The Northern Circuit route is the newest route up Mount Kilimanjaro and arguably the best. That’s because the combination of all of the best elements of the other routes, rolled into one fantastic hike. If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, plenty of solitude, a healthy challenge, and the potential to spot wildlife, this is definitely the route for you.
The Northern Circuit route follows the same route as Lemosho route for the first few days, but rather than sticking to the south side of Kibo, it turns to the little-used northern trails instead.
This path is virtually devoid of other trekkers and as a result, the campsites are quiet, peaceful, and practically deserted.
Because the Northern Circuit route is longer than the other trails, it gives trekkers a chance to take in more of the mountain. Not only do they get a chance to hike across the awe-inspiring Shira Plateau, they’ll also catch glimpses of Kibo Peak and Uhuru Summit along the way.
It also provides amazing views down onto the open plains that are found to the north of the mountain, something that is seen by only a handful of other hikers while climbing Kilimanjaro.
Which Kilimanjaro route has the highest success rate?
Northern Circuit Route has the highest Kilimanjaro Success Rate which is 98% and approaches from south of Kilimanjaro. It is the newest and longest route which offers the most spectacular view of overall 360 degree scenery of Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on this route takes 8 to 9 days for the summit.
Due to its extended length, much of which hovers around the same altitude for improved acclimatization, the Northern Circuit route has the highest success rate of any of the routes on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The trek begins at the Londorossi Gate and makes its way up the western flanks of the mountain, passing through the rainforest and climbing onto the the Shira Ridge.
From there, it is up to the Shira Plateau itself, before heading north to circle in a clockwise direction starting at the Moir Hut, then moving on to Buffalo Camp, and finally School Hut. Along the way, trekkers make an almost 360 degree hike around Kilimanjaro, before summiting from the east.
So with everything that the Northern Circuit route has going for it, what’s the downside? The only issue with hiking this route is that it requires a bit of extra time, something that few travelers have. While most of the other routes can be done in as few as six or seven days, the Northern Circuit route often requires as many as nine or more. That often limits the number of people who can work this trail into their schedule, although those that do will find that it is completely worth it.
Details
DAY 1 LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP
4WD transfer to Londorossi Park Gate for registration. Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent along the forest trail to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite at 2895m. We will stay here overnight.
- Transport: 1.7 hours, 80 km
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
- Ascent: 535 m
- altitude: 2895 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 2 MTI MKUBWA CAMP TO SHIRA 1 CAMP
Our journey continues eastwards across the Shira Plateau with spectacular views of Shira Cathedral. We cross moorland meadow to reach Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight camping at 3500m. By now we will be able to see the stunning glaciers of the Western Breach. It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.
- Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
- Ascent: 605 m
- altitude: 3500 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 3 SHIRA 1 CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP
Today we walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here, especially when the afternoon mists roll in. From our camp near Shira Hut, we take in the unforgettable views of Mt Meru.
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
- Ascent: 310 m
- altitude: 3810 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 4 SHIRA 2 CAMP TO MOIR HUT
We leave the moorland behind now and a gentle grade walk takes us across the high altitude Shira Caldera to Shira Cave with fabulous views of Arrow glacier. We will camp here for the night at 4200m.
- Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
- Ascent: 390 m
- altitude: 4200 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 5 MOIR HUT TO POFU CAMP
We climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (4700m). After admiring the views we return to the trail and heads eastwards around the Northern Circuit trail. The final section of today’s walk undulates until reaching the location of Pofu Camp.
- Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours
- Ascent: 500 m
- Descent: 680 m
- altitude: 4700 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 6 POFU CAMP TO THIRD CAVE CAMP
From Pofu Camp we cross numerous small valleys as the trail continues through a landscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp.
- Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
- Descent: 60 m
- altitude: 4020 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 7 THIRD CAVE CAMP TO SCHOOL HUT
Today there is a steady ascent to reach the Saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here we continue upwards and reach School Hut in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit day.
- Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
- Ascent: 830 m
- altitude: 4790 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 8 SCHOOL HUT TO SUMMIT TO MILLENNIUM CAMP
We start the final and most demanding part of the climb around 1 am on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. We rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. We then head on to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. We retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descend down through Barafu Camp, where our porters will meet us with a packed lunch. We will then continue to descend to reach Millennium Camp.
- Hiking time: 14 – 16 hours
- Ascent: 1105 m
- Descent: 2068 m
- altitude: 5895 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 9 MILLENNIUM CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
Your final day on the trek. Departing after breakfast, we descend a further 1300m to the Mweka Park Gate to pick up your summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. We will then transfer toy our hotel for a well-earned shower and celebration.
- Transport: Private transfer (0.6 hour, 17 km)
- Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
- Descent: 2027 m
- altitude: 3827 m
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
DEPARTURE
After a much-needed night’s rest we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged airport transfers with us or a safari / Zanzibar trip, we will collect you from the hotel for your onward journey.
