Kilimanjaro Group Tours vs Private Tours: Which one is best for you?

A Kilimanjaro open group tour is one in which anyone can join the climb. This means that you will join other climbers that have booked the same tour and it is not limited to the people in the group knowing each other.

Group tours tend to be cheaper when compared to private tours and they have a set schedule. Some operators require a minimum of two people to join the tour before the booking can be confirmed. All climbs have a maximum number of participants, so be sure to book in advance to secure your place.

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.

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.

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.

The maximum number of people in a mount Kilimanjaro group tour is usually between eight and 12. This does not mean that tours will always fill up to that number. Tours that are well advertised and popular tend to fill up while others may have fewer participants but still offer an equally good service.

There are also open group tours containing just three people and bigger tour groups with more than 15 people, although these are not as common.

Group tours have their advantages and disadvantages. If you can find a Kilimanjaro group tour that runs on a date that is convenient for you, we would certainly recommend this option. This is because joining a group tour to climb Kilimanjaro helps to keep costs down. It also allows you to meet other likeminded people. This aspect of a group tour cannot be understated. Many lasting friendships have been formed while climbing.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a very unique and challenging experience. The bonds you share with others who climb with you can be profound and life-changing.

A private Kilimanjaro tour is one that is arranged exclusively for a climber and whoever they are travelling with. These tours are limited to people who either know each other or are choosing to hike together. When you book a private tour, others will not be able to join unless you have booked together. These tours can be more expensive than group tours, especially for singles, depending on the number of people in your private group.

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.

The number of climbers in a private Kilimanjaro tour really depends upon your requirements and preferences. So if you are going by yourself, your private tour will consist of one person although you should be aware that you will need to pay a single person supplement. However, if you are planning to climb Kilimanjaro with a group of people, then the number of people in a private tour will depend upon the number of people in your group.

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.