Northern Circuit Route

If summiting Mount Kilimanjaro is on your bucket list and you’re serious about reaching the top, there’s one route that rises above the rest, both literally and figuratively. Say hello to the Northern Circuit Route, the longest, most scenic, and best acclimatized trail on Africa’s tallest mountain. Stretching across 9 days, this route wraps around the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, providing breathtaking views, a gradual ascent, and plenty of time for your body to adjust.

Unlike the more crowded and shorter trails, the Northern Circuit gives you space, solitude, and the best chance at a successful summit. In this complete guide, we’ll break down the day-to-day experience, highlight what makes this route so special, and give you all the tips you need to make it to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa.

The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest trail, beginning from the west at Lemosho Gate, crossing the Shira Plateau, then swinging around the seldom-seen northern side of the mountain before linking with the eastern summit path.

What sets this route apart is its 9-day itinerary, which offers ample time for acclimatization, a key factor in summit success. The scenery is diverse, ranging from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and glaciers. But best of all? You’ll avoid the crowds. Most climbers take the more direct southern routes, so you’ll often have the trail to yourself.