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Northern Circuit Route 8 Days
Northern Circuit Route – Kilimanjaro’s Ultimate Adventure
Looking for the best way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? This is it.
The Northern Circuit is the newest, longest, and most scenic route to the Roof of Africa – and it has the highest summit success rate of them all (up to 98%!). If you're chasing stunning views, peaceful trails, and a real shot at the summit, this route delivers it all.
What Makes the Northern Circuit So Special?
This epic 9-day trek starts on Kilimanjaro’s western slopes, following the lush Lemosho route up to the surreal Shira Plateau. Then it does something totally unique — it peels off to the rarely-traveled northern side of the mountain, wrapping around Kibo’s massive volcanic cone before joining the Rongai route for your summit push. From the top, you descend via the popular Mweka route on the southern side.
Translation? You circle nearly 360 degrees around the entire mountain. No other route offers this much variety, solitude, and immersion in Kilimanjaro’s ever-changing landscapes.
Highlights of the Northern Circuit
- Most Successful Route – Thanks to its longer duration and gradual altitude gain, it has a success rate of up to 98%.
- Less Crowds, More Nature – Quiet trails, peaceful camps, and better chances of spotting wildlife like monkeys or even bushbuck.
- Incredible Scenery – Rainforest, alpine desert, moonscapes, endless skies, and sweeping views over the Kenyan plains to the north.
- Best of All Worlds – Combines the top features of other routes like Lemosho, Rongai, and Machame – all in one epic journey.
How the Route Works
- Start Point: Londorossi Gate (Western Kilimanjaro)
- Route Up: Follows the Lemosho trail → Shira Plateau → Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp → School Huts
- Summit Approach: From the east via the Rongai route
- Descent: Down the southern Mweka route
- Duration: 8–9 days on the mountain
You’ll trek through dense rainforest, cross volcanic plateaus, and hike vast high-altitude ridgelines with views few people ever see. When you finally reach Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), it won’t just feel like the top of Africa – it’ll feel like the top of the world.
Who’s This Route For?
The Northern Circuit is ideal for adventurers who want:
The best shot at reaching the summit
Time to acclimate properly
Breathtaking scenery from every angle
A quieter, more remote Kilimanjaro experience
Ready to climb Kilimanjaro the right way? The Northern Circuit is waiting.
8-Day Kilimanjaro Adventure – Northern Circuit Route
Start at Londorossi Gate. Summit the legendary Uhuru Peak. Finish strong at Mweka Gate.
This is the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience for adventurers who want to do it right.
Northern Circuit – Day-by-Day Adventure
7 Nights / 8 Days on the Mountain
This is the longest and most scenic route up Kilimanjaro – perfect for adventurers who want great views, fewer crowds, and the best shot at reaching the top!
Day 1 – Into the Jungle: Lemosho Glades to Forest Camp
After a hearty breakfast at your lodge, we’ll drive to Kilimanjaro’s western side and begin our trek at the Lemosho trailhead. Be prepared – this is real African wilderness. In wet weather, the trail can get muddy, but our custom 4x4s are built to go where others can’t.
We hike through a misty rainforest full of hanging moss, exotic flowers, and the calls of tropical birds. You may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys and signs of elephants roaming nearby.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Camp Altitude: ~9,500 ft
Day 2 – First Glimpse of the Summit: Forest to Shira Plateau
We climb out of the forest and into open terrain with sweeping views. Today’s hike is a rollercoaster of ridges and valleys – perfect for acclimatizing. By day’s end, you’ll catch your first jaw-dropping view of Kibo Peak, Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped crown.
Hiking Time: 6–9 hours
Camp Altitude: 11,500 ft
Day 3 – Across the Shira Plateau to Moir Camp
Today we cross a surreal high-altitude desert called the Shira Plateau. Expect epic panoramas and wide skies. We'll stop for lunch at the memorial of legendary Everest guide Scott Fischer, then push higher to camp. Bonus: optional sunset acclimatization hike if weather allows.
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Camp Altitude: 13,580 ft
Day 4 – Up the Ridge to Buffalo Camp
Start slow – you’ve got a big ridge to conquer. It’s a challenging, rewarding day with serious altitude gains and even more jaw-dropping views. This remote side of the mountain sees fewer hikers – welcome to Kilimanjaro’s hidden north!
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Camp Altitude: 13,200 ft
Day 5 – Wild and Wide: To Third Cave Camp
The views here are massive. We continue our quiet, beautiful path around the northern flank of Kilimanjaro, far from the busy southern trails. Breathe it in – you’re trekking across one of the most scenic and peaceful sections of the route.
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Camp Altitude: 12,700 ft
Day 6 – High Camp: Third Cave to School Huts
We’re heading into thin air now – this is our final staging ground before the big summit push. Get to bed early tonight, because we’ll be waking up before midnight for the climb of a lifetime.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Camp Altitude: 15,600 ft
Day 7 – Summit Day! Conquer Uhuru Peak
This is it. We begin the final ascent to the Roof of Africa around 11 PM. Wearing headlamps, we hike through the starry darkness for 6–7 hours to reach Gilman’s Point. From there, we push on past Stella Point to the mighty Uhuru Peak – 19,341 ft.
Take your photos, breathe in the highest air on the continent, and celebrate your victory.
Then: a long descent. We'll stop at Barafu for lunch, then head to Mweka Camp (or Millenium Camp if requested).
Hiking Time: 13–17 hours total
Summit: 19,341 ft
Camp Altitude: 10,065 ft (or 12,000 ft at Millenium)
Day 8 – Descent to Mweka Gate: Farewell, Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, we hike the final stretch to Mweka Gate. Celebrate with a hot lunch and say farewell to your mountain crew before returning to civilization. Your lodge awaits with a well-earned shower and a cold drink!
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Arrival: Between 3–5 PM
Northern Circuit Route – Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Northern Circuit Route?
Surprisingly, it’s one of the easiest Kilimanjaro routes when it comes to altitude adjustment – thanks to the longer itinerary.
Even though the trek spans 9 days, that extra time gives your body plenty of opportunity to acclimate gradually, which means less altitude sickness and a more enjoyable climb.
The trail itself is moderate underfoot – no rock climbing or scrambling – but a good level of fitness is still recommended.
How far is the trek, and how many days do I need?
The Northern Circuit Route covers 88 km (53 miles) on foot.
Most trekkers choose to do it over 9 days on the mountain for the best summit chances and more relaxed pacing. Add in arrival and departure days, and you’re looking at a 10–12 day total trip.
Some operators offer it in 8 days, but that means longer hiking days and a bit more physical demand.
What’s the summit success rate for the Northern Circuit?
Thanks to its length and gentle acclimatization profile, the Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate of all the Kilimanjaro routes.
While the average across tour companies is about 90%, our climbers have a summit success rate of over 98% on this route!
What’s the scenery like?
It’s unforgettable.
You’ll start your journey in the lush Lemosho rainforest, hike across the wide-open Shira Plateau, and then circle around the rarely-trekked northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
These remote highlands are wild and dramatic – expect views over the Kenyan plains, and the chance to see shy eland, buffalo, or even signs of elephant.
Every day the landscape changes, giving you a front-row seat to Kilimanjaro’s stunning diversity.
When is the best time to trek the Northern Circuit Route?
The best months are July through September – when the skies are clear, the weather is stable, and there’s less rain.
Climbs are possible year-round (Kilimanjaro is near the equator), but April and May are the wettest months and are best avoided.