Northern Circuit Route 9 Days

Northern Circuit Route- The Crown Jewel of Kilimanjaro Climbs

The Northern Circuit is renowned as the longest and arguably the most rewarding route to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. This nine-day adventure offers a unique perspective of the mountain, taking you through diverse ecosystems and providing ample acclimatization time.

The Northern Circuit Route is considered the longest and one of the most scenic routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. It’s a 9-day trek that circles around the mountain, offering climbers a chance to experience all sides Mount Kilimanjaro and some of the most diverse landscapes on the mountain.
The Northern circuit route Kilimanjaro is 88 kilometers (55 miles) long and takes 9 days to complete as our itineraries include arrival and departure days making a total of 11 days.
The Northern circuit route is considered a challenging trek, but the gradual ascent profile allows for better acclimatization compared to other routes, which increases your chances of reaching the summit.
The Northern circuit route offers some of the most diverse scenery on Kilimanjaro, as you’ll trek through rainforest, heath, moorland, and semi-desert regions. You’ll also get panoramic views of the mountain from all sides.
Compared to other Kilimanjaro routes, the Northern Circuit is less crowded, so you’ll have a more secluded trekking experience.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect on the Northern Circuit Route:

The trek begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro, ascending the Lemosho Route for the first two days. Climbers will trek through the rainforest up to the Shira Ridge, where they’ll spend some time acclimatizing to the altitude.
The route then takes a more northerly direction, circling around the mountain in a clockwise direction. Climbers will pass by Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, and School Hut, all offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The summit attempt is typically made from the eastern side of the mountain, via the Rongai Route. Climbers will descend down the southern Mweka Route, the most popular route on Kilimanjaro.
The Northern Circuit Route is known for its high success rate, due to the gradual ascent and plenty of time for acclimatization. It’s also a great option for those who want to experience the remoteness of Kilimanjaro, as the route is less crowded than some of the other trails.

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?

Scenic Beauty: Experience the mountain from all sides, offering unparalleled panoramic views.
Acclimatization: The extended itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization, increasing summit success rates.
Less Crowded: Compared to other popular routes, the Northern Circuit is less frequented, providing a more intimate experience.
Diverse Landscapes: Traverse through rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and volcanic landscapes.

Key Features of the Northern Circuit:

Longest route: Provides ample time for acclimatization, increasing your chances of summit success.
Length: Approximately 88 kilometers over nine days.
Difficulty: Generally considered moderate, but the long duration requires good physical fitness.
Summit Success Rate: Significantly high due to effective acclimatization.
Itinerary: Typically starts on the Lemosho route, then circumnavigates the mountain clockwise, joining the Rongai route for the summit push, and descends via the Mweka route.
Diverse landscapes: Traverse rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and the summit’s icy plateau.
360-degree views: Witness the majestic beauty of Kilimanjaro from all angles.
High summit success rate: Due to the extended acclimatization period.

Essential Information

Best Time to Climb: The dry seasons of June to October and December to February offer the most favorable weather conditions.
What to Expect: Stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, challenging but rewarding hikes, and a sense of accomplishment.
Necessary Gear: Proper hiking attire, sturdy boots, warm layers, and essential camping equipment.
Acclimatization: The route is designed for gradual acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

Would you like to know more about specific aspects of the Northern Circuit, such as itinerary details or packing lists?

Here are some of the reasons why the Northern Circuit Route is considered one of the best routes to climb Kilimanjaro:

Highest summit success rate of all the Kilimanjaro routes
More time for acclimatization, which helps to reduce the risk of altitude sickness
Offers stunning views of the mountain from all sides
Less crowded than some of the other routes
A great option for those who want to experience the remoteness of Kilimanjaro.

Here’s a typical itinerary for the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route day by day:

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)

You will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, a town located at the base of Kilimanjaro.

