Do we support any porters initiative

Very definitely yes. Porters and guides are the life blood of any successful mountain climb. Through our partners in Tanzania we support various charity initiatives including the most important Kilimanjaro Porters Society. This society was registered under the name Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society on 30th September 2005 as a non governmental organization with a certificate no 13296 under the organization art of the United Republic of Tanzania. The society exists as a shield for porters who are registered under it with the goal of improving the living and working condition of these porters.

How difficult is Northern Circuit or 360 Route

Like the Shira route, it starts at a higher altitude. However, from Shira the altitude gain each day is much lower than on other routes and the gradient very gentle until your reach Kikelewa or Third Caves camp. It is also done over a longer period of time than other Kilimanjaro routes. It is for these reasons that it is one of the few routes that does not need extra acclimatization days added.

How long is Northern Circuit or 360 route?

The Grand Traverse/360 or Northern approach is about 79 km / 50 miles from gate to gate

Is Northern Circuit or 360 Route crowded?

Not at all. It has very few people on the route because it is done over a longer period and therefore more costly.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro on Grand Traverse/360 or Northern approach?

There are two distinct trekking seasons during which is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. They are January-March and June-October. January-March is generally colder than June-October and there is a higher probability of encountering snow on the summit.

What are the temperatures like on Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is just three degrees south of the equator, so the lower slopes are generally hot and dry reaching 25°C during the day. This quickly dips with each ecological zone however, open heathlands, alpine desert and then, at the summit, categorically Arctic. Temperatures at Uhuru Peak are between -7 to -29°C.

Are there camp grounds on Grand Traverse/360 or Northern approach?

Every night stop has an area with drop/toilet facilities, that are designated areas to allow for camping. You will sleep in tents.

What are the toilets like?

This is a popular question. The toilets that are available on the mountain are pretty rudimentary unless you are on Marangu, and are really just a wooden or block building with a hole in the ground (or a 'long drop'). One option though it adds to the cost is to hire a portable toilet. Finally, although there may not be toilet facilities when you really need them during the days trek, we ask that you seek out a 'loo with a view' away from the path, and keep your used paper in a small bag to dispose of later at camp so as to preserve the environment.

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is a group of general symptoms that are brought on by climbing or walking to a higher and higher altitude (elevation) too quickly. High altitude is defined as 8,000 - 12,000 feet (2400 - 2600m) above sea level. Altitude sickness can affect anyone who goes to high altitudes without giving the body time to adjust to the changes in air pressure and oxygen level. Symptoms usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then get better within a day or two as your body adjusts to the change in altitude. Because Kilimanjaro has a rapid ascent profile ie. 1000m a day, altitude sickness tends to be more common than on some other treks. It is for this reason that taking your time is vitally important and why shorter routes have a lower success rate.

Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro

NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE

The Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro: The Ultimate Trekking Experience

The Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is often referred to as the 360 Route due to its nearly 360-degree panoramic views, showcasing breathtaking scenery across diverse landscapes. As the most scenic and remote trail on the mountain, the Northern Circuit provides trekkers with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rarely visited northern slopes, offering a unique and peaceful Kilimanjaro adventure. This route is one of the longest Kilimanjaro routes, covering 96 kilometers and taking a minimum of eight days to complete. It is a great choice for those looking to experience the mountain in its full glory without the crowds often found on other, more popular routes.

The trek starts from the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, near the Shira Plateau, before heading towards Lava Tower. It then continues north to Moir Camp, where the route merges with the Rongai Route, heading clockwise to the summit.

Unmatched Scenic Views on the Northern Circuit
One of the key highlights of the Northern Circuit Route is the stunning views it offers. On clear days, trekkers are treated to expansive vistas over the Amboseli Plains in Kenya, and the rolling landscape of Kilimanjaro’s slopes. The route’s remote nature ensures that the trail is less crowded, allowing trekkers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.

A Grand Traverse of Diverse Terrains
Due to its varied terrain, the Northern Circuit is often called the Grand Traverse. The route passes through a range of ecosystems and landscapes, from lush rainforests and moorlands to alpine deserts and rocky terrain. This diversity makes it a favorite for experienced trekkers looking for a comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience. The Northern Circuit also provides a flexible itinerary, giving trekkers the time to acclimatize gradually to the altitude, which increases the chances of successfully reaching the summit. The trek culminates with a descent via the southern Mweka Route, which provides a completely different perspective of the mountain’s lower slopes, further enhancing the overall experience.

Why Choose the Northern Circuit?
Remote and Scenic: Less crowded with unparalleled views of both Mount Kilimanjaro and surrounding landscapes.
Diverse Terrain: From rainforests to alpine deserts, this route showcases the full range of Kilimanjaro’s ecosystems.
Extended Duration: At least 8 days, providing ample time for acclimatization and stunning landscapes.
Stunning Views of Amboseli Plains: On clear days, enjoy views over the vast plains of Amboseli in Kenya.
Grand Traverse: Explore the full circumference of Kilimanjaro for a unique trekking experience.

For trekkers looking to experience the best of Mount Kilimanjaro with stunning, serene views and a challenging yet rewarding trek, the Northern Circuit Route is the ideal choice. Whether you're an avid mountaineer or a nature lover, this route offers one of the most rewarding Kilimanjaro experiences.

If you are looking for answers to specific questions, read here or go here to see some of our blog posts

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northern circuit route at a glance

Sleep in Tents on the mountain

From 8 trekking days

Starts in the west at Morum Barrier along a quiet route eventually joining Rongai and Marangu Routes

A very quiet longer approach with good acclimatisation but starts at a higher altitude

Summit via Kibo Hut and Descend via Barafu Huts along Mweka

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NORTHERN CIRCUIT GRAND TRAVERSE route ITINERARY

Day-1: Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight hotel.

Day-2: Morum Barrier Gate (3,600m) Shira Camp I (3,720m)
Hiking: 2 hours
Distance: About 4 Km
Habitat: Rain forest

Departure from Moshi will be at around 7:30am for Londorossi gate, about 4 hours away, where you will complete entry formalities. We will then start the hike up to Morum Barrier Gate about an hour away. Once there, we will enjoy lunch and then hike up through the shrub land and moorland to reach the first camp, about 2 hour away. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is stunning.

Day-3: Shira Camp I (3,720m) - Moir Camp (4,205m)
Elevation: 2835 metres - 3850 metres
Distance: 9 km
Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
Environment: Moorland

Today we trek across the Shira plateau in an easterly direction to Moir camp. Shira plateau is the remains of a once volcanic crater, which after Kibo's last eruption was filled with volcanic lava. We head away from the main tourist trails as we head around the flanks of Kibo. The trek is about 4-5 hours over easy terrain. Moir camp is an isolated and seldom used camp affording views over the Shira Plateau.

Day-4: Moir Camp (4,205m) - Buffalo Camp (4,150m)
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
Distance: 10 km's

Today we head out across the moorland and into the stark alpine desert heading up a ridge , on off the main trail along the quite and seldom used Northern Circuit Route. The trail heads across massive beds of shale. The final section of today's walk is undulating until we reach the location of Buffalo Camp (4150m). the views across the vast Kenyan plains that stretch out far below re incredible. The total trekking time is about 5 - 7 hours.

Day-5: -Buffalo Camp (4,150m) (also known as Pofu) - Kikelewa Caves (3600m)
Elevation: 4,150m to 3,600m
Hiking time: 5hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Distance: 8 km's

From Buffalo Camp we climb up to the top of 'Buffalo Ridge' and the descend to reach Pofu, where there is a small spring and some vegetation. The trail continues eastwards through a landscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp (3600m) or Kikelewa, at 3900m. Approx 5-7 hours walking.

Day-6: Kikelewa Cave (3600m) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)
Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today we will find ourselves joining with the Rongai route. It is a short but steep climb up grassy slopes offering superb views of this wilderness area. Here, we will leave the moorland region behind and quickly enter into the lunar alpine desert stretched out between the imposing peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. We will camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated in the shadows of Mawenzi.

Day-7 : Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo Huts/Outward Bound Camp (4,750m)
Elevation: 4,330m to 4,750m
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
The trekking time today is 5 - 7 hours, with a steady ascent across the wide saddle with it stark contrasts, between Mawenzi and Kibo. We will then ascend further up to Outward Bound Camp or School hut, or Kibo to spend the night. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight.

Day-8: Kibo/Outward Bound Camp (4,750m) - Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Elevation: 4,750m to 5,895m to 3,100m
Distance: 24 km/14 miles
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Arctic to Heath Zone

A midnight wake-up call is the start of a long trek. You begin trekking at 1am up the winding path of endless switchbacks. From your camp to the rim of the crater (Gillman's Point (5,712 m) to Uhuru Peak, the trekking time is about 7 - 8 hours. Today is by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The slope is steep, with switchbacks over loose rock and scree with some boulders as you near Gilman's Point. You will stop at Hans Meyer cave on the way, the famous place where Kilimanjaro's first western climber described in his journals. Once you arrive at Gilman's Point at the edge of the crater, the trail to the summit is less demanding, and is reached after a further 1½-2 hours along the snowy crater rim. After a short time at the summit, re-trace your steps back along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descend down through Barafu Camp where you will have a chance to rest before heading down towards Mweka hut (3100m).The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

Day-9: Mweka camp (3100m) - Mweka Gate (1980m)
After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 3-hour scenic hike back to the Park gate. It is recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. At Mweka gate you will have to sign your name and details in a register in order to receive you summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will meet up with your team and bus, and head back to the hotel a long over due hot shower.

Day-10: Depart
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight home.

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bELOW ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT KILIMANJARO

Is Kilimanjaro a technical climb?

No. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak in that you essentially hike or trek to summit. No technical expertise is required, nor use of rope etc. There are sections on the mountain which require a scramble up rocky areas, dependant on which trekking path you follow.

