Northern Circuit: Kilimanjaro's Most Beautiful Route

From gate to gate the Northern Circuit Route is 80.5 kilometres / 50 miles long. In comparison, it is somewhat longer than other routes. This is due to the fact that route takes "detour" on the Northern side of the mountain, looking like a circuit. This also explains the name. The hard numbers:

Days: 8 or 9 days

Total Distance: 80.5 kilometres (50miles)

Ascent: 4,710 metres (15,453 feet)

Descent: 5,340 metres (17,520 feet)

Day-to-day distance on a 9-day climb

Day 1: 6 kilometres (3.73 miles)

Day 2: 10.5 kilometres (6.52 miles)

Day 3: 8 kilometres (4.97 miles)

Day 4: 11 kilometres (6.83 miles)

Day 5: 10 kilometres (6.21 miles)

Day 6: 5.6 kilometres (3.48 miles)

Day 7: 4 kilometres (2.49 miles)

Day 8: 18 kilometres (11.18 miles)

Day 9: 9 kilometres (5.59 miles)

If you want to be more or less sure that you will summit Kilimanjaro, then you must know that the Northern Circuit Route has the absolute highest success rates. About 95% of all Northern Circuit climbers make it to Uhuru Peak. Pretty impressive, but that's not all. The Northern Circuit Route is the newest route and takes a trail less travelled. Just like the Lemosho Route, it starts at Londorossi Gate and follows the Southern trails all the way until Lava Tower, where Lemosho climbers keep going; Northern Circuit hikers turn around and go in a northerly direction. They circumnavigate Kibo, traversing less frequented trails. This section of the mountain is predominantly visited by Northern Circuit hikers, a relatively small group, resulting in tranquil and nearly deserted camping grounds.

So if you are looking for peace and quiet, the Northern Circuit is a good idea. The route can be done in 8 or 9 days and this makes it also the longest route on Kilimanjaro. We often call this the hiking route - for those people who enjoy a good trek. With an ascent on the Western side of Kilimanjaro, a Northern loop around Kibo and a descent via the Southern slopes, you are also experiencing the mountain in a unique way. The amazing Shira Plateau, the views onto the open Kenyan plains, and glimpses of the Summit. Because the trails are so quiet, you might even come eye to eye with a surprised eland or buffalo. Quite honestly, for our Kilimanjaro ascent last year, I would have loved to have done the Northern Circuit Route. We can't imagine a purer Kili experience.

If you don't mind a bit of trekking, then the Northern Circuit is right up your alley. It's quite a distance but despite being the longest route, its extended itinerary contributes to an optimal acclimatization profile. This means that your body will adapt to the altitude in the most optimal way. That in turn makes the Northern Circuit one of the least challenging of all routes. Longer = Easier. This sounds contradictory but it is a fact: The longer you take, the better your chances of summiting.

The terrain of the Northern Circuit is quite straightforward and doesn't include any technical segments like for example the Barranco Wall on the Lemosho and the Machame Route. It's not a walk in the park, but it's a relatively gentle trek.

There are no seasonal restrictions on Kilimanjaro. The mountain is open to trekking and climbing expeditions all year round. Having said that, there are certain months which a more suitable than others. The rainy season lasts from April to May and November to December. 

The dry season includes January to March and June to October. As such, like other routes, the Northern Circuit Route is a route that is best enjoyed during the dry season. On some other routes, it makes sense to go trekking outside of high season. Routes like the Machame and the Lemosho Route are much quieter in the wet season. This rule of thumb doesn't really apply to the Northern Circuit. This is a route that is quiet year round. 

We’ve said this before and we will say it again. Kilimanjaro is a trekking mountain, not a climbing mountain. Trekking = Hiking, so the best training for Kilimanjaro is to go hiking. Some websites will tell you that you need to cross-train, biking, swimming, weight training, or even go on a diet. No. Again, pole pole. Just become the best version of yourself and start with that process about two months in advance. You can follow a strict training plan or just keep the following things in mind.

We recommend a minimum of three hiking/walking sessions per week, each lasting at least one hour. The specifics of your sessions, such as distance, duration, and elevation gain, will largely depend on the available trails in your area. Ideally, you should look for trails that are a few miles long and include a challenging uphill section that can be completed in approximately one hour. Finding a convenient location for your training will enable you to schedule regular sessions and easily track your progress.

Additionally, try to make time for longer day hikes, as they are excellent training opportunities. A solid day hike typically lasts four to six hours and involves moderate elevation changes of around 1,000 feet (305 meters), all while carrying a 20 lb. (9 kg) pack. If you feel up to the challenge, don't hesitate to tackle harder trails; they will provide even more beneficial training for your Kilimanjaro climb. If you don't have access to outdoor trails, don't worry. Training on stairs can be an excellent alternative to simulate the climbing experience on Kilimanjaro. You can also make use of a stair master machine for productive training sessions.

To mimic the challenge of climbing the mountain, wear your backpack and maintain a slow and steady pace. We suggest dedicating 1-2 hours to climbing stairs or using the StairMaster. What goes up, must come down. Descending Kilimanjaro is harder than climbing Kilimanjaro. Train your downhill walking!

Now, are you feeling confident and do you think you have most of the hiking under the belt? Then you can change it up. Go for a run, do stretching exercises, yoga, maybe even weight. Essentially, anything that can help to improve your overall fitness is a plus. Just make sure your main focus is hiking.