Overview
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s longest route, offering a quiet and scenic trekking experience that circles around the mountain’s northern slopes. This route is ideal for acclimatization due to its gradual ascent profile, making it a great choice for those aiming for a high summit success rate and panoramic views from all sides of the mountain.
- Duration: 8 Days
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Best Time to Trek: January to February, June to October
- Distance: 6 km
- Elevation Gain: 2,360 m to 2,895 m
- Trek Time: 3-4 hours
- Terrain: Montane Forest
- Description: Begin the trek at Londorossi Gate with registration, then a drive to the trailhead. The hike starts in a lush rainforest with occasional sightings of colobus monkeys. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp) for your first night on Kilimanjaro.
- Distance: 8 km
- Elevation Gain: 2,895 m to 3,505 m
- Trek Time: 5-6 hours
- Terrain: Heathland
- Description: As you leave the rainforest, the trail gradually climbs into the heathland with expansive views of Shira Plateau. Camp for the night at Shira 1, where you’ll experience stunning landscapes and cooler temperatures.
Day 03 :
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Distance: 7 km
- Elevation Gain: 3,505 m to 3,850 m
- Trek Time: 4-5 hours
- Terrain: Moorland
- Description: Continue across the Shira Plateau, passing unique alpine flora with views of Kibo Peak in the distance. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the moorland, a good spot for acclimatization and exploring the plateau's rugged beauty.
Day 04 :
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
- Distance: 10 km
- Elevation Gain: 3,850 m to 4,200 m
- Trek Time: 5-7 hours
- Terrain: Alpine Desert
- Description: Trek towards the alpine desert, reaching Moir Hut. This camp provides further acclimatization opportunities, with optional hikes in the surrounding area to higher altitudes. The landscape here becomes more barren, with sweeping mountain views.
Day 05 :
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
- Distance: 12 km
- Elevation Gain: 4,200 m to 4,020 m
- Trek Time: 5-7 hours
- Terrain: Rocky Trails and Alpine Desert
- Description: Following the northern circuit path, traverse the rugged terrain, moving around the mountain’s northern slopes. Reach Buffalo Camp, where you’ll enjoy a peaceful night with a view of the Kenyan plains.
- Distance: 8 km
- Elevation Gain: 4,020 m to 3,870 m
- Trek Time: 5-6 hours
- Terrain: Alpine Desert
- Description: A gentle day of hiking along the northern face of Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Third Cave Camp for a night surrounded by dramatic rock formations, preparing for the final ascent towards the summit.
Day 07 :
Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut
- Distance: 6 km
- Elevation Gain: 3,870 m to 4,800 m
- Trek Time: 4-5 hours
- Terrain: Alpine Desert
- Description: Ascend toward the high-altitude School Hut, where the landscape becomes stark and desolate. This camp is the last stop before the summit attempt, allowing climbers to rest and acclimate before the early morning summit bid.
- Distance: 21 km
- Elevation Gain: 4,800 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,068 m
- Trek Time: 12-15 hours
- Terrain: Arctic, then Alpine Desert
- Description: Depart School Hut around midnight, tackling the final ascent to Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point. Witness the sunrise at the summit before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest after a long day of trekking.
