The Northern Circuit: Kilimanjaro's Longest and Most Scenic Route

The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest route — and its best-kept secret. Spanning 9 days and approximately 98 kilometres, it is the only route that circumnavigates the entire mountain, traversing the rarely-seen northern slopes and providing the most thorough acclimatization of any standard itinerary. In our 500+ expeditions, the Northern Circuit consistently delivers the highest summit success rates — over 95% — while offering a wilderness experience that no other route can match. This guide explains why.

Route Overview

Factor	Details
Duration	9 days (8 nights on mountain)
Total Distance	~98 km
Starting Gate	Londorossi Gate (2,100m) — West
Summit Success Rate	95%+
Difficulty	Moderate (due to length, not technicality)
Crowds	Very Low (northern section virtually empty)
Price Range	From $3,200
Best For	Photographers, acclimatization-focused climbers, those seeking solitude

Why the Northern Circuit Has the Highest Success Rate

The answer is simple: time. Nine days on the mountain gives your body more time to acclimatize than any other standard route. The altitude profile is carefully designed:

• Days 1-2Gradual ascent through rainforest to the Shira Plateau (2,100m → 3,840m)
• Day 3Climb high to Lava Tower (4,630m), sleep low at Lava Tower Camp or descend to Moir Hut (4,200m)
• Days 4-5Traverse the northern slopes at 3,900-4,200m — extended time at moderate altitude
• Day 6Ascend to School Hut / Third Cave area (4,700m)
• Day 7Rest and short acclimatization walk
• Day 8Summit night — Barafu/Kosovo Camp to Uhuru Peak and descent
• Day 9Final descent to Mweka Gate

The critical advantage is the 2-day traverse across the northern slopes. While other routes rush from the Shira Plateau directly south toward Barranco, the Northern Circuit swings north and spends two full days walking at 3,900-4,200m. This extended time at moderate altitude allows your body to produce more red blood cells, increase ventilation efficiency, and build the physiological foundation needed for the summit push.

Our data is clear: climbers on the 9-day Northern Circuit experience fewer altitude sickness symptoms, feel stronger at high camp, and summit at a rate exceeding 95%. Compare this to 65-70% on the 5-day Marangu or 80-85% on the 7-day Machame.

The Northern Wilderness: What No Other Route Offers

The northern traverse is the most remote section of any Kilimanjaro route. During this 2-day stretch, you walk through a landscape that fewer than 5% of Kilimanjaro climbers ever see:

• Alpine desert stretching to the horizon, with the massive dome of Kibo rising to the south
• Views of the Northern Icefields – Kilimanjaro's glaciers as seen from below, a perspective unavailable from any southern route
• The Mawenzi massif – the mountain's jagged eastern peak, seen in dramatic profile against the sky
• Complete solitude – it is common to see no other climbing groups for the entire northern traverse
• Wildlife sightings – the remote northern moorlands are home to eland, klipspringer, and birds of prey that are rarely seen on the busier southern routes

If you are a photographer, the Northern Circuit is unmatched. The variety of perspectives — western approach, northern traverse, eastern summit, southern descent — gives you views of Kilimanjaro from every angle. The lighting on the northern slopes in the early morning is extraordinary, with the glaciers and Kibo dome catching the first golden light.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp (2,100m → 2,780m)

Drive from Arusha (3-4 hours) to Londorossi Gate. Register with KINAPA, then trek through pristine montane rainforest for 3-4 hours. The forest on the western slopes is some of the thickest on the mountain — colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and over 100 bird species inhabit this zone.

Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 2 Camp (2,780m → 3,840m)

Ascend through giant heather and moorland onto the Shira Plateau. Wide open landscapes with Kibo visible ahead. 5-6 hours of walking. Camp at Shira 2, where sunset views across the plateau are legendary.

