Northern Circuit Route
The longest and quietest route, around the wild northern slopes.
- Duration
- 9 days
- Summit
- 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
- Sleeping
- Camping
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Difficulty
- Challenging
The Northern Circuit starts like the Lemosho Route, in the west, but instead of turning south it circles round the quiet northern slopes of Kibo, with wide views towards Kenya. Few climbers walk this side of the mountain, so the camps are calm and the trail is yours.
At nine days it is the longest route on Kilimanjaro. That length is its biggest advantage: the slow climb and long time spent at middle altitudes give you the best chance of all to acclimatise and reach the summit in good shape.
Why choose this route
- The quietest trail on Kilimanjaro, round the northern slopes
- Nine days: the best acclimatisation of any route
- Views that change every day, from the Shira Plateau to Kenya
Good to know
- It is the longest route, so it costs more days and park fees
- The summit attempt is made from School Hut on the north-eastern side
- Camping only, often at camps you share with very few people
Map of the Northern Circuit Route
The trail as it is mapped on the ground, with every gate, camp and high point we pass. Select a place in the list to find it on the map.
Altitude profile
How high you climb, and where you sleep. Dips in the line are "walk high, sleep low" days that help your body adjust.
Altitude at each gate, camp and high point, in walking order. Distances between points are not to scale.
Northern Circuit Route itinerary
The day-by-day plan we follow on our Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit — 9-Day Grand Traverse.
Drive to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m) on the western side of Kilimanjaro to register, then continue to the Lemosho trailhead and meet your crew.
Walk through undisturbed rainforest with giant trees and hanging moss, where colobus monkeys are often seen, to Mti Mkubwa, the “Big Tree” Camp.
Distance about 6 km, walking time 3–4 hours.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Full Board)
Leave the forest and climb through giant heather onto the Shira Ridge, then walk across the Shira Plateau, an ancient high caldera with wide views of Kibo ahead.
This is a long but gradual day, rewarded by sunset views of the summit from Shira 2 Camp.
Distance about 14 km, walking time 7–8 hours.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (Full Board)
Climb through alpine desert to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatisation and lunch, then leave the busy southern routes and head north to Moir Hut, a quiet camp in a valley below the Lent Group of hills.
If you still have energy, your guide can take you on a short walk above camp for views across the Shira Plateau.
Distance about 14 km, walking time 6–7 hours.
Overnight: Moir Hut Camp (Full Board)
Begin the traverse of the northern slopes, climbing over a ridge and following a path that undulates around the mountain. Views open to the north over the plains of Kenya and up to the northern ice fields of Kibo.
There are very few other climbers on this side of the mountain, and the silence is remarkable.
Distance about 12 km, walking time 5–7 hours.
Overnight: Buffalo Camp (Full Board)
Continue the traverse eastwards across ridges and valleys of old lava, with Mawenzi's jagged peaks coming into view ahead.
Third Cave Camp lies below the Saddle, the high desert between Kibo and Mawenzi, and the short day helps your body continue to adapt.
Distance about 8 km, walking time 5–6 hours.
Overnight: Third Cave Camp (Full Board)
Climb steadily across the Saddle to School Hut at the foot of Kibo's eastern face.
Arrive in the early afternoon to rest, drink plenty of water and prepare your summit clothing and headtorch. Your guides check your health and explain the plan before an early dinner.
Distance about 5 km, walking time 4–5 hours.
Overnight: School Hut Camp (Full Board)
Start around midnight and climb the steep scree by headtorch to Gilman's Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim. Walk along the rim past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, ideally around sunrise.
After photographs, descend the southern slopes via Stella Point to Barafu and on to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.
A demanding day of 12–14 hours in total.
Overnight: Millennium Camp (3,950 m, Full Board)
An easier day descending through the alpine desert and heather zone to Mweka Camp at the edge of the rainforest.
In the evening, celebrate your climb with your crew around dinner — a traditional moment of songs and thanks on many Kilimanjaro climbs.
Distance about 8 km, walking time 3–4 hours.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100 m, Full Board)
Walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), sign out of the park and receive your summit certificate. Say farewell to your mountain team.
Distance about 10 km, walking time 3–4 hours. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
End of trek.
Northern Circuit Route: questions and answers
- Why choose the Northern Circuit?
- For quiet trails and time. With nine days you climb slowly, sleep at middle altitudes for longer and give yourself the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
- Where do we come down?
- After the summit you descend the southern side by the Mweka trail, sleeping at Millennium and Mweka camps.
Other routes up Kilimanjaro
Compare all routesMachame Route
Kilimanjaro's classic: rainforest, the Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall.
Route guide and map → 7–8 daysLemosho Route
The most beautiful way up: a quiet western start and the wide Shira Plateau.
Route guide and map → 6–7 daysRongai Route
The quiet northern approach, from near the Kenyan border.
Route guide and map →