Northern Circuit Route Overview

Route overview, difficulty, success rates, itinerary, and expert tips

Overview of the Northern Circuit route

The Northern Circuit is the newest of the eight established routes to climb Kilimanjaro. It’s also the longest route on the mountain and the only route that allows you to see Mount Kilimanjaro from all four sides. Some operators advertise the Northern Circuit route as the easiest of all Kilimanjaro routes due to its longer itinerary and relaxed pace. It’s true that this trail offers good acclimatization without very challenging daily transitions. However, if you don’t have experience with long hiking trips, the 8-day journey may be more fatiguing compared to shorter itineraries.

Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit stands out as a route with a great acclimatization profile, breathtaking views, and off-the-beaten-path trails. Being the least frequented trail for climbing Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit route is perfect for travelers seeking a more private climb without crowds.

Imagine spending over a week exploring the great “Roof of Africa”. As you steadily ascent higher and higher, lush tropical forests give way to strange and beautiful high-altitude plants like Dendrosenecio kilimanjari, you are treated to stunning views of the endless African savannah, south Kenyan plains, and volcanic landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro. At night, you can marvel at the bright Milky Way woven with millions of bright stars. Finally, on the summit day, you will get to ascend Uhuru Peak and witness a breathtaking sunrise, the iconic glaciers, and alpine desert zone near the equator. And for the most adventurous, there is the option to spend an additional night in the Crater, joining the club of the few dozen lucky travelers who get to experience it every year.

Safety first: To maintain our strict safety standards, mountain expeditions are available only to participants aged 12–70 years.

Discover what makes us the one of the most trusted and well-prepared Kilimanjaro operator, from safety and training to every detail on the mountain.

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Expert recommendation

The Northern Circuit route is a fantastic way to experience Kilimanjaro, if you have an extra day or two. Keep in mind that long daily hikes can get tiring if you are not used to long hiking trails. Additionally, climbing Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit is the perfect way to avoid crowds. While most other Kilimanjaro routes can get quite busy, especially during the peak seasons, the Northern Circuit trail rarely sees many trekkers.

Kilimanjaro Nuru Expedition Coordinator | Tanzania

Northern Circuit route on the Kilimanjaro map

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Northern Circuit route – Summit Success Rate

You might see some local companies claiming extremely high summit success rates of nearly 100% for this route . However, our 10+ years of experience and data collection suggest more modest numbers, which are more realistic. Here are the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route success rates:

Northern Circuit route 8-days : Crater Rim – 90.2%; Uhuru Peak – 81.3%.

Note that if one hiker decides to turn back and their partner wants to accompany them, we count it as an unsuccessful summit attempt for both, which influences the statistics. Generally, the vast majority of trekkers who choose to climb Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit make it to the top. The main challenge here is not necessarily altitude sickness or difficulty, but longer daily hikes that can make poorly prepared travelers tired by the final summit day.

There are several things that allow us at Nuru to make your expedition as smooth and comfortable as possible and give you all the support needed to safely reach the Uhuru Peak. Firstly, we have more oxygen tanks than all other Kilimanjaro tour operators put together. This means we can use extra oxygen to help with acclimatization and prevent serious altitude sickness. We are proud to employ the best guides, porters, mountain chefs, and other specialists in Kilimanjaro, heavily investing in their education and training. Our guides have received thousands of outstanding reviews for their professionalism and positive, supportive attitude. They will conduct two medical check-ups a day and ensure that the acclimatization process is going well for each hiker in your group. Finally, our experience of organizing Kilimanjaro expeditions for over 10 years and being one the largest operator on Kilimanjaro allowed us to fine-tune every aspect of our climbing itineraries, from nutritionist-designed meals, to custom-made tents, to extensive medical kits, and so on.

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Northern Circuit Route Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet your Nuru expeditions guest experience expert and representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group’s arrival and departure times.

PLEASE NOTE:Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

DAY 2

In the morning, your guide and climbing support team will meet you at your hotel for a final briefing. Then you will drive for approximately 3-4 hrs to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance, Londorossi Gate (2,250 m /7,380 f).

After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, you will continue in vehicles to the drop-off point (3,414 m / 11,200 f). Here you will see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.

The route from your drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp (Shira 1) features a small gain in altitude and is not very physically challenging. Thanks to this, you will be able to begin the process of acclimatization properly. By the time you reach the camp, the climbing team will have prepared everything needed for you to have a relaxing evening; the tents will be pitched, chairs set up, refreshments and a full dinner will be waiting for you.

PLEASE NOTE:This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

• Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
• To help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, consider using a preventive measure like a high-altitude aid medicine. Many mountain climbers take such pills in the morning, before they begin their ascent, to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. Our managers will provide more specific details together with your travel itinerary. We recommend consulting your doctor prior to the trip to discuss any potential allergies or health concerns.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Trekking time: 1 hour

Distance: 4 km (2.4 miles)

DAY 3

This day brings yet another modest altitude gain of 240 m /787 f as you trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp. The low physical demands of the trek will leave you with both time and energy to enjoy Kilimanjaro’s incredible views, magnificent flora endemic to the mountain, and, if the weather is favorable, views of Mount Meru, which is the 5th highest mountain on the continent.

