CHOOSE A PREFERRED KILIMANJARO ROUTE BASED ON YOUR FITNESS AND ACCLIMATIZATION NEEDS

Uhuru Trails by AfricanMecca has personally experienced and carefully researched optimum strategies on the ground to conquer the highest mountain in Africa. Our objective is to take you safely to Uhuru Peak and to enable you enjoy your Tanzanian highlands fieldtrip to the highest stand-alone mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro, the snow-capped sky island floating above skirts of cloud on the vast grass plains of northern Tanzania.

Depending on the constitution of your group, whether a family group with wide range of ages and abilities, or a superbly fit group of youthful athletes, there is a route and a strategy that is best for you. If you are pre-acclimatized, a slightly steeper, faster route is possible, but in general, the slower your ascent, the less chance you have of succumbing to debilitating altitude sickness. There are six trails up the mountain, starting from all four points of the compass.



Umbwe is the shortest, steepest route, straight up from the south. The cheapest and therefore one of the most crowded is Marangu, entering from the southeast, through gentle scenic terrain, rainforest, heathland and alpine desert, before the final, more grueling ascent trek. There are permanent huts on what is inaccurately described as the easiest route, but it is very poor on acclimatization and highly unsuccessful due to the steep altitude gained in the first three days.

From the southwest, Machame is scenic and the most utilized route, with a long traverse of the southern mountain flank giving spectacular views and sunsets. Lomosho and Shira both enter from the west after a long access drive to over 2250 meters, before an isolated, pleasant hike across beautiful heathland plateau with panoramic vistas. Pre-acclimatization is recommended for Shira. Finally, Rongai from the north is least crowded, driest route with abounding wildlife on lower slopes but acclimatization on site is always recommended.

The straightforward choice of route is your own, along with taking guided advice from Uhuru Trails by AfricanMecca who have developed specific trail variations to maximize your summit chances. Our mountain guides also have the experience to detour where necessary to avoid problems due to climate or bottlenecks.



Your fitness levels can be significantly improved by an exercise regimen leading up to your Tanzania trekking holiday. Hill-walking, stair-climbing, joint mobility and weight-bearing routines will all be of benefit, especially if you are not seriously overweight and have no debilitating medical condition. Care of feet and practice with full gear and your hiking boots will avoid any unexpected complications on your Mount Kilimanjaro climb.

Remember, you will be hiking on rough ground in excess of six hours a day on average, and camping in searing heat, freezing cold and snow conditions, or battering winds on hard, rocky ground (read more on when is the best time to trek Kilimanjaro). It is necessary to acclimatize carefully, by taking your time on the ascent, climbing high and sleeping low, and taking extra days to rest too, making sure you drink five liters of water a day to avoid dehydration and eat generous calories of rich carbohydrates to meet your increased energy needs.

A special acclimatization tour of Mount Meru is highly recommended as an extra adventure and a way to ensure that you are as physically prepared as possible to enjoy your ultimate conquest of the ice-capped summit of the continent.

Review Below Our Safety Guide For Your Kilimanjaro Trek

TANZANIA TRIP IDEAS

Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Trip Ideas

AFRICA SAFARI PRICES

Check Our Africa Travel Guide