones along the way.
GRADUAL ASCENT
This trail covers a distance of about 70-80 kilometers (43-50 miles) and over 9 days. The ascent is around 4,000 m (13,123 ft) from the starting elevation of 1,800 m (5,906 ft) to the summit of Kilimanjaro at 5,895 m (19,341 ft).
DIVERSE SCENERY
The Northern Circuit route offers a different and more diverse scenery including views of the Northern and Eastern slopes of Kilimanjaro, which are less frequently seen by other routes.
WILDLIFE
The Northern Circuit route passes through different vegetation zones, including the Montane Forest, the Moorland, and the Alpine Desert, providing a more diverse range of habitats for wildlife.
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About Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit route is a 9-day climb, making it the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro in terms of time and distance. Spending several days at around 13,000 feet aids acclimatization, resulting in the highest success rates of all Kilimanjaro routes. With high success rates, varied scenery, and few visitors, the Northern Circuit is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro. Expect to hike 6-8 hours per day, covering 8-15 kilometers, with a maximum daily vertical gain of 1,150 meters and an average of 440 meters per day.
Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
The itinerary below describes the 8 nights/9 day Kilimanjaro climb via the Northern Circuit route. A 10 day variation that includes an overnight at Crater Camp is available as a private climb by special request.
Day 0
Arrival in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
- Driving distance: 55 km
- Driving Time: 1 hour
Day 1
LONDOROSI GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP
The Northern Circuit Route starts at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the west, the same as the Lemosho Route. The drive takes about two hours from Moshi and longer from Arusha. After registering with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, you’ll be driven to the trailhead. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters). You might spot wildlife like elephants and buffalo as you trek. Dinner will be served at Mti Mkubwa Camp.
- Distance: 8km/5miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation: 7,742ft 9,498ft
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2
MTI MKUBWA – SHIRA ONE
Today you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).
- Distance: 5km/3miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6hours
- Elevation: 9,498ft to 11,500ft
- Habitat: Heath
Day 2
MTI MKUBWA – SHIRA ONE
Today you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).
- Distance: 5km/3miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6hours
- Elevation: 9,498ft to 11,500ft
- Habitat: Heath
Day 3
SHIRA CAMP ONE – SHIRA CAMP TWO
On day three, the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 via Shira Rock Peak. Nine-day trekkers spend the night at Shira Camp 2, joining those from the Machame Route. It’s worth trekking higher up the plateau for stunning views of the valley and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro. The exposed plateau can be very cold, with temperatures dropping below zero. Eight-day trekkers continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then descend via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).
- Distance: 7km/4miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
- Habitat: Heath
Day 4
SHIRA CAMP TWO – MOIR CAMP
The trek on this is long heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatization process.
- Distance: 7km/4miles and 7km/4miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours and 2-3 hours
- Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190ft to 13,580 ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5
MOIR CAMP – BUFFALO CAMP
This day is moderately involving the steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.
- Distance: 12km/7miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4
SHIRA CAMP TWO – MOIR CAMP
The trek on this is long heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatization process.
- Distance: 7km/4miles and 7km/4miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours and 2-3 hours
- Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190ft to 13,580 ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5
MOIR CAMP – BUFFALO CAMP
This day is moderately involving the steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.
- Distance: 12km/7miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6
BUFFALO CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP
This day begins with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Pofu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
- Distance: 8km/5miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12700 ft
- Habitat: Heath
Day 7
THIRD CAVE CAMP – SCHOOL HUT CAMP
This day involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut, you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut eye as you will be awoken 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.
- Distance: 5km/3miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Elevation:12,700 ft to 15,600 ft.
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 8
HIRD CAVE CAMP – UHURU – MILLENNIUM CAMP
You’ll wake at 11:30 for hot tea and biscuits, then start the steep climb up Kibo in darkness. After a break at Hans Meyer Cave, continue to Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters) in 5-6 hours. Enjoy the dawn and views of Mawenzi Peak, then trek 2 more hours to Uhuru Peak. After quick photos, descend to Stella Point (5,739 meters), then down to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters) for a short break. Finally, continue to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your last night. The trek lasts 14-16 hours, so pace yourself, stay hydrated, and keep your energy up. Note: Some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.
- Distance: 6km/4miles and 12km/7miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours and 4-6 hours
- Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341ft and 10,065
- Habitat: Arctic zone
Day 9
MILLENNIUM CAMP – MWEKA GATE
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.
- Distance: 12km/7miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Elevation:12,434 ft – 5,380 ft
- Vegetation: Rain forest
Northern Circuit Route Prices
We do no compromise on safety and quality, so our prices are not the cheapest. However, they are also not unreasonably high like some other companies. We take a lot of pride in the value for money we provide to each and every client. The per person prices below are based on how many people are booking the trek together.
9-DAY ROUTE PRICE
1 person – $3,535
2-5 persons – $3,155
6-10 persons – $3,095
11+ persons – $3,039
8-DAY ROUTE PRICE
1 person – $2,830
2-5 persons – $2,495
6-10 persons – $2,440
11+ persons – $2,390
FAQs for Northern Circuit Route
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE?
The 9-day Northern circuit route allows your body to acclimatize the best as you climb Kilimanjaro. Despite the longer trek duration, this route feels the easiest on the body. Needless to say that good firness levels are still required for this trek.
HOW LONG IS THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE?
The Northern Circuit Route is 88 km or 53 miles and can be done in 8 or 9 days. The average daily altitude gain is about 440m mainly because of the much higher starting point at 2360m and the longer duration of the trek. On the summit night you will climb 1150 m from School hut to Uhuru peak.
WHAT IS NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE'S SUMMIT SUCCESS RATE?
The Northern Circuit is the longest route up Kilimanjaro which gives the best chance for acclimatization. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 90%. However, we have a summit success rate of over 98% for the Northern Circuit Route!
HOW IS THE SCENERY ON THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE?
The main approach will take you through the rich Lemosho forest and across the Shira Plateau. Then as the climber traverses around to the remote and rarely-visited north side of Kilimanjaro, the scenery becomes more arid and austere. It is so remote here that the shy eland are often seen as well as the occasional buffalo that come to lick minerals from the natural caves on the high slopes of Kilimanjaro.
