Can you climb Kilimanjaro solo?

Kilimanjaro group tours can reduce the cost per climber significantly, because tour operators are able to spread some fixed costs per climb amongst the number of participants. Joining a group tour also makes it easier to meet people and form close bonds and friendships with other climbers. Indeed, some climbers describe the bonds they form with others on the tour as one of the most rewarding aspects of their Kilimanjaro experience. Other people in the group may also offer much needed mutual support and inspiration during that last summit push.

Unfortunately, when joining an open group trek to climb Kilimanjaro, it is not possible to downgrade the package to customize your Kilimanjaro group climb and make it cheaper. For example, you might not require emergency oxygen or a dining tent that are included in the climb package. However, the cost of these items is already factored into the price paid by other climbers.

It wouldn't be fair to them if they would be required to pay more, and it could lead to friction in your climbing group.

In case of emergency, of course your guide would use the emergency oxygen paid for by other climbers for your safety benefit. Other climbers may be annoyed about you getting a free ride at their cost.

However, to the extent allowed by Kilimanjaro National Park regulations, it is always possible to downgrade and fully customize a private group climb.

This may help you save a lot of money if you are a group of at least 5 climbers booking together. If you are a solo traveller, or you are travelling as a couple, please note it would almost always be cheaper to join a higher-quality group climb, then organize your own lower-quality budget climb.

One of the disadvantages of joining a Kilimanjaro group tour is that you may have to adjust your walking speed to that of others. If you're a faster climber, you may have to adjust your walking pace to that of the slowest. Conversely, the slowest person may feel pressured to walk faster. Tour operators will handle this differently. Some keep the group together at all times, while others allow faster climbers to go ahead with a guide and slower hikers to stay behind with another guide.

Another disadvantage is that pre-scheduled group tours run on a fixed schedule – which may not always be convenient for you.

Please note that the single traveller supplement is mandatory for single travellers joining a group tour. This is because your tent on the mountain is a very small and intimate space, and most travellers would not want to share a tent with a stranger.

The single traveller supplement covers your pre/post climb accommodation in a single room as well as a single tent on the mountain.

The decision to organize a private Kilimanjaro tour depends upon your priorities, budget and requirements. If having full flexibility over your schedule is important to you, then a private tour may be your best option.

Similarly, if you prefer to go at your own pace and you are concerned about having to adjust your walking pace to match other people, you may also benefit from a private tour.

However, if it is important for you to be able to save money or socialize with other climbers, then you may instead want to join a group tour. Ultimately, the decision to book a private tour will depend upon your preferences.

There are many advantages to taking a private tour to climb Kilimanjaro. The main advantage is that you can set your own schedule and it means that you have the full flexibility to go where you like. If there is something on the itinerary that you don’t like or you need to change the schedule for any reason, you have more freedom to do so, when you take a private tour to climb Kilimanjaro. All the items included in the tour will be set according to your individual requirements. You can also take the tour at a time that suits you and climb Kilimanjaro at your own pace.

The main disadvantages of a private tour when climbing Kilimanjaro is that it works out to be more expensive for solo climbers or couples.

For single people it is a particularly expensive option as it means they will have to pay a single person supplement.

On a private tour it is also unlikely that you will get the same group bonding experience that you would on a group tour.

This can be a rather lonely experience if you are by yourself. However, you will still meet other hikers along the way and at campsites, so there is some opportunity to socialize with others.