Day 2: Moshi Kilimanjaro to Londorossi Gate (2,350m/7743ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,120ft)

This day involves a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, the starting point for the Northern Circuit Route.
After completing park formalities, the trek begins with a hike through lush rainforest, this is relatively gentle ascent compared to some of the later stages of the climb with a chance to spot wildlife like monkeys and buffaloes.
You’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp in the late afternoon, where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain. Distance 6km/4miles, 3-4hrs walking, Habitat- Rain Forest Zone. Elevation gain 400m/1,312ft

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,120ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,483ft)

The trail continues through the rainforest with a gradual ascent that allows for continued acclimatization, this is a challenging hike as you leave the rainforest behind and enter into moorland with steeper inclines, eventually emerging onto the Shira Plateau. The landscape here is more barren, with volcanic rock formations and moorland vegetation.
Shira 1 Camp is located on a ridge with views of the Shira Cathedral peaks. Distance 8km/5miles, 6-7hrs walking, Habitat- Heather and Moorland Zone. Elevation gain 830m/2,723ft

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,483ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)

This is a moderate climb compared to other section of the trek and traverses the Shira Platue offering hikers panoramic views of surrounding landscape.
The trek continues across the Shira Plateau, with views of volcanic craters and surrounding mountains, This is a shorter acclimatization hike to the top of Shira Cathedral. You’ll reach Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon, where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the views for stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Distance 8km/5miles, 4-5hrs walking, Habitat- Heather and Moorland zone. Elevation gain 400m/1,312ft

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,600m/15,089ft) to Moir Hut (4,200m/13,779ft)

The trek from Shira 2 Camp to Moir hut on Mount Kilimanjaro involves an initial ascent to Lava tower followed by a descent walk to Moir Hut.

This day features a challenging hike which takes you past the fascinating Lava Tower Kilimanjaro, a volcanic rock formation Offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape,From Lava Tower after lunch, the trail descends to Moir Hut Kilimanjaro, a strategically placed camp located on the northern slopes of mount Kilimanjaro. Distance 11km/6mile, 5-7hrs walking, Habitat- Alpine desert zone. Elevation gain 750m/2460ft Shira 2 camp to Lava Tower, descent elevation loss from Lava Tower to Moir hut 400m/1312ft.

Day 6: Moir Hut (4,200m/13,779ft) to Buffalo Camp (4,000m/13,123ft)

Contrary to what some trekkers might experience due to the route, there’s actually a slight descent from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The trek continues along the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, with views of the Kibo Glacier Kilimanjaro offering panoramic views across the plateau, The route traverses semi-desert terrain with unique vegetation. This trek from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp is a relatively easy hike of about 4-7 hours; you’ll reach Buffalo Camp in the afternoon, where you’ll spend your night. Distance 12km/7miles, 5-7hrs walking, Habitat- Semi desert zone. Elevation change 180m/590ft

Day 7: Buffalo Camp (4,000m/13,123ft) to Third Cave Camp (3,800m/12,533ft)

The trek from buffalo camp to third cave offers a scenic introduction to Kilimanjaro high altitude landscape.
The trail continues along the northern slopes, with increasingly barren landscape.
You’ll reach Third Cave Camp in the afternoon, a set of caves that provide shelter from the elements. Distance 8km/5miles, 5-7hrs walking, Habitat-Semi desert zone. Elevation loss 290m/950ft

Day 8: Third Cave Camp (3,800m/12,533ft) to School Hut (4,750m/15,718ft)

The trek from third cave to school hut on Mount Kilimanjaro is a significant step towards the summit.
This day involves a challenging hike to School Hut, located on the rim of the Kibo Crater, situated above the cloud line and offering stunning views of Kibo Peak. Distance 8km/5miles, 5-7hrs walking, Habitat- Semi desert zone. Elevation gain 880m/2,900ft

Day 9: School Hut (4,750m/15,718ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) – Millennium Camp (3,720m/12,205ft)

The trek from school hut to Uhuru peak on Mount Kilimanjaro is the ultimate challenge, the push to conquer the Roof of Afric.
Summit day! You’ll wake up pre-dawn and begin the challenging hike to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, before afternoon winds pick up.
The hike is long and strenuous, but the rewards are worth it. From the summit, you’ll have incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
After reaching the summit and celebrating your accomplishment, you’ll descend to Millennium Camp for a well deserved rest for the night. Distance 12km/8miles, 11-14hrs walking, Habitat- Summit zone. Elevation gain from school hut 1100m/3600ft and Elevation loss from Uhuru peak 1,900m/6200ft

