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Highest Success Rate

Northern Circuit
Kilimanjaro Climb

The Northern Circuit is the longest and most comprehensive route on Mount Kilimanjaro, circling the entire mountain for unmatched acclimatization and a 97% summit success rate — the highest of any route.

9 Days 97% Summit Rate Challenging Exceptional Scenery From $2,200
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Quick Facts

Duration9 Days
Distance~98 km
Summit Altitude5,895 m
DifficultyChallenging
Success Rate97%
Group Size1 – 12
Best SeasonJan-Mar / Jun-Oct
Price From$2,200
Route Overview

Why Choose the Northern Circuit?

The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, and for good reason. By circling the entire mountain over 9 days, it provides the most comprehensive acclimatization profile of any route, giving you the highest possible chance of reaching the summit.

Starting from the Londorossi Gate on the western side, the route traverses the remote Shira Plateau and then circles around the northern slopes — an area most climbers never see. You'll walk through pristine rainforest, alpine desert, and high-altitude荒原 before the final summit push from Barafu Camp.

The Northern Circuit is ideal for trekkers who want the best possible acclimatization, wish to avoid crowds, and are looking for the most immersive Kilimanjaro experience. The extra days on the mountain allow for a gentle, gradual ascent that minimizes altitude sickness risk.

Route Highlights

Longest route — most comprehensive experience
Circles the entire mountain
Best acclimatization profile (97% success)
Remote wilderness — fewest crowds
Diverse ecosystems from rainforest to glacier
Most days at altitude for gradual ascent

Route Summary

Duration9 Days
Distance~98 km
DifficultyChallenging
Success Rate97%
Price From$2,200
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Day by Day

Northern Circuit Itinerary

Follow the detailed 9-day journey circling Mount Kilimanjaro from the rainforest to the summit.

1
Londorossi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m)
2,100m – 2,750m ~7 km 3–4 hours Mti Mkubwa Camp

Begin at Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Trek through lush montane rainforest teeming with colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and tropical birdlife. The trail winds through dense canopy before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp in a clearing surrounded by giant trees.

Rainforest Zone Wildlife Spotting Gentle Start
2
Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
2,750m – 3,500m ~8 km 5–6 hours Shira 1 Camp

Ascend through the heath and moorland zone, where the landscape opens up to reveal giant lobelias, groundsels, and heather. Cross the Shira Ridge and enter the vast Shira Plateau — one of the highest plateaus in the world. Camp with stunning views of Kibo Peak on the horizon.

Heath & Moorland Shira Plateau Giant Lobelias
3
Shira 1 (3,500m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
3,500m – 3,900m ~8 km 4–5 hours Shira 2 Camp

Traverse the expansive Shira Plateau with panoramic views of Mount Meru and the peaks of Kilimanjaro. The terrain is relatively flat with gentle undulations, allowing your body to acclimatize gradually. Shira 2 Camp sits in an alpine desert landscape with Kibo looming large ahead.

Shira Plateau Traverse Panoramic Views Acclimatization Day
4
Shira 2 (3,900m) → Moir Camp (4,200m)
3,900m – 4,200m ~10 km 5–6 hours Moir Camp

Leave the Shira Plateau and head north toward the remote Moir Camp. This is where the Northern Circuit separates from all other routes — you'll be in pristine wilderness with virtually no other trekkers. Pass through giant senecios and lobelias in the high-altitude desert landscape. Moir Camp sits at the base of the Lent Hills.

Remote Wilderness Giant Senecios No Crowds
5
Moir Camp (4,200m) → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,950m)
4,200m – 4,630m – 3,950m ~12 km 6–7 hours Barranco Camp

The classic climb-high, sleep-low day. Ascend to the Lava Tower (4,630m) — a dramatic volcanic rock formation — for lunch, then descend through the Arrow Glacier zone to Barranco Camp. This critical acclimatization day pushes your altitude tolerance while allowing recovery at lower elevation overnight.

