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9 days · The Full Circumnavigation

Northern Circuit, Kilimanjaro

The longest route, circumnavigating the entire mountain. Maximum acclimatization provides the highest success rate of any route.

Get a quote for this routeSee the day-by-day plan
Price
From $3,500 pp
Length
9 days
Distance
90 km
Difficulty
Challenging
Typical summit
98%
Crowds
Very Low

Overview

About the Northern Circuit

The newest and longest route, Northern Circuit offers a full 360-degree circumnavigation of Kilimanjaro. Maximum acclimatization time results in the highest success rates.

Starts at
Londorossi Gate (west)
Altitude
2,100m to 5,895m
  • Full circumnavigation
  • Highest success rate
  • Remote northern slopes
  • Ultimate acclimatization

The climb

Day by day

2,0003,0004,0005,0006,000Gate123456789Uhuru 5,895 m
Altitude in metres for each day of the plan, numbered along the bottom. On days that climb high and drop back, it shows the high point.
  1. Day01

    Mti Mkubwa Camp

    Altitude: 2,750mWalking: 3-4h

    Dense montane rainforest trek from Londorossi Gate.

  2. Day02

    Shira 1 Camp

    Altitude: 3,500mWalking: 5-6h

    Emerge onto the vast Shira Plateau with panoramic views.

  3. Day03

    Shira 2 Camp

    Altitude: 3,900mWalking: 4-5h

    Cross the ancient caldera. Routes converge here before diverging.

  4. Day04

    Moir Hut

    Altitude: 4,200mWalking: 5-6h

    Climb to Lava Tower (4,630m), then turn north to remote Moir Hut instead of south.

  5. Day05

    Buffalo Camp

    Altitude: 4,020mWalking: 5h

    The most remote section. Traverse northern slopes with views to Amboseli.

  6. Day06

    Third Cave Camp

    Altitude: 3,870mWalking: 4h

    Continue northern traverse. Spectacular golden-hour photography light.

  7. Day07

    School Hut

    Altitude: 4,750mWalking: 5-6h

    Cross the Saddle to summit base camp. 9 days of acclimatization advantage.

  8. Day08

    Summit + DescentSummit day

    Altitude: 5,895m → 3,720mWalking: 12-14h

    Midnight push. Your acclimatized body handles it better — this is why 98% succeed.

  9. Day09

    Descent to Gate

    Altitude: 3,720m → 1,860mWalking: 4-5h

    Final descent through moorland and forest to Marangu Gate.

Honest take

Is the Northern Circuit right for you?

Why climbers pick it

  • Highest success rate of ANY route (98%)
  • 360-degree views — every angle
  • Almost zero traffic on north side
  • Maximum acclimatization (9 days)
  • True expedition feel

Things to weigh up

  • Most expensive (9 days)
  • Requires 9 days minimum
  • Some very basic/remote camps
  • Long trekking distance

Best for: Those who must summit, experienced trekkers wanting the full experience, photographers, anyone with altitude sensitivity.

When to climb

The months we recommend for this route are marked. It's open all year; ask and we'll tell you what to expect in the wetter months.

  1. Jan (recommended)
  2. Feb (recommended)
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun (recommended)
  7. Jul (recommended)
  8. Aug (recommended)
  9. Sep (recommended)
  10. Oct (recommended)
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

How to prepare for the climbWhat a climb costs

Questions about the Northern Circuit

Why is the success rate so high?

9 days of gradual altitude gain gives maximum acclimatization. By summit night, you've spent a full week above 3,500m.

Is 9 days too long?

Each day is moderate (4-6 hours walking). Many climbers say it was the best decision they made.

How remote is the northern side?

Very. Days 4-6 you may not see another group. True wilderness camping. Our teams carry everything needed.

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