Northern Circuit Route
Kilimanjaro for travellers who would rather take the long way.
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest route. It starts in the west, crosses the Shira Plateau and circles the quiet northern slopes before approaching the summit from the east, spending days away from the busy southern trails and more time at altitude than any other route.
What is the adventure?
Not just a climb of Kilimanjaro but a journey around it. You begin in the west, cross Shira, move onto the remote northern side of the mountain and approach the summit from the east.
Quiet trails, and a near-complete circuit of Africa's highest mountain.
How is the Northern Circuit route different?
The longest standard itinerary, on much quieter northern slopes, with more time at altitude and different viewpoints than any southern route. It also avoids the Barranco Wall.
How high does the Northern Circuit Route go?
| Day | Place | Elevation (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Arusha- Londorossi Gate | 2377 |
| 2 | Forest Camp | 2896 |
| 3 | Shira Camp 1 | 3505 |
| 4 | Shira 2 | 4206 |
| 6 | Moir Camp | 4020 |
| 7 | Rongai Third Cave | 3800 |
| 8 | 3rd Cave | 4800 |
| 9 | Uhuru Peak and then onto Millennium Camp | 3950 |
Where you sleep on the Northern Circuit Route
Camp by camp on our 10 Days Northern Circuit Route.
- StartLondorossi Gate
Is this route right for you?
Best suited to
- Travellers who value privacy and time over speed
- Couples and private groups
- Photographers
- Climbers combining Kilimanjaro with a safari
Not quite right?
Consider another route
Highlights
On the Northern Circuit
The Shira Plateau
The remote northern slopes
Views north towards Kenya
Approach to the summit from the east
Uhuru Peak
Choose your expedition
Northern Circuit expeditions
Private climbs on your own dates, with scheduled group departures where they run.
Upcoming group departures
- 4 Jan 2027 - 13 Jan 202710 Days Northern Circuit RouteUSD 2,495 ppView dates
- 1 Feb 2027 - 10 Feb 202710 Days Northern Circuit RouteUSD 2,495 ppView dates
- 7 Jun 2027 - 16 Jun 202710 Days Northern Circuit RouteUSD 2,495 ppView dates
- 5 Jul 2027 - 14 Jul 202710 Days Northern Circuit RouteUSD 2,495 ppView dates
- 2 Aug 2027 - 11 Aug 202710 Days Northern Circuit RouteUSD 2,495 ppView dates
- 6 Sept 2027 - 15 Sept 202710 Days Northern Circuit RouteUSD 2,495 ppView dates
Questions
Northern Circuit Route FAQs
It is Kilimanjaro's longest route. Gosheni runs it with nine days on the mountain, starting in the west and circling the quiet northern slopes before approaching the summit from the east.
For time and solitude: it gives more days at altitude than any other route, which helps acclimatisation, and it spends most of the climb away from the busy southern trails. It also avoids the Barranco Wall.
Yes, for fit first-timers with the time to spare. Its length is its advantage: the gradual profile gives the body the longest period to adjust before summit night.
Other ways up Kilimanjaro
Compare the routes
Ready?
Plan your
Northern Circuit Route
Quiet trails and a near-complete journey around Africa's highest mountain.
Want different lodges, more days, or another route?
Opens the trip planner with this itinerary loaded, day by day.