Is it possible to climb Kilimanjaro without a guide? A straightforward answer to that question is NO! It is illegal to explore Kilimanjaro independently without a guide. Unlike many other treks, it is not possible to just turn up at the foot of Kilimanjaro with a backpack and camping gear and head up the mountain.
Generally, those who want to climb Kilimanjaro without guides fall into two categories: true adventure enthusiasts who wish to explore on their own and travelers who want to cut overall costs. Well, climbing Kilimanjaro on your own would be both adventurous and a cheaper option, but it is not a wise decision.
Firstly, it’s illegal to climb Mount Kilimanjaro without a guide and his trained team. Further, Mount Kilimanjaro is not an easy climb, so climbing it with experienced guides is a must not only from a legal point of view but also for your safety.
Is it possible to go Kilimanjaro climb solo?
There are many reasons why travelers might want to explore Kilimanjaro on their own. For some, it may be longing for solitude, while for others, it might be strong zeal for adventure, and all those intentions are understandable. A solo climb in Kilimanjaro is not exactly impossible; tour operators organize a private trip even with a single traveler.
But even if you fly to Tanzania on your own, you must be accompanied by guides and porters assigned by the tour operators, as it’s not legally possible to climb Kilimanjaro] without a guide. So, in all technicality, the solo climb in Mount Kilimanjaro is not precisely a solo trip in the truest sense. However, private trips will not be much different than solo trips.
Permit for Mount Kilimanjaro climb
Every climber must get a permit from the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The permit can be easily arranged through tour operators with whom you plan the trip. In 1991, Tanzanian park authorities made a legal provision that required all travelers to arrange their trip through tour operators for climbers.
So, to get a permit for climbing Kilimanjaro, you must arrange the trip through tour operators. The provision was made to make climbing more systematic in the Kilimanjaro region. Moreover, the provision also requires climbers to be accompanied by a guide assigned by their operator. When the rule was first introduced in 1991, many hikers used to sneak in and explore Kilimanjaro independently via different routes without permits.
But in recent years, the security around the region is tighter, and the rules are strict. So, if you want to avoid paying hefty fines and end up in legal complications in a foreign land, then abiding by the rules is a wise decision.
Why should I hire a guide for the Kilimanjaro climb?
Firstly, hiring a guide is a legal requirement to get a permit to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Keeping that aside, climbing Kilimanjaro without a guide and their help is near to impossible. Unlike many other trekking routes, the route to Mount Kilimanjaro is a camping trek where you cannot get accommodation and food on the way. You have to take them along with you.
Kilimanjaro is a challenging climb on its own. The climb will be near too impossible if you have to carry heavy camping gear, cooking utensils, food items, and navigate yourself. So, you need to have a team of guides and porters to ensure a successful Kilimanjaro climb. Further, having an experienced guide by your side is a plus point for your safety.
Cost for Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
The overall cost for Mount Kilimanjaro includes all the expenses including guide cost, porters cost, food, and accommodation expenses throughout the trip. It depends on numerous factors like the number of days, routes, trip package as per the standard, and service provided by different operators.
The average cost for Kilimanjaro Climb ranges from $2000-$3000.
The packages range from low-priced to very costly luxury climb packages. However, the price varies wildly, ranging from US$ 1500-US$ 4500 depending on the packages offered by various operators. You may even find operators offering packages for as low as $ 1500. But in such cases, you need to remember that you will be paying for the service you get, so if you are paying less, the service might not be at par.
1. Guide Cost for Kilimanjaro Climb
It is legally impossible to climb Kilimanjaro without guides. So, guide cost is a significant aspect of the overall Kilimanjaro climb cost. The average guide cost for Kilimanjaro ranges from US$30-35 per day.
2. Porters Cost Kilimanjaro Climb
Kilimanjaro Climb is majorly a camping trip where you need to take all camping gear, food, cooking utensils along with you, So, it is almost impossible to attempt the climb without porters. When you arrange your climb through the operator, they assign guides and porters with you as per your group size. The average porter cost for Kilimanjaro ranges from US$20-25 per day.
In some cases where operators offer packages at way less price, you need to remember that the operators are reducing the cost by cutting expenses on guides and porters. So, you need to make a wise decision while choosing operators.
Kilimanjaro Climb Itineraries
One of the major specialty of Kilimanjaro is the fact that it has several routes that leads up the mountain. Climbers can choose the best route to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro as per their physical ability, time, and convenience. The most popular itineraries via a different route to climb Kilimanjaro are listed below;
- Kilimanjaro Climbing via Lemosho route-8 Days
- Kilimanjaro Climb and Luxury safari in Tanzania-12 Days
- Kilimanjaro Classic Climb via Marangu route-8 Days
- Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours via Northern Circuit-10 Days
- Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame route-8 Days
- Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route-8 Days
- Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route-8 Days
The Marangu route to Kilimanjaro is also known as the Coca-Cola route and the Machame route is widely known as the Whisky route.
Among the various routes, to Kilimanjaro Marangu route is the only one with accommodation in huts, whereas climbers will have to carry their tents along with them for the other routes. Apart from that, each route has its own uniqueness and is equally popular.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
The number of days required to climb Kilimanjaro depends on the individuals. For an experienced and physically fit hiker, it may be able to complete the climb in fewer days.
But for those, who are not experienced more days on the mountain, increase the chances of completing the climb successfully. Therefore, the key to a safe, successful climb is to take the longest routes possible. In general, we suggest choosing the itinerary of 7-9 days to increase the chances of success and reduce the risk of getting altitude sickness.
How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro climb is definitely not an easy task. The climb does not require technical mountaineering knowledge or previous hiking experience, but the biggest hurdle is the rapid ascent and altitude gain within a short period. Due to that reason, the overall success rate of Kilimanjaro is 65%, and many climbers are not able to complete the climb.
Kilimanjaro is physically and mentally demanding. So, you need to come prepared. We recommend preparing yourself by indulging in fitness activities before your trip. Going on short hikes, running tracks, and hitting the gym would be some good options. Overall, the Kilimanjaro climb is challenging, but if you are physically fit and have strong determination, you will tackle Kilimanjaro without much trouble.
When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
The weather condition of Mount Kilimanjaro is generally dominated by dry and wet seasons. Since the region lies near the Equator, it does not get extreme winter or summer. However, the best time for the Kilimanjaro climb is considered the months from December to mid-March and mid-June till October end.
The best time offers perfect weather conditions for trekking and climbing, on top of the best view of Tanzanian landscapes. However, the best season does bring in a lot of fellow climbers, but that’s a fair trade for other advantages.
Which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?
One of the specialties of Kilimanjaro climb is that it offers various routes for climbers. You can climb Kilimanjaro via Machame route, Lemosho route, Rongai route, and Marangu route. And each route has its own specialty. However, the best route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is mostly the Lemosho route. You can check the comparative attributes of the different routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to find out which one suits the best for you.
Kilimanjaro climb via Lemosho route treats you the most beautiful scenic view, and it is also less crowded than the other routes. Moreover, it also has more acclimatization time, which increases your chance safe and successful ascent of Kilimanjaro
Himalayan Glacier is a registered travel operator that has been operating guided tours treks for the past 30 years. Our Kilimanjaro team with experienced guides has led many successful trips over the years. Our guides, cooks, porters, and support team will leave no stone unturned to make your trip a memorable one. Further, we have various itineraries that you can choose from based on your convenience. Apart from our itineraries, you can also plan a tailor-made private trip with us as per your needs.