Lava Tower Climb High, Sleep Low Arrow Glacier
6
Barranco Camp (3,950m) → Karanga Camp (4,000m)
3,950m – 4,000m ~6 km 4–5 hours Karanga Camp

Tackle the famous Barranco Wall — a steep but non-technical scramble that rewards you with breathtaking views. Cross the alpine desert landscape to Karanga Camp, the last water stop before the summit. The dramatic scenery includes glacial valleys and the imposing ice walls of Kibo.

Barranco Wall Alpine Desert Last Water Stop
7
Karanga (4,000m) → Barafu Camp (4,640m)
4,000m – 4,640m ~5 km 3–4 hours Barafu Camp

A shorter trek to Barafu Camp (the staging point for the summit attempt). Arrive by early afternoon, eat well, and rest. The guides will brief you on the midnight summit start. Barafu sits on a exposed ridge with spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak and the glaciers of Kibo.

Barafu Camp Summit Briefing Early Rest
8
Barafu (4,640m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,060m) ⛰️ SUMMIT
4,640m – 5,895m – 3,060m ~20 km 12–15 hours Mweka Camp

Summit day. Depart around midnight, ascending by headlamp through scree and volcanic ash toward Stella Point (5,756m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the Roof of Africa. Watch the sunrise over the African plains from the highest point on the continent. Descend to Barafu for a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp in the rainforest zone.

Summit Night Uhuru Peak 5,895m Sunrise at the Top Descent to Mweka
9
Mweka Camp (3,060m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m)
3,060m – 1,640m ~10 km 3–4 hours Mweka Gate

Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate. Celebrate your achievement with your guides and porters. Transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest and celebration dinner.

Descent Through Rainforest Summit Certificate Celebration
Northern Circuit Packages

Choose Your Northern Circuit Adventure

Multiple options to match your schedule and fitness level.

9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Trek Best Acclimatization 9 Days

9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Trek

The 9 Days Northern Circuit Route offers 9 full days of trekking on Kilimanjaro's longest and most extraordinary route — a complet...

  • Full 360-degree circumnavigation of Kibo Peak — the only route that circles the entire mountain
  • 95% summit success rate — the highest on Kilimanjaro thanks to 9 days of optimal acclimatisation
  • Remote northern traverse with unparalleled solitude and views of Kenya's Amboseli plains
  • Tented camping throughout for an authentic wilderness expedition feel
  • Start from Londorossi Gate (2,250 m) on the lush western slopes
$2,350 /person
What's Included

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

  • Airport transfers (JRO)
  • All national park fees ($1,098)
  • WFR-certified English-speaking guides
  • Porter service
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Tented accommodation
  • AMREF evacuation cover
  • Summit certificate
  • Oxygen & first-aid equipment

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel & medical insurance
  • Visa fees ($50-100)
  • Personal climbing gear
  • Tips for guides & porters
  • Accommodation before/after climb
  • Alcoholic beverages
Available Dates

Northern Circuit Group Departures

Choose from our confirmed departure dates. All trips are guaranteed to run.

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

10 seats available
01 Jul 2026 — 11 Jul 2026 11 Days Max 10
From
$2,790/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

6 seats available
04 Jul 2026 — 12 Jul 2026 9 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

6 seats available
12 Jul 2026 — 21 Jul 2026 10 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

9 seats available
21 Jul 2026 — 29 Jul 2026 9 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

5 seats available
04 Aug 2026 — 12 Aug 2026 9 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
15 Aug 2026 — 25 Aug 2026 11 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

7 seats available
16 Aug 2026 — 26 Aug 2026 11 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
22 Aug 2026 — 30 Aug 2026 9 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

6 seats available
03 Sep 2026 — 12 Sep 2026 10 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

4 seats available
05 Sep 2026 — 15 Sep 2026 11 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
15 Sep 2026 — 24 Sep 2026 10 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

6 seats available
23 Sep 2026 — 02 Oct 2026 10 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

6 seats available
04 Oct 2026 — 13 Oct 2026 10 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

7 seats available
14 Oct 2026 — 23 Oct 2026 10 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

