Northern Circuit

Route Overview

The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro. It follows the Lemosho trail initially but then circles around the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. With 9 days on the mountain, it offers the best possible acclimatization, making it the route with the highest summit success rate.

Route Map & Elevation

Visualizing the "Climb High, Sleep Low" acclimatization profile.

Venture StartsLondorossi Gate2,100m

Point 2Mti Mkubwa2,650m

Point 3Shira 13,500m

Point 4Moir Hut4,200m

Point 5Buffalo Camp4,020m

Point 6Third Cave3,800m

Point 7School Hut4,800m

Goal ReachedUhuru Peak5,895m

Return HomeMweka Gate1,640m

Route Highlights

Highest summit success rate (98%)

Maximum altitude acclimatization

Complete 360-degree tour of the peak

Remote and very quiet trail

Spectacular views of the Kenyan plains

Why choose the Northern Circuit?

The longest and newest route. It circles the north of the mountain, offering 360-degree views and maximum acclimatization.

Success Rate98%

Typical Days9 Days

DifficultyLow

Day by Day Itinerary

Follow your epic journey up the mountain, with daily details and gear recommendations based on passing climate zones.

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elev: 2,360m to 2,895m

Dist: 6 km

Time: 3-4 hours

Drive to Londorossi Gate for entry formalities, followed by a hike through lush rainforest.

Climate & Gear Zone

Rainforest

Max Temp

20°C / 68°F

Min Temp

13°C / 55°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

T-Shirt or long sleeve shirt

Trekking sneakers

Trekking pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Sun hat or cap

Trekking poles

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Elev: 2,895m to 3,500m

Dist: 8 km

Time: 5-6 hours

The trail leads out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses and volcanic rock.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elev: 3,500m to 3,900m

Dist: 10 km

Time: 4.5 hours

Explore the Shira Plateau with a relatively flat hike across expansive moorland meadows.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Elev: 3,900m to 4,161m (via 4,600m)

Dist: 10 km

Time: 6 hours

Ascent to Lava Tower for acclimatization, followed by a descent to Moir Hut.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Elev: 4,161m to 4,023m

Dist: 12 km

Time: 5-7 hours

The trail continues to skirt the northern slopes of Kibo, offering views of the plains below.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Elev: 4,023m to 3,800m

Dist: 8 km

Time: 5-7 hours

Continue circumnavigating the northern slopes, leading to the remote Third Cave Camp.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Third Cave to School Hut

Elev: 3,800m to 4,800m

Dist: 5 km

Time: 4-5 hours

Steadily ascend over the 'Saddle' between Kibo and Mawenzi to reach School Hut, preparing for summit.

Climate & Gear Zone

Arctic Summit

Max Temp

-10°C / 14°F

Min Temp

-17°C / 1°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Insulated summit jacket (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Insulated summit pants (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat + balaclava recommended

Trekking poles

Mittens over fleece gloves

Headlamp with spare batteries

School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka

Elev: 4,800m to 5,895m to 3,100m

Dist: 17 km

Time: 11-15 hours

Summit bid begins just after midnight, ascending under starlight. Descend to a high camp for rest.

Climate & Gear Zone

Arctic Summit

Max Temp

-10°C / 14°F

Min Temp

-17°C / 1°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Insulated summit jacket (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Insulated summit pants (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat + balaclava recommended

Trekking poles

Mittens over fleece gloves

Headlamp with spare batteries

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elev: 3,100m to 1,640m

Dist: 10 km

Time: 3-4 hours

The final day involves a long descent through the forest zone to Mweka Gate.

Climate & Gear Zone

Rainforest

Max Temp

20°C / 68°F

Min Temp

13°C / 55°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

T-Shirt or long sleeve shirt

Trekking sneakers

Trekking pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Sun hat or cap

Trekking poles

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Route Overview

Route Map & Elevation

Visualizing the "Climb High, Sleep Low" acclimatization profile.

