EMBARK ON THE ULTIMATE KILIMANJARO JOURNEY
The Northern Circuit - 9 Days of Wild
Beauty & Optimal Acclimatization
Northern Circuit Route: Kilimanjaro's Longest Trek (9 Days)
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most comprehensive trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Covering about 88 kilometers over 9 days, it starts at Lemosho Gate on the mountain's western side, climbs to the Shira Plateau, then turns north and circles the entire summit massif clockwise through remote, rarely visited terrain before joining the Rongai route for the final push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.
Unlike shorter routes, the Northern Circuit offers a nearly 360-degree journey across Kilimanjaro—rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit ice. Its longer duration provides optimal acclimatization, resulting in a 95–98% summit rate on the 9-day itinerary.
KiliDestination, a local non-profit tour operator in Arusha since 2014, features the Northern Circuit as a signature trek. Our guides have extensive route experience, and our crew ensures your safety and a successful climb to Uhuru Peak.
Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?
Experienced trekkers and first-timers alike consistently choose the Northern Circuit over shorter, less immersive alternatives. Here are the five reasons why this is the best path for your Kilimanjaro journey:
The Highest Summit Success Rate on Kilimanjaro
The 9-day itinerary maximizes acclimatization, allowing multiple chances to climb high and sleep low—especially on Day 4 at Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to Moir Hut (4,000m). This approach yields a 95–98% summit success rate, the highest of any route.
A True 360-Degree Experience of Kilimanjaro
Most Kilimanjaro routes follow a single side of the mountain from base to summit. The Northern Circuit stands out. You circle the massif, traveling through southern rainforest, cross Shira Plateau, and enter the stark alpine desert of the northern. Then you cross the eastern saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi.
Suitable for Motivated First-Timers
The Northern Circuit’s high success rate stems from ample acclimatization, not technical difficulty. Fit, motivated trekkers need only good fitness, mental resilience, and the right guide—qualities KiliDestination ensures.
Remote, Uncrowded
Trails
Days 5–7 follow Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes on trails far less traveled than Machame or Marangu. For solitude and adventure, the Northern Circuit surpasses all other routes.
Views Across the
Kenyan Border
On Day 5, Buffalo Camp and Buffalo Ridge offer views of plains stretching toward Kenya. On clear mornings, this dramatic scene highlights your progress and the summit’s height.
Northern Circuit Route: 9-Day Itinerary
The following itinerary showcases KiliDestination’s expertly crafted 9-day Northern Circuit, starting in Arusha and concluding in triumph at Mweka Gate. Take the first step towards the ultimate trekking experience.
Day
Camp-to-camp
Elevation
Distance
Highlight
Arrival Day
Airport → Arusha Hotel
—
—
Gear check & mountain briefing with your guide
Day 1
Lemosho Gate → Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa)
1,700m → 2,850m
7 km
Hike through pristine rainforest to first camp
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp
2,850m → 3,600m
8 km
Emerge from forest into open moorland; first views of Kibo
Day 3
Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp
3,600m → 3,850m
6 km
Explore the Shira Plateau; wildflowers and giant Senecio trees
Day 4
Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Moir Hut
3,850m → 4,600m → 4,000m
9 km
Best acclimatisation day — climb high, sleep low
Day 5
Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp
4,000m → 4,300m
15 km
Remote northern slopes; panoramic views to Kenya border
Day 6
Buffalo Camp → Third Cave Camp
4,300m → 4,400m
7 km
Rarely-travelled trails; mountain wilderness atmosphere
Day 7
Third Cave → School Hut Camp
4,400m → 4,800m
5 km
Cross the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi; rest for summit
Day 8
School Hut → Uhuru Peak → High Camp
4,800m → 5,895m → 4,000m
12 km
Summit day — Gilman's Point sunrise; Africa's highest point
Day 9
High Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha
4,000m → 1,800m
16 km
Final descent; collect certificates; transfer to Arusha hotel
Day-by-Day Detail
Arrival Day in Arusha: Gear Check & Briefing
Your driver and guide meet you at the airport and transfer you to your Arusha hotel for a gear check and briefing. This is the time for questions, equipment review, and discussing the trek ahead. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Elevation: 1,700m → 2,850m | Distance: 7 km | Vegetation: Rainforest
The drive to Lemosho Gate takes about four hours from Arusha. After park formalities and lunch, you hike through the untouched rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and many bird species. The trail climbs steadily to Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa) for your first night on the mountain.
Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,850m → 3,600m | Distance: 8 km | Vegetation: Forest to Moorland
After breakfast, you leave the rainforest for the savannah with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock. Climbing rolling hills and crossing streams, you reach Shira Ridge and then gently descend to Shira 1 Camp, with your first clear view of Kibo across the plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,600m → 3,850m | Distance: 6 km | Vegetation: Moorland
This short day helps your body adjust. Crossing the Shira Plateau—one of the world’s highest and Kilimanjaro’s oldest—you pass wildflowers and Senecio trees and camp at Shira 2.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 3,850m → 4,600m → 4,000m | Distance: 9 km | Vegetation: Moorland to Alpine Desert
This critical acclimatization day includes a hike east toward Lava Tower, a 90-meter volcanic formation at 4,600m, for lunch. After time at altitude, you descend north to Moir Hut (4,000m). This “climb high, sleep low” approach boosts the route’s success. Optional Lent Hills walks are available from camp.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 4,000m → 4,300m | Distance: 15 km | Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
This is the trek’s longest day. A moderate climb out of Moir Valley leads to the main trail, which crosses rock fields and continues northward. Views span arid plains beyond Kilimanjaro to the Kenyan border. Overnight at Buffalo Camp.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Elevation: 4,300m → 4,400m | Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: ~4 hours
As you ascend Buffalo Ridge, the landscape becomes sparse and rugged. The remote valleys and rarely traveled paths contrast sharply with busier southern trails. After traversing the north, you camp at Third Cave, meeting the Rongai route.
Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut
Elevation: 4,400m → 4,800m | Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: ~4 hours
Climb steadily across the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. This stark, lunar landscape leads to School Hut (4,800m), where you rest, dine early, and prepare for summit night with a final health check by your guide.
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to High Camp
Elevation: 4,800m → 5,895m → 4,000m | Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Summit day begins at midnight. The final ascent in darkness and cold is the trek’s most demanding part. Guides set a steady pace. At Gilman’s Point (5,681m), you catch sunrise over Mawenzi. The path follows the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa’s highest point.
After photos and taking in your achievement, descend south via Barafu to High Camp (4,000m) in the upper forest, about two hours below Barafu. This is your last night on the mountain.
Day 9: High Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
Elevation: 4,000m → 1,800m | Distance: 16 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Descend through the upper forest to Mweka Gate to receive your summit certificate. Lunch is at the gate. Your vehicle returns you to your Arusha hotel, where you can be proud of your accomplishment.
Northern Circuit vs Other Kilimanjaro Routes
How does the Northern Circuit compare to Kilimanjaro's other main routes? The table below uses plain, comparable data to help you decide which route fits your schedule and goals.
Route
Days
Distance
Success Rates
Crowds
Best For
Northern Circuit
9 days
~88 km
95–98%
Low
Max acclimatisation, solitude
Lemosho
7–8 days
~70 km
90–95%
Medium
Scenic route, good acclimatisation
Machame
6–7 days
~62 km
85–90%
High
Popular, challenging
Rongai
6–7 days
~65 km
80–90%
Low–Med
Northern approach, drier
Marangu
5–6 days
~64 km
65–80%
High
Budget, hut accommodation
Note: Success rates are general industry estimates. Actual rates can vary depending on the operator, itinerary length, and how well each trekker prepares.
What's Included in
KiliDestination's Northern Circuit Trek
Included
Airport pickup and return transfer (Arusha or KIA)
Hotel accommodation in Arusha (pre- and post-trek)
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, hot dinner)
Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees and camping fees
Experienced KINAPA-certified lead guide and assistant guide(s)
Trained porters (porter-to-climber ratio maintained for safety)
Mountain cook
All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, mess tent)
Rescue stretcher and emergency oxygen on expedition
Daily health monitoring with pulse oximeter readings
Summit certificates
Not Included
International flights to Tanzania
Tanzania tourist visa (currently USD 50 on arrival for most nationalities)
Personal trekking gear and clothing
Travel insurance (mandatory and must include emergency evacuation cover)
Gratuities for guides and porters (customary and greatly appreciated)
Optional equipment hire in Arusha
Essential Gear for the Northern Circuit Route
- Mountaineering boots (waterproof, broken in before the trek)
Layering system: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, waterproof shell
- Down jacket or equivalent (minimum –10°C rated) for summit night
- Warm gloves and liner gloves
- Balaclava and a warm hat
- Trekking poles (strongly recommended, especially for descent)
- Headlamp with spare batteries (essential for the midnight summit climb)
- Daypack 25–35L and duffel bag 70–90L (for porters to carry)
- Sleeping bag rated to –10°C or below
- Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, sun hat
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 3L capacity)
Best Time to Climb the Northern Circuit Route
- January – February (short dry season): Excellent conditions, clear skies, and manageable temperatures. Popular with climbers wanting to avoid year-end peak crowds.
- June – October (main dry season): The most popular and generally most stable window. Summit visibility is highest. Book well in advance for July–August.
- March – May (long rains): The wettest period. Trails are muddier, and cloud cover reduces summit views. Not recommended for the Northern Circuit unless you are experienced with wet mountain conditions.
- November (short rains): Variable. Some operators suspend Northern Circuit operations during heavy November rainfall.
- December: Transitional period, with conditions improving as the month goes on. It's a good option if you have some flexibility.
