Mount Kilimanjaro Northern circuit route
Northern Circuit route Kilimanjaro – 98% Summit Success Rates
The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is the longest trail to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. This route, also known as the “360 route”, is less crowded due to its length and complexity, offering a more solitary experience. It takes approximately 9-10 days to complete, offering a complete traverse of the mountain, including the untouched northern slopes. The northern circuit route itinerary typically starts at the Londorossi Gate, then proceeds through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, across the northern slopes to the eastern side of the mountain, and finally ascends to the summit from the east. This route provides trekkers with stunning panoramic views, diverse landscapes, and a high success rate due to its longer acclimatization period. One of the key advantages of the Northern Circuit Route is its high success rate, ranging from over 95% to 98%. This is due to its extended length, which allows trekkers to acclimatize better to the altitude. It’s known for its serene and less-traveled paths, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter and more scenic experience.
Northern Circuit Route Pros and Cons
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most comprehensive trek on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering stunning panoramic views and a high success rate due to its longer acclimatization period. However, it is also the most expensive route due to its length and the need for more supplies and staff. Additionally, the trek can be physically demanding and time-consuming, taking up to 9 days to complete.
Which Kilimanjaro route has the highest success rate?
Northern Circuit Route has the highest Kilimanjaro Success Rate which is 98% and approaches from south of Kilimanjaro. As we have mentioned earlier, It is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro which offers the most spectacular view of overall 360 degree scenery of Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on this route takes 8 to 9 days to the summit.
Due to its extended length, much of which hovers around the same altitude for improved acclimatization, the Northern Circuit route has the highest success rate of any of the routes on Mount Kilimanjaro of over 95% to 98%.
The trek begins at the Londorossi Gate and makes its way up the western flanks of the mountain, passing through the rainforest and climbing onto the the Shira Ridge.
From there, it is up to the Shira Plateau itself, before heading north to circle in a clockwise direction starting at the Moir Hut, then moving on to Buffalo Camp, and finally School Hut. Along the way, trekkers make an almost 360 degree hike around Kilimanjaro, before summiting from the east.
Success rates | 9 day: 90% to 95% 8 day: 90% to 95% |
Starting point | West |
Number of days | 9 to 10 days |
Elevation of starting point | 7,380 feet (2,250 meters) |
Distance | 55 miles (88 kilometers)Longest route. |
Views | Varying scenic views. Unique views from the northern slopes. |
Cost | High end. Costly due to the longer duration of the route. |
Traffic | Quiet with low number of climbers |
Huts or tents | Tents |
Climb high sleep low | Possible. |
Level of difficulty | High. Difficult terrains. |
Descending route | Mweka Route |
WHAT IS THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE SCENERY LIKE?
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most immersive trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. The scenery is incredibly diverse and breathtaking, offering trekkers a panoramic view of the mountain from various sides. The route traverses lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and icy arctic zones. It also passes by the stunning Shira plateau, the Lava Tower, and the beautiful Barranco Wall. The Northern Circuit also offers a unique view of the untouched northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, which are not seen on other routes.
HOW HARD IS CLIMB KILIMANJARO ON THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE?
Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit route is considered moderately challenging due to its length and altitude. It is the longest route, taking 9-10 days, which allows for better acclimatization and thus, a higher success rate. However, the trek is physically demanding with long hiking days and steep trails, especially during the final summit night. The altitude can also cause sickness in some climbers. Despite these challenges, no technical climbing skills are required, making it accessible for fit individuals with proper preparation and acclimatization.
IS THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE BUSY?
The Northern Circuit Route, often referred to in the context of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, is typically less crowded compared to other routes. This is due to its longer duration and higher cost. The route takes 9-10 days to complete, allowing for better acclimatization and increasing the chances of reaching the summit. Despite its lower traffic, the Northern Circuit is praised for its stunning and diverse scenery.
HOW LONG IS THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE ON KILIMANJARO?
The Northern Circuit route on Mount Kilimanjaro is the longest route in terms of distance and time, spanning approximately 98 kilometers (or about 61 miles). It typically takes climbers between 8 to 9 days to complete, depending on their pace and acclimatization to the altitude. This route is known for its scenic beauty and lower traffic, offering a more solitary and immersive experience.
