Kilimanjaro Routes

Northern Circuit Route

The Grand Traverse

Duration
8-9 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Success Rate
95%
Start Elevation
2,100m
Summit Elevation
5,895m
Approach
West-North

About This Route

The Grand Traverse

The Northern Circuit is the longest and most recently opened route on Mount Kilimanjaro, and it boasts the highest success rate of any route at an impressive 95%. This grand traverse circumnavigates the mountain, providing trekkers with 360-degree panoramic views and an unmatched diversity of landscapes.

The route begins on the western Lemosho approach, crossing the Shira Plateau before diverging north to traverse the remote and rarely visited northern slopes of the mountain. This section of the trek is virtually untouched, offering a genuine wilderness experience with the chance to have the mountain almost entirely to yourself.

The 8-9 day itinerary provides the best acclimatization profile of any Kilimanjaro route, as the gradual altitude gain across the northern traverse allows your body ample time to adjust. The route eventually reconnects with the southern circuit routes for the final summit push from Barafu Camp. If you have the time and want to maximize both your summit chances and your appreciation of the mountain's extraordinary variety, the Northern Circuit is the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience.

Day by Day

Your Journey to the Summit

Drive to Londorossi Gate and continue to the Lemosho trailhead. Trek through pristine montane rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Look for colobus monkeys and unique forest birds.

Elevation:2100m to 2750m
Distance:6km
Time:3-4 hours

Ascend through the heather zone onto the Shira Plateau. First clear views of Kibo peak as the landscape opens up. The ancient Shira caldera rim stretches to the west.

Elevation:2750m to 3500m
Distance:8km
Time:5-7 hours

Cross the Shira Plateau with an optional hike to Shira Cathedral for panoramic views. The plateau is a vast moorland dotted with giant lobelias and groundsels.

Elevation:3500m to 3840m
Distance:7km
Time:4-5 hours

Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization, then descend to the remote Moir Hut. This begins the northern traverse that sets this route apart from all others.

Elevation:3840m to 4630m to 4200m
Distance:12km
Time:6-8 hours

Traverse the remote northern slopes with virtually no other trekkers. Stunning views toward Kenya and the vast plains below. The landscape is stark alpine desert with occasional rocky outcrops.

Elevation:4200m to 4020m
Distance:7km
Time:4-5 hours

Continue the northern circuit traverse, passing through Third Cave area before ascending to School Hut on the eastern side of Kibo. The full circumnavigation of the mountain is nearly complete.

Elevation:4020m to 4750m
Distance:10km
Time:5-7 hours

Short trek south to Barafu Camp, the launch point for the summit attempt. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight push. The views south toward Mawenzi are spectacular.

Elevation:4750m to 4673m
Distance:3km
Time:2-3 hours

Midnight departure for the summit via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). The 95% success rate reflects the superb acclimatization this route provides. Descend to Mweka Camp.

Elevation:4673m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance:17km
Time:12-15 hours

Final descent through the rainforest. Collect your summit certificates at Mweka Gate and transfer to your hotel. Celebrate completing the grand traverse of Kilimanjaro.

Elevation:3100m to 1640m
Distance:10km
Time:3-4 hours

Everything You Need

What's Included

✓ Included

  • Professional mountain guides
  • Porters and cook
  • Park fees and rescue fees
  • Camping equipment
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Filtered water
  • Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen
  • Airport transfers

✗ Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal gear
  • Tips/gratuities
  • Pre and post trek accommodation

Prepare for Your Climb

Training & Preparation

Physical Training

A 12-week training program is recommended. Focus on hiking with a loaded pack, regular cardio sessions, and leg strength exercises including squats, lunges, and step-ups.

Acclimatization

"Pole pole" (slowly, slowly) is the Kilimanjaro mantra. Staying hydrated (3-4 litres daily) and maintaining a steady pace are your best strategies for avoiding altitude sickness.

Gear

Quality hiking boots (broken in!) are essential. Bring a layering system for temperatures ranging from -20°C at the summit to +30°C in the rainforest.

Mental Preparation

Summit night is the toughest part. Mental resilience and a positive mindset will carry you when your body wants to stop.

