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Northern Circuit
8 days
T3 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
250 -500 ascent per day
> Excellent views from all sides of the mountain.
> The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west
> Has the longest acclimatization time
> Giving you the highest chance of reaching the summit
The Northern Circuit Route is one of the best routes on the Kilimanjaro. It is highly praised by operators, guides and hikers for its ideal conditions and high success rate. The Northern Circuit Route, the Northern Circuit, is the longest route with 90 kilometres. The route is even 34 kilometres longer than the number two, the Lemosho Route.
The beginning of the route is more or less the same as the Lemosho, but you notice the big difference halfway through. There, the Northern Circuit Route surrounds the summit with a northern loop, after which Uhuru Peak is conquered from the east.
The result is that you get to see a lot of the Kilimanjaro massif, that you have long days and that there is therefore a lot of time for acclimatization. For this reason, it has a particularly high success rate. The Northern Circuit Route is therefore an absolute must.
Itinerary
Day
1
Moshi – Starting Point – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m)
Duration: 02:25 h
Distance: 4.7 km
Ascent: 400 m
At the break of dawn, our driver will collect you and transport you to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m), an approximately two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Upon gate registration, you'll ascend along a rugged track that winds through the dense rainforest to your trek's starting point. This moderately steep path guides you through a captivating and pristine natural forest, leading to Mkubwa Camp (2,800 m).
Because this region hosts a variety of wildlife, an armed ranger will accompany you during the initial two days of your journey.
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day
2
Mount Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)
Duration: 06:40 h
Distance: 6.35 km
Ascent: 490 m
Descent: 50 m
The trail leading to Shira Camp 1 unveils a striking shift from the lush rainforest to the arid heather moorland, marking Mount Kilimanjaro's third climate zone.
The landscape transforms into a dry expanse adorned with towering lobelias amidst delicate white flora that contrasts the dusty sand dunes. Ascending steep ridges, we arrive at the expansive Shira Plateau, offering sweeping views of Kilimanjaro's grandeur and the sun's descent behind Mount Meru in the west.
Amid the journey, we gracefully cross tranquil streams, while progressing over Shira Ridge (3,600m) and descending to the welcoming embrace of Shira Camp 1.
Shira 1 Camp
Day
3
Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)
Duration: 04:20 h
Distance: 9.5 km
Ascent: 630 m
Descent: 30 m
Today's trek involves crossing the Shira Plateau, moving from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2, where a well-timed lunch break awaits. Generally, those on the nine-day trekking plan choose to spend the night at Shira Camp 2, where they mingle with fellow trekkers arriving from the Machame Route.
However, participants on the eight-day journey have a distinct path ahead. Their route stretches eastward, leading them through the enchanting 'Garden of the Senecios' before entering the elevated expanse of the high alpine desert zone.
As the day progresses, the trail merges with the northern circuit, marking the start of a descent towards the Moir Camp nestled at an elevation of 4,200 meters.
Moir Camp
Included
Excluded
FAQ
What Makes the Northern Circuit Route So Special?
Northern Circuit Map: From Start to Finish
How Hard is the Northern Circuit?
Best Season for The Northern Circuit Route
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