OVERVIEW OF ROUTES

You can find details on each of the treks and tours we offer from the Treks and Tours menu.

Utaalam Guides offer the seven classic routes on Kilimanjaro and also a unique 13 day trek that combines nearby Mount Meru (4,562 m) with Uhuru peak (5,895 m) on Kilimanjaro’s Kibo crater rim, and an unforgettable night spent in Kibo crater (5 ,729 m).

At some point when planning your expedition you will have to decide which route to take.

When to climb?

There are two main climbing seasons on Kilimanjaro: January to mid-March; and June to October.

The annual rainy season during April and May brings high snow levels on the summit – making normal trekking impossible.

January to mid-March tends to be colder than June to October and there is also a much greater chance of snow both at the summit and on the trail. However, the weather is often clear and generally drier with only brief periods of precipitation.

June to October is the busiest and peak season on Kilimanjaro with cloud on the lower approaches but higher up there are clear blue skies and sunshine.

Utaalam Guides favourite time to climb is between February and March; or mid-September and October. During these times there is a good chance of excellent weather, and also at these times there are fewer trekkers on the mountain.

Utaalam Guides Ultimate Route

The first section of the trek will take you and your team to the summit of Mount Meru (4,562m). Mount Meru is located within the Arusha National Park, 70km west of Kilimanjaro, and is a wonderful adventure and a trekking destination in its own right. On this combined trek it will also provide important acclimatization in advance of Kilimanjaro. Summiting Mount Meru gives the chance to become familiar with trekking on Tanzania’s volcanoes; understand and further test your kit; and to experience camp life.

The second section of the trek takes our new Lemosho / Northern Circuit route and summits Uhuru Peak (5,895m) on the rim of the Kibo crater – the highest point on Kilimanjaro, and the top of the world’s highest single free-standing mountain!

A true highlight of the trek is the opportunity to spend a night at Crater Camp (5,729m) on the floor of Kilimanjaro’s Kibo crater – alongside glaciers and the crater’s ash pit. A truly unforgettable experience.

We can tailor the itinerary to meet your exact requirements – please let us know if you want to spend more time in a location, or to discuss a different route on Kilimanjaro.

Lemosho

Remote and beautiful this route also approaches Kilimanjaro across the Shira plateaus. Enjoying a slower more relaxed climb taking at least 7-9 days to reach the summit.

The route is a very scenic, very low number of climbers during the first days even though many groups have different schedules so that you could get busiest and less according to daily camp availability and also has plenty of time for acclimatisation.

Shira

The route over the Shira Plateau has several possible variations which offer 6-8 days

Marangu

Used to be the most popular Kilimanjaro route has now been delegated and recognized to number two after the Machame route.

The route is short has possibility to climb 5-6 days more acclimatization day can be added.

Low costs.

Accommodation is in huts no camping equipment needed.

Supposedly the easiest route although all mentioned above has the lowest success rate,very crowded, camping is not allowed and is the only route that uses the same way up and down.

Rongai

One of the easiest routes up Kilimanjaro, it has a reputation as a remote wilderness trail. On the Rongai route, you can approach Kilimanjaro from the Northside.

The route is the same as Marangu route which permitted 5 or 6 days

How best the route? Thus why Utaalam guides recommanded route to take too.

Just look some advantages;-

One of the quieter routes on Kilimanjaro

Ascent and Descent are on opposite sides you see both sides of Kilimanjaro( you descend on the Marangu route.

The easiest Kilimanjaro route

Approaches the mountain from the driest side, the best chance of good weather

Disadvantage

Higher cost due to additional travel to reach other side

Machame

The Machame route is one of the beautiful scenic route on Kilimanjaro for those who are budget climb is the best choice to do on Kilimanjaro.

Machame route become the most popular Kilimanjaro route nowdays

At least 6/7 days recommended

See some advantages

Very scenic

High summit success rate compared with Marangu route

And disadvantages a higher level of difficulty with thus why nick-named Whiskey route came also very crowded than other routes

Umbwe

The steepest Kilimanjaro route.

This route is not used much. The Umbwe route is only suitable for people with mountain climbing experience and who are already well adapted to the altitude .

Although Umbwe route it’s the best quite and incredible trail with less traffic and it’s designing to mountain ecology which provide the high quality scenarios of mountain both sideways gives the clear views if no clouds covered,the route is recommended for the fitest climber those who are already had acclimatization and climb exercise even though Utaalam Guides believe that is the best route of your private trekking that measure the mountaineering experience.

After reaching Barranco camp the second campsite of the trail there are options whether you split the way to follow the popular one which going to the summit via Barafu camp or keep on less traffic by via western breach trail it seems is straight up and shortage the distance but this it depends with your itinerary.

Mweka

This is not a climbing route, it is only used for descent so you should follow it down if you had climbed on the Machame, Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe, and new Lemosho route.

Possible Variations are that some of the routes have alternative paths for some sections can combine different sections of different routes through the main target for every route to helps safety reaching the summit (Uhuru peak).

Climbing western breach on dry season

About Climbing Mount MERU

It is cheap/less expensive, to climb mount Meru compared to Mount Kilimanjaro and both are volcanic eruptions very closely geographic features, it offers the best and the beautiful Africa natural resources from the bottom to the top, we recommend this to start with if your plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro after a great idea to reduce side effects of altitudes sickness while climbing Kilimanjaro.

For any inquiries please email

Get in touch with Utaalam Guides to discuss your Tanzania adventure.

If our team are climbing in the mountains, or out on a tour then it might take a day or two before we reply. But, we reply to all enquiries.

If you are ready to book an adventure, or if you simply want more information about what services Utaalam Guides offer, please get in touch.

info@UtaalamGuides.com

You can also use the WhatsApp link to chat directly with a lead guide who can answer your questions.

+255 789 294 619

+255 756 568 661