Read Full Preparation Guide →
Preparing for Kilimanjaro climb

Common Questions

Kilimanjaro FAQs

You do not need to be an elite athlete to climb Kilimanjaro, but a reasonable level of fitness is essential. The climb is not technically difficult, but it is physically demanding due to the duration (5-9 days of trekking) and the altitude. We recommend starting a training program at least 8-12 weeks before your climb, focusing on cardiovascular fitness (hiking, running, cycling), leg strength, and endurance. Regular long walks with a loaded daypack on hilly terrain are the best preparation. Many successful climbers are regular recreational hikers and gym-goers rather than experienced mountaineers.
Essential gear includes: quality waterproof hiking boots (broken in before the trip), a warm down jacket rated to -15C, thermal base layers, waterproof outer shell jacket and trousers, warm hat and gloves, gaiters, trekking poles, a headlamp with spare batteries, a sleeping bag rated to -15C (or rent one from us), a daypack (25-30 liters), water bottles or hydration bladder, and high-SPF sunscreen. We provide a comprehensive gear list upon booking and can arrange rental of sleeping bags and trekking poles if needed. Do not buy brand new boots for the climb; break them in thoroughly first.
Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS) is the biggest challenge on Kilimanjaro. Key prevention strategies include: choosing a longer route with better acclimatization (7+ days), walking slowly ("pole pole" in Swahili), drinking 3-4 liters of water daily, eating well even when appetite decreases, and communicating any symptoms to your guide immediately. Some climbers use Acetazolamide (Diamox) as a prophylactic, which should be discussed with your doctor before the trip. Our guides carry pulse oximeters to monitor your blood oxygen levels and are trained to recognize AMS symptoms early.
No prior climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary to climb Kilimanjaro. The mountain is classified as a trek rather than a technical climb, meaning no ropes, harnesses, or specialized climbing skills are required. The Barranco Wall on the Machame and Lemosho routes involves some basic scrambling using hands and feet, but it is non-technical and guided. The most important factors for success are physical fitness, mental determination, proper acclimatization, and listening to your guide. Many of our successful summit climbers had never attempted anything like it before.
Our mountain cooks prepare fresh, nutritious meals designed to fuel your climb. Breakfast typically includes porridge, eggs, toast, fruit, tea, and coffee. Lunch is usually a packed lunch with sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruit, snacks, and juice, eaten at a scenic rest stop. Dinner is a three-course meal including soup, a main course (pasta, rice, meat, or fish with vegetables), and dessert. We also provide plenty of snacks, hot drinks, and filtered water throughout the day. We can accommodate dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal diets with advance notice.
On most routes, we provide a private portable toilet for our climbing groups, ensuring hygienic and comfortable facilities throughout the trek. The portable toilet is carried by our porters and set up at each campsite in a private tent. Public toilet facilities (long-drop latrines) are available at campsites but vary in quality. The Marangu Route has flush toilets at its huts. We recommend bringing your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and biodegradable wet wipes for personal hygiene. Our commitment to Leave No Trace principles means all waste is carried down the mountain.
There is no electricity on Kilimanjaro (except at the Marangu huts which have limited charging points). We recommend bringing a portable power bank (10,000-20,000 mAh) to charge your phone and camera. Solar chargers can work but are unreliable due to cloud cover and limited sun exposure in the forest. Bring spare batteries for your camera, especially as batteries drain faster in cold conditions. To conserve phone battery, keep your phone in airplane mode and use it primarily for photos and emergency communication. Our guides carry satellite phones for emergencies.
Your safety is always our top priority. If you develop severe altitude sickness symptoms or are unable to continue for any reason, our guides will arrange a safe descent with a dedicated guide and porter escort. This decision is never taken lightly and is always made in consultation with you, but our guides have the final authority on safety decisions. Descending to lower altitude is the most effective treatment for altitude sickness, and most people recover rapidly. Even if you do not reach Uhuru Peak, reaching Stella Point (5,756m) or Gilman's Point (5,681m) is still an incredible achievement and you will receive a certificate.

More Options

Explore Other Routes

Machame Route

6-7 Days
Success Rate: 85%
Challenging

Lemosho Route

7-8 Days
Success Rate: 90%
Moderate-challenging

Marangu Route

5-6 Days
Success Rate: 65%
Moderate

Rongai Route

6-7 Days
Success Rate: 80%
Moderate

Umbwe Route

5-6 Days
Success Rate: 70%
Difficult

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