Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit Route begins from the west at Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route at the beginning. After crossing the Shira Plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley.

The northern circuit is longer than other Kilimanjaro routes while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It gives you more time for acclimatization and also beautiful scenic views.

The Northern Circuit route starts at 2360m on the far west of Kilimanjaro. It traverses through the rainforest, where wild game may be seen, continuing up to Shira Ridge, Kilimanjaro’s third summit. From here you will ascend and cross the expansive Shira Plateau with fantastic views of Shira Cathedral.  It then turns north and works around the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro overlooking Kenya and the famous Amboseli National Park.

The descent is via the Mweka trail, making it a more interesting climb. Most climbers who are fit and well-acclimatised take 9 days to climb Kilimanjaro by the Northern Circuit route.

With its extended duration, the Northern Circuit Route allows for a slower and more gradual ascent, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a thorough and immersive Kilimanjaro trekking experience with the best chance of reaching the summit successfully.