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Northern Circuit Route

Northern Circuit Route

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The Northern Circuit Route

The Best Route for those who want the full mountain experience, more days, more views, and the best chance of success.

The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route approaches the mountain from the west. It’s the newest and longest of the Kilimanjaro Routes and offers some of the most splendid views of the 360-degree scenery of the mountain.

Known as the 360 Route or Orbit Kilimanjaro, this trail is a favourite at African Scenic Safaris and offers stunning 360-degree views of the mountain. 

It's perfect for those seeking a unique, less-travelled path that combines challenging climbs, beautiful scenery, and excellent acclimatization. This route allows you to climb high and sleep low, giving it one of the highest success rates. 

With proper preparation, anyone can summit Kilimanjaro on this route. Join us for an unforgettable adventure with our Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages.

Simbo Natai

Expert Opinion

Simbo Natai
Director, African Scenic Safaris

The Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro is a favourite at African Scenic Safaris for its peaceful path and wide-ranging views. Ideal for those with extra time, this route allows climbers to fully immerse in nature during Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing. Its longer itinerary means better acclimatization and more time to enjoy Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems.

 From the remote northern slopes to panoramic trails, the Kilimanjaro Routes don’t get more rewarding than this. We highly recommend it for those seeking depth, solitude, and a higher summit success rate.

Northern Circuit Route Itinerary

Orbit Kilimanjaro- A Day-by-Day Travelogue

Northern Circuit Route
Northern Circuit Route
Northern Circuit Route
Northern Circuit Route

Highlights

  • Remote Northern Circuit Route
  • Lowest daily trek traffic
  • Superb acclimatisation profile
  • Exceptional panoramic scenery
  • Gilman’s Point summit entry

At a glance

  • 9 Days
  • Kilimanjaro
  • Trekking

Download Full Route Itinerary PDF

Access the detailed day-by-day breakdown, including elevations, camps, and altitudes. Perfect for preparation, planning, or sharing with your trekking group before your Kilimanjaro climb begins.

Quick facts

  • Distance: 98 km
  • Duration: 9 days
  • Difficulty: Low
  • Summit Success Rate: Very high

Replanting native trees to restore Kilimanjaro’s fragile ecosystem.

Offsetting carbon footprint by funding renewable energy projects.

Creating fair jobs and supporting local mountain communities.

Details Itinerary

Arrival & Briefing

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.

  • Overnight Simba Farm Lodge (Classic) or Ndarakwai Ranch (Premium)

Trek Day 1 - Lemosho Trailhead to Big Tree Camp

  • Lemosho Trailhead (2,400m/7,880ft) to Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,190ft)
  • Elevation Gain:400m/1,310ft

This morning you will drive to the Londorossi gate where you will complete entry formalities and start the trailhead. From here your drive continues for around 1 hour to the Lemosho trailhead.

Enjoy lunch before commencing your Mount Kilimanjaro trek through lush undisturbed forest where you may be lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys.

The path undulates, steeply in places, to arrive at the first camp after 2-3 hours of trekking.

  • Overnight Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)

Trek Day 2 - Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

  • Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,190ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft)
  • Elevation Gain:750m/2,460ft

Your Kilimanjaro Climb will begin in the forest; however, you will soon leave it behind, taking a steep track into a zone of giant heather and volcanic rock.

This is a full day ascending the lush rolling hills below the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones.

The trail begins to ease as you reach the edge of the plateau, reaching camp after 5-6 hours. The view of Kibo across the plateau is incredible

  • Overnight Shira 1 Camp

Trek Day 3 - Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

  • Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft)
  • Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft

Trek across the Shira Plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral (3,880m). Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

The day finishes with a gradual climb to Shira 2 Camp Kilimanjaro. Trekking time without the optional excursion is approximately 3 hours.

Including acclimatization to the peak of Shira Cathedral will add approximately 1 hour.

