Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Route – 9–10 Days Itinerary, Cost & Success Rate
Experience Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular journey on the Northern Circuit – the longest route with the highest success rate.
This epic 9 to 10-day trek traverses nearly all sides of the mountain, offering unparalleled 360-degree views and a profound sense of solitude with virtually no crowds.
As the newest route on the mountain, its intelligent design yields the highest summit odds of any trail, making it the definitive choice for a successful and unforgettable adventure.
Duration: 9–10 days
Difficulty: Moderate (long days but gentler grades)
Success Rate: >95% on 9-day (98% reported by operators)
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Route Overview
The Northern Circuit is a grand traverse of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering the most comprehensive experience possible on the mountain.
Beginning at the Londorossi Gate in the west, the trek initially follows the well-regarded Lemosho trail for the first few days. After crossing the vast Shira Plateau, it diverges from the more crowded southern paths, veering north to circumnavigate the main Kibo peak. This is where the route's true magic lies, as it crosses the remote and rarely visited northern slopes.
Trekkers pass through secluded camps like Pofu and Buffalo before approaching the summit from the east and staying at the high-altitude School Hut. The descent is made via the Mweka route on the southeastern side, completing the full circle.
Because of its exceptional length and gradual ascent profile, the Northern Circuit provides the best possible acclimatization schedule, leading to unmatched solitude and the highest summit success rate on Kilimanjaro, estimated between 95% and 98%.
Is the Northern Circuit Right for You?
This premium route is the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience, but its length and cost make it a specific choice for a certain type of adventurer.
Best for: Adventurous trekkers with ample time who want to experience pristine wilderness, unparalleled panoramic views, and the most complete journey the mountain has to offer. It is perfect for photographers and anyone who wishes to truly immerse themselves in the mountain's diverse ecosystems.
Ideal if: You value solitude and want to give yourself every possible advantage to acclimatize safely and successfully. The camps on the northern slopes are often empty, offering a peaceful and personal connection with the mountain that is impossible to find on other routes.
Not ideal if: You have only a week to spare or are climbing on a limited budget. The long itinerary makes this the most expensive route due to the extended park fees and crew costs.
Alternatives: For a shorter trek that still offers great scenery and a high success rate, the 8-day Lemosho route is an excellent choice. For a quieter climb on a shorter schedule, consider the 7-day Rongai route.
Northern Circuit 8, 9 or 10 Days – Which to Choose?
The length of your Northern Circuit trek is the primary factor in its success and enjoyment.
8-Day Northern Circuit: This is a condensed version of the route, typically achieved by combining some of the longer trekking days or skipping an acclimatization camp. While possible, it involves very long days and somewhat undermines the route’s main advantage of superior acclimatization, leading to a lower success rate.
9-Day Northern Circuit: This is the standard, highly recommended approach. It provides an ideal acclimatization schedule that allows the body to adapt gradually and safely to the altitude, resulting in the phenomenal 95% to 98% success rate. While it requires more time and expense, it represents the gold standard for this route.
10-Day Northern Circuit: This option offers the highest level of comfort and an almost certain chance of summiting. The extra day is typically used to break up the extremely long descent after the summit. Instead of descending all the way to Mweka Camp, trekkers stay at the higher Millennium Camp, making the final day’s walk to the gate much shorter and more relaxed.
Northern Circuit Itinerary (Day by Day)
The following is a standard 9-day itinerary, which involves 8 nights of camping on the mountain.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) → Forest Camp (2,800m)
Trekking Time: ~4–5 hours
The journey begins with a drive to the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After registration, you will start your trek through the lush, pristine rainforest. The trail is gentle, and the environment is alive with the sounds of birds and the potential rustle of colobus monkeys in the canopy above.
Day 2: Forest Camp (2,800m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,850m)
Trekking Time: 6–9 hours
Today is a long and rewarding day as you ascend out of the rainforest and into the Hagenia, or heath zone. The trail steepens, and the landscape opens up to reveal incredible views. You will eventually reach the edge of the Shira Plateau, a massive caldera, before arriving at Shira 1 Camp for the night.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,850m) → Moir Hut (4,160m)
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
You will spend the day traversing the vast expanse of the Shira Plateau. This is a crucial day for acclimatization as you hike to the scenic Moir Hut, located at the base of the Lent Hills. The high altitude and stunning surroundings make this a memorable stop on the journey.
Day 4: Moir Hut (4,160m) → Pofu Camp (4,000m)
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
This is where the Northern Circuit truly begins. Leaving the more-trafficked trails behind, you will head north on a path that few get to experience. The trail involves a series of gentle climbs and descents along the northern ridges, offering a sense of true wilderness and solitude as you make your way to Pofu Camp (sometimes called Buffalo Camp).
Day 5: Pofu Camp (4,000m) → Third Cave Camp (3,960m)
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
You continue your circumnavigation of the mountain, trekking through valleys and over ridges on the quiet northern slopes. The views of the plains stretching towards the Kenyan border are magnificent and unique to this route. You will camp at the remote Third Cave Camp.
Day 6: Third Cave Camp (3,960m) → School Hut (4,700m)
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Today’s trek takes you steadily uphill and around to the eastern side of the Kibo peak. The terrain becomes more rugged and barren as you enter the high alpine desert. Your destination is School Hut, the highest camp on the route, which serves as your base for the summit attempt.
