Climb Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit
The newest route, the highest summit success — and the most remote
The Northern Circuit
The Best Summit Success Rate on Kilimanjaro
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest of Kilimanjaro's major routes — and the one with the highest summit success rate. Opened in 2015, it circles the mountain's remote northern and eastern flanks, passing through wilderness that the southern routes never see. In nine days on the mountain, your body has more time to acclimatize than on any other route. That is why 90-95% of climbers who take the Northern Circuit stand at Uhuru Peak.
Duration
9 days on the mountain, 12 days total with safari
Difficulty
Moderate — longer days but gradual elevation gains
Summit Success
90-95% — highest of any Kilimanjaro route
Best Season
Jan–Feb and Sep–Oct
Crowds
Very Low — the least crowded major route
Price From
$5,400 per person
Route Overview
Why Choose the Northern Circuit?
The Northern Circuit was designed to give climbers the best possible chance of summiting Kilimanjaro. Its defining feature is the extended time at altitude — nine days on the mountain, compared to seven for Machame or five for Marangu. Every extra day spent acclimatizing before the summit push increases your odds significantly.
Beyond the success rate, the Northern Circuit offers an experience unlike the busier southern routes. You traverse the quiet northern flank of the mountain, through remote alpine desert that few climbers ever see. On some days, you may not encounter another climbing group. The sense of wilderness is profound — you feel like you are on a remote East African peak, not one of the world's most climbed mountains.
The route shares the same first three days as Lemosho — through the rainforest and up to Shira Plateau. After that, it breaks away from the southern routes and circles north and east, joining the summit approach from the quieter northern side. This detour is what gives the Northern Circuit its superior acclimatization profile and its extraordinary sense of solitude.
Know Before You Go
Northern Circuit vs Other Kilimanjaro Routes
| Route | Days | Difficulty | Success Rate | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Circuit | 8-9 | Moderate | 90-95% | Very Low |
| Lemosho | 8 | Moderate | 85-90% | Low |
| Machame | 7 | Moderate-Strenuous | 75-85% | High |
| Marangu | 5-6 | Easy-Moderate | 45-65% | Medium |
| Rongai | 6-7 | Moderate | 70-80% | Low |
Success rates are for booked clients of Bobby Tours Tanzania. Figures vary by operator.
12-Day Itinerary
Northern Circuit + Northern Circuit Safari
Nine days on the mountain, then three days in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Every detail handled by our own Arusha team.
Day 1
Arrive in Arusha
Your guide meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Drive to your Arusha hotel for a gear check, climb briefing, and welcome dinner. We review your equipment, answer every question, and ensure you are fully prepared for the mountain. This is also your chance to rest after any international travel.
Day 2
Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m)
We drive to Lemosho Gate on Kilimanjaro's western flank and begin in dense rainforest. The path is well-maintained but can be muddy in the wet season. Colobus monkeys are commonly seen in this zone. We arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp by mid-afternoon, with views of the Shira Plateau above. This first day establishes the pace and lets your body begin adjusting.
Day 3
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m)
A steeper day as we exit the rainforest and enter the heath zone. Giant heathers and groundsels appear. The terrain opens to moorland as we ascend the Shira Plateau — one of Kilimanjaro's most dramatic landscapes, with sweeping views toward Kibo and the Western Breach. The air is noticeably thinner. We reach Shira 2 Camp in time for sunset over the plateau.
Day 4
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Shira 3 Camp (3,800m)
We climb to Lava Tower (4,600m) — the highest point of the day — before descending to Shira 3 Camp. This 'climb high, sleep low' profile is the key to altitude acclimatization and what makes the Northern Circuit so effective. The landscape becomes increasingly stark and beautiful. Your guide monitors everyone closely for any signs of altitude sickness.
Day 5
Shira 3 Camp to Moir Camp (4,200m)
A long but beautiful day traversing the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. We pass through the alpine desert zone — vast, stark, and extraordinary. Moir Camp sits in a valley surrounded by dramatic peaks. This is one of the most remote nights on the mountain, far from the busier southern routes. The stars here are remarkable.
Day 6
Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
We continue around Kilimanjaro's northern flank, crossing the relatively flat Lent Hills. The terrain is gentle but the altitude remains significant. Buffalo Camp is in a peaceful location away from the main trails. The sense of remoteness and wilderness is unlike any of the busier southern routes.
