Northern Circuit Route
Overview
The longest and the newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, Northern Circuit, is known for excellent acclimatization and breathtaking views of the Kilimanjaro northern slopes. For the present moment a very limited number of travelers have set foot on this trail, and the route is hardly ever crowded.
It is recommended to those who enjoy long trekking experiences in remote wilderness with a minimal number of other trekkers around.
It takes at least eight days to climb Kilimanjaro through the Northern Circuit which is why the route boasts a very high success rate. An extended 9-day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro climb with crater camping is also available for an incredible wilderness adventure on Africa’s highest volcano
EXCELLENT FOR ACCLIMATIZATION
Our climbing itineraries are crafted in a way that ensures the smoothest acclimatization transition.
Scenic Beauty
stunning and varied landscapes. It starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro and offers trekkers breathtaking views
Challenge and Adventure
The varied terrain and longer duration make it suitable for those looking for a more demanding and rewarding trekking experience.
Other Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
Lomosho Route
Rongai Route
Marangu Route
Umbwe Route
Machame Route
Happy Customers
See what our adventurers report about their experiences with Prime Kilimanjaro:
EXCELLENT Based on 34 reviews Posted on MANON RVerified Unforgettable ✨ We left with friends with Prime Kili for the ascent of Kilimanjaro via Lemosho in 8 days, and this experience will remain unforgettable.From the first exchanges, we appreciated the responsiveness and availability of Jonas. When we arrived in Tanzania, everything went perfectly: transfer on time, personalized support by Jonas himself (bank, rental shop for missing equipment, purchase of SIM card, supermarket, etc.).The hotel booked by Prime Kili was very clean and comfortable.The next day, we found the team that accompanied us: 7 porters, 1 cook and 2 guides for 2 people. We spent 6 extraordinary days with an exceptional team. Everyone kept smiling in all circumstances, even in the rain and cold, which contributed greatly to our success.The food was excellent, and we were impressed by the quality of service, so far from any civilization.The guides had a perfect knowledge of the mountain and terrain, which made us feel safe every step of the way. Thanks to them, we also learned a lot about Tanzania.Also, during the trek, as we were moving fast, we were offered to double a stage in order to finish in 7 days instead of 8. The extra hotel night and breakfast were then taken care of by the agency.Nothing was missing during our stay, everything was really well organized.A huge thank you to the whole team for their commitment, seriousness and sincerity of shared moments. Prime Kili is a human-sized, serious, responsive and professional agency that we recommend with our eyes closed.However, we would like to make a few important clarifications to help future guests prepare for their stay. It is essential to exchange clearly on the practicalities beforehand to avoid any surprises. We had made a deposit before departure thinking of paying the balance on site, without knowing that the ATM is capped at 400,000 shillings, which complicates the withdrawals. In addition, tip codes were only provided once on site: about $20/day per guide, $15/day for the cook and $8-12/day per porter, representing a significant budget. These tips are obviously well deserved, and we gave them with great pleasure, but we would have liked to be informed of these amounts in advance.Despite these points, our experience with Prime Kili remains exceptional, both in terms of people and the organization of the trek. A big thank you. 🙏🏻Posted on Greg DelesalleVerified Extraordinary week with the Prime Kilimanjaro team What an experience! In addition to the beauty of the mountain scenery, the Jackson and Francis guides were wonderful, always there for us! The logistics of the trek were perfect, the tent was clean and comfortable for two with separation in the middle, the food was top (Richard is a very good cook) , and the rest of the team did everything to make everything go well. I highly recommend this agency for those who want to climb Kilimanjaro in a well organized way with guides listening. And a big thank you to Jonas who was very responsive by message whenever we had questions before the trip.Posted on Thomas AVerified Incredible climb experience We had an incredible Kilimandjaro climb with prime Kilimandjaro. The guides, Jackson and Francis, were very careful about how our body react to the altitude, so we felt very safe with them. The cook chef Richard was vert surprising and skilled. All the porters were very human, attentive, and all created a great atmosphere ! We definitely had an incredible time with the team, and we definitely recommend prime Kilimandjaro !ThomasPosted on Viviana PVerified Experience and unforgettable adventure of climbing the kili and safari in Tanzania. Magnificent ascent to the summit of Kili, Lemosho 8 days with a magnificent team caring, professional and smiling. Excellent organization and good food, hearty. It was 8 days