Northern Circuit
Kilimanjaro's longest, most scenic route with the highest summit success rate and an overnight at Crater Camp.
Duration
9-10 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Success Rate
~95%
Scenery
Exceptional
Why Choose the Northern Circuit?
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's newest and longest route — and widely considered the best. It approaches from the west (like Lemosho) but then traverses nearly the entire northern slopes before ascending from the east. This 360-degree circumnavigation means you see Kilimanjaro from every angle, with spectacular views of Kibo, Mawenzi, and the Kenyan plains below.
With 9-10 days on the mountain, the Northern Circuit offers exceptional acclimatization — hence its outstanding 95% summit success rate. The addition of Crater Camp means you sleep inside the caldera at 5,730m, with the option to explore the ash pit and glaciers before your final summit push.
Advantages
- • Highest success rate on Kilimanjaro
- • Most scenic and diverse landscapes
- • Crater Camp overnight (unique experience)
- • Excellent acclimatization profile
- • Fewest crowds — remote northern traverse
Considerations
- • Longest route (9-10 days)
- • Higher cost due to extra days
- • Crater Camp is extremely cold
- • Requires more time off work
9-10 Day Itinerary
Londorossi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa (2,780m)
Start in lush forest. 6km, 3-4 hours.
Mti Mkubwa (2,780m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,504m)
Enter the moorland zone. 8km, 5-6 hours.
Shira 1 (3,504m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,810m)
Gentle acclimatization day. 7km, 3-5 hours.
Shira 2 (3,810m) → Moira Hut (4,200m)
Climb to Lava Tower then descend. 10km, 6-8 hours.
Moira Hut (4,200m) → Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Traverse the northern slopes. 8km, 5-7 hours.
Buffalo Camp (4,020m) → Third Cave (3,870m)
Continue remote northern traverse. 8km, 5-7 hours.
Third Cave (3,870m) → School Hut (4,800m) → Crater Camp (5,730m)
Ascend to crater rim or drop into crater. 5km, 4-5 hours.
Crater Camp (5,730m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka (3,068m)
Short summit push, then descend. 14km, 10-12 hours.
Mweka Camp (3,068m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Final descent through forest. 10km, 3-4 hours.
The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Experience
If you have the time and budget, the Northern Circuit with Crater Camp is unmatched. Let's plan your perfect ascent.
Explore Further
Read our Northern Circuit Crater Camp guide,routes comparison, or difficulty guide.
Explore the Umbwe Route,packing list, or all Kilimanjaro routes.
Read our climb cost guide,best time to visit Tanzania, or browse our journal.
