Northern Circuit Route - Kilimanjaro's Longest Route | 9 Days

Northern Circuit: The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Experience

The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest and most comprehensive route, taking 9 days to circumnavigate nearly the entire mountain before the summit push. With a success rate of approximately 95%, it offers the highest summit odds of any route - a direct result of its superior acclimatization schedule, which gives climbers more time at altitude than any other itinerary.

The Northern Circuit begins on the western slopes via Londorossi Gate (the same starting point as the Lemosho Route), traverses the Shira Plateau, and then diverges onto the remote northern slopes of the mountain - a section of Kilimanjaro that no other standard route visits. This northern traverse is the route's defining feature: days of trekking in complete solitude across vast, untouched landscapes with views into Kenya and the surrounding plains.

Route Overview

Day-by-Day Itinerary (9 Days)

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa / Big Tree Camp (2,780m)

Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Elevation Gain: 680m

Identical to the Lemosho Route start - registration at Londorossi, drive to Lemosho Glades, then a gentle trek through pristine montane rainforest to Big Tree Camp. The western forest is the quietest and most unspoiled on the mountain.

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2,780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,505m)

Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Elevation Gain: 725m

Through upper forest and into the heath zone, emerging onto the Shira Plateau. The landscape shifts from dense canopy to open moorland with views of Kibo ahead and Mount Meru behind.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m)

Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Elevation Gain: 335m

A relaxed crossing of the Shira Plateau. The ancient caldera floor is a unique landscape of moorland, volcanic rock formations, and endemic flora. Gentle elevation gain makes this an ideal acclimatization day.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours | Elevation Gain/Loss: +790m / -610m

The route ascends to Lava Tower for the critical acclimatization exposure at 4,630 metres, then descends. But here the Northern Circuit diverges from Machame and Lemosho: instead of dropping south to Barranco, you head north to Buffalo Camp, beginning the circumnavigation of the mountain.

Day 5: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) to Third Cave Camp (3,870m)

Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Elevation Gain/Loss: Slight net loss

The northern traverse begins. The trail contours around the mountain's northern slopes through alpine desert. This is the most remote section of any Kilimanjaro route. You are unlikely to encounter any other climbing groups. The landscape is vast and austere - volcanic rock, sparse vegetation, and enormous views north toward Kenya's Amboseli region. On clear days, you can see the flat-topped Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai (the Maasai sacred mountain) in the distance.

Day 6: Third Cave Camp (3,870m) to School Hut (4,750m)

Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Elevation Gain: 880m

The trail continues the northern traverse, gradually climbing through increasingly barren alpine desert before turning south toward the summit massif. You pass the dramatic Mawenzi peak before arriving at School Hut, which sits just below Kibo Hut on the saddle between the two peaks. Early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.

Day 7: School Hut (4,750m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Millennium Camp (3,820m)

Distance: 16 km | Hiking Time: 12-16 hours | Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,145m / -2,075m

Summit night follows the standard approach: midnight departure, steep scree to Gilman's Point, crater rim traverse to Uhuru Peak. The sunrise from the crater rim is the reward for nine days of patient trekking. After the summit, descend past Barafu Camp to Millennium Camp for the night.

Day 8: Millennium Camp (3,820m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Distance: 6 km | Hiking Time: 2-3 hours | Elevation Loss: 720m

A short, easy descent to Mweka Camp in the upper rainforest. A rest day after the exertions of summit night.

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Elevation Loss: 1,460m

Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Certificates, farewells, and the drive back to Moshi.

Why the Northern Circuit Achieves 95% Success

The mathematics of acclimatization explain the Northern Circuit's exceptional success rate:

1. More days above 3,500m: You spend 6 nights above 3,500 metres before summit night, compared to 3-4 nights on shorter routes
2. Lava Tower exposure: The walk high, sleep low at Lava Tower is shared with Machame and Lemosho, but you have more recovery time afterward
3. Gradual northern traverse: The gentle contouring around the northern slopes maintains altitude without significant daily gains, allowing your body to adjust at a steady pace
4. Lower cumulative fatigue: The well-paced daily distances mean you arrive at the summit push with more energy reserves than on compressed itineraries

Who Should Choose the Northern Circuit

• Climbers who want the absolute best summit odds
• Those seeking the most complete and immersive Kilimanjaro experience
• Trekkers who value solitude and wilderness - the northern traverse is genuinely remote
• First-time high-altitude climbers who want the gentlest possible acclimatization
• Photographers wanting the widest range of landscapes and perspectives

What to Consider

• Highest cost: Nine days means more park fees, more guide/porter days, and more provisions
• Time commitment: Including travel days, budget 11-12 days total for the trip
• Very remote: The northern traverse is far from any evacuation road. If you develop serious altitude sickness on days 5-6, evacuation takes longer than on the southern routes
• Shares summit approach with Rongai/Marangu: The approach via School Hut/Gilman's Point is steep and exposed

Price Range

The Northern Circuit typically costs $3,200-$4,500 depending on the operator and level of service. Park fees alone account for approximately $1,400 for the 9-day duration. See our Kilimanjaro cost guide for a detailed breakdown.