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The Northern Circuit is the longest and newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering the most complete traverse of the mountain and the highest summit success rate of any route at approximately 97%. It starts from Londorossi Gate on the western side, traverses the remote and rarely visited northern slopes, and summits via the Uhuru Peak crater rim before descending the Mweka Route.
This route can be climbed in 8 days or 9 days. The 8-day version moves at a steady pace through the northern traverse, while the 9-day version adds an extra acclimatization day at Pofu Camp on the northern slopes. Both versions offer exceptional altitude adjustment because of the gradual ascent profile and multiple days spent above 3,800m before the summit push.
The Northern Circuit is the quietest route on Kilimanjaro. You may not see another climbing group for days on the northern traverse. This makes it ideal for trekkers who want a wilderness experience, panoramic 360-degree mountain views, and the strongest possible summit preparation. On this page you can compare both options.
January to March and June to October are the best seasons for the Northern Circuit, offering drier trails and clearer summit views. The route operates year-round, but April-May and November bring wetter conditions. The northern slopes can be cooler and windier than southern routes, so good layering is important in all seasons.
The standard version traverses the full northern slopes with excellent acclimatization over 8 days on the mountain.
After registration at Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro, drive to the Lemosho trailhead and begin trekking through pristine montane rainforest. The canopy is thick with moss-draped trees, colobus monkeys, and tropical birdlife. After around 3-4 hours of gradual climbing, arrive at MTI Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp for the first night.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Leave the rainforest canopy and climb through giant heather and moorland into increasingly open terrain. The landscape transforms from dense vegetation to wide heath with views opening up across the Shira Plateau. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp with spectacular afternoon views of Kibo.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Trek across the open Shira Plateau, one of the oldest volcanic calderas on Kilimanjaro. Pass by Shira Cathedral and Fischer Camp as the landscape opens to reveal sweeping views of Kibo to the east and Mount Meru to the west. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp and settle in for acclimatization.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
A critical acclimatization day. Ascend to Lava Tower at 4,630m for a high-altitude lunch, then instead of descending south to Barranco like most routes, the Northern Circuit turns north. Descend to Buffalo Camp at 4,020m on the northern slopes, entering the quietest and most remote section of the mountain.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Traverse the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro through alpine desert terrain. This is the section that makes the Northern Circuit unique: you are likely to have the entire mountainside to yourselves. Pass through Pofu Camp area with views of the northern ice fields and Kenya's plains in the distance. Arrive at Third Cave Camp.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Climb steadily from the northern slopes up to School Hut, the summit staging camp at 4,750m. The landscape is stark alpine desert with loose scree and volcanic rock. Arrive by early afternoon, eat a solid meal, hydrate well, and rest before the midnight summit push. Your guide will brief you on the final ascent plan.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Depart around midnight for the final summit push. Climb through scree and switchbacks to Gilman's Point on the crater rim, then continue along the rim past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m for sunrise at the roof of Africa. After summit celebration and photos, descend all the way past School Hut to Mweka Camp in the forest zone.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Final descent through lush rainforest on the Mweka trail to Mweka Gate where park formalities are completed and summit certificates are presented. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for celebration, showers, and well-earned rest.
Accommodation: End of climb or hotel add-on
The extended version adds an extra acclimatization day at Pofu Camp on the northern slopes, giving you the strongest possible summit preparation available on Kilimanjaro.
Register at Londorossi Gate, drive to the Lemosho trailhead, and begin the trek through montane rainforest. The trail winds through moss-covered trees with excellent birdlife and colobus monkey sightings. After 3-4 hours of gentle climbing, reach MTI Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp at the forest edge.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Climb out of the rainforest through giant heather into open moorland. The views expand as you gain altitude, with the Shira Plateau stretching ahead and the Kibo summit cone becoming visible. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp with excellent sunset views.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Cross the Shira Plateau, passing Shira Cathedral and the remains of ancient lava flows. This is one of Kilimanjaro's most dramatic landscapes, with wide-open terrain and panoramic views of Kibo and distant Mount Meru. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp for lunch and an afternoon of acclimatization.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
The key acclimatization day. Ascend to Lava Tower at 4,630m for a high-altitude stop, then turn north onto the Northern Circuit section. Descend to Buffalo Camp at 4,020m on the quiet northern slopes. This climb-high sleep-low strategy, combined with the northern traverse, is what gives the Northern Circuit its exceptional success rate.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
This is the extra acclimatization day that distinguishes the 9-day option. Trek slowly along the northern slopes through alpine desert with sweeping views of the northern ice fields and Kenya's plains. The pace is gentle, allowing your body more time to adjust. Camp at Pofu in complete mountain solitude.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Continue the traverse across the remote northern slopes to Third Cave Camp. You are now well-acclimatized and moving through some of the most isolated terrain on the mountain. The landscape is barren volcanic rock and sparse alpine vegetation with uninterrupted views in every direction.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Climb from the northern slopes up to School Hut, the summit staging camp at 4,750m. The terrain becomes increasingly rocky and barren. Arrive by early afternoon, eat well, hydrate, and attempt to rest before the midnight summit departure. Your guide will conduct a final summit briefing.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Depart around midnight for the summit. The ascent follows switchbacks through volcanic scree to Gilman's Point on the crater rim, then along the rim past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. Watch the sunrise from the roof of Africa, then descend past School Hut all the way to Mweka Camp in the forest zone for rest.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Final descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Complete park formalities, receive your summit certificate, and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and celebration dinner. The Northern Circuit journey is complete.
Accommodation: End of climb or hotel add-on
