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Ultimate Kilimanjaro specializes in private climbs, but we offer group climbs on Kilimanjaro, which are perfect for solo travelers and pairs who want the companionship of others on their long journey.

We keep our groups small, limited to 12 people. This way our clients can have a meaningful social experience on the mountain by getting to know your fellow party members, while at the same time our guides can manage the party effectively. With 8 people, we staff the climb with 3 guides to make sure there are enough eyes and ears to monitor everyone in the group.

Below is a photo of another company’s group climb (NOT ours!) near Kibo Hut. Large parties like this are not all that uncommon on Mount Kilimanjaro, unfortunately.

Unbelievably, that is a 35 person party, of which only four are guides.  We fail to see the fun in having such a crowd with you on every step of the way.

The Kilimanajro Park Authority has replaced some signage on Mount Kilimanjaro, including those near the summit. The old, battered dark brown planks, erected on wooden posts, have been retired. Uhuru Peak now boasts brand new bright green boards on metal poles. So expect a new look and feel to climbers’ summit photos.

As for us, we personally like the charm of the old sign, which was weathered, cracked and crooked. Our signature photo on our website will not change.

Crater Camp is a campsite that is located near the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, around 18,800 feet above sea level. (Uhuru Peak is 19,345 feet above sea level.)  It is utilized by some climb operators during eight or nine day climbs, usually via the Lemosho or Shira route and Western Breach approach.

The campsite sits in between Uhuru and the Furtwangler Glacier. Understandably, clients are intrigued at the opportunity to sleep next to the disappearing glacier. Additonally, they like the idea of having a short walk to the summit.

We are occasionally asked whether we use Crater Camp on our routes.  We do not. Here’s why. Sleeping at such a high altitude is the most dangerous thing you can do on Mount Kilimanjaro. The previous night’s altitude is about 15,000-16,000 feet in elevation, whether you stayed at Arrow Glacier or Barafu. A gain of 3,000-4,000 feet is simply too much of an adjustment for most people. The result is that there is a high likelihood to be stricken by altitude sickness, especially during sleep.  And once that occurs, a evacuation from near the top of Kilimanjaro in the middle of the night, though possible, is a burdensome task.

It is far easier on the body to climb from 15,000-16,000 feet to the summit (19,345 feet), then descend down to Mweka (10,065 feet).  Clients who are affected by altitude sickness on the way up will usually recover very quickly as they descend.  That is a stark contrast to what would happen if they were required to sleep at almost 19,000 feet.

Therefore, we do not use Crater Camp because of the risk involved for both clients and staff (the porters do not want to sleep up there either due to altitude sickness, extreme weather conditions, and lack of toilets).

Kilimanjaro outfitters begin their trips from two main Tanzanian cities - Moshi and Arusha.  The simplest way to travel to these destinations is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport, sometimes referred to as KIA (airport code: JRO).  Once you arrive at the airport, it is simple to take a taxi or private vehicle to Moshi or Arusha. Both cities are less than one hour away and the cost of a taxi is approximately $50 per vehicle.

The prices of flights into Kilimanjaro International Airport vary widely, from about $1400 to more than $4000. We advise our clients to purchase tickets at $2,000 or lower - which is a fair price.  (KLM flies to Kilimanjaro International Airport regularly.  Vayama is a good source for domestic Tanzanian flights.)

Most times, it is cheaper to fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (airport code: NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya. However, to get from Nairobi to Moshi or Arusha, you would need to purchase a Kenyan visa, stay overnight in Nairobi, and then take a bus or private vehicle to Tanzania. The drive takes 7-8 hours. So once you factor in these costs, plus the additional time (one or two travel days depending on if you depart from Nairobi), it is much more practical and less stressful to fly directly into Kilimanjaro International Airport.