The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages For Solo Travelers

Written By

African Scenic Safaris

27/03/2023

Trekking

Climbing Kilimanjaro as a solo traveler is an opportunity to push your limits. It allows you to connect with other climbers from around the world while experiencing the region’s unique culture and astounding beauty. All you need to achieve this feat is to choose the right Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages.

So, why do you need to invest so much time in choosing the right Kilimanjaro Packages? It is because a suitable package has the power to either make or break your climb. While a good package will provide you with experienced guides and porters, the right gear, and the necessary support. On the other hand, a poorly planned package can lead to injuries, exhaustion, and even failure to reach the summit.

So, let’s get ahead with the blog to find out more about Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages and their importance. We will also provide you with interesting tips for solo travelers to make your journey more memorable.

Types Of Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages For Solo Travellers

As a solo traveler, there are several types of Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages available to choose from. These include group climbs, private climbs, and customized climbs.

Group Climbs

Group climb packages are the ones where solo travelers join a group of other climbers to ascend Kilimanjaro.

Advantages

As the cost is shared among the group members, these packages are more affordable.
Group climbs provide the opportunity to meet new people and make friends along the climb.

Disadvantages

There may be differences in fitness levels and climbing experience among the group members. This can have an impact on the pace and success of the climb.

Private Climbs

Private climbs are packages where a solo traveler climbs Kilimanjaro with a dedicated guide and support staff.

Advantages

These packages offer more flexibility.
You can customize the itinerary and the pace can be tailored as per your preferences.

Disadvantages

Private climbs are usually more expensive compared to group climbs.

Customized Climbs

Depending on the traveler’s specific needs and preferences, the customized Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages offer a more personalized experience.

Advantages

This type of package allows solo travelers to choose their route, length of the climb, and level of difficulty.

Disadvantages

The downside of customized climbs is that they can be more expensive and require more planning and research.

Pro Tip: Here are our recommendations for Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages based on the preferences and needs of solo travelers.

For solo budget travelers on a budget- Go for group Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages.
For those solo travelers who value privacy and flexibility- Private Climbs is a good option.
For those who crave a more personalized experience and can spend more- customized Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages are the way to go.

Top Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages For Solo Travellers

There are many Kilimanjaro climbing packages available for solo travelers, each with its unique features and benefits. Here are some of the top packages based on different criteria:

Budget-Friendly Package

The Machame Route is one of the most popular and budget-friendly routes for climbing Kilimanjaro. This route is known for its scenic beauty and takes around six to seven days to complete. The package includes tents, meals, experienced guides, and porters.

Luxury Package

Luxury Package

The Lemosho Route is considered one of the most luxurious and scenic routes for climbing Kilimanjaro. This route takes around seven to nine days to complete and passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes on the mountain.

The package includes private tents, gourmet meals, experienced guides, and porters. This package also provides extra comfort and amenities such as portable toilets and shower tents.

Adventurous Package

The Rongai Route is known for its rugged terrain. It is considered one of the more adventurous routes for Kilimanjaro Climbing. This route takes around six to seven days to complete.

It also provides a unique and challenging experience for solo travelers. The package includes tents, meals, experienced guides, and porters.

The tables below outline our Top 4 Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages and highlight all necessary details regarding them. We have day-by-day details of each package along with the accommodation options.

8 Days Lemosho Route

DAY	FROM -TO	ACCOMMODATIONS	HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1	Lemosho Trailhead to Big Tree Camp	Overnight Big Tree Camp	Trek through the lush undisturbed forest and see Colobus monkeys
Day 2	Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 camp	Overnight Shira 1 Camp	Incredible views of Kibo across the plateau
Day 3	Shira 1 camp to Shira 2 Camp	Overnight Shira 2 Camp	Trek across the Shira Plateau. Optional climb Shira Cathedral.
Day 4	Shira 2 Camp to Baranco Camp	Overnight Barranco Camp	Ascent to Lava Tower and steep descent to Barranco valley
Day 5	Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp	Overnight Karanga Camp	Views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right.
Day 6	Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp	Overnight Kosovo camp	View the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo
Day 7	Kosovo Camp to Mkewa Camp	Overnight Mkewa Hut Camp	The final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Then, descend to Mkewa Hut.
Day 8	Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate	Overnight Ameg Lodge or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel	Look for monkeys while getting through the lush forest.

