Mount Kilimanjaro Private and Small Group Climbs
CLIMB OVERVIEW
Private and small group climb allow you to choose to hike Kilimanjaro or Meru to tailor your trip according to your personal needs and preferences. You choose the dates, route, and options and only travel with your private group of friends or family; private climbs also tend to have the highest summit success rates also kilipeak Adventure guides are Wilderness First Responder Certified (WFR), are licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park and have significant experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and speak English fluently.
Kilipeak Adventure offers Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru private group climb through the following route;
Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Northern Circuit.
MARANGU ROUTE
Marangu is one of the oldest and most popular Kilimanjaro routes. It’s sometimes called the Coca-Cola route because you stay in huts. The Marangu route approaches the summit from the southeast of the mountain. Overall it’s a relatively easy route, having very few steep climbs. But its acclimatization profile is mediocre, as it doesn’t allow much time for acclimatization. Fewer people, therefore, make it to the top when you look at its summit success rate compared with those of the other routes. This route can be completed in Five or Six days
MACHAME ROUTE
The second most popular option among the climbers is the Machame route, also known as “the Whiskey Route”. This route offers a wide variety of views, landscapes, and experiences. Located on the southern slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, Machame Gate will lead you to the top of Kilimanjaro along the exciting footpath which starts at the tropical forest, then runs through all the climate zones and finishes with the Arctic desert in the summit area.
Camps along the trek are favorably located for a smooth and gradual acclimatization transition process. On the 3rd day, Machame Route converges with Lemosho and Umbwe at Barranco camp.
You can choose between a six or seven-day climb. The latter one is highly preferred for a better acclimatization transition.
RONGAI ROUTE
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches the summit from the northern side of the mountain, near the Kenyan border. It’s one of the least crowded of the seven Kilimanjaro routes.
It’s recommended to do the seven-day itinerary (as opposed to the six-day itinerary) as the topography of this trail doesn’t afford many opportunities to ‘climb high, sleep low. The seven-day itinerary includes an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which gives your body time to adjust to the higher elevation. Acclimatization is important in allowing you to reach the summit.
SHIRA ROUTE
The Shira route is one of the older Kilimanjaro routes and is very similar to the Lemosho route. The only differences between them are the trail walked on the first couple of days, and that the starting point of the Shira is higher. In fact, the Lemosho route can be considered the ‘new-and-improved version of the Shira route.
The Shira route approaches the summit of Kilimanjaro from the west, starting at Morum Barrier. It starts relatively high above sea level and is, therefore, a less frequented route as it offers a poorer acclimatization profile. The route requires you to camp. The trek through Shira is available from a Six, Seven, and Eight days program.
LEMOSHO ROUTE
The Lemosho route is one of the newest Kilimanjaro routes. It was introduced as an alternative to the Shira route, which starts at a higher and therefore more challenging altitude. In light of its versatility, gorgeous scenery, and rather untouched, wild start to the climb, the Lemosho is considered the route with the most variety. This route can be completed in seven or eight days
UMBWE ROUTE
The Umbwe route has a reputation for being the most challenging route on Kilimanjaro. And rightly so. It’s the shortest and steepest of the Kilimanjaro routes and accordingly has a poor acclimatization profile. For this reason, its summit success rate is low and it’s one of the least used trails on the mountain. The Umbwe approaches the summit from the south and camping is the only available accommodation option. Pre-acclimatisation is recommended for those who choose to trek this route.
The trek through Umbwe is available only as a 6-day program. Recommended only to experienced hikers in good physical shape.
NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE
The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven established Kilimanjaro routes. It’s one of the best routes because of its great acclimatization profile, high summit success rate, stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It’s also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes. Simply put, it’s one of the best ways to experience the roof of Africa.
It takes at least nine days to climb Kilimanjaro through the Northern Circuit which is why the route boasts a very high success rate.
This is a great option for groups of friends, colleagues, or families; it is also a favorite with charity groups of varying sizes and adventurous honeymooners.
If you are more of a solo traveler or setting out to accomplish a very personal goal, you can always book a climb for yourself. Our experienced guides will keep you company and lead all the way.
Mount Kilimanjaro Private and Small Group Climbs can consist of a minimum of one person to over 100 with your guides, cooks, and porters dedicated to the welfare and safety of your group exclusively. Private departures also include pre-and post-trekking accommodation at Ilboru safari lodge, Karama Lodge and Spa Arusha and Lindrin Hotel Moshi Babylon Lodge Marangu, Enjoy the comfort of portable chemical toilets on all the camping routes (except the Marangu route).
Private climbs can depart on any day of the week. This is ideal if you have limited time or need to fit your Kilimanjaro route or Mount Meru around fixed flight arrivals and departures.
For more information or to book a private climb with Kilipeak Adventure click here
Price Includes:
• Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees
• Airport transfers
• Hotel Lodging the night before and the night after the climb,
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food.
• Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
• Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid)
• Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
• Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner,
• Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattress,es and Chemical portable Toilet
• Porter to carry your duffel bag (max weight 15kg / 32 lbs)
• Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
• Flying Doctor Service.
Price Excludes:
• Flights and airport taxes
• Items of a personal nature
• Compulsory tips for guides, porters, and cooks. (see tipping guideline)
• Highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
• Personal hiking/trekking gear – we can rent some of the gear from our equipment store in Tanzania
• Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets