Northern Circuit Route

Northern Circuit Route with Maluku

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route on Kilimanjaro at 9 days and circles almost the entire mountain before making the final summit push. It begins on the western side like the Lemosho Route, traverses the Shira Plateau, and instead of descending south to Barranco, continues across the northern slopes of the mountain - a section very few climbers on other routes ever see. This extended traverse adds two extra days of gradual acclimatisation at altitude before the summit attempt, reflected in the Northern Circuit having the highest reported summit success rates of any route. It is the best choice for climbers who prioritise maximising their chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, have the time for a 9-day itinerary, and want to experience the full range of Kilimanjaro landscapes.