Northern Circuit Route on Kilimanjaro: Longest Kilimanjaro Route

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?

This route fully circles the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro — offering incredible 360° mountain views, low foot traffic, and the highest summit success rate of all routes: up to 98%. It’s ideal for those seeking solitude, safety, and unmatched scenery.Acclimatization is the key to avoiding altitude sickness — learn how to climb high, sleep low, and pace yourself the right way.”

Northern Circuit Route Overview

Feature Details

Route Length – 9 days

Distance – ~98 km (61 miles)

Start Point – Londorossi Gate (Western Kilimanjaro)

Highest Point – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)

Difficulty – Moderate to challenging

Success Rate – 95–98%

Best For – Acclimatization, scenery, quiet experience

Northern Circuit Days and Elevation Profile

9-Day Northern Circuit Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Altitude: 2,100 m → 2,650 m
Time: 3–4 hours
Hike through rich rainforest, likely monkey sightings

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Altitude: 2,650 m → 3,610 m
Time: 5–6 hours
Transition from forest to moorland, expansive views begin

Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

Altitude: 3,610 m → 3,850 m
Time: 4–5 hours
Gentle trek across the plateau with stunning open landscapes

Day 4: Shira 2 to Lava Tower, return to Moir Hut

Altitude: 3,850 m → 4,600 m (Lava Tower), sleep at 4,200 m
Time: 6–7 hours
“Climb high, sleep low” day to boost acclimatization
Amazing views from Lava Tower followed by a peaceful night at Moir Hut

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Altitude: 4,200 m → 4,020 m
Time: 5–6 hours
Cross into Kilimanjaro’s rarely visited northern side
Viewpoint offers panoramas into Kenya

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Altitude: 4,020 m → 3,870 m
Time: 5 hours
Quietest part of the trek, remote alpine desert zone

Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut (Base Camp)

Altitude: 3,870 m → 4,750 m
Time: 4–5 hours
Short, steady climb to summit staging point

Day 8: Summit Day – School Hut to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp

Altitude: 4,750 m → 5,895 m (Uhuru), then to 3,100 m
Time: 12–14 hours
Summit push begins at midnight, reach Uhuru at sunrise
Celebrate and descend to Mweka Camp

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Altitude: 3,100 m → 1,640 m
Time: 3–4 hours
Final forest descent and certificate ceremony

Why the Northern Circuit Has the Highest Success Rate

With a 9-day itinerary, the Northern Circuit provides the slowest, most balanced ascent profile on Kilimanjaro. It includes critical acclimatization stops like Lava Tower and Moir Hut, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness.This makes it the best choice for trekkers serious about health, comfort, and reaching the summit successfully.If you’re new to high-altitude trekking, our Altitude Sickness Tips & Risks guide can help you stay safe

Best Time to Climb the Northern Circuit

This route is great year-round but performs best during:

January to early March – Clear skies, fewer climbers
June to October – Dry weather, peak visibility
Avoid April–May and November due to heavy and short rains.

Not sure when to plan your climb? Discover the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro with insights on weather, crowds, and summit conditions month by month.

What Makes the Northern Circuit Unique?

Encircles almost the entire mountain
Access to both remote and scenic zones
Offers views into Kenya and across Kilimanjaro’s northern glaciers
Very few crowds — even in peak season
Rich acclimatization profile for a safe and successful ascent

The Lemosho Route is also our most scenic trail and has a 98% success rate

Is the Northern Circuit Right for You?

Choose the Northern Circuit if you:

Want the highest summit success rate
Prefer quiet, remote trails
Are committed to a longer but safer journey
Value incredible scenery and more time on the mountain

Frequently Asked Questions About the Northern Circuit Route

How long does the Northern Circuit Route take?

The Northern Circuit Route typically takes 9 days to complete. The longer itinerary allows climbers to acclimatize gradually while enjoying a full circuit around Mount Kilimanjaro.

Is the Northern Circuit Route difficult?

The Northern Circuit Route is considered moderately challenging. While the trek is long, the gradual ascent and extended acclimatization make it easier for many climbers compared to shorter routes.

Why does the Northern Circuit Route have the highest success rate?

Because the Northern Circuit Route takes more days, climbers have more time to adjust to altitude. This significantly improves summit success rates and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

Where does the Northern Circuit Route start?

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, before circling around the quieter northern slopes.

What summit point do climbers reach on the Northern Circuit?

Climbers ascending the Northern Circuit Route usually reach the crater rim at Stella Point before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Is the Northern Circuit Route good for beginners?

Yes. The Northern Circuit Route is often recommended for beginners who have enough time for a longer trek, because the gradual ascent improves acclimatization and summit success.

Climb Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit with Kili Quests

At Kili Quests, we specialize in Northern Circuit climbs designed for maximum safety, comfort, and summit success. With 9 full days of expert-guided trekking, we help you pace yourself, enjoy the journey, and reach Uhuru Peak with confidence.

Looking for the best route to conquer Kilimanjaro?