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Norther Circuit Route
NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE KILIMANJARO
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a 9-day trip that initially goes up the Lemosho route on the western side of Kilimanjaro to the Shira Plateau, then heads north and circles the main summit in a clockwise direction.
It then joins the Rongai route to climb the summit from the eastern side and descend straight down the southern Mweka route.
The Northern Circuit route is the newest route up Mount Kilimanjaro and arguably the best. That’s because the combination of all of the best elements of the other routes rolled into one fantastic hike. If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, plenty of solitude, a healthy challenge, and the potential to spot wildlife, this is the route for you.
The Northern Circuit follows the same route as the Lemosho route for the first few days, but rather than sticking to the south side of Kibo, it turns to the little-used northern trails instead. This path is virtually devoid of other trekkers and as a result, the campsites are quiet, peaceful, and practically deserted
Because the Northern Circuit route is longer than the other trails, it gives trekkers a chance to take in more of the mountain. Not only do they get a chance to hike across the awe-inspiring Shira Plateau, but they’ll also catch glimpses of Kibo Peak and Uhuru Summit along the way.
It also provides amazing views down onto the open plains that are found to the north of the mountain, something that is seen by only a handful of other hikers while climbing Kilimanjaro.
Which Kilimanjaro route has the highest success rate? Northern Circuit Route has the highest Kilimanjaro Success Rate which is 98% and approaches from south of Kilimanjaro. As we have mentioned earlier, It is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro which offers the most spectacular view of the overall 360-degree scenery of Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on this route takes 8 to 9 days to the summit.
Due to its extended length, much of which hovers around the same altitude for improved acclimatization, the Northern Circuit route has the highest success rate of any of the routes on Mount Kilimanjaro over 95% to 98%.
The trek begins at the Londorossi Gate and makes its way up the western flanks of the mountain, passing through the rainforest and climbing onto the Shira Ridge.
From there, it is up to the Shira Plateau itself, before heading north to circle in a clockwise direction starting at the Moir Hut, then moving on to Buffalo Camp, and finally to School Hut. Along the way, trekkers make an almost 360-degree hike around Kilimanjaro, before summiting from the east.
Norther Circuit Map
So with everything that the Northern Circuit route has going for it, what’s the downside? The only issue with hiking this route is that it requires a bit of extra time, something that few travellers have. While most of the other routes can be done in as few as six or seven days, the Northern Circuit often requires as many as nine or more. That often limits the number of people who can work this trail into their schedule, although those who do will find that it is completely worth it.
Norther Circuit Itinerary
Northern Circuit Route Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit has the lowest difficulty level on all the Kilimanjaro Routes. Although it is the longest route, the longer itinerary means that it has the best acclimatization profile which makes the trek less difficult.
The physical trek over nine days is excellent for altitude acclimatization and is generally easy underfoot. A good level of fitness is highly recommended.
What is the distance of the Northern Circuit Route and how many days does it take?
The exact trekking distance for the Northern Circuit is 88km or 53 miles. The shortest number of days required for the Northern Circuit Route is 8 days, Shorter ascents are possible but mean some strenuous trekking days.
By the time you have added on arrival and departure days, it is 10 or 12. However, as it’s considered one of the longest routes on the mountain it is best done over 9 days of trekking to increase your chances of success.
What is the Northern Circuit Route Summit Success Rate?
The Northern Circuit is the longest route up Kilimanjaro which gives the best chance for acclimatization. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average summit success rate across all operators is 90%.
However, We have a summit success rate of over 98% for the Northern Circuit Route!
What is the Scenery like on the Northern Circuit Route?
The main approach will take you through the rich Lemosho forest and across the Shira Plateau. Then as the climber traverses around to the remote and rarely-visited north side of Kilimanjaro, the scenery becomes more arid and austere. It is so remote here that the shy eland are often seen as well as the occasional buffalo that come to lick minerals from the natural caves on the high slopes of Kilimanjaro.
When is the best time to Trek the Northern Circuit Route?
July-September is the best time to trek the Northern Circuit, as the weather is most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. That said, since it is close to the equator it is possible to climb the mountain at any time of the year. April and May are the rainy season so this period is best avoided.
Email Address
info@landsideadventures.com
Call
+255 752 633 454
+255 692 406 444
Email Address
info@landsideadventures.com
Call
+255 752 633 454
+255 692 406 444
Email Address
info@landsideadventures.com
Call
+255 752 633 454
+255 784 971 777
