About Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded trekking route that circles around the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
What is the Northern Circuit Route of Kilimanjaro?
Northern Circuit Route Prons and Cons
The prons of the Northern Circuit Route are as follows:
Scenic Views: Northern Circuit Route is known for its spectacular scenic views and diverse landscapes. It offers a panoramic view of Mount Kilimanjaro from all angles, and hikers can also enjoy the stunning views oof Northern Ice Field.
Less Crowded: The Northern Circuit Route is less crowded offering a quieter and more peacefully hiking experience.
Longer Route: The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route up Kilimanjaro, taking around 9-10 days to complete. This longer duration means hikers have more time to acclimatize, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
High Success Rate: Due to the longer duration and better acclimatization, the Northern Circuit Route has a high success rate of Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
What is the Northern Circuit Route of Kilimanjaro?
Longest Route: The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is the longest route up Kilimanjaro, spanning over
90 kilometers. This means that trekkers have
more time to acclimatize to the altitude, which can increase their their chances of successfully summiting
the mountain.
Remote and Less Crowded: The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is less crowded than the other popular
routes such as Marangu route and Machame
route. This route is also more remote and offers trekkers a more peaceful and isolated experience, with
beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings.
Stunning Scenery: The Northern Circuit route offers some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery of any
Kilimnjaro route, with lush forests, alpine
meadows, and stunning panoramic views of the mountain.
High Success Rate: The Northern Circuit route has a high success rate of reaching the summit, with
approximately 90% of trekkers making it to the top.
This is due in part to the longer duration of trek, which allows for better acclimatization.
Wildlife and Flora: The Northern Circuit takes trekkers through several different ecological zones. This
includes montane forest, moorland, and alpine
desert. The diverse flora and fauna found in these zones make for a unique and fascinating trekking
experience.
Authentic Cultural Experience: The Northern Circuit Route passes through several remote villages, offering trekkers an opportunity to interact with the
local communities and traditions.
Cons of Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
Expensive: The Northern Circuit Route is one of the most expensive routes to climb Kilimanjaro due to its longer duration and more exclusive nature.
Challenging Terrain: The Northern Circuit Route is a challenging route, with some steep and rocky terrain. Hikers need to be physically fit and mentally prepared for this challenging climb.
Remote: The Northern Circuit Route is one of the most remote routes to climb Kilimanjaro, with fewer amenities along the way. Hikers need to be self-sufficient and prepared to camp in harsh conditions.
Longer Duration: While the longer duration is a pro for some, it can also be a con for those with limited time or burget.
How Hard is Northern Circuit Route / Northern Circuit Route difficulty level
The Northern Circuit Route is considered to be a challenging trek, but it is also one of the most scenic and
rewarding routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The route is the longest and the newest of all the Kilimanjaro
trekking routes, taking about 8-11 days to complete.
The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route has a gradual ascent, which allows for good acclimatization,
reducing the risk of altitude sickness. However, the higher altitude and longer duration of the trek mean
that it can still be physically and mentally demanding,. The trek involves steep ascents and descents, rocky
terrain, and potentially challenging weather conditions.
It is essential to have a good level of fitness and stamina to undertake the Northern Circuit Route, as well as
proper gear and equipment. hiring a reputable trekking company like Climbing Specialist with experienced
guides and porters can also greatly improve your chances of success and safety.
Best Time to Hike Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
The best time to hike Kilimanjaro’s Northern Circuit Route is during the dry season, which typically runs from late June to October and from December to February. During this time you can expect clear skies, low precipitatio, and good visibility, which will enhance the overall hiking experience. Additionally, the temperature are usually warmer during the day and cooler at night, which can make for comfortable hiking conditions. It’s important to note that although the dry season is the best time to hike the Northern Circuit Route, its also the busiest time of the year. If you prefer a quieter trek, you may want to consider hiking during the Shoulder seasons (March to May and November) although you may encounter more rainfall and cloudier conditions.
Northern Circuit Route wildlife sightings
Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is known for its stunning scenery and diverse
wildlife. While the focus of the trek is primarily reaching the summit of Kilimanjarom there are still some
opportunities to see wildlife along the way. Here are some of the wildlife you may encounter on the
Northern Circuit Route.
Colobus Monkeys both Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Elephants, Bushbucks (type of antelope and
known for their reddish-brown coat and white spots) , Cape Buffalos, Birds (raptors, sunbirds and
Turacos), Duickers (a type of small antelope that disappear into the undergrowth when threatened), and
Rodents (including the Kilimanjaro shrew and the African mole-rat).
It’s important to note that wildlife sightings on the Northern Circuit Route are not guaranteed, as the
animals are free to roam and can be difficult to spot.
Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route weather conditions
The weather conditions on the Northern Circuit Route of Kilimanjaro can vary depending on the time of year. Here’s what you can expect in terms of weather conditions on the Northern Circuit Route.
January to March: This is the warmest time of the year on Kilimanjaro, with temperature ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius (41 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and dropping to below freezing at night. It is also the driest time of the year, with little to no rainfall.
April to May: This is the rainy season on Kilimanjaro, and you can expect heavy rainfall during this time. Temperature during the day are similar to those in January to March, but it gets colder at night.
June to October: This is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, with generally, clear skies and little to no rainfall. Temperatures during the day range from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius (41 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) and can drop below freezing at night.
November to December: This is another rainy season on Kilimnjaro, but it is not as heavy as the April to May rainy season. Temperatures during the day are similar to those in June to October, but it gets colder at night.
It’simportant to note that weather conditions on Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable, so it’s always good to be prepared for all types of weather. Make sure to pack warm clothing, rain gear, and plenty of layers.
Northern Circuit Route Safety Tips
Here are some safety tips to consider when Kilimanjaro’s Northern Circuit Route
Hire a Licensed guide and reputable tour operator.
Acclimatize properly.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Dress appropriately.
Use trekking poles, as they help maintain balance and reduce the strain on your legs and knees, especially during steep ascents and descents.
Follow your guide’s instructions.
Watch for signs of altitude sickness such as headache, nausea, and fatigue and report to your guide immediately.
Be prepared for emergencies. It’s always a good idea to carry a basic first-aid kit and to have emergency contact information with you.
Northern Circuit Route Success Rate
The Northern Circuit Route has a high success rate of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. According to the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority, the overall success rate for all climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro is approximately 65-70% while success rate for the Northern Circuit Route is estimated to be around 90%. This high success rate is attributed to the longer duration of the Northern Circuit route which allows climbers more time to acclimate to the high altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and increasing their chances of reaching the summit. However, Success rate on the Northern Circuit Route depends on several factors such as physical fitness, mental preparation, weather conditions, and proper gear and equipment.
Northern Circuit Route Tour Operators
There are many tour operators on Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route. So you should be carefully on selecting best Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route tour operator. As Climbing Specialist we are the best Northern Circuit route tour operator, based on the following reasons:
Northern Circuit Route vs Other Kilimanjaro Routes
Northern Circuit Route is the longest route, taking 8-11 days to complete. Other routes like Marangu route take 5-6 days while Lemosho Route takes 7-8 days.
Northern Circuit Route is also known for its stunning scenery, as it offers a 360-degree view of the mountain. It also has varied landscapes, ranging from rainforest to alpine desert. Other routes like the Marangu Route is known for its lush rainforests and the Machame Route offers a great views of the mountain from the Southern side.
The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route trek offers a gradual ascent, which is thought to be better for acclimatization. While other routes like the Machame route offer a more steep ascent, which can be more challenging.
The Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro is one of the least crowded routes, which means that you are more likely to have the trail to yourself while other routes like the Marangu route are more popular and can be quite crowded during peak season.
The Northern Circuit Route trekking is considered to be a moderate to challenging route, due to its length and altitude compared to other routes. Other routes like the Marangu route are considered to be less challenging.
Ultimately, the best route for you depends on your abilities and preferences. The Northern Circuit Route is a great choice for those who want to experience the beauty of Kilimanjaro while avoiding the crowds, but it is important to keep in Mind that it is a longer and more challenging route.
How Long is the Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro?
The Northern Circuit Route on Kilimanjaro covers a distance of approximately 90 kilometers or 56 miles from the starting point at Londorossi Gate to the summit and back down to Mweka Gate. However, it’s worth noting that the exact distance can vary depending on the specific itinerary and pace of the trekking group, as well as any detours or side trips that may be included along the way.
Northern Circuit Route Cost
The cost of Northern Circuit Route up Kilimanjaro varies depending on the tour operators, as there are Many Northern Circuit Route tour operators. But Climbing Specialist offer affordable cost/price but reasonable one to meet your demands. However, the Northern Circuit Route cost also varies depending on the number of clients, such as private or sharing. The cost for a single Northern circuit trekker is some how high compare to shared or a Northern Circuit Route group tour. Our Northern Circuit Route cost | prices ranges from $1850 to $2200 per person for a private tour.
Northern Circuit Route Itineraries
Our Northern Circuit Route Itineraries ranges from 8 days to 11 days to complete your Kilimanjaro tour. Click on the Links below to select the number of days you will wish with affordable prices and quality services from us.