PLEASE NOTE:After lunch, you will enjoy a 2-hour rest. Then you are encouraged to take an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower, which allows you to gain another 260 meters (853 feet) in altitude, helping you to further adjust to the elevation gain.

Acclimatization hike // Change in Elevation:

Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) // Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,110 m / 13,484 ft)

Hiking distance: 2 km (1.2 miles)

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)

DAY 4

After breakfast, your group will depart Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m /12,628 f) and hike to Lava Tower (4,600 m /15,088 f).

This route offers a challenge for climbers, and many find this day more physically difficult than previous days. Therefore, your team will enjoy a lunch break at Lava Tower.

After lunch and a rest, your group will climb slightly higher and then descend to Moir Hut Camp.

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)

DAY 5

On this day you will have a rather long, but easy trek. Climbing out of Moir Valley (where you camped for the night) is a steep, but short climb, and then the rest of the day you will hike around the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Most of the day will have up-hill and down-hill climbs, but there are no steep altitude gains.

This route passes close to the border with Kenya, so you will be treated to amazing views of the Tsavo and Amboseli valleys.

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)

DAY 6

You will finish trekking up the northern slope of Kilimanjaro and stop for the night in 3rd Cave Camp, where the route will meet up with the classic Rongai route. On this day, trekking is shorter than on the day before, and by this time your body should have already become completely acclimated to the altitude of 3,800 m /12,464 f, which will contribute to your general well-being.

Trekking time: 4-6 hours

Distance: 8 km (4.9 miles)

DAY 7

On this day you will be trekking to the School Hut Summit Camp (4,800 m /15,744 f). The trekking itself is not very hard, but it is good to remember to choose an appropriate pace in order to keep your strength up for the final push to Kilimanjaro’s summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep early, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much water as you can. This night you will be waking in the dark and completing the final trek up to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f) for the climax of your adventure on Kilimanjaro.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)

DAY 8

On the summit night, your safety is our number-one concern; therefore, we will assign one guide for every two climbers. The responsibility of a guide is to watch the climber’s health as they summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). The climb starts at School Hut Summit Camp(4,800 m /15,744 f) around midnight, Technically, it is an easy climb, but because of the high altitude, it will feel more strenuous.

Upon successful summiting, you can walk to the nearest glaciers. The group then descends to Barafu Camp for a two-hour lunch and rest break. You will then continue to descend to Millenium Camp (3,950 m /12,956 f) where you will spend the night.

PLEASE NOTE:Please keep in mind that 9/10 accidents occur during descent. Mind your step to avoid potential falls, injuries, and damaged toes.

Trekking time: 10-13 hours

Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)

DAY 9

Millennium Camp sits amidst a tropical rainforest. The lower altitude and feelings of accomplishment from having reached the summit make for a good night’s rest. Hot breakfast is followed by your final descent to the park’s exit gate: Mweka Gate (1,640 m /5,379 f). This is the final stop before you are taken to our office to receive your summit certificates. It also provides a good opportunity to recap the adventure with your support team and take a final team photo. Finally, you will be taken to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)

DAY 10

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

PLEASE NOTE:Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

Prices for Northern Circuit route

Classic Premium // Classic Tarif Package adventure.

Our classic adventures are what the majority of climbers are looking for. The combination of great comfort and high safety standards makes our classic Kilimanjaro hikes enjoyable and memorable. This is the most popular option among our clients.

This climbing package includes everything that a climber may need for the hike – our experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, nutritionist-designed meals. Our safety protocols, though, are the same for all our hiking adventures – only the guides with Wilderness First Responder certification are assigned to lead a party. Other safety measures include a supply of oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

The progress of each trekking party is tracked with GPS device. You may share the link with your family and friends, who will be able to monitor your progress in a real-time mode.

Before and after the adventure you will stay in a good hotel with caring staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool.

Northern circuit route price per person book this Climb

Want to plan a memorable Tanzanian adventure? Contact us:

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Climbing Cost Includes

Climbing Cost Excludes

Northern Circuit Route FAQ

What is the Northern Circuit route Kilimanjaro?

The Northern Circuit route is a Kilimanjaro route that starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro passing via Shira ridge and plateau, traverses the northern slopes, ascents the Uhuru Peak, and descends via the southern Mweka route.

How long is the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route?

The Northern Circuit is the longest route to climb Kilimanjaro. It is approximately 88km or 53 miles long.

How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit route?

The classic Northern Circuit route itinerary takes 8 days, not including the arrival or departure day. Additionally, we can organize 9-day Northern Circuit private expeditions with or without spending a night in the Crater. The nine day trek may include an extra rest day, thus increasing your chances of summiting.

What is the success rate of the Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro?

The summit success rate of the Northern Circuit route is between 80 and 90%. As any Kilimanjaro route, this trail requires some preparation. Being the longest route on Kilimanjaro, it is more suitable for hikers who don’t mind longer daily treks and the extended itinerary compared to other routes.