Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro: Definition, Difficulty, Duration

What is the Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro?

The Northern Circuit route is a Kilimanjaro route that starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro passing via Shira ridge and plateau. The Northern Circuit Route is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro which offers an overall 360 degree view of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Northern Circuit Route is the newest and least-travelled path on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the longest route on the mountain, and it starts from the Londorossi Gate in the west. This route follows the same trail as the Lemosho Route for the first two days, and then it veers off to circle around the quieter northern slopes. It loops completely around the entire northern face of Kilimanjaro, which is why it is the only route that travels north around Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Northern Circuit Route is the most scenic path available, and it offers nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery. Because the trail includes the remote and rarely visited northern slopes, you get off the beaten path and enjoy unparalleled panoramic views. The journey provides a more immersive experience, and there is almost no traffic on the northern face.

Due to its extended duration of 8 or 9 days, the Northern Circuit Route has the highest summit success rate of 92%. The longer itinerary allows for gradual acclimatisation, and it helps you naturally walk high and sleep low. That is why it is widely regarded as the easiest of all Kilimanjaro routes, and it is highly recommended for older people and those with minimal mountain experience.

The climb on the Northern Circuit Route begins at midnight on summit night, approaching via Gilman’s Point. After the summit, you descend by the southern Mweka route. The trail traverses diverse terrain – from forest to moorland, and across the Shira Plateau – and it follows a series of inclines and declines that skirt around northern slopes, offering nearly 360-degree views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s landscapes.

How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro?

The Northern Circuit Route is deemed one of the easier climbs on Kilimanjaro. It has the lowest difficulty level of all the routes. That is because longer equals easier, and this is the longest route on the mountain. The extended duration allows gradual acclimatisation, which makes the trek less difficult. The route does require mental toughness, some preparation, and strong legs, but it needs no technical expertise.

The Northern Circuit Route has a total elevation gain of roughly 5,513 meters (11,958 feet) from entry gate to summit. Uhuru peak reaches a height of 5,895 metres (19,341 feet). The trail is completed in eight or nine days, and the standard itinerary requires 9 days. This longer itinerary gives trekkers time to acclimatise. It has the best acclimatization profile, due to a walk high, sleep low pattern that helps the body acclimatise to altitude. Seven days on ascent provides optimal time for acclimatization, so you arrive on summit rested and energized.

This route is highly recommended for older people, children, and people with minimal mountain experience. It is more suitable for hikers who do not mind an extended itinerary. The climb to the top day begins from a resting shelter at about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) high, and the summit night involves a steep climb, but the rest of the trek has a relaxed pace. The Northern Circuit route’s success comes from acclimatization, with a summit success rate between 88% and 92%.

Is the Northern Circuit Route better than the Lemosho Route?

The choice between the Northern Circuit Route and the Lemosho Route depends on personal preference. The Northern Circuit Route and the Lemosho Route share origins, starting at Londorossi Gate. They follow the same trail until Lava Tower; that is when the Northern Circuit Route moves in a different direction. Instead of heading to Barranco Camp like the Lemosho Route, it circles the northern slopes. Due to this, it offers 360-degree views and solitude. The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, which is why it has the most gentle climb and optimal acclimatization pattern. It has a summit success rate over 90%, so it is highly recommended for older people and beginners.

The Lemosho Route, however, is widely deemed the most scenic route, with varied environments from rainforest to alpine desert. It has a summit success rate of 98% on an 8-day trip, but it has steeper sections earlier and a big rock climb scramble at Barranco Wall. If you prefer a more secluded trek and the best chance of reaching the top, the Northern Circuit Route is the best route. If you seek scenery and a shorter, more challenging adventure, the Lemosho Route is the best option.

How long does the Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro take?

The Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro takes 8 to 9 days to summit. The 9 day Northern Circuit is the recommended version as additional time on the mountain means that the success rate is much higher than other routes. The 9 day Northern Circuit Route provides better acclimatisation because the body adjusts to thin air. Some other itineraries take around 10 days.

What is the distance of the Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro?

The distance of the Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is approximately 88 kilometres (53 miles). The actual walkway distance from gate to gate is 50 miles. The elevation of the Northern Circuit Route reaches a height of 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) at Uhuru Peak, the summit. The starting place is at 2,250 metres (7,380 feet). The total elevation from the entry gate to the summit is 3,645 metres (11,958 feet).

What is the itinerary of the Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro?

The 9-day Northern Circuit Route itinerary starts from Londorossi Gate, and the trek begins at Lemosho Gate. Day 1 goes from Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp, which is the first camp. Day 2 goes from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira One Camp, the second camp. Day 3 goes from Shira One Camp to Shira Two Camp, the third camp. Day 4 goes from Shira Two Camp to Moir Hut, the fourth camp.

Day 5 goes from Moir Hut to Pofu Camp. Day 6 goes from Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp, the sixth camp. Day 7 goes from Third Cave to Kibo Hut, and that is when the final push to the summit begins at midnight. Day 8 goes from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, the summit, and then descends to Mweka Camp. Day 9 goes from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, so the trek finishes at Mweka Gate. Due to the 9-day duration, this itinerary offers better acclimatization, which is why the Northern Circuit Route has the highest summit success rate.

What is the success rate of the Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro?

The Northern Circuit Route has a success rate of 88-92% for 8 to 9-day itineraries. It has the highest summit success rate on Mount Kilimanjaro because the route allows for the longest period of acclimatisation. On 8-day treks, the success rate for Uhuru Peak is 81.3% and for Crater Rim is 90.2%. On 9 and 10-day itineraries, the success rate rises to approximately 88-92%. Summit success depends on acclimatisation. On group treks, the summit success rate is 90%, but on private programs the success rate rises up to 94%.

How much does the Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro cost?

The Northern Circuit Route costs more as it is the longest route on the mountain. The park fee for the Northern Circuit is around $1500. All prices include accommodation, guide, park fees, and meals on the mountain. The 9-day Northern Circuit route costs $4200-$6900 per person. If you join a group, the cost is $4250 per person. XPATS International Travel offers a 9-day Northern Circuit route for $4166 per person sharing a tent. XPATS International Travel’s private trek starts at $5688. The Sleep in the Crater package starts from $4550 per person. So, the cost varies from $4200 upward to $4550 per person. The total cost depends on itinerary, season, and number of hikers.

I spent $4200 for the nine-day trip; the cost included all entrance charges. My deal covered wages for the helpers, and my items covered dinner daily, breakfast, and lunch, and moving supplies between camps. I picked this longer route, and the extra days increased my chance of reaching the top. The investment was worthwhile when I stood upon the top.