Climbing Kilimanjaro solo

Credit: My Life’s A Movie

The main advantages of a solo Kilimanjaro climb are that you have total control over your route and walking pace, and that there is no risk of having to abort a summit because a fellow hiker succumbs to altitude sickness or wants to turn back. Disadvantages are that the price per person will be relatively high, since many of the logistical costs of putting together a Kilimanjaro climb are not significantly dependent on the size of the party. Bearing in mind that many guides and porters speak limited English, it might also be a rather lonely few days.

Our Recommended Itinerary

Two Peak Challenge: Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro (13 days)

day 1

Arusha

at Greenhills of Africa Hotel, Arusha, Tanzania

day 2

Momella Gate (1500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500 m)

day 3

Miriakamba Hut (2 500 m) – Saddle Hut (3 550 m)

day 4

Saddle Hut (3 550 m) – Socialist Peak (4 562 m) –

day 5

Miriakamba Hut (2 500 m) – Momella Gate (1 500 m)

day 6

Arusha

at Greenhills of Africa Hotel, Arusha, Tanzania

day 7

Arusha – Machame Gate (1 790 m) – Machame Camp (3

at Machame Camp

day 8

Machame Camp (3 010 m) – New Shira Camp (3 845 m)

at Shira Camp

day 9

New Shira Camp (3 845 m) – Lava Tower (4 640 m) –

at Barranco Camp

day 10

Barranco Camp (3 960 m) – Barafu Camp (4 640 m)

at Barafu Camp

day 11

Barafu Camp (4 640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mwe

at Barafu Camp

day 12

Mweka Camp (3 080 m) – Mweka Gate (1 630 m) – Arus

at Mweka Camp, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

day 13

Departure

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Best time to climb Kilimanjaro

As might be expected of an isolated massif of its immense magnitude, Kilimanjaro supports a microclimate - indeed, several different altitude- and rainfall-related microclimates - that bears little resemblance to conditions on the surrounding plains. Precipitation is largely associated with moist trade winds that blow inland from the Indian Ocean towards Kilimanjaro’s southeastern…

Climbing Kilimanjaro in August

As is the case at all times of year, it will be freezing cold at night in the alpine and arctic zones, but assuming climatic conditions are your main consideration, August is probably the driest and warmest month, and ideal for climbing Kilimanjaro. However, as summer holidays in the northern hemisphere are in full flow, it is also usually one of the two busiest months. The Shira,…

Mount Kilimanjaro facts

The world’s tallest individual mountain and literal highpoint of the African continent, 5,895m-high Mount Kilimanjaro straddles the border of Kenya and Tanzania. For those who just want to admire the view of its snow-capped summit, this can be done from either country, with Kenya’s Amboseli National Park being perhaps the most popular option thanks to its prolific plains wildlife. For…

Affordable Kilimanjaro climb

The biggest costs associated with a Kilimanjaro climb are the high park fees and support costs. There is no way around these, but it will help keep things affordable to form or join a group of like-minded hikers, rather that travelling solo or as couple, and to stick to the very busy Marangu Route, which is the only one with mountain huts at every overnight stop, and poses fewer…

Climbing Kilimanjaro as a couple

It would be something of a stretch to characterise a Kilimanjaro climb as a romantic holiday. It is a tough hike in challenging climatic conditions, and opportunities for romance will be limited. That said, Kilimanjaro is very popular with and well-suited to adventurous couples where both partners are reasonably fit and enjoy active outdoor experiences. A Kilimanjaro climb will work out…

Climbing Kilimanjaro in July

Although extreme weather conditions - subzero nocturnal temperatures and chill winds - are a likelihood at higher altitudes, July is a relatively dry and warm month, and a very good time to climb Kilimanjaro. It also marks the start of summer holidays in the northern hemisphere, and of the busiest tourist season. Avoid the crowds by using the less popular Shira, Rongai or Mweka Route. ...

Climbing Kilimanjaro solo

Our Recommended Itinerary

Two Peak Challenge: Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro (13 days)

Arusha

Momella Gate (1500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500 m)

Miriakamba Hut (2 500 m) – Saddle Hut (3 550 m)

Saddle Hut (3 550 m) – Socialist Peak (4 562 m) –

Miriakamba Hut (2 500 m) – Momella Gate (1 500 m)

Arusha

Arusha – Machame Gate (1 790 m) – Machame Camp (3

Machame Camp (3 010 m) – New Shira Camp (3 845 m)

New Shira Camp (3 845 m) – Lava Tower (4 640 m) –

Barranco Camp (3 960 m) – Barafu Camp (4 640 m)

Barafu Camp (4 640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mwe

Mweka Camp (3 080 m) – Mweka Gate (1 630 m) – Arus

Departure

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Best time to climb Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro in August

Mount Kilimanjaro facts

Affordable Kilimanjaro climb

Climbing Kilimanjaro as a couple

Climbing Kilimanjaro in July

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