Northern Circuit Trail Overview
Crater Camp is a unique place. At 18,865 feet above sea level, it is the highest campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is located just 475 feet below the summit. We offer the opportunity to stay at Crater Camp on the Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes. This option will add one day to the standard itineraries making them the 9 Lemosho Crater Route and 10 days Northern Crater Route.
We leave for the summit during daylight hours and stay at Crater Camp after the summit for better acclimatization. On all other Kilimanjaro routes, only the guides and clients summit while the rest of the mountain crew remains at high camp (Barafu or school hut). Using Crater Camp requires significantly more effort on our part as the entire mountain crew, along with all of the expedition equipment, has to ascend 4,000 feet higher than they normally would. Therefore, there is considerable added cost to do a Crater Camp route.
From Crater Camp, one can take an optional one hour hike to Reusch Crater, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Reusch Crater is a magnificent sight. It is almost perfectly circular and the ash pit measures 400 feet (120 m) deep and 1,300 feet (400 m) wide. This is rarely seen by tourists. The video below puts the size of the ash pit and crater into perspective.
We understand the attraction of staying at Crater Camp. However, the drawback of sleeping at this high altitude is that it is pretty dangerous. Serious AMS can develop if adequate altitude acclimatization has not been achieved.
Due to safety concerns for clients and staff, the 9 Lemosho Crater Route or 8 day lemosho crater route and 10 day Northern Crater Route. We offer them for specially request.
Northern Circuit Map
NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE FAQ
What is the success rate of the Northern Circuit route?
The Northern Circuit route has an average success rate of 90% – 95%, which is quite high. The main reason for this high summit success rate is because of the route's long length which facilitates enough acclimatization time for climbers.
How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route?
The Northern Circuit has a lowest difficulty level on all the Kilimanjaro Routes. Although it is the longest route, the longer itinerary means that it has the best acclimatization profile which makes the trek less difficult. The physical trek over nine days is excellent for altitude acclimatization and generally easy under foot. Good level of fitness is highly recommended.
What is the distance of the Northern Circuit Route and how many days does it take?
The exact trekking distance for the Northern Circuit Route is 88km or 53 miles. The shortest number of days required for the Northern Circuit Route is 8 days, Shorter ascents are possible but mean some strenuous trekking days. By the time you have added on arrival and departure days it is 10 or 12. However, as it’s considered one of the longest routes on the mountain it is actually best done over 10 days of trekking to increase your changes of success
What is the Scenery like on the Northern Circuit Route?
The main approach will take you through the rich Lemosho forest and across the Shira Plateau. Then as the climber traverses around to the remote and rarely-visited north side of Kilimanjaro, the scenery becomes more arid and austere. It is so remote here that the shy eland are often seen as well as the occasional buffalo that come to lick minerals from the natural caves on the high slopes of Kilimanjaro.
When is the best time to Trek Northern Circuit Route?
July-September is the best time to trek the Northern Circuit Route, as the weather is most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. That said, since it is close to the equator it is possible to climb the mountain at any time of the year. April and May is the rainy season so this period is best avoided.
