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A short call about safari, Kilimanjaro, and when to come.
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Cosmas John
Founder · Executive director, Zion Gates
Climbs
Climb Kilimanjaro
Private routes from Moshi, plus Meru and a day hike.
Climb Kilimanjaro
Highest mountain in Africa.
We usually recommend Machame, Rongai or Lemosho — more beautiful, and manageable if you train. Marangu is the quickest and you sleep in huts. Climb it in 6 days if you can, not 5. Umbwe is spectacular, for more experienced climbers.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year. The driest months are January, February, June through October. February and September are usually the best.
Guides carry oxygen, a pulse oximeter and a stretcher. Your health is checked morning and evening. If saturation drops, emergency oxygen is there.
Between 95% and 99%, depending on the route. Highest on Machame, Lemosho and Rongai. Lowest on Marangu and Umbwe.
USD 250–300 per climber, shared among the crew at the end. Tell Cosmas if anyone presses you for more — they have been told not to.
Treks start and finish in Moshi. Two nights at Zion Gates are included — the night before and the night after.
If you are not sure about the route or how many days, write to Cosmas. On the mountain the crew checks your health morning and evening, and they carry oxygen.
Plan the climbThe routes we recommend
These are examples. We change the days to fit your pace.
PopularMarangu Route
The traditional route. Huts, good views of Mawenzi, and the one you can join as a solo traveller.
Starts from
$1,400
Per person
Machame Route
The most beautiful route. Forest, then the Shira Plateau, Kibo and the western breach.
Starts from
$1,650
Per person
Lemosho Route
A quieter start on the west side. More time on the Shira Plateau, and a better chance at the summit.
Starts from
$1,880
Per person
Rongai Route
The quiet northern side. A gentle gradient, short days, and you finish through Marangu.
Starts from
$1,900
Per person
Northern Circuit
The longest way around. Remote valleys on the north side, and more time to acclimatize.
Starts from
$2,200
Per person
Umbwe Route
Short, steep, and quiet. For climbers who already have some experience.
Starts from
$1,850
Per person
Mount Meru
Africa’s third-highest peak. A good climb on its own, and the right acclimatization before Kilimanjaro.
Park huts — dormitory rooms.
Starts from
$900
Per person
Kilimanjaro day hike
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut and back. A full day on the mountain without the summit.
Back in Moshi the same evening.
Starts from
$300
Per person
Group treks
Joining a group
Starting prices if you join other climbers.
- Machame Routefrom $1,400
- Lemosho Routefrom $1,450
- Umbwe Routefrom $1,500
- Marangu Routefrom $1,350
- Rongai Routefrom $1,600