Day 7
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp (3,800m)
A shorter day designed for rest and acclimatization. We descend slightly before reaching Third Cave Camp, which follows the 'sleep low' principle that aids altitude adaptation. The afternoon is free to rest, hydrate, and eat — summit day is now just two nights away.
Day 8
Third Cave Camp to School Hut (4,800m)
We climb steadily through the alpine desert to School Hut — our final camp before the summit. The afternoon is spent sleeping and eating as much as possible. Your guides prep summit gear and give a full briefing. At 22:30, we begin the most demanding night of your life.
Day 9
Summit Day — Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Depart at midnight. 7-8 hours of steep switchbacks through the northern glacier zone, guided by nothing but your headlamp and the Southern Cross above. We reach the summit at dawn — Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa — with 360-degree views and the entire continent spread below. The descent to Mweka Camp takes another 4-5 hours. It is a brutal day, but the most extraordinary of your life.
Day 10
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate — then fly to the Serengeti
The final 3-hour descent through misty rainforest to Mweka Gate. We receive our summit certificates and celebrate with the team. Then we fly to the Serengeti for a sunset game drive. The contrast from the glacier to the golden savanna is breathtaking.
Day 11
Full Day Serengeti Game Drive
Wake at first light for the morning game drive when predators are most active. The Serengeti's endless golden grasses stretch to every horizon — wildebeest, zebra, gazelle. If we are fortunate, lion, leopard, or cheetah. The afternoon drive explores a different corner of the park. We stop for a picnic lunch in the bush.
Day 12
Ngorongoro Crater — then return to Arusha
We wake early and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater — a natural amphitheatre 600m deep, home to virtually every Tanzanian wildlife species, including a resident black rhino population. Three hours inside the crater is one of Africa's greatest wildlife experiences. We drive back to Arusha by evening.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Northern Circuit the best route for summit success?
The Northern Circuit is the newest Kilimanjaro route, opened in 2015, and it offers the most gradual acclimatization profile of any route. At 8-9 days, it gives your body the maximum time to adjust to altitude before the summit push. The longer you spend at altitude without ascending further, the better your body adapts. Summit success rates on the Northern Circuit are 90-95%, the highest of any route — significantly better than Machame (75-85%) or Marangu (45-65%).
How crowded is the Northern Circuit compared to other routes?
The Northern Circuit is the least crowded of all major Kilimanjaro routes — by a significant margin. Most climbers still choose Machame, Lemosho, or Marangu. The Northern Circuit approaches from the quiet north side of the mountain, traversing remote wilderness that other routes never see. You will share the trail with far fewer people. On some days, you may not see another climbing group at all.
What makes the Northern Circuit different from Lemosho?
Lemosho and Northern Circuit share the same first 3 days to Shira 2 Camp. After that, Lemosho descends via Barranco and Barafu (the busy southern side), while the Northern Circuit continues around the mountain's north and east flanks before joining the summit approach from the north. The Northern Circuit adds 1-2 extra days and covers remote terrain that Lemosho never reaches. The extra days make a meaningful difference in summit success.
Is the Northern Circuit harder than other routes because it is longer?
Not harder in terms of steepness or technical difficulty — the daily hiking distances are manageable. The longer itinerary actually makes it easier because the daily elevation gains are smaller and you have more time to rest and acclimatize. The extra days mean lighter daily stages rather than the compressed, exhausting days on shorter routes. Many experienced mountaineers prefer the Northern Circuit specifically because the pace is more sustainable.
When is the best time to climb the Northern Circuit?
The Northern Circuit can be climbed year-round, but the best windows are January-February (dry season, clear skies, cold nights) and September-October (short rains, fewer crowds, green landscapes). The northern side of the mountain is slightly more sheltered from rain than the southern routes, which can be an advantage during the shoulder seasons.
Can I add a safari after the Northern Circuit climb?
Absolutely — and it is one of the most satisfying combinations in African adventure travel. After reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, there is nothing quite like celebrating with a Serengeti game drive the next day. We typically add a 3-day Northern Circuit safari (Serengeti and Ngorongoro) after the climb, finishing with a night in Arusha. The contrast between the mountain and the savanna is extraordinary.
Explore Other Routes
Not sure the Northern Circuit is right for you? Compare all Kilimanjaro routes.
Start Planning Your Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit
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