The longest and most comprehensive Kilimanjaro trek. Circumnavigating the mountain, the Northern Circuit offers the best acclimatization profile, the most diverse scenery and an unparalleled wilderness experience over 9 days.
The Northern Circuit is the longest standard route on Kilimanjaro, circumnavigating the entire mountain over 8-10 days. Starting from the Londorossi Gate on the western slopes, it follows a sweeping counter-clockwise path around the northern side before merging with the Machame Route for the final ascent. This comprehensive approach delivers the best acclimatization profile of any route, resulting in a 90% summit success rate.
The Northern Circuit passes through five distinct climate zones — tropical rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert, glacial zone and back through rainforest. You'll experience landscapes most trekkers never see, including the remote northern forests, the vast Shira Plateau and the dramatic Lava Tower. With far fewer trekkers than southern routes, this is the premium choice for those seeking a genuine wilderness experience with the highest chance of reaching the summit.
Enter through Londorossi Gate on the western slopes and trek through pristine montane rainforest. Dense canopy shelters colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and tropical birds. The trail is quiet and atmospheric — far removed from the busier southern approaches. Camp in a forest clearing.
Emerge from the forest into the moorland zone. Giant heathers, senecios and lobelias dominate the landscape. Views open up across the Shira Plateau and Kibo massif. The sense of space and wilderness is extraordinary.
Traverse the vast Shira Plateau — one of the highest plateaus on earth. The flat, open terrain provides exceptional 360-degree views and excellent acclimatization walking. Camp 2 offers stunning views of the western breach and Kibo's glaciers.
Today the Northern Circuit diverges from other routes, heading north around the mountain's remote slopes. The terrain is wild and untouched, with virtually no other trekkers in sight. You'll camp at 3,900m with views of the Kenyan plains stretching to the horizon — a landscape no other route reveals.
Continue the traverse around the northern side, climbing steadily through alpine desert. The landscape is stark and dramatic. As you round the mountain and approach Kibo Hut, the full majesty of the summit comes into view. Camp at 4,700m for the summit push.
An additional acclimatization day that ascends to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending to Barranco Camp (4,550m). This "climb high, sleep low" profile further boosts your chances of summit success. The extra day is what makes the Northern Circuit's 90% success rate possible.
Cross the famous Barranco Wall — a hands-on scramble with spectacular views — then traverse to Karanga Camp and continue to Barafu Camp (4,640m). Rest, eat and hydrate before the midnight summit departure. The final preparations for the climb of a lifetime.
Depart at midnight for the summit push. Ascend by headlamp to Stella Point (5,756m) and then to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the Roof of Africa. Watch the sunrise paint the glaciers gold. Descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp (3,100m). The culmination of 8 days of extraordinary trekking.
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Collect your summit certificate and celebrate with your team. Transfer back to your hotel with memories of a complete circumnavigation of Africa's highest mountain — a feat few trekkers achieve.
The most comprehensive and rewarding Kilimanjaro trek available.