Northern Circuit Route: A Scenic and Less Crowded Path to the Summit

The Northern Circuit route is considered one of the best routes on Mount Kilimanjaro due to its stunning scenery, gradual acclimatization opportunities, and relatively low foot traffic. This route offers a unique and quieter approach to the summit, circling around the mountain before reaching the peak from the east.

Route Overview:

Duration: 9 days
Distance: Approximately 90 km (56 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best for: Climbers seeking a scenic, less crowded, and well-paced ascent with good acclimatization opportunities.

Key Features of the Northern Circuit Route:

Starting Point: The journey begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro, where the trek officially begins. The long drive to the gate offers climbers a chance to see the rural Tanzanian landscape and set the stage for their adventure.
Rainforest Trekking: The first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest, which is a lush and vibrant environment teeming with wildlife. This section of the climb helps climbers adjust to the mountain’s lower elevations while providing a tranquil start to the adventure.
Crossing Shira Plateau: After reaching Shira Ridge, the route crosses the famous Shira Plateau, known for its expansive vistas and unique vegetation. The Shira Plateau is one of the oldest features of Kilimanjaro, offering beautiful panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding areas.

Clockwise Circumnavigation of the Mountain:

From the Shira Plateau, the route continues north and follows a clockwise circuit around Kilimanjaro. Climbers pass through Moir Hut and Buffalo Camp, each offering spectacular views and a chance to rest and acclimatize. The route offers a variety of landscapes, from alpine desert to moorland, each day providing new and breathtaking views of the mountain.
Summit Approach: The route reaches its final approach to the summit from the east, passing through School Hut and the Barafu Camp, before making the final ascent to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point on the crater rim. The approach from the east is less trafficked, making for a more peaceful and scenic final stretch to the summit.
Descent via Mweka Route: After summiting, climbers descend via the Mweka Route, which offers a steady and relatively easy descent compared to the steeper routes, ensuring a safe return to the base.

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?

Gradual Acclimatization: The Northern Circuit is designed for gradual acclimatization, allowing climbers more time to adjust to the high altitudes. This increases the chances of a successful summit, with less risk of altitude sickness.
Less Crowded: Due to its length and the fact that it’s less well-known than routes like Machame and Marangu, the Northern Circuit sees fewer climbers, offering a more tranquil experience on the mountain.
Diverse Scenery: This route offers some of the most varied and scenic landscapes on Kilimanjaro, from dense rainforests to alpine deserts, making it a photographer’s dream.
Higher Summit Success Rate: Due to its longer duration and better acclimatization profile, the Northern Circuit has one of the highest summit success rates compared to other routes.

Route Summary:

Day 1-2: Drive to Londorossi Gate, then trek through the rainforest to Shira Ridge and Shira Plateau.
Day 3-5: Continue northward, passing through Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, and School Hut.
Day 6-8: Approach the summit from the east, passing Barafu Camp, and reach Uhuru Peak.
Day 9: Descend via the Mweka Route.

Conclusion

The Northern Circuit is an ideal choice for climbers looking for a scenic, peaceful, and well-paced route up Mount Kilimanjaro. Its gradual acclimatization schedule and lower traffic make it an excellent choice for those aiming for the summit with a greater chance of success, all while enjoying some of the most spectacular views the mountain has to offer.

CLIFF AFRICA ADVENTURE offers the Northern Circuit as a nine day group climb or private climb. A 10 day variation that includes an overnight at Crater Camp is available as a private climb by special request.