The Northern Circuit Route on Kilimanjaro – A Complete Day-by-Day Guide
The Northern Circuit Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular and least-traveled trails. Favoured by adventurers seeking tranquillity, it provides exceptional scenery, gradual acclimatisation, and a peaceful trekking experience. In this guide, we’ll take you through every stage of the Northern Circuit and explain why it’s considered one of the best routes for both summit success and immersive mountain exploration.
The Northern Circuit at a Glance
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and newest of Kilimanjaro’s seven trekking routes. It is widely regarded as one of the best routes because it maximises acclimatisation, helping the majority of hikers successfully reach the summit. Along the way, trekkers are treated to breathtaking and varied landscapes, a steady trekking pace, and a trail that avoids the crowds even during peak climbing seasons.
The trek begins on Kilimanjaro’s western slope, following the same first days as the Lemosho Route through lush rainforest before emerging into the expansive moorland. From Shira Ridge, you traverse the open Shira Plateau, heading east toward Moir Camp, tucked behind a ridge near the famous Lava Tower.
At this stage, you leave the southern-slope trekkers behind and continue around Kilimanjaro’s northern side, enjoying the solitude and untouched scenery. After a couple of days, you meet up with trekkers from the Rongai Route at Third Cave campsite.
The journey continues to Kibo Hut, your final base camp. From here, the midnight ascent begins toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. After the summit, you descend via the Mweka Route on the southeast side of the mountain over two days, completing a truly immersive and rewarding Kilimanjaro adventure.
Detailed description of the Northern Circuit
Map showing the Northern Circuit route up Kilimanjaro
Day 1: Lemosho Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
Drive to Londorossi Park Gate for registration in the Kilimanjaro National Park system. Begin your trek from Lemosho Gate, hiking through lush mountain rainforest for 3–4 hours to reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.
- Elevation: 2,100 m → 2,895 m
- Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Terrain: Montane rainforest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp
Trek through the final stretch of rainforest before entering moorland terrain, leading to the Shira Plateau and Shira 1 Camp. Hike time: 5–6 hours.
- Elevation: 2,895 m → 3,505 m
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Terrain: Montane rainforest → Afro-alpine moorland
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp
Cross the Shira Plateau en route to Shira 2 Camp in 4–6 hours. Nights can drop below freezing, so be prepared.
- Elevation: 3,505 m → 3,810 m
- Distance: 7 km / 4 miles
- Terrain: Afro-alpine moorland
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp → Moir Hut
Climb through the high alpine desert toward Lava Tower and the Shark’s Tooth rock formation. Descend to Moir Hut for an important acclimatisation day.
- Elevation: 3,810 m → 4,206 m
- Distance: 14 km / 8 miles
- Hiking time: 2–3 hours
- Terrain: Alpine desert
Day 5: Moir Hut → Pofu Camp
Hike 5–6 hours around Kibo’s north face through alpine desert to reach Pofu Camp. Descending slightly aids acclimatisation.
- Elevation: 4,206 m → 4,033 m
- Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
- Terrain: Alpine desert
Day 6: Pofu Camp → Third Cave
Cross valleys and semi-desert landscapes over 4–5 hours to reach Third Cave Camp. Descending slightly again supports acclimatisation.
- Elevation: 4,033 m → 3,870 m
- Distance: 7 km / 4 miles
- Terrain: Semi-desert
Day 7: Third Cave → Kibo Hut
Climb over the barren Saddle connecting Kibo and Mawenzi for 4–5 hours to reach School Hut, your final rest before summit day.
- Elevation: 3,870 m → 4,750 m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Terrain: Alpine desert
Day 8: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Part 1: Summit Push
Wake around midnight to trek to Stella Point (5,685 m), then onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the roof of Africa!
- Elevation: 4,750 m → 5,895 m
- Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
- Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Part 2: Descent to Mweka Camp
Descend to Mweka Camp at 3,110 m for your final night on the mountain. Total hiking time today: 12–16 hours.
- Elevation: 5,895 m → 3,068 m
- Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
Day 9: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Complete your trek by hiking down to the park exit, where your driver awaits. Celebrate your incredible achievement!
