Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s longest and most remote trail, offering exceptional acclimatisation, low traffic, and stunning 360° views around the mountain.
The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s longest and most remote trail, offering exceptional acclimatisation, low traffic, and stunning 360° views around the mountain.
The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s longest and most remote trail, offering exceptional acclimatisation, low traffic, and stunning 360° views around the mountain. It’s the newest official route and widely considered the safest and most successful path to Uhuru Peak.
Starting from the west at Londorossi Gate, it follows the Lemosho Route before turning north and circling around the mountain’s rarely seen northern slopes. This long and gradual ascent maximises your body’s ability to adapt to altitude.
If you’re looking for a quiet, scenic, and highly successful route — this is the one.
Route Type: Ascent via Northern Circuit, descent via Mweka
Duration: 9 days (recommended)
Total Distance: ~88 km
Success Rate: ~90% to 95%
Difficulty: Medium to High (long duration)
Best For: Trekkers wanting maximum acclimatisation and low crowds
Scenery: Rainforest, moorland, Shira Plateau, remote northern slopes, glaciers
Distance: 6 km | Time: 3–4 hrs | Habitat: Rainforest
Drive to the western trailhead and hike through dense forest, often misty and full of colobus monkeys. Overnight at Big Tree Camp.
Distance: 8 km | Time: 5–6 hrs | Habitat: Moorland
Steady ascent onto the Shira Plateau. Enjoy expansive views of Kibo’s glaciated summit and Mount Meru in the distance.
Distance: 7 km | Time: 4–5 hrs | Habitat: Moorland
A shorter acclimatisation hike across the plateau. Cross volcanic ridges with dramatic views of the crater rim.
Distance: 14 km | Time: 6–7 hrs | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatisation before descending to the remote and quiet Moir Hut campsite.
Distance: 12 km | Time: 5–7 hrs | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Hike across rarely trekked northern slopes with spectacular vistas toward Kenya. Overnight at Buffalo Camp.
Distance: 8 km | Time: 4–5 hrs | Habitat: Moorland
Continue around the north face of Kilimanjaro with gradual altitude changes. Very low traffic and peaceful surroundings.
Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–5 hrs | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Climb up to the School Hut base camp. Rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Distance: 15 km | Time: 12–16 hrs | Habitat: Arctic → Moorland
Early summit push via Gilman’s Point and Stella Point. Celebrate at Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hrs | Habitat: Rainforest
Final hike through the forest. Receive your summit certificate at the gate!
Feature | Details |
Route Type | Ascent via Northern Circuit, descent via Mweka |
Distance | ~88 km total |
Summit Elevation | 5,895 metres (Uhuru Peak) |
Days on Route | 9 |
Crowds | Very Low |
Difficulty | Medium to High |
Recommended For | Trekkers seeking ultimate acclimatisation |
Success Rate | ~90–95% |
We offer expertly guided Northern Circuit climbs, fully supported by experienced teams for a safe, comfortable adventure.
All packages include:
Starting from the west at Londorossi Gate, it follows the Lemosho Route before turning north and circling around the mountain’s rarely seen northern slopes. This long and gradual ascent maximises your body’s ability to adapt to altitude.
