Written By
Last updated on August 23rd, 2023 at 06:41 am
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.
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 climb packages are the ones where solo travelers join a group of other climbers to ascend Kilimanjaro.
Private climbs are packages where a solo traveler climbs Kilimanjaro with a dedicated guide and support staff.
Depending on the traveler’s specific needs and preferences, the customized Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages offer a more personalized experience.
Pro Tip: Here are our recommendations for Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages based on the preferences and needs of solo travelers.
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:
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.
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.
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
If you’re a solo traveler planning to climb Kilimanjaro, here are some tips and advice to help you prepare for your adventure.
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.
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.