Day 7: Summit Day: School Hut (4,700m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Trekking Time: ~12–16 hours
The summit attempt begins shortly after midnight. You will ascend via the northern-eastern side of the crater, typically reaching the rim at Gilman's Point or Stella Point as the sun begins to rise. After the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, you will begin the very long descent down the southern side of the mountain to Mweka Camp.
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,650m)
Trekking Time: 3–5 hours
Your final day on the mountain is a beautiful and easy walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here you will sign out, receive your official summit certificate, and celebrate your incredible achievement with your crew.
Day 9: Departure
After a final breakfast and farewells, you will depart from your hotel for the airport or your next destination.
(For a 10-day trip, Day 7 descent ends at Millennium Camp (3,820m), Day 8 is a short walk to Mweka Gate, and Day 9 is departure.
Highlights of the Northern Circuit Route
Full 360-Degree Views: This is the only route that allows you to traverse around the entire Kibo massif, offering constantly changing scenery of the northern, western, southern, and eastern faces.
Rich Lemosho Forest: The journey begins in a primeval rainforest, offering a chance to see beautiful colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of exotic birdlife.
Shira Plateau: Experience the vast, high-altitude desert of the Shira Plateau, a collapsed volcanic caldera with a profound sense of space and scale.
Remote Northern Slopes: Discover rarely visited areas with arid tundra, unique flora, and a chance to spot wildlife like eland or signs of buffalo.
Unmatched Solitude: The northern camps are quiet and secluded, providing an intimate and peaceful trekking experience away from the crowds.
Pros & Cons of the Northern Circuit Route
Pros:
The highest summit success rate on Kilimanjaro (approximately 95–98%) due to its exceptional acclimatization profile.
Incredible variety of scenery, covering all of the mountain's ecosystems in a full circumnavigation.
Very quiet and uncrowded, offering a true wilderness adventure.
A sense of real exploration on Kilimanjaro's newest and most comprehensive route.
Cons:
The long duration of 9 to 10 days requires a significant time commitment.
It is the most expensive route due to the extra days of park fees and crew support.
Not an option for climbers with limited time or a restrictive budget.
Involves extended exposure to high altitude, which still requires good physical conditioning.
Practical Information for the Northern Circuit
Total Duration: 9 or 10 days on the mountain is recommended for the full experience.
Difficulty: Graded as moderate. Although the days can be long, the climb is very gradual, making it arguably the easiest route in terms of physical strain per day. Good overall fitness is still essential.
Best Months: The dry season from June to October is ideal, with July through September being the peak time for clear skies.
Camping: This is a camping-only route. High-quality mountain tents and gear are required.
Distance: The full circuit covers approximately 88 kilometers (53 miles). The entire trip, including travel days, typically spans 11 to 12 days.
Northern Circuit Price & Inclusions
From: ~$2,900+ per person (for a 9-day climb)
Includes: All national park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, professionally trained guides, porters, and a cook, all meals on the mountain, ground transfers, and often an emergency oxygen kit.
Excludes: International flights, Tanzanian visa, tips for the mountain crew, personal gear rentals, and comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
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Compare the Northern Circuit Route With Other Kilimanjaro Routes
Shorter High-Success Alternatives: The 8-day Lemosho or 7-day Machame routes offer a faster trek while still maintaining great success rates.
For Hut Accommodation: The Marangu Route is the only option with hut stays for the entire climb.
Other Long Scenic Routes: The 8-day Lemosho Route follows a similar initial path and is a fantastic alternative for those with a day or two less to spare.
Northern Circuit FAQ
Do I really need 9 days to climb the Northern Circuit?
Yes, 9 days is the standard and recommended duration to fully benefit from the route's excellent acclimatization profile. An 8-day trip is possible but physically demanding, while a 10-day trip adds comfort to the descent.
What is the summit success rate?
The success rate is extremely high, consistently over 95% for the 9-day trek, with many experienced operators reporting rates as high as 98%.
How difficult is the Northern Circuit?
It is often graded as the "easiest" route due to its long itinerary and gradual ascent. However, the total distance and time spent at altitude mean that a high level of fitness is still crucial for enjoyment and success.
What is the best time to climb this route?
The peak dry season from July to September offers the most stable and pleasant weather conditions for this long trek.
What is the total distance and what are the camps like?
The route covers about 88km over eight active trekking days. The camps on the northern side, like Pofu and Third Cave, are exclusive to this route and are known for their remoteness and tranquility.
Trust & Testimonials
“The Northern Circuit was simply incredible. We went for days on the northern side without seeing another soul. The solitude on the plains was magical, and the summit sunrise was out of this world. Worth every penny and every extra day.”
– Paul, France
“My wife and I chose this route for the high success rate, and it gave us such peace of mind. The pace was perfect, we never felt rushed, and we were able to truly enjoy the journey. Our guides were top-notch, and we both stood on the summit feeling strong. It's the best way to climb this mountain.”
– Ethan and Sarah, USA
“As a photographer, the Northern Circuit was a dream come true. The 360-degree views meant every single day offered a new and stunning landscape to capture. From the rainforests of Lemosho to the desolate northern saddle, the visual variety was breathtaking. I came home with the shots of a lifetime.”
– Kenji, Japan
Embark on Kilimanjaro's Most Epic Journey
Ready to embark on Kilimanjaro’s most epic and successful journey? The Northern Circuit is a true grand traverse, offering solitude, spectacular beauty, and the highest possible chance of reaching the summit. Conquer the mountain with our expert support and start planning your extended adventure today.
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