of precious adventure, happy to have shared your life with me, I appreciate it. Big thanks to Sebastian, Elly, Audifasi, Mzungi, Athuman, Nuvdin, Hassan , Charles, and my excellent, friendly guide Alfred, Simba. My respects and admiration to all for your work and passion. You made my ascent to the kili possible. And thank you again for the 4-day safari. Unforgettable! Breathtaking! Thank you Momo, excellent guide, chef, great! . Everything in joy! Having lived this whole adventure allowed me to approach a little bit the Tanzanian people and their culture. Thank you very much Jonas, excellent management and professionalism of your local agency in Arusha. Bravo Prime Kilimanjaro. Vivian ,Montreal , CanadaPosted on DayTrip41567593139Verified An incredible human adventure! I made the ascent with Prime Kilimanjaro by the Machame route in 6 days, and everything was perfect from start to finish.The whole team was exceptionally kind and everything was well organized.They are a serious team with a lot of experience on this climb.They are full of little touches, such as waking up with a cup of tea in the tent, little surprise breaks with cakes, on a real chair, delicious hot meals at all meals, energy and a good mood without fail.They're amazing!Many thanks to:@Lazaro, a great guide, caring and professional who knows Kilimanjaro as his pocket and will take you to the top safely.@Shadi, the super cook, who managed to cook a chicken fries at 4600m!@Ellie, always caring and considerate, waking up at bedtime.@Zungo, a smile and sympathy that brightens your days.@Hassan, always a nice word.@Sam, discreet but efficient to the top.You are the Best 🫶And a big thank you to Jonas for organizing this adventure, but also for these 3 days of Safari with Momo, our great guide with whom we or see almost all the animals of the 3 parks.I warmly recommend this local agency.Posted on Kinga FVerified well-organized trekking on Kilimanjaro I highly recommend this company for anyone wanting to climb Kilimanjaro. We felt well-cared for from the very beginning, from trip planning, when all our questions were answered very quickly, through preparation for the expedition, providing a detailed list of necessary equipment, airport transfers, and accommodations. During the trek, everyone on the team took excellent care of us, with fresh, delicious, and filling food prepared daily. We received tremendous support during the summit push. I wholeheartedly recommend this company.Posted on Sauhat MVerified Hiking at Mountain Kilimanjaro I completed the 7-day Lemosho route with Prime Kilimanjaro, and I cannot express enough how pleased I am with their exceptional service. Right from the start, I encountered some altitude challenges, but my guide was always there, ensuring I felt supported and well taken care of. The tents were excellent, the food was delicious, and the team's hard work was evident—they truly made our summit dreams a reality. Reaching the summit was a significant challenge for me, coming from sea level, but Guide Edson was a true motivator, doing everything possible to ensure I reached the top. I also want to give a special shoutout to summit porter Isaya for his unwavering support and to Jonas for ensuring everything ran smoothly from the outset. I highly recommend Prime Kilimanjaro 100% for anyone looking to ascend Kilimanjaro!Posted on Truc Viet LVerified Excellent service at good price!! We had a wonderful 7-day climb with Prime Kili via the Machame route in July 2025. The whole crew were excellent and dedicated, especially our 2 guides Gasper and Bubusha. Prime Kili probably has one of the best valued prices among the Kili tour agencies. For the price we paid (way below market average), we had great equipment (tents, mattresses), excellent guides and services (including cooked meals on the trail). Jonas, the owner, really took good care of his customers so communications, logistics were really smooth end-to-end, and he even had the guides check our oxygen and heart rate twice daily. I would totally recommend Prime Kili to whoever wanna climb this legendary mountain and don't wanna pay too much.Posted on Guillaume RVerified Excellent 7 day Machame Tour with Prime Kilimanjaro Excellent week climbing Mount Kilimanjaro thanks to the great help of the porters, the guide and the cook. The tent and mattress were comfortable and the food was carefully selected with respect to the altitude. Jonas and the guides gave us precious advice for the clothing and the medicines to take. It was a great adventure and the whole team of Prime KIli really contributed to it!Posted on Kwang Meng GVerified Great. 7 day Kili Machame Tour with Prime Kili Tour 3 of us friends took a Kili 7 day Machame trek with Prime Kili. Even before the trek, Jonas was timely and efficient in answering our queries. In terms of logistics, from the airport pickup to the day to day admin arrangements, the whole team worked seamlessly to ensure a first class experience. Besides Jonas, special shout out to both our guides (Gasper and Bubusha), the cook Shadrack, waiter Raphael, summit porters (Steven and Sabore), 8 other porters (Kili fighters) who helped us in our successful ascents. Kudos to great team work and a generous spirit!
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