Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit route is renowned for offering one of the most comprehensive and beautiful experiences on Mount Kilimanjaro. It presents nearly 360 degrees of stunning scenery, including the rarely explored northern slopes. Being the longest route, the Northern Circuit provides ample time for acclimatization, contributing to a higher rate of summit success. This makes the route highly recommended for those seeking an exceptional Kilimanjaro adventure.

Route Details:

Duration: 9 or 10 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Low

Arrival

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, a 4-star B&B. Your head guide will conduct a comprehensive briefing, perform a gear check, and assist you in arranging any necessary equipment rentals.

Day 1: LONDOROSSI GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP

Altitude Gained: 396m
Distance: ~4.8km / 3 miles
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Zone: Rainforest
The Northern Circuit Route commences at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, similar to the Lemosho Route. Following a two-hour drive from Moshi, registration occurs at the gate. From there, you’ll be driven to the trailhead for the first-day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,785 meters). The initial part of the trek traverses rainforest paths, where you might be fortunate to spot larger wildlife like elephants and buffalo. Your day concludes with dinner at Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Day 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA I CAMP

Altitude Gained: 719m
Distance: ~7.9km / 5 miles
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Terrain: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
The day kicks off with an hour-long trek through the remaining rainforest section, transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone. This path leads to Shira Camp 1 (3,504 meters), situated on the Shira Plateau. The trek is gradual and relatively short, offering a smooth transition between zones.

Day 3: SHIRA 1 – MOIR HUT

Altitude Gained: 657m
Distance: ~9.8km / 6.1 miles
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Terrain: Low Alpine Zone / High Alpine Zone
Zone: Low Alpine Zone / High Alpine Zone
A lengthy eastward trek leads through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and into the high alpine desert zone. The morning takes you to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where lunch is served. Afterward, the route follows the northern circuit, descending to Moir Camp at 4,161 meters. This day facilitates acclimatization through high altitude exposure and subsequent lower sleeping elevation.

Day 4: MOIR CAMP – BUFFALO CAMP

Altitude Loss: 122m
Distance: ~9.2km / 5.8 miles
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Terrain: High Alpine Zone
Zone: High Alpine Zone
A moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley is followed by a series of inclines and declines around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,033 meters). The journey provides panoramic views of the northern plains extending to the Tanzanian-Kenyan border. Lunch is served at Buffalo Camp, and the day concludes with well-deserved rest.

Day 5: BUFFALO CAMP – RONGAI 3RD CAVE

Altitude Loss: 97m
Distance: ~6.8km / 4.3 miles
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Terrain: High Alpine Zone / Low Alpine Zone
Zone: High Alpine Zone / Low Alpine Zone
The trek begins with a climb up Buffalo Ridge and progresses to Pofu Camp, where lunch is typically enjoyed. The route continues east, encircling the northern slopes, eventually reaching Rongai Third Cave at 3,936 meters. The shorter trek and effective acclimatization make for a comfortable arrival at Third Cave.

Day 6: RONGAI 3RD CAVE – SCHOOL HUT

Altitude Gained: 781m
Distance: ~4.8km / 3 miles
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Terrain: High Alpine Zone / Glacial Zone
Zone: High Alpine Zone / Glacial Zone
A steady ascent takes you over the Saddle, situated between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Heading southwest, the trek progresses to School Hut (4,800 meters). Early dinner awaits here, as an early start is necessary for the summit attempt scheduled shortly after midnight. Preparations, including warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera, should be made before sleeping.

Day 7: SCHOOL HUT – SUMMIT – MILLENIUM CAMP

Altitude Gained: 1178m
Altitude Lost: 2068m (descent)
Ascent Distance: ~5.9km / 3.7 miles
Descent Distance: ~8.4km / 5.2 miles
Ascent Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
Descent Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
Terrain: Glacial Zone and all preceding zones
Zone: Glacial Zone and all preceding zones
This challenging day involves a predawn steep incline to the slopes of Kibo. Checkpoints include Hans Meyer Cave and Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters). The trek then leads west around the crater rim, culminating at the summit shortly after sunrise. After capturing the views, you’ll return to Stella Point (5,739 meters) and continue southward down Kibo’s scree slopes to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). From there, the descent to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) concludes the day. Pacing yourself, maintaining hydration, and managing energy levels are crucial during the 14-16 hours of trekking.

Day 8: MILLENIUM CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI

Altitude Lost: 2194m
Distance: ~12.2km / 7.6 miles
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Rainforest Zone
After breakfast and a crew appreciation ceremony, you’ll commence the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather turns warmer, the trail becomes wet, muddy, and steep. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended for this section. At Mweka village, a vehicle will await to transport you to your Moshi hotel (approximately 30 minutes). A refreshing hot shower, dinner, and celebration are in store.

CERTIFIED ETHICAL CLIMBING

The commitment to ethical and responsible climbing underscores our belief that the tourism industry bears a vital responsibility towards preserving natural habitats, cultural heritage, and communities. Our active support for environmental sustainability and social accountability manifests as our affiliation as Partners for Responsible Travel.

Our membership with The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), an initiative by the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC), stands as a testament to our advocacy. KPAP fosters awareness and equitable treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro, while guiding climbing companies in ethical practices. Rigorous audits ensure crew members receive proper compensation, tips, sustenance, equipment, and accommodation. Clients’ testimonials on our TripAdvisor profile affirm our commitment to these principles.