Northern Circuit Route: Longer, Scenic Kilimanjaro Trek

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route for Kilimanjaro?

The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s top trail for adventurers looking for a longer, scenic, and less crowded climb. It starts on the western side and circles the northern slopes, covering 98 km in 9 to 10 days. This route provides the best acclimatization profile and offers a 90 to 95% success rate for reaching the summit. With Capable Africa Tours, you will travel through rainforests, moorlands, and arctic zones while enjoying stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. Here’s why this route is ideal for your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Northern Circuit Route Highlights

• Unmatched Scenery: Marvel at rainforests, the Shira Plateau, and 360° views from the northern slopes, including Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
• Highest Success Rate: The 9–10-day duration ensures gradual ascent, achieving 90–95% summit success.
• Low Crowds: Remote northern path offers a serene experience compared to Machame or Marangu routes.
• Wildlife and Flora: Spot colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, turacos, and unique plants like giant groundsels.
• Flexible Itineraries: Choose 9 or 10-day options with Capable Africa Tours for optimal pacing and comfort.

Difficulty and Preparation for the Northern Circuit

The Northern Circuit Route is moderately challenging, ideal for fit hikers with some trekking experience. Its extended duration reduces altitude sickness risks, but long hiking days (6–9 hours) and the summit night require endurance. Capable Africa Tours recommends a 3–6 month training plan focusing on cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, and mental resilience.

Key Preparation Tips

• Cardio Training: Run, cycle, or swim 5–6 times weekly for 60 minutes to build stamina.
• Strength Workouts: Include squats, lunges, and core exercises 3–4 times weekly to tackle steep terrain.
• Practice Hikes: Train with a 6–8 kg backpack on hilly trails for 4–6 hours.
• Altitude Prep: If possible, hike above 3,000 m or use altitude simulation for acclimatization.
• Mental Prep: Practice mindfulness or visualization to stay focused during long summit days.

Northern Circuit Stats

Essential Gear and Packing for the Northern Circuit

Packing for the Northern Circuit requires balancing warmth, durability, and weight. Layering is key: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers. Capable Africa Tours provides porters to carry up to 15 kg, so your daypack (5–8 kg) should hold essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers. Invest in quality gear to stay comfortable across Kilimanjaro’s five climate zones.

Packing Checklist

• Base Layers (4 sets): Merino wool or synthetic (200g) for moisture-wicking (40–80°F).
• Mid-Layers (2–3): Fleece or softshell jackets (300–500g) for insulation (20–60°F).
• Outer Layers (1–2): Gore-Tex jacket and pants for rain and wind protection (0–40°F).
• Thermal Gear (1 set): 800-fill down jacket and thermal underwear for summit night (-10–20°F).
• Footwear: Waterproof, mid/high-ankle hiking boots, 4–5 pairs merino wool socks, gaiters.
• Accessories: Wide-brimmed hat, UV400 sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, neck gaiter, gloves (inner and waterproof outer).
• Other Essentials: 30–40L daypack, 3L water bladder, trekking poles, headlamp (extra batteries), sleeping bag (rated to -20°C).

Gear Rental with Capable Africa Tours

Lighten your load with gear rentals from Capable Africa Tours. We offer sanitized, high-quality sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, and more, ensuring comfort without the hassle of extra luggage.

Best Time to Climb the Northern Circuit Route

The optimal time to climb the Northern Circuit is during the dry seasons: January–March and June–October. These months offer clear skies, stable trails, and temperatures ranging from 0–80°F, ideal for trekking and summit success. Avoid April–May and November due to heavy rains and slippery conditions.

Northern Circuit Route Costs and Inclusions

Climbing the Northern Circuit Route with Capable Africa Tours costs $3,000–$4,500 for a group trek, depending on group size and itinerary (9 or 10 days). Our all-inclusive packages cover park fees, guides, porters, meals, camping gear, and transfers. Contact us for a personalized quote.

What’s Included

• Kilimanjaro National Park fees ($900–$1,200 per person)
• Expert guides and porters (1 guide per 2 trekkers, 4–5 porters per trekker)
• All meals (fresh, high-calorie for energy) and purified water
• High-quality camping gear (tents, sleeping pads, mess tents)
• Round-trip transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Safety equipment (oxygen tanks, pulse oximeters, first aid kits)

Additional Costs to Consider

• International flights to Tanzania ($800–$1,500)
• Travel insurance (mandatory for high-altitude trekking)
• Personal gear (boots, clothing, backpack)
• Tips for guides and porters ($250–$350 recommended)
• Optional pre/post-trek lodging in Moshi or Arusha ($50–$150/night)