Climbers on the high snow slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro's Northern Circuit

Kilimanjaro routes

Northern Circuit Route

The longest and newest route on Kilimanjaro — circling the quiet northern slopes for the best acclimatization and the highest chance of reaching the summit.

9 days recommended ~98 km / 61 miles Moderate difficulty Highest success rate

Route overview

The route that gives your body the most time to adjust

Opened in 2014, the Northern Circuit is the newest addition to Kilimanjaro and the longest route on the mountain. It starts in the west at Londorossi Gate — the same trailhead as Lemosho — climbs through rainforest onto the Shira Plateau, then does something no other route does: instead of heading straight for the summit, it swings north and circles the quiet, rarely-walked slopes of the mountain before approaching the top from the east.

That extra distance is the whole point. More days and more “walk high, sleep low” means your body acclimatizes properly, which is why the Northern Circuit has one of the highest summit success rates of any route on Kilimanjaro. You also get 360-degree views and the mountain almost to yourself.

The high-altitude Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro surrounded by cloud

At a glance

Northern Circuit quick facts

Duration

8–10 days (9 recommended)

Total distance

~98 km / 61 miles

Start point

Londorossi Gate (west)

Summit approach

From the east, via Gilman’s Point

Descent

Mweka route

Accommodation

Camping (tents)

Crowds

Lowest of all routes

Difficulty

Moderate (long, non-technical)

Why choose it

Four reasons climbers pick the Northern Circuit

The highest success rate

More days and gradual altitude gain give your body time to adapt — so more climbers reach Uhuru Peak on this route than any other.

Peace and solitude

The northern slopes are the least-walked part of Kilimanjaro. Expect quiet trails and camps you often have almost to yourself.

360° of scenery

Because it circles the mountain, you see every side of Kilimanjaro — and sweeping views north across the plains toward Kenya.

Built-in acclimatization

The profile follows “walk high, sleep low” naturally, so you arrive at summit night far better prepared for the altitude.

Day by day

The 9-day Northern Circuit itinerary

A typical route, camp by camp. Distances, elevations, and walking times are approximate and can vary with weather and pace.

1Day

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, then trek through lush rainforest alive with colobus monkeys and birdsong to your first camp.

2,100 m → 2,780 m~7 km3–4 hrsRainforest

2Day

Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Leave the forest behind and climb into open moorland, crossing Shira Ridge with the first big views opening up around you.

2,780 m → 3,610 m~8 km5–6 hrsMoorland

3Day

Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

A gentler day across the wide, otherworldly Shira Plateau — excellent for acclimatization, with Kibo rising ahead.

3,610 m → 3,850 m~10 km4–5 hrsShira Plateau

4Day

Shira 2 to Moir Hut (via Lava Tower)

Climb high toward Lava Tower (~4,600 m) for acclimatization, then drop to Moir Hut to sleep lower — the classic altitude-training day.

3,850 m → 4,200 m~10 km5–7 hrsAlpine desert

5Day

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

The Northern Circuit proper begins. An optional detour up Little Lent Hill (4,375 m) adds acclimatization before you round the northern slopes to Buffalo Camp.

4,200 m → 4,020 m~12 km5–7 hrsNorthern slopes

6Day

Buffalo Camp to Pofu Camp

Traverse the remote northern side of the mountain, with long views out over the plains toward the Kenyan border and barely another trekker in sight.

4,020 m → 4,020 m~8 km5–7 hrsNorthern slopes

7Day

Pofu Camp to School Hut

Continue past Third Cave and cross the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi to reach School Hut, your base for the summit. Rest and prepare in the afternoon.

4,020 m → 4,750 m~14 km7–8 hrsAlpine desert

8Day

Summit day: School Hut to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp

Set off around midnight, climb switchbacks of scree to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) for sunrise over Mawenzi, then along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the Roof of Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp to rest.

4,750 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m~17 km12–16 hrsArctic summit

9Day

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

A final descent through the rainforest to the gate, where you say goodbye to your crew and receive your summit certificate.

3,100 m → 1,640 m~10 km3–4 hrsRainforest

Lush green forest on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro

What you’ll see

Five worlds in one climb

Because it circles the whole mountain, the Northern Circuit passes through every ecological zone Kilimanjaro has to offer, one after another.

1Rainforest — dense, green, and full of monkeys and birds on the lower slopes.
2Moorland — open heather and giant lobelia, with the summit coming into view.
3Shira Plateau — a vast, high volcanic plain unlike anywhere else on the mountain.
4Alpine desert — stark, lunar terrain across the quiet northern slopes.
5Arctic summit — glaciers, ice, and thin air on the final push to Uhuru Peak.

Is it right for you?

Who the Northern Circuit suits best

This route asks for more time on the mountain, which means a slightly higher cost and more days of walking. In return you get the best acclimatization, the quietest trails, and the strongest chance of summiting.

It’s ideal if you want to give yourself every advantage against the altitude, if you value solitude over crowds, or if it’s your first time at high altitude and summiting matters most. No technical climbing skills are needed — just a good level of fitness and the time to enjoy it. Summit day is longer than on other routes, so steady preparation pays off.

Best time to climb

When to go

Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the two dry seasons offer the clearest skies and the safest, most comfortable conditions:

•January to mid-March — warmer, quieter, often with beautiful clear mornings.
•June to October — the long dry season and the most popular window to climb.

The Northern Circuit’s remote camps make it an especially good choice in the shoulder months, when you’ll share the mountain with very few others.

Ready to climb

Plan your Northern Circuit climb

Tell us your dates and we’ll put together a 9-day Northern Circuit itinerary and an honest, all-inclusive quote — with the acclimatization built in.

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