Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit

Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit: The Longest and Most Remote Route

Mount Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa, stands at 5,895 metres, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Among the seven established routes to its summit, the Northern Circuit stands apart as the longest, most remote, and least travelled path to Uhuru Peak. This route offers trekkers the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience: unparalleled solitude, breathtaking and varied scenery, and a summit success rate that is among the highest on the mountain. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about tackling this extraordinary and less-travelled route.

The Northern Circuit at a Glance

Why Choose the Northern Circuit?

The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro, offering a truly unique wilderness experience. Its primary attraction is the exceptional solitude it provides. This is the least crowded route on the mountain, and you are unlikely to encounter other trekkers for the first five to six days. After the first day, you will not rejoin any other popular routes, such as Lemosho or Machame, until the final days near the summit. This offers a genuine sense of expedition and remoteness that is increasingly rare on the mountain.

The scenery is another major draw. The route circles around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, offering stunning and rarely seen perspectives of the mountain. You will walk beneath the dramatic cliffs of Mawenzi, traverse the vast alpine desert of the Saddle, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding plains and the Kenyan horizon. The landscapes are stark, beautiful, and utterly breathtaking.

The route’s extended duration, typically 8 to 9 days, provides excellent acclimatisation. By incorporating a true traverse of the mountain, you have ample time to adapt to the altitude. This, combined with the route’s thoughtful “climb high, sleep low” profile, results in a summit success rate of over 90%, making it the most successful route on Kilimanjaro.

The Northern Circuit vs. Other Routes: Key Differences

The Northern Circuit is fundamentally different from other Kilimanjaro routes in several important ways.

The key distinction is the duration and the route’s unique trajectory across the northern slopes. Unlike other routes that ascend and descend on the same side of the mountain, the Northern Circuit offers a true traverse. You will approach the mountain from the west, circle around the north, and then ascend to the summit from the east before descending on the south. This provides a more complete and varied experience of the mountain’s diverse landscapes.

The Northern Circuit Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Breakdown

The Northern Circuit is a 9-day itinerary, which is highly recommended. Here is a detailed look at the route.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Starting at Londorossi Gate at approximately 2,360 metres, your adventure begins with a 3 to 4-hour trek through the dense, pristine rainforest that cloaks the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. The trail is gentle, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the climb. The forest is home to black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and diverse birdlife. You will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp at approximately 2,895 metres, surrounded by towering forest. This first day is a gentle introduction to the mountain. Highlights include forest wildlife, easy acclimatisation, and the first camp atmosphere.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

The trail steepens today as you ascend through the upper rainforest, emerging onto the heath zone with its giant heathers. The landscape opens up dramatically, offering your first views of Kibo’s snow-capped peak. You will cross onto the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular features. The trek takes approximately 5 to 6 hours and covers around 8 kilometres. You camp on the edge of the plateau at approximately 3,610 metres, with panoramic views. Highlights include emerging from the forest, first Kibo views, and the beginning of the Shira Plateau panorama.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today involves a gentle hike across the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. The walking is relatively easy across this high-altitude grassland, with stunning views of Kibo throughout. The distance is around 10 kilometres, taking about 5 to 6 hours, reaching Shira 2 Camp at approximately 3,850 metres. An optional acclimatisation hike to Shira Cathedral at 3,880 metres is possible in the afternoon. Highlights include crossing the Shira Plateau, volcanic landscapes, and the acclimatisation hike option.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

This is a key acclimatisation day and a transition onto the less-frequented northern circuit. The trail ascends gradually, crossing the northern slopes of the mountain. You will pass through the stark, beautiful landscapes of the alpine desert, with views of the expansive plain below. The trek takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, covering about 6 kilometres to reach Moir Hut at approximately 4,200 metres. This is a high-altitude camp that offers stunning panoramic views. An afternoon acclimatisation walk is possible. Highlights include the transition to the remote northern route, stunning desert landscapes, and the sense of isolation.

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Today is a longer hike across the high-altitude desert, rounding the northern slopes of the mountain. This is a truly remote and spectacular section of the route. You will have breathtaking views of the mountain’s northern face and the plains of Kenya stretching to the horizon. The trek takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, covering around 13 kilometres to reach Buffalo Camp at approximately 4,020 metres. Despite the distance, the walking is not excessively steep, offering a sense of wilderness adventure. Highlights include expansive views, wildlife sightings on the plains, and the profound sense of solitude.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave Camp

Today you continue on the northern slopes, crossing a landscape of rock, scree, and dust, with the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi dominating the skyline. The trail is undulating, with gradual ascents and descents. The isolation and scale of the mountain are truly felt here. The trek takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, covering around 10 kilometres to reach Rongai Third Cave Camp at approximately 4,120 metres. This camp is in a spectacular setting near the base of the mountain’s eastern slopes. Highlights include stunning views of the Saddle and the feeling of being in the heart of the mountain.