5 seats available
17 Oct 2026 — 27 Oct 2026 11 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

7 seats available
12 Nov 2026 — 21 Nov 2026 10 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

3 seats left
14 Nov 2026 — 24 Nov 2026 11 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
02 Dec 2026 — 11 Dec 2026 10 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
18 Dec 2026 — 27 Dec 2026 10 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

6 seats available
26 Dec 2026 — 05 Jan 2027 11 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
03 Jan 2027 — 12 Jan 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

4 seats available
09 Jan 2027 — 19 Jan 2027 11 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
15 Jan 2027 — 24 Jan 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
05 Feb 2027 — 14 Feb 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

5 seats available
13 Feb 2027 — 23 Feb 2027 11 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
06 Mar 2027 — 15 Mar 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

7 seats available
13 Mar 2027 — 23 Mar 2027 11 Days Max 10
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
01 Jun 2027 — 10 Jun 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

9 seats available
07 Jun 2027 — 16 Jun 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
14 Jun 2027 — 23 Jun 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
02 Jul 2027 — 11 Jul 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

9 seats available
08 Jul 2027 — 17 Jul 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

7 seats available
13 Jul 2027 — 22 Jul 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

9 seats available
18 Jul 2027 — 27 Jul 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
02 Aug 2027 — 11 Aug 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

7 seats available
08 Aug 2027 — 17 Aug 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

9 seats available
04 Sep 2027 — 13 Sep 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
08 Sep 2027 — 17 Sep 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

9 seats available
13 Sep 2027 — 22 Sep 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
04 Oct 2027 — 13 Oct 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

9 seats available
08 Oct 2027 — 17 Oct 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
02 Dec 2027 — 11 Dec 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

9 seats available
07 Dec 2027 — 16 Dec 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

8 seats available
11 Dec 2027 — 20 Dec 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

7 seats available
14 Dec 2027 — 23 Dec 2027 10 Days Max 12
From
$2,350/pp
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The Northern Circuit has a 97% summit success rate — the highest of any Kilimanjaro route — because it is the longest route at 9 days. The extra days allow for a much more gradual ascent with multiple climb-high/sleep-low opportunities. Your body has more time to produce red blood cells and adjust to the thin air, dramatically reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Both routes start from the Londorossi Gate, but the Northern Circuit diverges at Shira 2 and circles around the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro before descending via Barranco and Mweka. Lemosho takes 7-8 days while Northern Circuit takes 9 days. The extra day provides superior acclimatization and passes through the most remote and least-visited areas of the mountain.
Not at all — 9 days is actually an advantage. The additional time on the mountain provides the best acclimatization of any route, resulting in a 97% summit success rate. You'll also experience more diverse landscapes, encounter fewer crowds, and enjoy the most immersive Kilimanjaro experience. The trek itself is not technically harder than shorter routes; the pace is "pole pole" (slowly slowly) throughout.
The Northern Circuit is rated as challenging but is very achievable for fit trekkers. While the distance is longer than other routes, the daily trekking distances are manageable (5-12 km per day) and the pace is deliberately slow. The main challenge is the altitude, not the terrain. We recommend a 12-week training programme including regular hiking and cardio. Many first-time trekkers successfully complete this route.
The best months are January-March and June-October. June-October is the dry season with clear skies and the most departures — ideal for first-timers. January-March offers warmer temperatures, fewer crowds, and excellent visibility. April-May (long rains) and November (short rains) are possible but less recommended as trails can be slippery and views obscured.
Get In Touch

Plan Your Northern Circuit Climb

Ready to climb Kilimanjaro via the longest and most comprehensive route? Send us your inquiry and our team will respond within 24 hours with a detailed itinerary and pricing.

WhatsApp+255 783 884 129
Emailinfo@bushliontours.com
Call Us+255 783 884 129

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Ready to Climb Kilimanjaro via Northern Circuit?

Experience the longest route with the highest summit success rate. Circle the entire mountain on this epic 9-day adventure to the Roof of Africa.

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