Last updated on July 11th, 2025 at 07:57 pm
Climbing Kilimanjaro as a solo traveller is more than just a personal challenge—it’s a chance to meet fellow adventurers, experience local culture, and witness the stunning beauty of Tanzania. But before you begin your journey, choosing the right Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages is all the more important.
The right Kilimanjaro Packages ensure expert guides, reliable porters, proper gear, and the support you need to safely reach the summit. A poor choice, however, can turn your dream trek into a struggle.
In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of well-planned packages and share useful tips to help solo travellers make the most of their Kilimanjaro adventure.
Types Of Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages for Solo Travellers
As a solo traveller, 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 travellers 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 traveller’s specific needs and preferences, the customised Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages offer a more personalised experience.
Advantages
- This type of package allows solo travellers to choose their route, length of the climb, and level of difficulty.
Disadvantages
- The downside of customised 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 travellers who value privacy and flexibility, Private Climbs is a good option.
- For those who crave a more personalized experience and can spend more, customised Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages are the way to go.
Climbing Kilimanjaro alone doesn’t mean climbing without support. The right package connects you with trusted guides, new friends, and everything you need to turn your solo trek into a shared triumph.
Top Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages for Solo Travellers
There are manyKilimanjaro 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
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 at 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 traveller 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 travellers 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.