Day 10: Millennium Camp (3,720m/12,205ft) to Mweka Gate (1640m/5,380ft)

The final leg of the trek down Mount Kilimanjaro on the Mweka Route, a well-established trail through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll be met by your vehicle and transferred back to your hotel in Moshi, It’s a celebratory descent after conquering the mountain. Distance 14km/8.7miles, 4-6hrs walking, Habitat- Summit zone. Elevation loss 2665m/8,743ft

Day 11: Transfer from Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport

The Northern Circuit Route 9 Days is the newest route which was designed to give climbers a better opportunity to acclimatize to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The Northern Circuit Route 11 Days starts by using the Lemosho Route, however, it branches off at Moir Hut to include the Buffalo Camp, Third Cave and School Hut. The descent after reaching the summit is via the Mweka Route.
During your African Adventure to the Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, you shall witness various interesting panoramic views of distant landscapes and incredible features. Make sure your camera battery is fully charged and get ready to take as many photos as you can during your trip. Successful Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro greatly depends on the various climbing tips and knowledge that you acquire before the climb during our informative briefs. Our company, Kilimanjaro Bound, is staffed with the best climbing and safari professionals, you shall be able to hear insights which have been gained through years of experience, knowledge and education plus years working as porters on the routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Prior to your trip, if you want to ask us anything at all after reading this itinerary for the Northern Circuit Route 11 Days, you can contact us online and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
After completing the Northern Circuit Route 11 Days you will have the choice of booking an incredible Safari of the National Parks of Tanzania, checking out the culture with some of our short tours or taking a well earned rest on the island of Zanzibar.
Kilimanjaro Bound will take care of you and your party and organise everything you need for the trip of a lifetime.

Read more about The Northern Circuit Route 9 Days on Wikipedia.

Longest route up Kilimanjaro – good for acclimatization.
Only route to traverse all of the Northern Slopes on a circumnavigation of the mountain.
Beautiful scenery from the western approach.
Fully catered camping only.

The Northern Circuit Route is the newest route up Mount Kilimanjaro and also the longest. It takes a minimum of 8 days to complete but most operators offer the 9 day option. Because of its length, the Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate. The route follows the same as the Lemosho Route for the first two days and then veers off to circle around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. There a number of route variations, but generally the Northern Circuit approaches the summit via Gilman’s Point before descending on the same route as the Machame and Lemosho.

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Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro!

Mount Kilimanjaro
Lemosho Route 9 Days
Lemosho Route 8 Days
Lemosho Route 7 Days
Machame Route 7 Days
Machame Route 6 Days
Marangu Route 6 Days
Marangu Route 3 Days
Northern Circuit Route 11 Days
Rongai Route 7 Days
Rongai Route 6 Days
Shira Route 8 Days
Mount Meru Trek 4 Days
Umbwe Route 6 Days

Tanzania Safaris!

Tanzania Safaris
Tanzania Walking Safari 9 Days
Northern Tanzania Safari 8 Days
Tanzania National Parks Safari 8 Days
Serengeti National Park Safari 8 Days
Serengeti Safari 7 Days
Lake Manyara Safari 7 Days
Tanzania Cycling Safari 7 Days
Serengeti Safari 6 Days
Lake Manyara Safari 5 Days
Tarangire National Park Safari 3 Days

Important Information About Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Price Includes

Accommodations the night before and the night after the trek two nights in Moshi
Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
All Park fees
Entry fees, Rescue fees, camping fees or hut fees
All meals while on the Mountain
Arrival and Departure transfers
Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Transport to the gate on starting day and after the trek
Clean, purified drinking water
Private, portable chemical flush toilets
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Portable Summit Emergency Oxygen
Kilimanjaro National park certificate for successful summit attempt
Flying Doctor Service

Price Excludes

Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed above
Optional Tours (short safari before or after your climb, marangu village day tour, day trip to lake challa, etc)
Tips and any items of personal nature
Health requirements (Yellow Fever – only compulsory if you travel to Tanzania via a Yellow Fever infected country, Meningitis & Hepatitis A remains optional, but comes recommended)