The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s longest and most recent route, known for excellent acclimatization which greatly increases summit success rates. It provides breathtaking and diverse scenery, maintains a leisurely pace, and keeps you away from the crowds, even during busy times.
Starting on the western side of Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit initially shares its path with the Lemosho route, leading through lush rainforests into the moorland zone. From Shira Ridge, you traverse the expansive Shira Plateau, then proceed eastward towards Moir Camp, located behind a ridge near Lava Tower.
Here, you diverge from the southern routes, circling around to the quieter northern slopes of the mountain. After a few days, you’ll meet up with trekkers from the Rongai route at Third Cave campsite.
The trek then leads to Kibo Hut, your base for the summit push. At midnight, you begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point. After reaching the summit, you’ll spend two days descending via the Mweka route on the southeast side of the mountain.
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