Why does Northern Circuit have the highest success rate?

The 9-day itinerary provides optimal acclimatization by slowly circling the mountain. The extended duration and gradual altitude gain result in a 95% success rate.

Is the Northern Circuit worth the extra days?

Absolutely! If you have the time and budget, the Northern Circuit offers the best acclimatization, highest success rate, and most comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience.

How much does the Northern Circuit cost?

Starting from $2,450 per person, the Northern Circuit is slightly more expensive due to the extended duration and additional logistics.

Is the Northern Circuit crowded?

No! Despite the high success rate, the Northern Circuit is one of the least crowded routes due to its longer duration and higher cost.

Home Kilimanjaro RoutesNorthern Circuit Route

Mount Kilimanjaro - 5,895m

Northern Circuit Route

Duration

9 Days

Distance

88 km

View Itinerary

Difficulty

Moderate

Steady climbs that call for good fitness and determination

Success Rate

95%

Excellent success rate

Route Logistics

Londorossi Gate

Finish: Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Group size: Up to 10 climbers
Minimum age: 12+ years
Max altitude: 5895m

Route Highlights

Highest success rate (95%)

Best acclimatization (9 days)

Full circuit around the mountain

Less crowded experience

Elevation Profile

1640m

4750m

Sleeping altitude

Peak altitude (if higher)

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What's Included

What You Get

Professional mountain guide & support crew
All Kilimanjaro park fees and permits
Three chef-prepared meals daily on the mountain
Quality expedition tents and sleeping mats
Daily treated drinking water and hot beverages

Prepare for Your Climb

Essential guides to help you plan and prepare

Tanzania Safari Packing List

Essential items to pack for your Tanzania safari adventure.

Complete Guide to Planning Your Tanzania Safari in 2025

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Northern Circuit Route - 9 Days - 95% Success Rate

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

3-4 hours

6km

2750m

Begin the longest and most successful Kilimanjaro route at Londorossi Gate (2,250m). Drive to the trailhead and start through pristine montane rainforest. This remote western approach means fewer climbers and excellent wildlife viewing. The gentle first day (3-4 hours) helps you adjust to trekking. Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m) sits in a beautiful forest clearing. The Northern Circuit's extended duration provides the best acclimatization, resulting in the highest success rates on the mountain.

RainforestMti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

5-6 hours

8km

3505m

Continue through the rainforest, gradually ascending as vegetation changes. Emerge into the heather zone with giant groundsels and lobelias. The trail offers increasingly spectacular views of the Shira Plateau. Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) provides excellent views of the mountain's western slopes. The Northern Circuit's gradual ascent pattern continues, allowing your body maximum time to adapt. This strategic pacing is why this route boasts a 95% success rate.

MoorlandShira 1 Camp

Day 3 - Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

5-7 hours

11km

4200m

A unique day on the Northern Circuit as you head to Moir Hut (4,200m), a less-visited camp on the mountain's northern slopes. The route crosses the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro's three volcanic cones. The high-altitude desert environment is stark but beautiful. Moir Hut offers excellent acclimatization at this altitude. The extended time at higher elevations is key to the route's success. Rest well and continue hydrating - your body is adapting beautifully.

Alpine DesertMoir Hut

Day 4 - Moir Hut to Pofu Camp

5-6 hours

9km

4035m

Continue around the mountain's northern circuit to Pofu Camp (4,035m). This "climb high, sleep low" day is excellent for acclimatization. The northern slopes offer unique perspectives of the mountain and surrounding landscape. The gradual circuit around the mountain provides consistent altitude exposure without dramatic gains. Pofu Camp sits in a beautiful location with views of the Kenyan plains. The extended itinerary means you're never rushed.

Alpine DesertPofu Camp

Day 5 - Pofu Camp to Third Cave

4-5 hours

7km

3870m

Continue the circuit to Third Cave (3,870m), another strategic "sleep low" camp. The Northern Circuit's pattern of altitude variation is scientifically designed for optimal acclimatization. The terrain remains alpine desert with unique high-altitude vegetation. Third Cave provides another opportunity for your body to adapt before the final push. The extended duration means you're well-rested and properly acclimatized. This is why climbers on this route have such high success rates.

Alpine DesertThird Cave

Day 6 - Third Cave to School Hut

4-5 hours

7km

4750m

Ascend to School Hut (4,750m), your base for the summit attempt. The climb brings you to the mountain's northern side near Kibo. School Hut is higher than most summit camps, but your excellent acclimatization makes this manageable. Arrive early afternoon to maximize rest. Your guides will provide comprehensive summit briefing. The Northern Circuit's extended preparation means you're physically and mentally ready. Early dinner and rest - summit night begins around midnight.

Alpine DesertSchool Hut

Day 7 - School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

12-14 hours

19km

3100m

Summit night! Begin around midnight with headlamps lighting your way. Your excellent acclimatization makes the ascent more manageable than on shorter routes. The slow, steady climb follows the "pole pole" philosophy. Reach Gilman's Point (5,681m) at the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Africa's highest point! Your extended preparation pays off. Celebrate your achievement, then descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for the night. The Northern Circuit's success rate speaks for itself.

Arctic/AlpineMweka Camp

Day 8 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

3-4 hours

10km

1640m

Your final descent through the rainforest feels triumphant. The thick, oxygen-rich air is a welcome relief. Enjoy the lush vegetation and reflect on your incredible 9-day journey. The Northern Circuit's extended duration provided the perfect acclimatization, maximizing your summit success chances. Reach Mweka Gate (1,640m) where you'll receive your official summit certificate. Celebrate with your team - you chose the route with the highest success rate and it delivered!

RainforestMweka Gate

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Route Highlights

Elevation Profile

Peak Season Filling Fast

What's Included

What You Get

Prepare for Your Climb

Tanzania Safari Packing List

Complete Guide to Planning Your Tanzania Safari in 2025

Book Your Climb

Your Details

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Day 3 - Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

Day 4 - Moir Hut to Pofu Camp

Day 5 - Pofu Camp to Third Cave

Day 6 - Third Cave to School Hut

Day 7 - School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Day 8 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Quick Facts

Packing Essentials

Training Tips

Altitude Safety

What You'll Need

Kilimanjaro Route FAQs

Why does Northern Circuit have the highest success rate?

Is the Northern Circuit worth the extra days?

How much does the Northern Circuit cost?

Is the Northern Circuit crowded?

Best Time to Climb

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