- Elevation: 3,068 m → 1,640 m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Terrain: Rainforest
Our Opinion: Why the Northern Circuit Stands Out
The Northern Circuit is one of our favourite Kilimanjaro routes, alongside the Lemosho Route. If you have extra time to spare, we believe it’s the ultimate choice for experiencing the mountain in all its glory.
Why We Recommend It:
- Stunning Scenery: Trek along the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes, exploring more of Kilimanjaro’s diverse environments than on any other route.
- Exceptional Acclimatisation: The longer itinerary allows your body to adjust gradually to high altitudes, giving you the best chance of reaching the summit.
- Immersive Experience: See multiple sides of the mountain, from lush rainforest and moorlands to alpine desert, with panoramic views throughout your trek.
Highlights:
- Best acclimatisation profile
- Highest summit success rate
- Beautiful and varied scenery
- Panoramic views
- Quieter and less crowded than other routes
Considerations:
- Forest sections can be muddy during the wet season
- Longer than other routes
- Higher cost compared to shorter trails
- Trekking fatigue may set in due to the extended duration
The Northern Circuit is perfect for adventurers seeking a comprehensive, scenic, and successful Kilimanjaro summit experience.
What Is the Scenery Like on the Northern Circuit?
The Northern Circuit is arguably the most scenic and varied route of all seven established Kilimanjaro trails. Trekkers experience a stunning progression of landscapes from lush rainforest to Afro-alpine moorland, then alpine desert, and finally the arctic summit.
From the Shira Plateau, you can admire Mt Meru floating above the clouds, while the quiet northern flank of Kilimanjaro offers breathtaking vistas over the game-filled lowlands of southern Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Along the route, you’ll stay at some of the most spectacular campsites, enjoying the best sunrises and sunsets the mountain has to offer.
Unlike many other trails, the Northern Circuit descent is on the opposite side of the mountain, meaning you never retrace your steps. Every view along the way feels fresh and new.
How Hard Is the Northern Circuit?
No Kilimanjaro climb is easy, but the Northern Circuit is considered the easiest route in terms of summit success, thanks to its excellent acclimatisation profile. However, it is also the longest route, roughly 25 km longer than other trails, and requires the most days on the mountain.
With proper preparation and physical training, most trekkers complete the Northern Circuit without major issues. This route is ideal for those seeking a safer, scenic, and more immersive Kilimanjaro experience.
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The Northern Circuit route can be completed in a minimum of eight days, but we recommend the nine-day itinerary, as shown above. This extra day gives you more time to acclimatise.
Further, climbing Kilimanjaro isn’t a race. Especially with this route, the whole idea is to take your time and soak in everything the mountain has to offer!
How Busy Is the Northern Circuit?
The Northern Circuit is the least crowded of all Kilimanjaro routes, making it perfect for trekkers seeking a peaceful and immersive experience. The trail circles the quieter northern slope of the mountain before reaching the eastern side, allowing you to enjoy remote, seldom-used campsites and vast, uninterrupted views.
If you prefer a calm, relaxed ascent without the usual crowds found on routes like Machame or Marangu, the Northern Circuit is the ideal choice for a serene Kilimanjaro adventure.
Northern Circuit Route Cost
As of January 2026, the nine-day Northern Circuit route is priced at US$3,370 per person (sharing a tent) with Follow Alice.
This all-inclusive fee covers:
- One night pre- and post-trek at a partner lodge in Moshi
- Private transport to and from the trailhead
- Expert guides and support crew
- Accommodation in tents along the trek
- Meals during the trek
For a detailed list of inclusions and itinerary, please refer to our Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro package.
Keen to Explore More of Tanzania?
Extend your adventure after conquering Mount Kilimanjaro! Consider:
- Tanzania Safari: Experience incredible wildlife, from the Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – a true African safari adventure.
- Zanzibar Beach Holiday: Relax on pristine beaches, enjoy turquoise waters, and soak up the tropical paradise.
We can arrange all of these experiences and more, creating a seamless, unforgettable East African journey tailored just for you.
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