  • Overnight Shira 2 Camp

Trek Day 4 - Shira 2 Camp to Moir Huts via Lava Tower

  • Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) to Moir Huts (4,200m/13,780ft) via Lava Tower (4,600m/15,090ft)
  • Elevation Gain:750m/2,400ft
  • Elevation Loss:400m/1,310ft

Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridge lines of the high desert to Lava Tower. The trek to the base of the tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic plug, takes around 4-5 hours.

From Lava Tower Kilimanjaro head northwest beginning your circuit of Kibo, the almighty summit cone of Mount Kilimanjaro. Moir Huts is an isolated and seldom used camp, affording views over the Shira Plateau.

Total trekking time approximately 6-7 hours.

An alternative would be to take a gentle ascent across the alpine desert to Moir Huts in the morning and spend the afternoon on a guided trek of the nearby Lent Group, a series of wind-eroded parasite cones from which you can gaze down to the plains of Kenya.

  • Overnight Moir Huts

Trek Day 5 - Moir Huts to Buffalo/Pofu Camp

  • Moir Huts (4,200m/13,780ft) to Buffalo/Pofu Camp (4,020m/13,190ft)
  • Elevation Gain:180m/590ft

Today, you will continue your journey through the striking alpine desert. If you didn't visit the Lent Group yesterday, consider a short detour this morning to the summit of Little Lent Hill, which stands at an elevation of 4,375m (14,350ft), showcasing the impressive Mount Kilimanjaro Elevation.

After this, you'll rejoin the main trail heading towards Buffalo Camp. The total trekking time today spans approximately 5 – 7 hours and covers a distance of 12km.

  • Overnight Buffalo/Pofu Camp

Trek Day 6 - Buffalo/Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp

  • Buffalo/Pofu Camp (4,020m/13,190ft) to Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft)
  • Elevation Loss:150m/490ft

Continue your journey, traversing valleys and hiking along ridges, moving through the alpine desert and moorland as you circle towards the east.

This less frequented route showcases the expansive wilderness of the mountain, offering a peaceful exploration of the natural environment.

The trek also offers a unique perspective on the impressive Kilimanjaro Height. Expect today's trekking time to be between 5 - 7 hours.

  • Overnight Third Cave Camp

Trek Day 7 - Third Cave Camp to School Huts

  • Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft) to School Huts (4,750m/15,580ft)
  • Elevation Gain:880m/2,880ft

Climb steadily to reach the saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here, continue upwards to reach School Hut Campsite in the early afternoon.

The remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for your summit ascent, which will begin in the early hours of the morning.

Despite the short distance of 5km covered, trekking time is approximately 4-5 hours due to the high Kilimanjaro Altitude and steep incline.

  • Overnight School Huts

Trek Day 8 - School Huts to Uhuru Peak

  • School Huts (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)
  • Elevation Gain: 1,145m/3,760ft
  • Elevation Loss: 2,785m/9,140ft

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek.

The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5,756m).

The hike from here to Uhuru Peak is gradual and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes it feel long and tiring.

After summit celebrations descend from the rim at Kilimanjaro Stella Point, to Barafu Camp, and then straight down to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way.

This part of the descent takes about 6 hours, covering new terrain. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

  • Overnight Mweka Camp

Trek Day 9 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  • Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)
  • Elevation Loss: 1,280m/4,200ft

Descend to the gate through lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.

  • Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)

Departure Or Onwards Travel

Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey!

Included & Excluded

  • Park Fees
  • Camping Fees
  • Rescue Fees
  • Head Guide
  • Assistant Guides
  • Cook, & Porters’ Salaries
  • All Food & Drinking Water
  • Tents
  • Emergency Oxygen
  • Transport To/From Park Entry Gate & 18% VAT Tax
  • Accommodation in Moshi including dinner & breakfast pre-climb and complimentary celebration dinner from African Scenic Safaris and breakfast post climb; two airport transfers.
  • Hiring of personal equipment including clothing, sleeping mat, sleeping bag etc.
  • Tipping to your crew. (The standard recommendation is USD$20 per day to the head guide, $12 per day per assistant guide, $12 per day to the cook and $5-7 per day per porter)
  • Private Toilet upon request
  • Visas
  • Vaccinations
  • spending money
  • any drinks and lunches in Moshi

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Northern Circuit Route

Route Promise

Full mountain journey, fewer footsteps

1.

