Northern Circuit - Kilimanjaro

The Northern Circuit route overview

The Northern Circuit route starts in the west from the Londorossi Gate, travels to the Shira Ridge, and crosses over to the Shira Plateau. Then, instead of travelling south and following the direction that other routes take, the Northern Circuit swings north, travelling clockwise to the summit from the east. The descent is made along the Mweka route.
 

• Location: Travelling from the west and starting at the Londorossi Gate, the route starts in the same direction as the Lemosho route. 
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Height: The Northern Circuit route makes its way to the Uhuru peak and reaches a height of 5,895 metres (19,341 feet). 
• Duration: The Northern Circuit route can be completed in eight or nine days, and the additional time on the mountain means the success rate is much higher than other routes. 
• Trail conditions: Hikers and trekkers will enjoy the peacefulness of the trail, as it is a newer route and less popular (as it is one of the most expensive routes to complete). The trail itself is one of the most beautiful, offering breathtaking vistas.

How difficult is the Northern Circuit route?

While no Kilimanjaro route is easy, the Northern Circuit route is generally considered to be one of the “easier” climbs due to its longer itinerary (which gives trekkers plenty of time to acclimatise). That being said, a degree of physical and mental stamina is essential to complete the hike as the days will be long and tiring, often covering difficult terrain. 

With the right preparation, a good level of fitness, and support from a guide and mountain crew, everyone from first-timer trekkers to experienced hikers can successfully complete this route. 

What is the Northern Circuit route success rate?

Averaging roughly 95%, the Northern Circuit route has one of the highest success rates of all Kilimanjaro routes. Success rates are high for this route because it allows for the longest period of acclimatisation.

Tips for trekking Kilimanjaro's Northern Circuit route

• Choose your route carefully. And be sure to consider traffic levels, difficulty, sights, and scenery. Implement a training regimen before the trek. Before you embark on your hike, it's best to attempt a few small hikes at home and consider as much physical preparation as possible.
• Buy the right gear. Take a close look at your packing list to make sure you have the right gear including footwear, clothing, snacks, and equipment. 
• Stay hydrated. Remember: water is a hiker's best friend, and staying hydrated could be the difference between reaching the summit or not. 
• Get ready to experience altitude sickness. Mentally prepare yourself for altitude sickness. It affects everyone differently, and even experienced hikers will suffer from some symptoms at times. 
• Choose a longer route. If time and budget allow, aim to spend as much time on the mountain as possible. Hikers that embark on the shorter routes often see a much lower success rate. 
• Pace yourself. It’s not a race to the top, and you’ll save yourself unnecessary stress and anxiety by taking your time and enjoying the views.