The Northern Circuit route on Kilimanjaro – a detailed day-by-day description
The Northern Circuit is a fantastic Kilimanjaro route that's walked by relatively few. It offers amazing scenery, excellent acclimatisation, and a quiet trek. We tell you all the reasons we love this Kilimanjaro route!
The Northern Circuit at a glance
Detailed description of the Northern Circuit
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,100 m to 2,895 m Distance: 6 km / 4 miles Hiking time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Montane rainforest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,895 m to 3,505 m Distance: 8 km / 5 miles Hiking time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Montane rainforest and Afro-alpine moorland
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,505 m to 3,810 m Distance: 7 km / 4 miles Hiking time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Afro-alpine moorland
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 3,810 m to 4,206 m Distance: 14 km / 8 miles Hiking time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 5: Moir Hut to Pofu Camp
Elevation: 4,206 m to 4,033 m Distance: 12 km / 7 miles Hiking time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6: Pofu Camp to Third Cave
Elevation: 4,033 m to 3,870 m Habitat: Semi-desert Hiking time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Arctic
Day 7: Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,870 m to 4,750 m Distance: 5 km / 3 miles Hiking time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Arctic
Day 8: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Part 1 | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 4,750 m to 5,895 m Distance: 6 km / 4 miles Hiking time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic
Part 2 | Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 5,895 m to 3,068 m Distance: 12 km / 7 miles Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,068 m to 1,640 m Distance: 10 km / 6 miles Hiking time: 3 hours Habitat: Rainforest
Our opinion of the Northern Circuit
Highlights
Best acclimatisation profile Highest success rate Beautiful and varied scenery Panoramic views Quieter than other routes
Considerations
Forest section is muddy in wet season Longer than other routes More expensive than other routes You can experience trekking fatigue
The Northern Circuit route is for climbers who have a little more time, really want to explore the mountain, and wish to avoid the crowds.
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