7 Days Rongai Route

DAY	FROM -TO	ACCOMMODATIONS	HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1	Rongai Gate to Simba Camp	Overnight Simba Camp	See and hear wildlife, including black and white colobus monkeys.
Day 2	Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp	Overnight Kikelewa Camp	Visit Kilimanjaro’s moorland with views of Mawenzi Peak ahead.
Day 3	Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn	Overnight Mawenzi Tarn	Stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
Day 4	Acclimatization walk and return to Mawenzi Tarn Camp	Overnight Mawenzi Tarn	A gentle climb to the ridge or lunar desert.
Day 5	Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Huts Camp	Overnight Kibo Huts Camp	Look down over Kenyan Plains and Mawenzi
Day 6	Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak and then descending to Horombo Huts	Overnight Horombo Huts	Hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak.
Day 7	Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate	Overnight Ameg Lodge or Pink Flamingo Boutique	Pass through the cloud forest and finish your trek with a descent to the Marangu gate.

7 Days Machame Route

DAY	FROM -TO	ACCOMMODATIONS	HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1	Machame Gate to Machame Camp	Machame Hut	Get to the edge of the forest and giant heather zones.
Day 2	Machame Camp to Shira Camp	Overnight Shira Camp	Incredible views of Kibo and the jagged rim of the Shira Plateau.
Day 3	Shira camp to Barranco camp Via Lava Tower	Overnight Barranco Camp	Trek to the base of Lava Tower and then descend into scenic Barranco Valley.
Day 4	Baranco Camp to Karranga Camp	Overnight Karranga Camp	Impressive views up the Barranco wall. Spectacular views of Kibo and Mount Meru.
Day 5	Karranga Camp To Barafu Camp	Barafu Camp	Peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen.
Day 6	Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak then descending to Mweka Camp	Mweka Camp	Ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak.
Day 7	Mkewa Camp to Mweka Gate		Descend through the lush forest looking for monkeys.

9 Days Northern Circuit Route

DAY	FROM -TO	ACCOMMODATIONS	HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1	Lemosho Trailhead to Big Tree Camp	Big Tree Camp	Trekking through lush forest and spotting Colobus monkeys.
Day 2	Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp	Overnight Shira 1 Camp	Ascend the hills of the Shira Plateau.
Day 3	Shira 1 camp to Shira 2 camp	Overnight Shira 2 Camp	Trek across Shira Plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral.
Day 4	Shira 2 Camp to Moir Huts via Lava Tower	Overnight Moir Huts	From the lava tower, head to the circuit of Kibo.
Day 5	Moir Huts to Buffalo/Pofu Camp	Overnight Buffalo/Pofu Camp	Explore the Lent Group and take a detour to the top of Little Lent Hill
Day 6	Buffalo/Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp	Overnight Third Cave Camp	Pass through valleys, ridges, alpine deserts, and moorland.
Day 7	Third Cave Camp to School Huts	Overnight School Huts	Reach the lunar landscape between Kibo and Mawenzi.
Day 8	School Huts to Uhuru Peak and then descending to Mweka Camp	Overnight Mweka Camp	Reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point and descend from the rim at Stella Point.
Day 9	Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate	Overnight Ameg Lodge or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel	Descend through the lush forest looking for monkeys.

Tips For Solo Travellers Climbing Kilimanjaro

If you’re a solo traveler planning to climb Kilimanjaro, here are some tips and advice to help you prepare for your adventure.

Do thorough research on Kilimanjaro Climb Routes, weather, gear and travel information.
Choose the right time of year to climb Kilimanjaro (January to March, and June to October are the best).
Make sure you are physically fit to climb the mountain. Engage in regular exercise and training before your trip.
Acclimatize properly by following the recommended trekking itinerary and spending enough time at different altitudes before summit night.
Find out about your guides and porters to ensure your safety and comfort during the climb.
Pack appropriately with essential gear such as good-quality hiking boots, warm clothing layers, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and a headlamp.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids.
Listen to your body and adjust your pace accordingly.
Bring a high-altitude medication prescribed by your doctor, such as acetazolamide, to help prevent altitude sickness.
Have a positive attitude, stay motivated, and appreciate the experience of climbing Kilimanjaro.

Other Pro Tips: Connecting with other solo travelers who have successfully climbed Kilimanjaro also helps to gain valuable insights and tips. You can also choose to join online forums and communities of like-minded people who are willing to scale Kilimanjaro.

Additionally, you can also refer to our Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide which covers everything about Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing.

Ultimately Why Choose Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages With Us

Choosing an Ultimate Kilimanjaro Climbing Package with us at African Scenic Safaris can provide you with a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable climbing experience. We offer a variety of route options and can customize Mount Kilimanjaro Packages as per your needs and demands.

With our years of experience, knowledgeable guides, commitment to safety, route options, and dedication to responsible tourism, we make sure we are also leaving a positive impact on the local community. Moreover, our expertise and attention to detail can help ensure a successful and memorable climb to the top of Africa’s highest mountain.