Loading ...
The Northern Circuit Route is one of the longer and more scenic paths on Kilimanjaro. It typically takes about 9 days to complete, allowing for excellent acclimatization and a high summit success rate. It starts from the Londorossi Gate, and then it loops around the mountain, going through various camps like Shira, Pofu, and finally reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. One of the unique features is that it offers stunning views and fewer crowds compared to other routes.
6 km
4 h
Your journey begins at the Lemosho Gate with a beautiful hike through a thick, green rainforest. The path is gentle and welcoming, and youʼll spend about 4 hours walking under the canopy to reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Today, the trail climbs out of the forest and into the moorland zone. You will cross several streams and hike along a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau. It is a steady 5-hour trek that rewards you with your first wide-open views of the mountain.
8 km
5 h
7 km
4 h
This is a shorter, relaxing day that allows you to explore the vast Shira Plateau. Youʼll walk for about 4 hours across the high-altitude meadows toward Shira 2 Camp. This slow pace is excellent for helping your body adjust to the altitude.
You will head toward the massive Lava Tower for lunch, reaching a high point of 4,630m. Instead of following the main trail down, youʼll head north to the more secluded Moir Hut. This "climb high, sleep low" day is great for acclimatization.
12 km
7 - 8 h
12 km
5 – 6 h
The trail takes you around the northern flank of the mountain, away from the busier routes. Youʼll climb out of the Moir Valley and trek across a series of ridges through a quiet, high-desert landscape. Itʼs a 5–6 hour hike with stunning views of the plains below.
Continuing along the northern circuit, youʼll experience a peaceful day of trekking through remote valleys. The terrain is rocky but the incline is gradual. After 4–5 hours, youʼll arrive at Third Cave, where the air starts to feel thinner and colder.
8 km
4 – 5 h
8 km
5 – 6 h
On the final day, you will complete the descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate. The air becomes warmer and more oxygen-rich as you walk. At the gate, you will sign out and receive your summit certificates before being driven back to your hotel for a long-awaited hot shower and celebration.
Summit Day! Youʼll start at midnight, climbing the steep scree by headlamp to reach the crater rim at sunrise. From there, itʼs a final push to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at the top, youʼll begin a long descent all the way down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
21 km
12 – 14 h
10 km
3 - 4 h
Summit Day! Youʼll start at midnight, climbing the steep scree by headlamp to reach the crater rim at sunrise. From there, itʼs a final push to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at the top, youʼll begin a long descent all the way down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.