Kilimanjaro's newest and longest route — a full 360° circumnavigation of the mountain with the highest summit success on Kili.
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest established route and our recommended choice for trekkers who want the best possible chance of summiting. It begins in the western rainforest like Lemosho, crosses the Shira Plateau, then loops around the quiet northern slopes of Kibo — an area few other trekkers ever see — before joining the standard summit approach via School Hut.
With nine days on the mountain, you have unmatched acclimatisation: the result is a summit success rate above 95%. This is also the most scenic route on the mountain, with continually changing views as you circle the peak.
Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (4 hours). After registration, a short drive to the Lemosho trailhead, then a 3-hour trek through pristine western rainforest to Mti Mkubwa ("Big Tree") Camp.
Climb out of rainforest onto moorland and cross onto the Shira Plateau — a high-altitude caldera with views of Kibo's western face. Camp on the plateau under exceptionally dark skies.
Easy walk eastward across the plateau. Reach Moir Hut, a quiet camp tucked under the Lent Hills on the western flank of Kibo. Afternoon acclimatisation walk to the Lent Hills (4,600m+) — "climb high, sleep low".
Begin the northern traverse. Climb over a ridge offering panoramic views of the Kenyan plains, then drop down to Buffalo Camp on Kibo's quiet northern slopes — a different mountain entirely from the busy southern routes.
Continue the traverse across the moorland of the northern slopes. Third Cave is a small, sheltered camp with views down towards Kenya.
Climb steeply across alpine desert to School Hut, the high camp on the eastern flank of Kibo. Early dinner and rest — woken before midnight for the summit attempt.
Midnight ascent past Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. After photos on the Roof of Africa, descend all the way down via the Mweka Route to Mweka Camp.
Easy descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Collect summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi for hot showers and celebration.
A full day to rest, explore Moshi, or transfer onwards. Many clients add a 3-day safari or Zanzibar beach extension at this point — ask us about combination packages.
From $2,410 per person — Kilimanjaro's highest summit success rate.