Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro's longest and most gradual route — circling the mountain's quiet north side for the highest acclimatization, and the highest success rate.
Northern Circuit Route – Kilimanjaro's Longest And Most Gradual Path
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest of Kilimanjaro's standard routes, approaching from the west via Lemosho before looping around the mountain's remote northern slopes — the same quiet territory the Rongai Route passes through — on its way to the summit. Few climbers choose this side of the mountain, so for much of the trek you'll have the trail largely to yourselves.
What defines the Northern Circuit is time: at 8 or 9 days, it spends longer above altitude than any other route, giving the body a gradual, unhurried climb profile with more sleeping-altitude progression built in. That extra time on the mountain is precisely why it produces Kilimanjaro's highest summit success rates, even though the terrain itself is no more difficult than routes like Lemosho or Machame.
The route circles almost entirely around the northern and eastern faces of Kibo before joining the summit push from the north side, then descends via the Mweka Route through dense forest back to the southern gate. This wide loop means climbers see more of the mountain's different faces and climate zones than on any other route.
For climbers with the extra days to spare, and who want the best possible combination of solitude, gradual acclimatization, and summit success, the Northern Circuit is our top recommendation.
Why Climbers Choose The Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit appeals to climbers who want the best odds of reaching the summit and are willing to spend extra days on the mountain to get there.
1. The Highest Success Rate On Kilimanjaro
Because the itinerary is longer than any other route, climbers gain more time to acclimatize, which translates directly into the mountain's best summit success rates — often cited as high as 95%.
2. The Quietest Full Circuit
By routing around the seldom-visited northern slopes, the Northern Circuit avoids the busier southern camps for most of the trek, offering a genuinely remote, uncrowded experience even during peak season.
3. Gradual, Well-Paced Ascent
The extra distance is spread out rather than steep, so daily walking times stay reasonable while the body benefits from a slower, steadier gain in sleeping altitude — widely considered the single biggest factor in summit success.
4. Sees The Most Of The Mountain
Because it circles almost the entire massif, the Northern Circuit passes through more distinct landscapes and viewpoints than any other route, including views of Kibo from angles most climbers never see.
What To Expect On The Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro
As the longest route on the mountain, the Northern Circuit passes through every one of Kilimanjaro's climate zones, with more time spent in each than on shorter routes.
1. Rainforest Zone
The trek begins at Londorossi Gate on the western side, climbing through lush montane rainforest similar to the start of the Lemosho Route, with a good chance of spotting colobus monkeys in the canopy.
2. Moorland And Shira Plateau
The trail opens onto the vast Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic caldera with sweeping views of Kibo's western face, before the route turns north into quieter moorland few other climbers ever see.
3. Northern Slopes And Alpine Desert
This is the heart of the Northern Circuit's distinctiveness — several days spent circling the mountain's remote northern side through open alpine desert, well away from the crowds of the southern routes, with camps offering some of the clearest night skies on the mountain.
4. Arctic Zone And Summit Push
The route rejoins the standard summit path from the north before the final push to Uhuru Peak, crossing scree and, higher up, snow and ice. The extra acclimatization typically makes for a steadier, less exhausting summit night than on shorter routes.
5. Expert Support Throughout The Journey
Experienced guides and porters accompany the group at every stage, managing camp logistics, preparing meals, and monitoring each climber's health and progress to help maximise both safety and enjoyment.
Best Time To Climb The Northern Circuit Route
1. Dry Season (Late June To October)
The most popular window to climb the Northern Circuit, with firm trails and generally clear views. Even during this busier period, the route's northern camps stay quiet compared with the southern circuit routes.
2. Dry Season (Late December To March)
A second reliable dry window with stable weather, slightly warmer than the mid-year season and well suited to the route's long itinerary.
3. Rainy Seasons (April, May And November)
These months bring more rain and reduced visibility, particularly in the lower rainforest zone. Camps are at their absolute quietest during this period.
Available Northern Circuit Route Packages
Below you will find our current Northern Circuit Route packages, including detailed itineraries, pricing, and what is included in each option. Choose the package that best suits your schedule, budget, and level of experience, and our team will be happy to help you prepare for this unforgettable journey to the roof of Africa.
9-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking – Northern Circuit Route
Explore Other Kilimanjaro Routes
The Northern Circuit is just one of several ways to reach Uhuru Peak. Here's how it compares to two other routes we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions — Northern Circuit Route
Everything you need to know about climbing Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route with Dubu Adventures.
How many days does the Northern Circuit Route take?
The Northern Circuit is usually done over 8 or 9 days, making it the longest standard itinerary on Kilimanjaro. The extra length is exactly what drives its high success rate, so we recommend allowing the full 9 days where your schedule permits.
What is the success rate of the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate of any standard Kilimanjaro route, commonly cited at around 90-95%, thanks to its long, gradual acclimatization profile.
Is the Northern Circuit Route good for beginners?
Yes — the terrain itself is no harder than other non-technical routes, and the extra acclimatization time actually makes it one of the more comfortable options for first-time high-altitude trekkers, provided you have the extra days available.
Where does the Northern Circuit Route start and end?
The Northern Circuit begins at Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro and descends via the Mweka Route on the southern side, after looping almost entirely around the mountain's northern slopes.
What accommodation is used on the Northern Circuit Route?
Climbers sleep in tented camps throughout, as on all routes other than Marangu, with camps set up and taken down each day by the trekking crew.
Is the Northern Circuit Route crowded?
No — it's one of the quietest routes on the mountain. Its wide loop around the remote northern slopes keeps it well away from the busier southern circuit camps for most of the trek.
Does the Northern Circuit Route have a Barranco Wall or similar scramble?
Some Northern Circuit itineraries route through the Barranco Valley and its short scrambling section, similar to Lemosho and Machame, though this is not technical climbing and no prior scrambling experience is required.
When is the best time to climb the Northern Circuit Route?
The two dry seasons — late June to October, and late December to March — offer the most stable weather and clearest views. The rainy months of April, May, and November are quieter still, though trails can be muddier in the lower forest zone.
What is included in a Northern Circuit Route package?
Our Northern Circuit Route packages include park fees and camping fees, professional guides and porters, all meals on the mountain, and airport or hotel transfers to and from the trailhead. Full inclusions are listed on each individual package.
Ready to climb the Northern Circuit Route? Our experienced team is here to help you plan every detail of your Kilimanjaro adventure — from the right package to the right preparation.
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- +255 686 371 755
- info@dubuadventures.com
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