Last updated on July 10th, 2025 at 02:50 pm
Conquering Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route is one of the best approaches to a Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing expedition.
The route offers panoramic scenery, including the beautiful northern slopes. Along with this, it’s also the longest Kilimanjaro Climbing Route, offering the most time for acclimatisation and thus, a higher success rate.
This blog will offer a detailed breakdown of the Northern Circuit Route features and why it’s one of the best ways to experience your climb.
Brief Overview of the Northern Circuit Route
Kilimanjaro’s Northern Circuit Route approaches the mountain from the west, starting with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there on, the first two days are spent trekking through the lush rainforest to Shira Ridge, before arriving at the Shira Plateau.
The route then heads north from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before finally summiting from the east.
- Distance – 98 km/61 miles
- Duration – 9 Days
- Difficulty – Medium
- Success Rate – High
Northern Circuit Route – Duration and Difficulty Level
The minimum number of days that one can conquer Kilimanjaro using the Northern Circuit Route is eight. But we highly recommend using the nine-day Northern Circuit Route Itinerary. This is because the extra day allows more time for acclimatisation.
- The whole idea of Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is to take your time and soak in everything that the experience has to offer.
- And most climbers who have done all the necessary preparation and training will have no problems in conquering the mountain. Explore more about training for the Northern Circuit Route here.
No Kilimanjaro Climb is not easy, though the Northern Circuit Route is one of the easier climbs due to its ideal acclimatization profile. The route has great climb-high-sleep-low opportunities and is one of the Kilimanjaro Routes that have the best success rates.
Accommodation and Crowd Levels
Only camping accommodation is available on the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route. All the tents are pitched and taken down by our dedicated guides and Kilimanjaro Porters throughout your trek.
Moreover, the Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Route is one of the least frequented of all the routes. It circles the tranquil northern slope to Kilimanjaro’s eastern section. This ultimately means you’ll enjoy rarely used camps and remote slopes. It certainly is a perfect choice if you want a relaxed and quieter climb.
Take the long way up Kilimanjaro—quiet trails, sweeping views, and more days to adjust mean the Northern Circuit gives you the best shot at standing tall on Uhuru Peak.
Northern Circuit Route Itinerary in Detail
Now that we have looked at the significant features of the Northern Circuit Route, let’s take a look at the 9-day Northern Circuit Route itinerary in detail:
Day 1 – Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
You’ll drive to Londorossi Park and start the trek from Lemosho Gate. Afterwards, you’ll go through the rainforest zone for three to four hours and reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Elevation – 2,100 m to 2,895 m
Distance Covered – 6 km
Time Taken – 3-4 hours
Habitat – Montane Forest
Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
On this day, you’ll hike through the last remaining rainforest zone and enter the moorland terrain. The trail will lead you towards the Shira Plateau and Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll stay over for the night.
Elevation – 2,895 m to 3,505 m
Distance Covered – 8 km
Time Taken – 5-6 hours
Habitat – Rainforest
Day 3 – Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
You’ll make your way across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp on a Kilimanjaro Climb that lasts about four to six hours. Temperatures tend to change at this point of the climb, with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing.
Elevation – 3,505 m to 3,810 m
Distance Covered – 7 km
Time Taken – 4-6 hours
Habitat – Semi-Desert
Day 4 – Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
On this day, via the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route, you can expect a trek through the high alpine desert. You’ll climb to Lava Tower and the Shark Tooth’s rock formation. Then, head back down to Moir Camp. This day is important for acclimatisation.
Elevation – 3,810 m to 4,206 m
Distance Covered – 14 km
Time Taken – 2-3 hours
Habitat – Alpine Desert
Day 5 – Moir Hut to Pofu Camp
The day begins with a steep incline trek as you venture around Kibo’s north face. Then, you’ll traverse through the alpine desert and reach Pofu Camp, where you’ll stay overnight.
Elevation – 4,206 m to 4,033 m
Distance Covered – 12 km
Time Taken – 5-6 hours
Habitat – Alpine Desert
Day 6 – Pofu Camp to Third Cave
The Kilimanjaro Climbing experience today is going to be challenging, but equally as rewarding. You’ll cross valleys and end at the Third Cave, which will also be your accommodation for the night.
Elevation – 4,033 m to 3,870 m
Time Taken – 4-5 hours
Habitat – Arctic
Day 7 – Third Cave to Kibo Hut
On Day 7, you’ll undertake a steady Kilimanjaro Climb over the Saddle. This is a stretch of barren land that connects the two peaks named Kibo and Mawenzi. After a climb of four to five hours, you’ll arrive at the School Hut for some rest before the big summit day.
Elevation – 3,870 m to 4,750 m
Distance Covered – 5 km
Time Taken – 4-5 hours
Habitat – Arctic
Day 8 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
This is the summit day of the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route itinerary. This day is generally divided into two sections:
1st Section: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
You’ll wake up around midnight and start your trek to the Kilimanjaro Summit. The Northern Circuit Route ascends northwest into the night. And, in about five to seven hours, you’ll reach Stella Point on the crater rim located at 5,685 m above sea level.
Then, you’ll continue for an hour and reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Now, you’ll be standing at the very top of the Roof of Africa.
Elevation – 4,750 m to 5,895 m
Distance Covered – 6 km
Time Taken – 6-8 hours
Habitat – Arctic
2nd Section – Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
After reaching the summit, you will descend to Mweka Camp at 3,110 m above sea level. This will be where you’ll spend the final night on the mountain.
Elevation – 5,895 m to 3,068 m
Distance – 12 km
Time Taken – 6-8 hours
Day 9 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
This is the day on the Northern Circuit Route where you’ll complete the descent to the foot of the mountain and celebrate a major milestone!
Elevation – 3,068 m to 1,640 m
Distance Covered – 10 km
Time Taken – 3 hours
Habitat – Rainforest
Uncover the Best Way to Climb Kilimanjaro!
Summing up, the combination of amazing scenery in the different zones, excellent acclimatisation profile, and a peaceful climbing experience makes the Northern Circuit Route the perfect choice to conquer Kilimanjaro.
We at African Scenic Safaris utilise the full potential of the Northern Circuit Route with tailor-made Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages that increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
If you want to add a little adventure to the end of your Kilimanjaro climb, we recommend going on a Tanzania safari – you won’t find a better African safari!
