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Northern Circuit Route Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is one of the premier paths to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique and less crowded experience compared to the more popular routes. Known for its low population traffic, the Northern Circuit provides a serene and immersive journey through diverse landscapes, ranging from lush rainforests to alpine deserts.
This route starts off from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the lush rainforest to Shira Plateau. After crossing the Shira Plateau, the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley. The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. The Londrossi– Northern Circuit joins the Rongai route at Third Cave Camp. Approach the summit via Gilman’s Point and then descend via the Mweka Route.
- Northern Circuit Route - Summit Success Rate
- Northern Circuit Route Map
- Ahsante Tours’ Experience with Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route is designed for a gradual ascent, offering additional acclimatization days for a safer and more comfortable climb. Its extended duration ensures a smoother trekking experience, making it suitable for both experienced climbers and beginners. With the added advantage of a high success rate in reaching Uhuru Peak, the Northern Circuit promises a rewarding and memorable journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Did You Know ?
The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering 360-degree views, incredible solitude, and the highest success rate due to its excellent acclimatization profile!
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- 9 Days Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. The rest of your day will be free; you might want to explore the small and pretty town of Moshi, or you can just relax by the pool.
Accommodation: Weru Weru River Lodge HB
Meals: Dinner Included
You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00am and transferred to the Lemosho gate to kick off Day 1 of your 9-day adventure on Kilimanjaro – approximately 2-hour drive through farmland and plantations At the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro, you will register for your Kilimanjaro climb. Your guide will handle the formalities. A short 15km drive takes you to the drop off point and the trail head to start your Kilimanjaro Climb. Climb steadily through the rain forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp (2780m). The trail is short and moderately steep. Porters will assist throughout the trek carrying all of your luggage, except your day pack and the mountain crew, will have already set up your tents before you arrive. You can rest and enjoy the beautiful forest surroundings in which you will camp tonight.
Distance covered: 7km / 4.3mi
Approx. time taken: 4 hours
Altitude Gain: 395m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The destination today is the Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. Start the day on a trail out of the rainforest, soon entering moorland terrain where Lobelia plants and Erica trees punctuate the landscape. Trek across this plateau of grassy moorland and heather, before climbing the northern slopes of Shira Ridge to arrive at Shira 1 Camp. Relax, put your feet up, enjoy your meal and sleep well, after gaining a fair amount of altitude today.
Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi
Approx. time taken: 6-7 hrs
Altitude Gain: 720m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Altitude Gain: 400m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Today we have the chance to view the Northern ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. The terrain during our steady climb will change from the moorland of the Shira Plateau to the broad upland desert beneath the Lent Hills with great panoramic views. Look out for the giant Senecio’s before the high alpine desert zone. Our camp is at Moir Hut (4175m). After a short rest you can go on a recommended afternoon acclimatization walk towards the top of the ridgeline. The ridgeline is in the lower part of the Lent Hills (4300m) – about 2 km away and 130 meters higher than the camp. Dinner will be served on your return to camp.
Distance covered: 10km / 6 mi
Approx. time taken: 5 – 7 hours
Altitude Gain: 275m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Today we trek North to Moir Valley – tackle the hardest part of the day at the beginning as you climb a bleak and imposing slope to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375m. Strike eastwards around the Northern Circuit Trail, continuing up and down the undulating valleys on the northern face of Kibo, before finishing your trek day at Pofu Camp. Afternoon Acclimatization Hike recommended.
Distance covered: 9.2km / 5.8 mi
Approx. time taken: 5-7 hrs.
Altitude Loss: 145m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The day starts with a climb up heading east through the remote valleys and around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and vegetation gets increasingly sparse, but by now you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude and enjoying the fact there are no steep passages to tackle today. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 5-7 hours
Altitude Loss: 130m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
We begin today with a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Although you should be acclimatizing by now, make sure to drink lots of water and stick to your guide’s slow pace. You could feel the weight of altitude today as you climb steadily higher up Kilimanjaro. Take a few breaks to rest when possible and enjoy stunning views across the saddle to Mawenzi. In preparation for you summit attempt, you will be served an early dinner after arriving at School Hut, before going to bed for an attempt at some shut-eye and rest. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks and headlamp before going to bed, as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt.
Distance covered: 4.8 km / 3 mi
Approx. time taken: 4-5 hours
Altitude Gain: 850m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. Your guide will wake you around midnight for a hot beverage and snacks before you begin your final ascent which will be long, slow and strenuous ascent. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you should reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will pass Stella Point (5730m) to reach the highest summit on Kilimanjaro – Uhuru Peak at 5895m.
Witness the awe-inspiring views from the highest point on the African continent, take your pictures to document your achievements and revel in an unforgettable experience. Your descent to Barafu Camp, will be fast and dusty, but a warm meal and short rest awaits you, before proceeding downwards 3-4 hours to Millennium Camp.
Distance covered: 5.9km / 3.7mi ascent & 8.4km / 5.2-mile descent
Approx. time taken: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4–6-hour descent
Altitude Gain: Ascent 1,145m,
Altitude Loss: Descent 2,105m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After breakfast the final day of your adventure begins, with a gentle trek down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! Our vehicles and driver will meet us at the gate to take you to your accommodation in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower, a cold swim (and a cold beer or two!) before a big evening celebration. Overnight in Moshi
Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Approx. time taken: 4-5 hours
Altitude Loss: 2,160m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Weru Weru River Lodge HB
- 9 Days Northern Circuit route Prices
Ready to climb? Secure your spot with a deposit of just €150 / USD 200 per person.
The balance is due before departure — no full payment needed to confirm your dates.
Climbing Cost Includes
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 3 Season Mountain tents (double occupancy); except for Marangu route where we overnight in Huts
- Sleeping Bag
- 3-inch-thick foam Sleeping Mat/Pad
- Spacious mess tent with all tables and chairs for rest and dining.
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Transportation to and from the airport (JRO Airport, additional charge of USD 50 for 1 way Arusha Airport tranfer)
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- Three meals daily while on the mountain
- Katadyn filtered water throughout the trek
- Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb with breakfast and dinner included (double occupancy)
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Tree donation in support of our environmental conservation projects
- Supplemental Oxygen tanks & Pulse Oximeter
- 1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent for group sizes of 4 and above.
- Free of charge use of a storage room and a safe room at the lodge
- Celebration dinner at the hotel after the trek
Climbing Cost Excludes
- International and Domestic Flights
- Visa
- Tips to mountain crew (A recommended amount is USD 250-350 per participant)
- Single supplement – The tents are based in double occupancy; a single tent is arranged at an extra charge of USD 20 per day.
- Rental Gears
- Laundry Services
- Travel Insurance (Recommended – Travel insurance with medical cover on trekking to altitudes of up to 6000 meters and a helicopter evacuation)
- 1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent for group sizes less than 4 people.
Why choose Ahsante Tours
- FAQs about Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route typically takes 8–9 days to complete, depending on the itinerary. This longer duration allows for better acclimatization, improving the chances of successfully reaching the summit.
The Northern Circuit Route is unique because it is less crowded, providing a quieter and more serene trekking experience. It also offers stunning views as it circles around the northern slopes of the mountain, unlike the more popular Southern Circuit routes.
The Northern Circuit Route boasts one of the highest success rates for reaching Kilimanjaro's summit, with around 85% due to the extended acclimatization period provided by the 8–9-day trek.
Yes, the Northern Circuit Route is a great option for first-time climbers or those with moderate fitness levels. The gradual ascent and additional acclimatization days make the climb safer and more manageable.
The Northern Circuit Route takes trekkers through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and scenic northern slopes, providing a comprehensive experience of Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty.
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