The Northern Circuit Route

The Northern circuit is the newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, which is highly recommended due to the highest summit success rate. This route is the longest and best route of Kilimanjaro which combines all the breathtaking features of Mount Kilimanjaro, up to nearly 360⁰ including the peaceful, calm and seldom visited Northern slopes.

The Northern circuit is a 9 day trek, which approaches mount Kilimanjaro from the West. The route starts from Londorossi gate, then follows the Lemosho route, by trekking through the rain forest to Shira ridge, before crossing the shira plateau. Thereafter, the trek proceeds to the North, nearby the Lava Towers, and circles  clockwise from Moir hut through Buffalo camp to school hut. It then connects to the Rongai route to reach the summit from the east, then descend via the Mweka Gate

Although the Northern circuit is considered longest, it offers climbers a chance to glimpse the scenic views of the Kibo Peak, and Uhuru peak, as well as  the open plains found North of the Mountain, which are not visible from the other routes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

What is the summit success rate of the Northern Circuit to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The Northern Circuit route has the highest summit success rate to Mount Kilimanjaro from 95% to 98%  because, it follows the longest route, which takes up to 8 to 9 days to reach the summit. The route approaches the summit from the south,  offering a 360⁰ scenic view of Mount Kilimanjaro

How Long is the Northern Circuit Route.

The Northern circuit route distance is about 88km or 53 miles

How many days does it take to climb the Northern Circuit Route?

The most recommended number of the days for Northern circuit is 9 days inorer to allow the whole body acclimate, although there the short one takes  8 days.

How difficult is it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro from the Northern Circuit?

Mount Kilimanjaro is less challenging to climbe, of all the Mount Kilimanjaro trekking routes, because of the longer trekking days, which earns it the best acclimatization , hence making the trek less difficult.

What is the scenery like on  the Northern Circuit Route?

The Northern circuit route takes you through 360⁰ round scenery of Mount Kilimanjaro. That route also follows the lush Lemosho Forest, across the beautiful Shira plateau, to the most scenic but less visited North Northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route also comprises of animals like the : shy eland, and the occasional buffalos that come to lick minerals from the Natural caves on the upper slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The best time to trek the Northern Circuit

The best time to trek through the Northern circuit route is during the dry months of July, August and September, when the weather is most stable, with les or no rains. Otherwise, the route can be used during anytime of the year, since it’s close to the equator, except for April & May, that should be avoided because of the heavy rains (rainy season)