ABOUT NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE
Northern Circuit route is also known as the Grand Traverse or the 360, and offers the complete Kilimanjaro experience in terms of all the habitats and the views of the mountain from all sides.
The Northern Circuit is a good 9 days hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatisation, giving a better success rate. Experienced trekkers may opt for the more difficult 8-days ascent along the Northern Circuit.
The altitude gain each day is less than on other routes, thus, the Northern Circuit route is highly recommended.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east. Descend is made via the Mweka route.
WHY NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE
- • Quieter than other routes
- • Good acclimatization profile
- • Beautiful scenery
- • Very high success rate
- • Panoramic views
