The Northern Circuit Route starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro, and you can get there by driving 2–3 hours from Moshi or 3–4 hours from Arusha. This path is known as the longest and most scenic route on the mountain, circling almost the entire circumference of Kilimanjaro before the summit push.
The journey covers 98 km and lasts 9 to 10 days, offering the most gradual and thorough acclimatisation profile of all Kilimanjaro routes. This route is exceptional because it traverses all sides of the mountain, rewarding climbers with a constantly changing and breathtaking panorama throughout the entire trek.
Our Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages include this route, offering the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience for those who want to explore the mountain fully. Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing on the Northern Circuit Route is perfect for climbers who want the best possible acclimatisation, the highest summit success rate, and an unforgettable wilderness adventure.
The 9-day Northern Circuit Route is a comprehensive and immersive way to experience the full circumnavigation of Kilimanjaro. Moving at a steady pace across the western, northern, and eastern faces of the mountain, you will enjoy remarkable scenery and excellent acclimatisation before the final summit push. This option is well suited for fit and experienced trekkers who want to make the most of this extraordinary route.
Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, is the first overnight stop on the popular Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Located at approximately 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) above sea level, the camp sits within the lush montane rainforest zone on the western slopes of the mountain. It is one of the quietest and most peaceful camps on Kilimanjaro, offering climbers a comfortable introduction to their trekking adventure.
The name “Mti Mkubwa” means “Big Tree” in Swahili, reflecting the dense forest environment that surrounds the camp. The area is filled with giant trees, moss-covered branches, colorful flowers, and tropical vegetation, creating a completely different atmosphere from the higher alpine areas of the mountain. Trekkers often hear birds singing and may even spot black-and-white colobus monkeys moving through the forest canopy during the hike to camp.
The journey to Mti Mkubwa Camp begins at Londorossi Gate, where climbers complete park registration before entering the rainforest. The hike to the camp is generally gentle and allows trekkers to settle into the climb while enjoying the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. The cool forest air and shaded trails make the first trekking day relatively comfortable compared to the more demanding days ahead.
Accommodation at Mti Mkubwa Camp is tent-based, with trekkers sleeping in mountain tents arranged within forest clearings. The camp includes basic facilities such as toilets and ranger stations, while meals are prepared by the trekking crew. Due to its lower altitude and sheltered location, temperatures at the camp are usually milder than those experienced higher on the mountain.
Shira 1 Camp is a scenic campsite located on the expansive Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro. Situated at approximately 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) above sea level, the camp is commonly used by trekkers following the Lemosho and Shira routes. It marks the transition from the rainforest and moorland zones into the open alpine environment of the mountain.
The camp sits on one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic formations, offering wide-open landscapes and spectacular panoramic views. Unlike the forested camps lower on the mountain, Shira 1 Camp features open grasslands, volcanic rock formations, and sparse vegetation adapted to the harsher mountain climate. The area provides clear views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding plains stretching toward western Tanzania.
Trekkers reaching Shira 1 Camp often notice the effects of higher altitude for the first time, making the camp an important acclimatization stop during the climb. The route leading to the camp is less steep than many other sections of the mountain, allowing climbers to gradually gain elevation while enjoying the unique scenery of the Shira Plateau.
Accommodation at Shira 1 Camp is entirely tent-based, with camping areas spread across the plateau. Facilities are basic and include toilets and ranger stations. Nights at the camp are usually colder and windier than those at lower camps due to the open landscape and higher elevation. However, the clear skies often provide excellent opportunities for stargazing and photography.
Shira 2 Camp is a high-altitude campsite located on the expansive Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) above sea level. The camp is commonly used by climbers on the Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes and serves as an important acclimatization stop before trekking toward Lava Tower and the southern circuit of the mountain.
The landscape around Shira 2 Camp is dramatically different from the rainforest and moorland zones lower on the mountain. The area is dominated by open alpine desert terrain, volcanic rock formations, and sparse high-altitude vegetation. The camp offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kibo Peak, Mount Meru, and the vast Shira Plateau stretching across Kilimanjaro’s western slopes.
Trekkers reaching Shira 2 Camp often begin to feel the effects of altitude more noticeably due to the thinner air. For this reason, the camp plays a major role in helping climbers acclimatize gradually before moving to higher elevations. The hiking trails leading to the camp are generally gentle, allowing climbers to enjoy the scenery while steadily gaining altitude.
Accommodation at Shira 2 Camp is entirely tent-based, with designated camping areas spread across the rocky plateau. Nights are cold and temperatures can drop below freezing, especially during clear weather conditions. Despite the harsh environment, the camp remains one of the most scenic overnight stops on Kilimanjaro.
Moir Camp is a remote and scenic campsite located on the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level. The camp is mainly used by trekkers on the Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes after leaving the Shira Plateau area.
The camp sits in a quiet valley beneath the Lent Hills, surrounded by rugged volcanic landscapes and sparse alpine vegetation. Moir Camp is well known for its peaceful atmosphere and dramatic scenery, making it one of the most memorable camps on Kilimanjaro for many climbers. The nearby Lent Hills also provide optional acclimatization hikes that help trekkers adjust to the altitude.
The environment around Moir Camp is colder and drier than the lower camps, with clear skies often revealing spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the northern mountain slopes. Because fewer climbers pass through this area, the camp offers a more isolated and tranquil trekking experience.
Accommodation at Moir Camp consists of mountain tents arranged on rocky terrain. Temperatures can drop significantly during the night, but the calm surroundings and impressive scenery make the camp a favorite stop for photographers and nature lovers.
