The Northern Circuit Route

 

The Longest Journey. The Quietest Trail. The Greatest Views.

If Kilimanjaro had a secret side, this would be it. The Northern Circuit isn’t just a route it’s a 360° odyssey around the tallest freestanding mountain on Earth. As the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro, it gives you the rare chance to experience the mountain’s hidden rhythms: lush rainforests, windswept alpine plateaus, silent northern slopes, and untouched volcanic valleys.

Over 8 days, you’ll circle Kilimanjaro like the sun, watching the terrain and your spirit change with each step. The climb is long, but never rushed. The pace? Gentle. The reward? Immense. This is the only route where you see all four faces of Kilimanjaro and meet almost no other trekkers along the way.

Why Choose the Northern Circuit?

• The Full Circle: Start on the quiet western trail, sweep up to the far north, and descend via the south. It’s the only route that wraps around Kilimanjaro completely. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered something not just climbed something.
• Smart Acclimatization = Higher Success: This isn’t the fastest route it’s the smartest. Because you take your time, your body adjusts naturally. That’s why this trail has one of the highest summit success rates among 8-day itineraries, especially for beginners.
• No Crowds, No Stress Most climbers stick to the southern paths. Not you. On this trail, you may not see another group for hours or even days. That means more peace, more privacy, and more moments of awe.
• Views Few Ever See Wake up with the wild Mawenzi Peak watching over you. Walk across eerie volcanic ridgelines. Watch the Milky Way blanket the slopes at night. This route shows you Kilimanjaro in a way no other can.

What to Expect: Difficulty & Experience

The Northern Circuit is long 8 days on the mountain but that’s part of its brilliance. The daily hikes are gentle and not technically demanding, but they require endurance. If you’re reasonably fit and love the outdoors, this is for you. If you're a beginner, the slow pace helps. If you're experienced, the solitude thrills.

EXG Expert Tip: If you want to summit Kilimanjaro without crowds, altitude drama, or rushing… this is your route.

Real Success Rates (No Fluff, Just Facts)

At EXG Safaris, we believe in truth-backed confidence. Based on over 10 years of data from thousands of climbers:

• Crater Rim (8-day Northern Circuit): 90.2%
• Uhuru Peak (summit): 81.3%

Other companies may throw around 95-100% success rate claims. But here’s the reality: fatigue, not altitude, is the biggest challenge here. With our pace, medical support, and oxygen supplies, you’ll have everything needed to reach the top safely and successfully.

What Makes EXG Different on This Route?

• Safety-First, Always: 2 full medical check-ups daily. The largest oxygen supply on Kilimanjaro. Experienced WFR-certified guides.
• Nutritionist-Designed Meals: Fuel for energy and recovery, not just food. Fresh, delicious, and made for altitude.
• Custom Gear, Custom Comfort: We design and maintain our own tents and gear, made for Kilimanjaro’s moods.
• GPS Tracking: Family can follow your progress from home.
• Conscious Travel: Ethical treatment of porters, eco-friendly practices, and real impact in local communities.

Maria’s Words from the Mountain: “This is not just a trek it’s a soulful, slow-motion film across the Roof of Africa. Quiet camps, pink sunrises, the silence of the crater rim. It’s for travelers who don’t just want to conquer the mountain they want to understand it.”

Let’s reach the summit with stories no one else has.