…begin on the vast Shira Plateau, where golden light and volcanic plains welcome you into Kilimanjaro’s quiet western flank…

2.

…follow the remote northern trail, circling the peak with solitude, rare wildlife sightings, and panoramic views in every direction…

3.

…summit from the east and descend south, completing Kilimanjaro’s longest, most immersive trail with time to absorb every step…

9 Days

Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths

$2910

Average Climb Cost

91%

Kilimanjaro Success Rate

Northern Circuit Success Rates

Longer treks mean better acclimatization, but preparation is key to conquering Kilimanjaro’s highest and longest trail.

The Northern Circuit Route Success Rate reflects the unique nature of Kilimanjaro’s longest and most scenic trail. While not the most difficult of all Kilimanjaro climbing routes, its extended duration and longer hiking days can test endurance. Based on years of real data, here are the observed success rates for the 9-day itinerary:

Northern Circuit Route

Northern Circuit Route

Northern Circuit Route 9 Days:

  • Crater Rim: 90.2%
  • Uhuru Peak: 81.3%

Though lower than some claims you’ll find online, these numbers are honest and based on realistic conditions, including hikers choosing to turn back for non-medical reasons.

The real challenge here isn’t necessarily the Kilimanjaro altitude, but the consistent demand of long trekking days. Still, this route offers one of the best acclimatization profiles among all Kilimanjaro Routes, giving climbers ample time to adjust.

At African Scenic Safaris, we ensure safety and summit success by equipping all expeditions with extra oxygen, well-trained guides, and daily medical checks. With the right pace and mindset, the Northern Circuit remains one of the most rewarding routes to reach Uhuru Peak.

What Are the Campsites Along the Northern Circuit Route?

The Northern Route Kilimanjaro offers a series of strategically located campsites, providing climbers with comfortable resting spots and incredible views throughout Kilimanjaro Tours. Here are the main campsites along the route, along with their respective elevations:

Camp Name Elevation (in meters) Elevation ( in feet)

Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)

2800

9190

Shira 1 Camp

3550

11650

Shira 2 Camp

3850

12650

Moir Huts

4200

13780

Buffalo/Pofu Camp

4020

13190

Third Cave Camp

3870

12700

School Huts

4750

15,580

These campsites along the Northern Circuit Route provide climbers with stunning views, and memorable experiences as they journey through the diverse landscapes when Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro.

Northern Circuit Route PDF

Get your full day-by-day trek guide with elevations, distances, and key highlights—ideal for planning, training, and staying informed before your Kilimanjaro adventure begins.

Northern Circuit Route Prices

More days on the trail mean higher costs—but also greater comfort, better views, and higher success rates.

African Scenic Safaris, celebrated as one of the Best Kilimanjaro Tour Operators in Tanzania, invites you to experience the Northern Circuit Route with our exclusive nine-day Kilimanjaro Climbing Package.

This adventure is available for both group and private climbs, offering a tailored experience for every type of adventurer. Join us to discover why we're the top choice for conquering Kilimanjaro!

The Northern Circuit Route Costs include nine days on the mountain, ensuring ample time for acclimatization and enjoyment of the stunning landscapes.

Additionally, climbers are provided with accommodation for one day before and after the climb. The different Kilimanjaro Climb Cost associated with the Northern Circuit Route are detailed in the representation below:

Things to Remember for Climbing the Northern Circuit Route:

The Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit is between June and March when the weather is most stable, and there's less chance of rain.