Why is Northern Circuit so seldom used?

The bulk of the volcanic activity for Kibos eruption happened to the west of the mountain making Machame and Umbwe steeper and more rugged and also more scenic. Northern Circuit is also a much longer approach so only really used by those with more time and who want to acclimitise slowly.

How difficult is it to climb Kilimanjaro?

The word climb is something of a misnomer as no technical gear is used but considering the altitude gained it is classified as a climb. Any person with moderate hiking skills who is fit and healthy can summit the mountain. Northern circuit has the added benefit of long slow acclimitisation

However, the summit night can be hard going as you ascend 1500m in anything from 5.5 to 9 hours. Apart from that, after the summit you need to descend 3000m in 16-18 hours making it challenging. So while you don’t need to be a super athlete or have prior climbing experience it is important to be active and committed to training prior to the climb.

How long does it take to hike Kilimanjaro?

The shortest number of days required to climb to Uhuru Peak is on a 5 day Marangu route, totally 7 by the time you have added on arrival and departure days. However, it is not advisable to do it over 5 as the ascent is very quick and the overall success rate, low. It is better to do the trek over a minimum of 6 or 7 days to increase your chances of success. Most hikers add an extra day to acclimatize helping them achieve a higher Kilimanjaro Success Rate.

Will we have access to fresh running water at camps?

There are several streams on the trail and porters will collect water from them. The cook then boils this water for you to fill you water bottles for your days hike. You can also use purifier tablets in stream water or add it to your boiled water however it can also have an effect on the diamox and make you feel nauseous. The higher you climb the less water there. On the Machame trail, for example, the last water point is at the Karanga Valley, the lunch-stop before Barafu; on Marangu, it’s just before the Saddle. For this reason it is essential that you carry enough bottles for at least two litres.

When is the best time or months to climb Kilimanjaro?

The warmest months with the clearest trekking days, are from mid to late December, January, February, September and October. The rains often come in April and the start of May with the possibility of some snow. June through to August are superb trekking months, though evening temperatures tend to be colder. The wettest months are November and early December, where snowfalls are likely. Note however, that as this is a mountain it is not impossible to get sporadic snow or rainfall at odd times throughout the year, although the snow normally only falls above 4800m.

Which is the best route to follow to climb Kilimanjaro?

There are 7 summit routes; namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain. The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easier but accommodation is in huts. As a result, this route tends to be very busy and ascent and descent routes are the same. Both of the latter have lower prospects to acclimitise by the climb high sleep low principle unless one adds on extra days. The Northern Circuit, approaches Kibo from the west, crossing the caldera of Shira Volcano before turning north to follow the trail through Moir Valley and around the northern side of Kilimanjaro.

The Shira, Lemosho and Machame all meet up before Lava Tower (day three), and then with Umbwe at Baranco Camp (end of day three). Marangu, Rongai and Northern Circuit all meet up at Kibo Huts.

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How Bad is the Barranco Wall?

The Barranco wall is along the Machame Route, Shira Route, Lemosho Route and Umbwe Route. Is it a “wall” – well no it is not, in the sense that a wall is pretty much vertical which Barranco is not. It consists of a rocky path that zig zags up the rock section of the mountain. Yes it is steep, let us not deny that fact, but do-able? Definitely!

The wall itself is only 843 ft tall (257 meters) so in terms of distance, it could certainly not be classified as endless. It is a climb? Once again, no it is not.

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How hard is it to hike to Everest Base Camp compared to Kilimanjaro?

Most people think Everest Base Camp is higher than Kilimanjaro but surprise surprise, it is not. Base camp of Everest (or rather Kala Pathar – the little hill you climb up above base camp) is actually 5545m, whereas Kilimanjaro summit is 5895m.

People also think it is a tougher hike than Kilimanjaro, but Kilimanjaro is actually regarded as tougher by those who have done both.

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How will the altitude affect me on Kilimanjaro?

This is a really difficult one to answer directly - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, pole pole. Choosing a path like Machame where you get to follow the principle of "climb high, sleep low" is also advisable.

How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

The Kilimanjaro National Park fees are something that nobody can escape and are a large portion of your climb cost. For a six day/five night camping trek you pay about $800 in fees alone! So on average a climb will cost you between $1450 and $2800 depending on the number of days, number of people and the route that you take. There are some operators who will quote you $1000 for a trek - ask yourself, what are they skimping on and who is going to suffer as a result. You? Your safety? The porters?

Where can I get climbing Insurance for Kilimanjaro?

If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Hiking and Climbing have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a climb up Kilimanjaro or a trek to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna or even Island Peak to their list of amazing adventures. But any climb to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on whcih contry you reside in. For further details, click on the icon

read some of our blog posts on Kilimanjaro

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ROUTES TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO?

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blind climbers on kilimanjaro

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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TIME TO CLIMB KILI

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these boots are made for walking

Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail, Everest Base camp or a simple short hike on local trails. We all dream of these amazing places and for some of us, turning those dreams into a reality is like a brand new lease on life.