Venture StartsLondorossi Gate2,100m

Point 2Mti Mkubwa2,650m

Point 3Shira 13,500m

Point 4Moir Hut4,200m

Point 5Buffalo Camp4,020m

Point 6Third Cave3,800m

Point 7School Hut4,800m

Goal ReachedUhuru Peak5,895m

Return HomeMweka Gate1,640m

Route Highlights

Highest summit success rate (98%)

Maximum altitude acclimatization

Complete 360-degree tour of the peak

Remote and very quiet trail

Spectacular views of the Kenyan plains

Why choose the Northern Circuit?

The longest and newest route. It circles the north of the mountain, offering 360-degree views and maximum acclimatization.

Success Rate98%

Typical Days9 Days

DifficultyLow

Day by Day Itinerary

Follow your epic journey up the mountain, with daily details and gear recommendations based on passing climate zones.

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elev: 2,360m to 2,895m

Dist: 6 km

Time: 3-4 hours

Drive to Londorossi Gate for entry formalities, followed by a hike through lush rainforest.

Climate & Gear Zone

Rainforest

Max Temp

20°C / 68°F

Min Temp

13°C / 55°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

T-Shirt or long sleeve shirt

Trekking sneakers

Trekking pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Sun hat or cap

Trekking poles

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Elev: 2,895m to 3,500m

Dist: 8 km

Time: 5-6 hours

The trail leads out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses and volcanic rock.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elev: 3,500m to 3,900m

Dist: 10 km

Time: 4.5 hours

Explore the Shira Plateau with a relatively flat hike across expansive moorland meadows.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Elev: 3,900m to 4,161m (via 4,600m)

Dist: 10 km

Time: 6 hours

Ascent to Lava Tower for acclimatization, followed by a descent to Moir Hut.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Elev: 4,161m to 4,023m

Dist: 12 km

Time: 5-7 hours

The trail continues to skirt the northern slopes of Kibo, offering views of the plains below.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Elev: 4,023m to 3,800m

Dist: 8 km

Time: 5-7 hours

Continue circumnavigating the northern slopes, leading to the remote Third Cave Camp.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Third Cave to School Hut

Elev: 3,800m to 4,800m

Dist: 5 km

Time: 4-5 hours

Steadily ascend over the 'Saddle' between Kibo and Mawenzi to reach School Hut, preparing for summit.

Climate & Gear Zone

Arctic Summit

Max Temp

-10°C / 14°F

Min Temp

-17°C / 1°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Insulated summit jacket (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Insulated summit pants (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat + balaclava recommended

Trekking poles

Mittens over fleece gloves

Headlamp with spare batteries

School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka

Elev: 4,800m to 5,895m to 3,100m

Dist: 17 km

Time: 11-15 hours

Summit bid begins just after midnight, ascending under starlight. Descend to a high camp for rest.

Climate & Gear Zone

Arctic Summit

Max Temp

-10°C / 14°F

Min Temp

-17°C / 1°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Insulated summit jacket (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Insulated summit pants (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat + balaclava recommended

Trekking poles

Mittens over fleece gloves

Headlamp with spare batteries

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elev: 3,100m to 1,640m

Dist: 10 km

Time: 3-4 hours

The final day involves a long descent through the forest zone to Mweka Gate.

Climate & Gear Zone

Rainforest

Max Temp

20°C / 68°F

Min Temp

13°C / 55°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

T-Shirt or long sleeve shirt

Trekking sneakers

Trekking pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Sun hat or cap

Trekking poles

Route Overview

Route Map & Elevation

Route Highlights

Why choose the Northern Circuit?

Day by Day Itinerary

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Rainforest

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Third Cave to School Hut

Arctic Summit

School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka

Arctic Summit

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Rainforest

Ready to hike?

Conquer Kilimanjaro Together with Tanzania's #1 Group Trek Specialists

Northern Circuit

Route Overview

Route Map & Elevation

Route Highlights

Why choose the Northern Circuit?

Day by Day Itinerary

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Rainforest

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Third Cave to School Hut

Arctic Summit

School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka

Arctic Summit

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Rainforest

Ready to hike?

Conquer Kilimanjaro Together with
Tanzania's #1 Group Trek Specialists