Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route Trekking

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most comprehensive trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering the ultimate experience for climbers seeking exceptional scenery, excellent acclimatization, and a high summit success rate. Taking approximately 8 to 9 days, this trail is a full circumnavigation of Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, starting from the Lemosho Route on the western side and traversing through remote wilderness areas that few climbers get to see. After passing through the lush rainforest and crossing the Shira Plateau, the trail branches north at Lava Tower, leading trekkers onto the rarely visited northern face of Kilimanjaro — an area characterized by wide open views, minimal crowds, and a true sense of alpine solitude. The Northern Circuit gently wraps around the mountain, offering more time to adapt to high altitude and less physical strain per day compared to steeper, shorter routes. This makes it an ideal option for first-time high-altitude trekkers and those determined to reach Uhuru Peak with the lowest risk of altitude sickness. Along the way, trekkers enjoy breathtaking campsites like Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, and Third Cave, before joining the summit approach at School Hut and ascending via Gilman’s Point. The descent is via the Mweka Route, giving climbers a full cross-section of Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems, from rainforest to arctic glaciers. The Northern Circuit is a fully supported camping route, and although it is less frequented due to its length and remote nature, it is widely regarded as the most rewarding and well-rounded route on Kilimanjaro. From sweeping vistas of Mount Meru to the serene silence of the northern slopes, it offers unmatched tranquility, unmatched success rates, and an unforgettable connection to Africa’s tallest mountain.