Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest route, with wide views and few climbers. What to expect on the route, and our climbs on it.
Also on this route: 9 Days Northern Circuit Route, 11 Days Northern Circuit Route
Kilimanjaro climb
8 Days Northern Circuit
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro has six established routes up: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Marangu, Machame and Umbwe start from the south. Lemosho and Shira come in from the west. Rongai starts in the north, near Kenya. Every route except Marangu and Rongai comes down via Mweka.
The 8 Days Lemosho Route: a quieter way up
The Lemosho Route is one of the newer trails. It is quieter and, many would say, more scenic than the others, though it takes a little longer and costs a little more. It starts on the Western side at Londorossi Gate and is a good alternative to the busier Shira route.
You start in forest and open moorland, and the trail reaches the Shira Plateau on day 3. It joins the Machame Route at Lava Tower, then drops towards Barranco Valley on the Southern Circuit. If you are lucky, you may spot buffalo, elephants and other wildlife on the way.
Because it is longer, your body has more time to acclimatize, so the Lemosho Route has a higher summit success rate. That is why so many climbers pick it for their Kilimanjaro climb.
Route itinerary
-
Day 1 Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp Distance 4.8km / 3miHiking 3-4 hrsZone Rainforest
From Moshi it is a 3 hours drive through friendly mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. While we wait for the permits, you can watch the crews pack and get ready, which is a busy scene. Then the walk starts, on winding trails through the rainforest, and your guide will point out the plants, birds and animals along the way. Down here the trail can be muddy and slippery, so we strongly suggest gaiters and trekking poles.
- Elevation
- 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
- Altitude gained
- 396m
-
Day 2 Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira I Camp Distance 7.9km / 5miHiking 4-6hrsZone Moorland
After a good night’s sleep and a big breakfast, we walk out of the rain forest and keep climbing. With the trees behind us, the trail climbs steadily, with wide views, to the rim of the Shira Plateau. You will notice it getting colder.
- Elevation
- 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
- Altitude gained
- 719m
-
Day 3 Shira I Camp – Shira Hut Distance 6.9km / 4.3miHiking 5-7hrsZone Moorland
Today is a full day on the Shira plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is an easy walk east towards Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau to Shira 2 camp, which sits on moorland meadows beside a stream. From there we go on to Moir Hut, a quiet site at the base of Lent Hills. There are several short walks on Lent Hills, and they are very good for acclimatization.
- Elevation
- 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
- Altitude gained
- 391m
-
Day 4 Shira Hut – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp Distance 10.1km / 6.3miHiking 4-6hrsZone Semi Desert
You finish today at about the same height you started, but the day matters a lot for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we head east up a ridge, pass the junction towards the Kibo peak, then turn South East towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Just after the tower there is a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. From there we walk down to Barranco Camp for the night.
- Elevation
- 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude gained
- 91m
-
Day 5 Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp Distance 5.2km / 3miHiking 4-5hrsZone Alpine Desert
After breakfast we climb a steep ridge to the Barranco Wall, a fun scramble, and then cross to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail. Watch your crew today. They carry heavy loads up the wall and make it look easy. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
- Elevation
- 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
- Altitude gained
- 48m
-
Day 6 Hike Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp Distance 3.3km / 2 miHiking 4-5hrsZone Alpine Desert
Today we walk up to Barafu Camp. When you get there, you have finished the South Circuit, which shows you the summit from many different angles. Dinner is early, then you rest before summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation
- 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude gained
- 628m
-
Day 7 Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp Distance 4.86km / 3mi up; 13km / 8mi downHiking 5-7hrs; 5-6hrsZone Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789mSummit day starts very early, between midnight and 2 a.m. It is the hardest part of the trek, both for your body and your head.
We climb between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, keeping warm and taking it one step at a time. The path zigzags northwest up heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. You get a short rest here, usually just as the sun comes up, and the sunrise is something special. Faster hikers may see it from the summit instead. From Stella Point it is about 1 hour more to Uhuru Peak, and you will probably walk on snow the whole way.
Well done. You are now on Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa.
After photos, hugs and maybe a few tears, we take a little time to enjoy it. Then the steep descent to Mweka Camp begins, with a stop at Barafu for lunch and a short rest. The ground is loose gravel and volcanic ash, so we strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. You have earned a good rest on your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
- Elevation
- 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude gained
- 1233m
-
Day 8 Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi Distance 9.1km / 6miHiking 3-4hrsZone Rainforest
After breakfast there is a small thank-you ceremony with your crew, and then it is time to say goodbye. We walk down to the Mweka Park Gate, where you collect your summit certificates. It gets much warmer as you go down, and the path is wet, muddy and steep, so keep the gaiters and trekking poles handy.
- Elevation
- 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
- Altitude lost
- 1473m
Tour price includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Quality Imported Equipments
Tour price excludes
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
- Flights, Visa fees, Gamow Bag, and Medication
Before you go
Route guide
About the Northern Circuit Route
You might also like
