The Northern Circuit is the longest and most complete journey on Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the Lemosho trail, it branches north at Lava Tower and traverses the remote, little-visited northern flank before summiting from School Hut.
Nine days of gradual ascent delivers the best acclimatization of any route — and our highest summit success rate at over 95%. If you have the time, this is simply the finest way to climb Kilimanjaro.
Day by Day
Altitude-focused daily plan with distances, hiking times, habitats and overnight camps.
Begin on the quiet western side with a gentle rainforest walk to Mti Mkubwa Camp, watching for colobus monkeys overhead.
Start
2,360m
End
2,820m
Highest point
2,820m
Climb out of the forest onto the Shira Plateau's western rim, with afternoon views across to Kibo's glaciers.
Start
2,820m
End
3,610m
Highest point
3,610m
An easy plateau day to aid acclimatization, crossing the high moorland to Shira 2 with an optional walk to the Shira Cathedral viewpoint.
Start
3,610m
End
3,850m
Highest point
3,850m
Climb to the Lava Tower for the high-altitude stimulus, then branch north off the main trail to the remote Moir Hut beneath the Lent Hills.
Start
3,850m
End
4,200m
Highest point
4,630m
A spectacular day traversing the northern slopes — rolling ridge after rolling ridge, with Kenya's plains spread out below and barely another climber in sight.
Start
4,200m
End
4,020m
Highest point
4,400m
Continue the northern traverse to Third Cave, an easy day that lets your body consolidate its acclimatization before the ascent to high camp.
Start
4,020m
End
3,870m
Highest point
4,020m
Climb steadily to School Hut at 4,800m, your high camp beneath the summit's eastern ice fields. Early dinner and rest before the midnight start.
Start
3,870m
End
4,800m
Highest point
4,800m
Summit night up to Gilman's Point and around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak for sunrise — the reward for nine patient days. Descend to Mweka Camp.
Start
4,800m
End
3,100m
Highest point
5,895m
Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate for certificates and celebrations, then transfer to your hotel.
Start
3,100m
End
1,640m
Highest point
3,100m
Questions
Anyone with nine days available who wants the highest possible summit chance and the quietest, most complete experience of the mountain.
Our mountain team climbs these routes every month — ask us anything about fitness, gear, altitude or dates.
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