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: 8 Days Northern Circuit, 11 Days Northern Circuit Route
Kilimanjaro climb
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro has six established climbing routes: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. Marangu, Machame and Umbwe come up from the south. Lemosho and Shira start in the west. Rongai starts in the north, near Kenya. Every route except Marangu and Rongai comes down via Mweka.
The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route: wide views and good acclimatization
Many people rate the Northern Circuit as one of Kilimanjaro’s best routes. You get views in nearly 360 degrees, including the quiet northern slopes that few climbers ever see. It is the longest route, so you have plenty of time to acclimatize. That gives it the highest summit success rates, and it is one we often recommend.
The climb starts in the west at Londorossi Gate, after a scenic drive from Moshi. The first days take you through green rainforest up to Shira Ridge, then across the wide Shira Plateau. From there the route turns north and loops clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp and on to School Hut. You then go for the summit from the east.
Route itinerary
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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 villages on the mountainside to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. While we wait for our permits, you can watch the busy scene as crews get ready for their climbs. Then you set off through the rainforest on winding trails, and your guide tells you about the plants and wildlife along the way. Down at this height the trail can be muddy and slippery, so we strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
- Elevation
- 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
- Altitude gained
- 396m
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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 climb out of the rain forest. With the trees behind us, the trail rises steadily, with wide views, to the rim of the Shira Plateau. It starts to get colder from here.
- Elevation
- 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
- Altitude gained
- 719m
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Day 3 Shira I Camp – Shira II Camp Distance 6.9km / 4miHiking 3-4hrsZone Low Alpine
Today we cross the Shira, one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. On the nine-day climb you spend the night at Shira II Camp, where you meet climbers coming up the Machame Route. If you have the energy, walk a little higher up the plateau from camp. You get a great view over the valley below and up to the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro. The plateau is exposed, so expect a cold night with temperatures below zero.
- Elevation
- 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
- Altitude gained
- 391m
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Day 4 Shira II Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Distance 17.7km / 11.1miHiking 5-7hrsZone High Alpine
You finish the day only a little higher than you started, but this day matters a lot for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau we head east up a ridge and pass the junction towards Kibo peak. We then carry on south-east to the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Soon after the tower we reach a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. From the tower we turn north and walk down to spend the night at Moir Camp.
- Elevation
- 3895m/12,779ft to 4155m/13,632ft
- Altitude gained
- 260m
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Day 5 Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp Distance 9.2km / 5.7miHiking 5-7hrsZone High Alpine Zone
The day starts with a fairly steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you like, take a short detour to the top of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters, then rejoin the Northern Circuit trail. The path goes up and down as it works around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. To the north, the plains below Kilimanjaro stretch as far as you can see, all the way to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You reach Buffalo Camp just after midday, with lunch and time to rest.
- Elevation
- 4155m/13,632ft to 4033m/13,232ft
- Altitude loss
- 122m
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Day 6 Buffalo Camp – Rongai 3rd Cave Distance 6.8km / 4.3miHiking 5-7hrsZone Alpine Desert
On day six you climb up Buffalo Ridge and drop down to Pofu Camp for lunch. Then we carry on east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. Today is shorter than yesterday, and by now you should feel better used to the altitude. You get to the Third Cave around mid-afternoon.
- Elevation
- 4033m/13,232ft to 3936m/12,913ft
- Altitude lost
- 97m
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Day 7 Rongai 3rd Cave – School Hut Distance 4.8km / 3miHiking 5-7hrsZone Glacial Zone
Today is a steady climb up and over the Saddle, the high ground between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. We then head south-west to School Hut. Dinner is early, and you rest straight after, because the summit attempt starts just before midnight. Get all your gear ready before bed: warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera.
- Elevation
- 3936m/12,913ft to 4717m/15,476ft
- Altitude gained
- 781m
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Day 8 School Hut – Summit – Mweka Camp Distance 5.9km / 3.7mi; 13km / 8mi downHiking 6-8hrs; 5-6hrsZone Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1178m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost:2789mThis is the big day. You start very early, between midnight and 2 a.m. It is the hardest part of the trek, both mentally and physically.
We climb towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, working to stay warm and keeping our minds on the goal. The path zigzags north-west up through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. You take a short rest here, usually just as the sun comes up, and the sunrise is beautiful. Faster hikers may see it from the summit. From Stella Point it is about 1 hour more to Uhuru Peak, and you will probably walk on snow the whole way.
Congratulations. Step by step, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa.
There is time for photos, a celebration and maybe a few happy tears before we start the steep descent to Mweka Camp. We stop at Barafu for lunch and a very short rest. The loose gravel and volcanic ash on the way down are hard work, 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
- 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude gained
- 1178m
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Day 9 Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi Distance 9.1km / 6miHiking 3-4hrsZone Rainforest
After breakfast there is a small ceremony to thank your crew, and then it is time to say goodbye. We walk on down to the Mweka Park Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. It is much warmer down here, and the trail is wet, muddy and steep, so we strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
- 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
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