The Northern Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the south, offering a relatively new and less-crowded trekking experience. Impressively, it boasts a high success rate of approximately 98% in summiting the mountain. This route is gaining popularity due to its unique features, including breathtaking vistas, comfortable camping amenities, and opportunities to encounter Kilimanjaro’s wildlife. The gradual ascent on Kilimanjaro’s Northern Circuit Route not only increases the likelihood of a successful summit but also reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
The optimal period for trek Mount Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit Route is from December to mid-March and mid-June to October, ensuring clear skies and minimal rainfall for smoother trekking. Enjoy breathtaking vistas during your Mount Kilimanjaro ascent via this route. With moderate temperatures, it strikes a comfortable balance, allowing for a smoother journey to the summit. The predictability of weather during these times facilitates better trip planni
The Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Route caters to a range of trekkers. For those less experienced at high altitudes, the nine-day hike with an added day for acclimatization offers an optimal chance for success. Seasoned trekkers may opt for the more challenging eight-day ascent, making it suitable for various skill levels.
Today is an acclimatisation of Northern Circuit Route 9 days and you will continue along a steep ridge passing the Great Barranco Wall passing below the Heim Glacier and through the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley where you will have views of the summit from many different angles with us.
Overnight: Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha.
Your Northern Circuit Route 9 days will begin in the forest; however, you will soon leave it behind, taking a steep track into a zone of giant heather and volcanic rock. This is a full day ascending the lush rolling hills below the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. The trail begins to ease as you reach the edge of the plateau, reaching camp after 5-6 hours. The view of Kibo across the plateau is incredible.
Starting Point: Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,190ft).
End Point: Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft).
Walking Duration: 3-4 Hours approx.
Elevation Gain: 750m/2,460ft.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Northern Circuit Route 9 days Trek across the Shira Plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral (3,880m). Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. The day finishes with a gradual climb to Shira 2 Camp. Trekking time without the optional excursion is approximately 3 hours. Including acclimatisation to the peak of Shira Cathedral will add approximately 1 hour.
Starting Point: Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft).
End Point: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft).
Walking Duration: 3-4 Hours approx.
Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Your climb today through Northern Circuit Route 9 days will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridge lines of high desert to Lava Tower. The trek to the base of the tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic plug, takes around 4-5 hours. From Lava Tower head north west beginning your circuit of Kibo, the almighty summit cone of Mount Kilimanjaro. Moir Huts is an isolated and seldom used camp, affording views over the Shira Plateau. Total trekking time approximately 6-7 hours. An alternative would be to take a gentle ascent across the alpine desert to Moir Huts in the morning and spend the afternoon on a guided trek of the nearby Lent Group, a series of wind eroded parasite cones from which you can gaze down to the plains of Kenya.
Starting Point: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft).
Via: Lava Tower (4,600m/15,090ft).
End Point: Moir Huts (4,200m/13,780ft).
Walking Duration: 5-7 Hours approx.
Elevation Gain: 400m/1,310ft.
Overnight: Moir Huts, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today you will delve more deeply into the stark alpine desert. If you chose not to explore the Lent Group yesterday, take a short detour to the top of Little Lent Hill (4,375m/14,350ft) in the morning before regaining the trail to Buffalo Camp. The total trekking time today is approximately 5 – 7 hours covering a distance of 12km.
Starting Point: Moir Huts (4,200m/13,780ft).
End Point: Buffalo/Pofu Camp (4,020m/13,190ft).
Walking Duration 5-7 Hours approx.
Elevation Gain: 180m/590ft.
Overnight: Buffalo/Pofu Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Proceed onwards passing valleys and hiking ridges, through alpine desert and moorland, continuing your circuit towards the east. This rarely traveled route allows you to enjoy the vast mountain wilderness in peace. Trekking time today is 5 – 7 hours.
Starting Point: Buffalo/Pofu Camp (4,020m/13,190ft).
End Point: Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft).
Elevation Loss: 150m/490ft.
Overnight: Third Cave Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Climb steadily to reach the saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here, continue upwards to reach School Hut Campsite in the early afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for your summit ascent, which will begin in the early hours of the morning. Despite the short distance of 5km covered, trekking time is approximately 4-5 hours due to the high altitude and steep incline.
Starting Point: Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft).
End Point: School Huts (4,750m/15,580ft).
Elevation Gain: 880m/2,880ft.
Overnight: School Huts, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5,756m). The hike from here to Uhuru Peak is gradual and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes it feel long and tiring. After summit celebrations descend from the rim at Stella Point, to Barafu Camp and then straight down to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way. This part of the descent takes about 6 hours, covering new terrain. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Starting Point: School Huts (4,750m/15,580ft).
Via: Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft).
End Point Mweka Camp 3,068m.
Elevation Gain: 1,145m/3,760ft.
Elevation Loss: 2,785m/9,140ft.
Overnight: Mweka Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
After a leisurely breakfast, you will continue your descent to the Mweka Gate where successful climbers receive their summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting for you and will drive you to Arusha where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Starting Point: Mweka Camp 3,068m.
End Point: Mweka Gate 1,640m.
Walking Time: 3-5 Hours approx.
Overnight: Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast.
The Northern Circuit Route is a scenic trekking path on Mount Kilimanjaro known for its remote and less crowded experience. It offers a gradual ascent with clear views due to lower rainfall on the northern slope.
The Northern Circuit Route is ideal for trekkers seeking a remote, less crowded experience on Kilimanjaro. It's suitable for those who prefer a gradual ascent, uninterrupted by steep climbs, and appreciate clear views due to lower rainfall on the northern slope. This route is also a good option for climbers during the rainy season.
The Northern Circuit Route typically takes nine days to complete, allowing for effective acclimatization and increasing the chances of a successful summit. Experienced trekkers may opt for the more challenging eight-day ascent along the Northern Circuit.
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