Day | Daily Activities |
1 | Arrival: From Kilimanjaro International Airport, we pick you up and transport you to your lodge. Here, you meet your hiking companions and mountain crew. Spend time together over dinner and unwind before your lead guide briefs you |
2 | Pristine Forest: You travel to the Londorossi Park Gate today to register with the Kilimanjaro National Park. After that, you begin the hike from Lemosho Gate and walk for three to four hours through the mountain rainforest until arriving at Mkubwa Camp (2,895 m), where you spend the night |
3 | Heath Zone: You traverse the remainder of the rainforest today before approaching the moorland. Shira Plateau and Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m), where you spend the night, are reached by the trail. The duration of today’s hike is roughly five to six hours. |
4 | Shira Plateau: You travel for four to six hours today to reach Shira 2 Camp (3,810 m) across the Shira Plateau. At this point in the walk, the weather starts to drastically change, with the evenings occasionally dropping below freezing. |
5 | Alphine Desert: You should anticipate a two to three-hour hike through the high alpine desert on this day. You hike to Shark’s Tooth rock formation. After that, you return to Moir Camp (4,206 m). This day is crucial for acclimatisation. |
6 | Northern Slope: You go on a four to five-hour hike today. As you circumnavigate Kibo’s north face, the hike begins with a sharp ascent. To get to Pofu Camp (4,033 m), where you spend the night, you must first cross an alpine desert. |
7 | Third Cave: The trip today is lengthy but has the potential to be highly rewarding, much like the last couple of days. Buffaloes can occasionally be seen here. On this four to six-hour hike, you traverse valleys before arriving at Third Cave (3,870 m), where you spend the night |
8 | Alphine Desert: You start a slow ascent today over the Saddle, a strip of desolate terrain that connects the two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Given that it is a high-altitude desert, the terrain is rather hostile. To reach Kibo Hut (4,750 m), you must climb for four to five hours. Here, you can rest up for the big day. |
9 | Summit Day: This is where it’s all been leading. It’s time to get creative now. At midnight, your guide wakes you to get ready. The path climbs northwest into the pitch-black night. You arrive at Stella Point in around six to seven hours, and then, after another hour of walking, you’re at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa’s highest point! You succeeded! You then climb down to Mweka Camp for six to eight hours (3,068 m). You hiked today for a total of 12 to 16 hours! |
10 | Last Day on the Mountain: Today you complete the final three-hour hike through a stunning jungle that leads to the foot of the mountain. You meet your driver at Mweka Gate (1,640 m), and they transport you back to the resort. Time for hugs and a toast with a beverage! Trust us, it was followed by an epically long nap. |
11 | Departure: Your daily activities has over and a well deserved rest is in order. We admire the impressive Mt. Kilimanjaro before escorting you to the airport, where we say goodbye. |
NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE PARK FEES
Kilimanjaro National Park Fees | |
Conservation fees | USD 70 per day |
Camping fees | USD 50 per day |
Rescue fees | USD 20 per hiker |
Guide and porter entrance fees | USD 2 per supporting crew |
Forestry entry fees | USD 10 per hiker |
Forestry vehicles entry fees | USD 20 per vehicle |
Tourism added tax ( VAT) | 18% |
Retail value tax added | 18% |
Total | USD 1528.86 |
11 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO – NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE IN 9 DAYS – PRICES AND SERVICES
GROUP SIZE | PRICE PER PERSON |
1 person | $ 3,918/person |
2-4 people | $ 3,228/person |
5-9 people | $ 2,683/person |
10 + people | $ 2,550/person |
INCLUDED
- Accommodation in Standard Hotels on Twin Sharing Basis
- Equipment
- Local Guide & Support Staffs
- All Private Ground Transportation Including Airport Transfers
- Meals in the Mountain
- Lifetime Deposit
- No Booking Fee
- For Your Information, International flights, and Tanzania visas aren’t included. Rooms are usually shared by two people unless you request a private room. Also, you can upgrade to better hotels in the mountains and even in the cities. For your customized services.
Costs of additional services:
- Extra day on the Mountain costs $350 per person.
- Extra porter, for excess gear, $30 per day
- Extra hotel night in Moshi, check-in 11 AM, check out 10 AM, per double room $180
- Sleeping bag rental, Mountain Hardware Lamina, synthetic -30F, per trip $50
- Trekking poles rental, telescopic, per trip $20
