9-Day Kilimanjaro · Northern Circuit

The Northern Circuit is the newest of Kilimanjaro's established routes, opened in 2014, and the most spectacular. It begins at Lemosho Gate on the western side, climbs onto the Shira Plateau in the first two days, traces the full northern panorama of the mountain across days four to seven, and approaches the summit from the north via School Hut. The total trail is around 90 km and takes nine days on the mountain, making it the longest itinerary on Kilimanjaro.

The extra days are not for show. The Northern Circuit produces the highest summit success rate of any Kilimanjaro route, Western Bridge Africa records around 95% on this itinerary, for one straightforward reason: more time at altitude before summit night. Climbers spend three consecutive nights above 4,000 m before the summit attempt, allowing the body to adapt fully to the thinning air. The route also avoids the steep grade and crowds of the southern circuit.

Scenically, the Northern Circuit offers 360-degree views of the Kilimanjaro massif. You see the summit cone from every angle as you traverse around it, and the northern slopes, rarely visited by other climbers, give a strong sense of remoteness. You will often go an entire day on the northern flank without seeing another trekking party.

The trade-off is cost and time. The Northern Circuit is roughly 20% more expensive than the seven-day Machame, and it requires nine days on the mountain plus a day before and after for travel. For climbers who want the best possible chance of summit, and who can spare the extra days, it is the route we recommend without reservation.