Day 3: Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Moir Hut (3,840m → 4,630m → 4,200m)

The critical acclimatization day. Climb to Lava Tower at 4,630m, then descend to Moir Hut at 4,200m on the mountain's northern flank. This climb-high-sleep-low day is one of the most effective acclimatization moves on any Kilimanjaro route.

Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,200m → 4,020m)

Begin the northern traverse. Walk east across remote alpine desert and moorland, with views of the Northern Icefields above and Kenya's plains below. Minimal elevation change — the focus is horizontal distance and continued acclimatization. Camp at Buffalo Camp, one of the quietest sites on the mountain.

Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave/School Hut (4,020m → 3,870m/4,700m)

Continue east, passing through landscapes that look almost lunar — sparse vegetation, volcanic rock formations, and vast open sky. Depending on the itinerary variant, camp at Third Cave (3,870m) or ascend to School Hut (4,700m) for a higher camp before summit night.

Day 6: Rest and Acclimatization Day

A short acclimatization walk and rest day. This extra day is unique to the Northern Circuit and allows your body one final adaptation period before the summit push. Check gear, hydrate aggressively, and get as much rest as possible.

Day 7: Move to Barafu/Kosovo High Camp (→ 4,673m/4,800m)

Ascend to high camp. Short day — 3-4 hours of walking. Arrive by early afternoon, eat dinner early, and attempt to sleep before the midnight summit push.

Day 8: Summit Night and Descent (4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m)

Depart at midnight for Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Reach Stella Point at dawn, continue to the summit for sunrise. Descend to Millennium Camp (3,100m) for the night. Total walking time: 12-16 hours. Read our complete summit night guide.

Day 9: Descent to Mweka Gate (3,100m → 1,640m)

Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Certificate presentation, farewell ceremony with your porters and guides, transfer back to Moshi/Arusha.

Who Should Choose the Northern Circuit?

• First-time high-altitude trekkers who want the highest possible summit success rate
• Photographers who want to capture Kilimanjaro from every angle
• Climbers who value solitude and want to avoid the busier southern routes
• Those with flexible schedules who can commit 9 days to the mountain
• Repeat climbers who have done a southern route and want a completely different experience
• Older climbers or those with altitude concerns who benefit from the extra acclimatization days

Cost Considerations

The Northern Circuit is the most expensive standard route due to its 9-day duration. Extra days mean additional park fees, camping fees, crew wages, and food. Our Northern Circuit packages start from $3,200. While this is $700-1,100 more than shorter routes, many climbers consider the investment worthwhile given the near-guaranteed summit success and the unique wilderness experience. Full cost details on our pricing page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Northern Circuit harder than other routes?

Not in terms of terrain. The Northern Circuit is rated Moderate — the daily distances are manageable and there are no technical sections like the Barranco Wall. The challenge is duration: 9 days of continuous trekking at altitude is mentally and physically demanding, even at a moderate pace.

Can I do the Northern Circuit in fewer than 9 days?

Some operators offer 8-day versions that compress the northern traverse. We recommend the full 9 days — the extra acclimatization day is what gives this route its exceptional success rate.

How popular is the Northern Circuit?

It is one of the least-used routes, accounting for approximately 3-5% of all Kilimanjaro climbers. This is part of its appeal — you are likely to have the northern section virtually to yourself.

Does the Northern Circuit include the Barranco Wall?

No. The Northern Circuit swings north at the Shira Plateau and bypasses Barranco entirely. If the Barranco Wall scramble is important to you, the Lemosho or Machame routes are better choices.

What is the best time of year for the Northern Circuit?

The same dry seasons that favour all Kilimanjaro routes: January-March and June-October. The northern slopes are slightly drier than the southern slopes, so the Northern Circuit can be a reasonable option during the shoulder months as well.

Can I combine the Northern Circuit with a safari?

Absolutely. With 9 days on the mountain plus travel days, a Kilimanjaro and safari combo typically runs 14-18 days total. We design combo itineraries that include a rest day in Arusha between the climb and the safari.