Although Kilimanjaro's proximity to the equator allows for year-round climbing, the rainy season in April and May is usually best avoided for more pleasant conditions.

Moreover, climbing during one of the full moons on Kilimanjaro can make your experience even more memorable. The full moon lights up the mountain paths at night and can be a magical way to experience Kilimanjaro.

For more details on the Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb, talk to our experts now!

Northern Circuit Route Pricing (Per Person in USD)

Mountain Icon

Northern Circuit Prices

(Per Person in USD)

1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6 pax 7 pax 8 pax 9 pax 10 pax
9 Days (For Adult)
$4,330$3,425$3,340$3,260 $3,175$3,120$3,030$2,985$2,945$2,910
9 Days (For Child)
$3,300$2,395$2,310$2,230 $2,140$2,085$1,995$1,955$1,900$1,870

Northern Circuit Route

Take this scenic route for a thrilling Kilimanjaro experience. Are you ready?

More Climbing Options

Not every route feels the same—some are quieter, some are shorter, some take their time.

There are different ways to climb Kilimanjaro, and each one offers a slightly different experience. Some routes are great for beginners, others for seasoned hikers. It just depends on how you like to climb.

Quest From The West

Quest From The West

Orbit Kilimanjaro

Orbit Kilimanjaro

Without The Whiskey

Without The Whiskey

Above African Plains

Above African Plains

What Our Guests Say

TripAdvisorAfrican Scenic Safaris #1 on TripAdvisor
Hannah W
Hannah W / Sep 2022

The best company out there!

African Scenic Safaris were Amazing. We were a large group of students who climbed Kilimanjaro with them and went on a safari in Tarangire National Park.

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Johanna S
Johanna S/ Apr 2025

Great experience on Safari.

The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.

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Gabriella M
Gabriella M/ Feb 2025

Amazing experience

We relied on African Scenic Safaris for organising a 5 days safari. Nembris provided us with suggestions for the itinerary through Serengeti.

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TripAdvisor

Northern Circuit Route FAQs

Planning a longer trek? These answers help you prepare for the Northern Circuit’s unique pace and terrain.

From daily distances to acclimatization advice and trail conditions, this section covers everything trekkers need to know. Get clear insights to feel fully prepared for your Northern Circuit adventure.

The Kilimanjaro Difficulty level of the Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Route is moderate. It’s considered easier than some of the shorter Kilimanjaro Routes because it offers plenty of time for acclimatization.

June to March is the Best Time to Visit the Northern Circuit Route for a Kilimanjaro Climb.

The cost of a standard Kilimanjaro Climbing Package including the Northern Circuit starts from $2,470 per person. Remember that this cost varies based on the number of people in your group and duration of the climb.

Essential gear for the Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro includes high-quality hiking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag for temperatures up to -18 degrees  Celsius, trekking poles, a sturdy backpack, and a good-quality headlamp. Get the detailed Kilimanjaro Packing List here!

Yes, a permit is mandatory for the Best Kilimanjaro Tours using the Northern Circuit Route. If you join an organized tour, these will be arranged beforehand.

While prior hiking or trekking experience is helpful, you do not need any technical climbing skills for the 9-day Northern Circuit Route. However, good physical fitness and mental preparation are important.

Kilimanjaro Weather on the Northern Circuit Route can vary significantly, ranging from warm during the day to sub-zero temperatures at higher altitudes and during the night. Proper cold-weather gear is essential.

Yes, hiring a certified guide is mandatory for all climbers on the Northern Circuit Route. They are essential for safety, navigation, and assistance during the Tanzania Mt Kilimanjaro Climb.

The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route Map has camping accommodations throughout the trek, with designated campsites along the trail where tents are set up for hikers.

Like any high-altitude trek, there are risks associated with altitude sickness. However, the longer duration and slower ascent profile of the Northern Circuit Route minimize the risks and aids in acclimatization during Mountain Climbing Kilimanjaro. 

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