Buffalo Camp is a scenic campsite located on the remote northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 4,020 meters (13,189 feet) above sea level. It is primarily used by trekkers on the Northern Circuit Route and offers one of the quietest camping experiences on the mountain.
The camp is surrounded by open alpine landscapes, volcanic terrain, and distant views toward the Kenyan plains. The northern side of Kilimanjaro receives less rainfall than the southern slopes, creating a drier and more rugged environment. Trekkers often appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and sense of isolation found at Buffalo Camp.
As climbers continue gaining altitude, Buffalo Camp becomes an important point for acclimatization before moving toward higher northern circuit camps. The thinner air and cooler temperatures provide a true high-mountain experience while allowing trekkers additional time to adjust before summit attempts.
Accommodation is entirely tent-based, with campsites spread across the rocky mountain terrain. Nights are cold and windy, but the clear skies often create excellent conditions for stargazing and photography.
Third Cave Camp is a high-altitude campsite located on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 3,870 meters (12,697 feet) above sea level. The camp is primarily used by trekkers on the Rongai and Northern Circuit routes as they continue toward the summit area.
The camp is situated within the alpine desert zone, where vegetation becomes sparse and the landscape is dominated by rocky terrain and open mountain scenery. Climbers staying at Third Cave Camp enjoy impressive views of Mawenzi Peak and the surrounding northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The peaceful setting and lower traffic compared to southern routes create a more remote mountain experience.
Third Cave Camp is an important acclimatization stop because climbers spend the night at a higher elevation before continuing toward Kibo Hut or School Hut. The thinner air and colder temperatures begin to challenge trekkers more noticeably, making proper rest and hydration especially important at this stage of the climb.
Accommodation consists of mountain tents arranged on rocky camping grounds. Temperatures at night can become very cold, especially during windy conditions. However, the clear skies and isolated setting provide excellent opportunities for mountain photography and stargazing.
School Hut is a high-altitude summit camp located on Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 4,750 meters (15,584 feet) above sea level. It is primarily used by climbers on the Rongai and Northern Circuit routes before their final summit attempt to Uhuru Peak.
The camp is positioned within the alpine desert zone, surrounded by rocky volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and dramatic mountain scenery. Due to its high elevation, the environment is cold, dry, and windy, with very little vegetation. Climbers staying at School Hut typically rest early before beginning their summit ascent during the night.
Accommodation at School Hut includes simple mountain shelters and camping areas for trekkers and support crews. The camp’s strategic location allows climbers a shorter summit push compared to some other summit camps on Kilimanjaro.
Barafu Camp is one of the main summit camps on Mount Kilimanjaro, located at approximately 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) above sea level. The camp is used by climbers on the Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Southern Circuit routes before their final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
The camp is situated in a harsh alpine desert environment with rocky terrain, steep slopes, and strong winds. The name “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, reflecting the cold conditions experienced at this altitude. Climbers usually arrive in the afternoon, rest briefly, and begin their summit attempt around midnight.
Accommodation at Barafu Camp consists of mountain tents placed on rocky ground. Despite the challenging environment, the camp provides spectacular views of glaciers, surrounding peaks, and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Mweka Camp is a forest campsite located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level. It is commonly used as the final overnight stop for climbers descending the mountain after successful summit attempts.
The camp is situated within the rainforest zone, surrounded by dense vegetation, giant trees, and rich mountain forest scenery. After the cold alpine conditions higher on the mountain, many climbers enjoy the warmer temperatures and oxygen-rich environment found at Mweka Camp.
Accommodation at Mweka Camp is tent-based, with designated camping areas and basic mountain facilities. The camp provides a comfortable resting point before the final descent to Mweka Gate.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Choose the best season for your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing adventure
The Northern Circuit Route takes between 9 and 10 days to complete. We offer both a 9-day and a 10-day package. The 10-day option is recommended as the additional day allows for a more relaxed pace and superior acclimatisation before the summit push.
Yes, the Northern Circuit Route is suitable for beginners with a good level of fitness. Despite being the longest route on Kilimanjaro, its gradual ascent and extended acclimatisation time make it one of the most forgiving options for first-time climbers attempting the summit.
The best times to climb are January to March and June to October. These months fall outside Tanzania’s rainy seasons and offer the most stable weather conditions across the mountain’s northern slopes, where this route spends the most time.
The Northern Circuit Route is rated medium difficulty. While the sheer distance and number of days on the mountain make it a serious undertaking, the gradual daily ascent and excellent acclimatisation profile make it physically manageable for most healthy and well-prepared climbers.
The Northern Circuit Route shares the highest summit success rate on Kilimanjaro at 98%. Its long approach, slow ascent, and exceptional acclimatisation profile give climbers more time to adjust to the altitude than any other route on the mountain.
The Northern Circuit Route is the least crowded route on Kilimanjaro. Its length, remoteness, and higher cost deter many climbers, meaning those who do undertake it enjoy a rare and genuinely solitary wilderness experience across the northern side of the mountain.
The Northern Circuit Route is the only route that traverses almost the full circumference of Kilimanjaro. This means climbers experience every face of the mountain, from the lush western rainforest to the remote northern slopes and sweeping views across the Kenyan plains, before reaching the summit.
You will need warm, layered clothing, a sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles, a headlamp, sunscreen, and a comfortable daypack. Given the length of the trek, well-fitted and broken-in footwear is especially important. A full packing list will be provided at booking.
Yes, travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is required for all climbers on our packages. Please ensure your policy covers altitudes of up to 5,895 metres and includes emergency helicopter evacuation cover before your departure date.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