Day 7: Rongai Third Cave Camp to Kibo Hut

Today you traverse the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, a long, flat expanse of alpine desert. The landscape is lunar and surreal. This crossing offers magnificent views of both peaks and is a highlight of the route. The trek takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, covering around 14 kilometres to reach Kibo Hut at approximately 4,703 metres. This is the base camp for the summit attempt, and you will spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing for the midnight ascent. Highlights include traversing the iconic Saddle, lunar landscapes, and reaching base camp.

Day 8: Summit Night! Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

This is the most demanding day of the entire trek. You will wake around midnight for tea and biscuits before beginning the steep 5 to 7-hour ascent to the summit. The climb is over heavy scree and rocky terrain in freezing conditions. Your goal is to reach Gilman’s Point at 5,681 metres on the crater rim, where you will witness a spectacular sunrise. From Gilman’s Point, it is another 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs, you will descend rapidly to Kibo Hut for a rest and refreshments, then continue down to Mweka Camp at approximately 3,100 metres for a well-earned sleep. This is the longest and most exhausting day, lasting 12 to 16 hours. Highlights include sunrise from the crater rim, Uhuru Peak summit, glacier views, and a profound sense of accomplishment.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The final day is a 3 to 4-hour descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate at approximately 1,640 metres. Here, you will sign out of the park and receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel for a hot shower and a well-deserved celebration. Highlights include the certificate ceremony, crew celebration, and return to civilisation.

The Unique Landscape of the Northern Circuit

The Northern Circuit offers a unique perspective on Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones. The route traverses the less-visited northern slopes, which are significantly drier than the southern rainforests. The landscapes are stark, dramatic, and expansive.

The route begins with the lush rainforest, but quickly transitions to the heath and moorland zone, dominated by giant heathers and unique plant life. The spectacular Shira Plateau is a vast, high-altitude caldera, offering breathtaking views. The most remote section of the route is the traverse of the northern slopes, where you are surrounded by the vast wilderness of the alpine desert. Here, the silence is profound, broken only by the wind and your own footsteps. You are alone with the mountain, the sky, and the ancient rocks. The crossing of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo is a lunar landscape of rock and dust, with spectacular views of both peaks. This is the climax of the journey, the final preparation before the summit.

Who Is the Northern Circuit For?

The Northern Circuit is suitable for experienced trekkers who are seeking the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience. It is also ideal for those who want the highest possible chance of reaching the summit. The route is long, demanding, and remote. It requires a good level of fitness and a strong mental attitude. However, the rewards are immense.

• It is the best route for solitude seekers.

• It is the best route for those who want to maximise their summit success.

• It is the best route for those who want the most complete and varied Kilimanjaro experience.

• It is the best route for experienced hikers.

If you are a first-time Kilimanjaro climber with a good level of fitness, you should consider the Northern Circuit if you can spare the extra days. The extended duration is a major advantage for acclimatisation. However, if you have limited time, the Lemosho or Machame routes are also excellent.

Physical and Mental Preparation

The Northern Circuit is a demanding trek that requires a high level of physical and mental fitness. The extended duration and remote nature of the route demand strong endurance and determination. Training should be rigorous and start several months in advance.

Cardiovascular endurance is the foundation. Activities like running, cycling, and hiking are essential for building stamina. Strength training, particularly for the legs, core, and glutes, is also vital. The long hours of walking, the steep ascents, and the descents place huge demands on your body. Practice hikes with a loaded backpack over varied terrain are non-negotiable. Walking 6 to 8 hours with a 10 to 15 kilogram pack will simulate the conditions of the trek.

Mental preparation is equally important. The isolation and the length of the route can be challenging. You will be in a remote, wild environment, far from the usual comforts. A positive attitude, mental resilience, and a strong sense of purpose are essential.

The Bottom Line

The Northern Circuit is the ultimate Kilimanjaro trekking experience. It is the longest, most remote, and most rewarding path to the Roof of Africa. It offers an unparalleled sense of solitude, breathtaking and varied scenery, and the highest summit success rate of any route. The route is a true expedition, a journey across the mountain’s northern slopes, a traverse of its stark and beautiful landscapes. It is for those who seek not just to climb a mountain, but to immerse themselves in a wilderness experience that will stay with them forever. The key to success is proper preparation: physical fitness, the right gear, a positive mental attitude, and respect for the mountain. Follow the “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) principle, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.

The Northern Circuit is the most complete and rewarding path to Uhuru Peak. Reaching the Roof of Africa is an experience that will stay with you forever. Africa’s highest peak is waiting for you. Are you ready to rise to the challenge?