Climbing Kilimanjaro should be an unforgettable adventure, so ensure that you climb with the most experienced operator. We have been helping adventurers reach the summit of Kilimanjaro since 1991, and have a wealth of knowledge about the mountain and its different routes. For more on our company, our Tanzanian partners, and on what makes our climbs so special, click here.
Choosing your climb itinerary
Among the first decisions you need to make when planning a Kilimanjaro climb is whether you want to join an open group or arrange for a private climb.
Open groups, which depart at fixed dates throughout the year, are ideal for single travellers, couples and small groups, for whom the cost of a private climb might be prohibitive. Joining an open climb is more economic until you have 5-6 members in your party (thereafter, prices are generally quite similar for both private and open groups). Our most popular open group departures are Shira8, Lemosho8 and Rongai6.
Private climbs, on the other hand, are ideal for large groups, families, work parties, or for couples who want an independent adventure. With a private departure you can choose any route on the mountain and climb on dates that suit you. Popular private climb itineraries are Lemosho8, Northern Circuit and our Mount Meru and Kili Combo.
We also offer you the option of planning a climb on your preferred dates and route which we will then advertise on our website as one of our open groups, helping to bring your costs down while still giving you the added flexibility of a private climb.
Our suggested programmes
There are numerous ways to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit, and our team has experienced just about all of them! However, for most first time-climbers we will normally recommend one of three routes:
Shira8 (fixed departure) – In order to keep your costs low while still avoiding the crowded southern routes to Kilimanjaro’s summit, we generally recommend Shira8 route as the best option, especially for single climbers. With a lengthy walk-in and great acclimatisation profile, Shira8 gives you an excellent chance of summiting. Our Shira8 open climbs run on a regular basis and begin with a rendezvous in Arusha most Fridays during the climbing seasons. See our Shira8 fixed departures for dates and availability. Comparable to Shira8 is Lemosho8, which differs only in its initial walk-in.
Rongai6 (fixed departure; to be combined with Mt Meru or the Acclimatisation Safari) – Rongai6 is our lowest-cost open climb. For safety reasons, we only recommend this route in combination with a pre-climb acclimatisation programme. Our Rongai6 open climbs run frequently and begin with a rendezvous in Tanzania most Saturdays during the climb seasons. The 6 day climb starts next morning.
Northern Circuit – For private climbers wanting to maximise their chances of reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit, the remote Northern Circuit is a lengthy approach which sees you circumnavigate the entire Kilimanjaro massif. As well as offering great acclimatisation, this little-used route also offers you a chance to see the best of Kilimanjaro’s scenery away from the crowds. The Northern Circuit climb is typically booked by private groups, though we now offer a limited number of Northern Circuit open groups.
For a full list of our open climbs that you can join, please see our fixed departures page.
What’s included?
All of our Kilimanjaro Climbs include:
- Detailed and personal attention from Jeremy Gane, managing director of Gane and Marshall, veteran of 25 Kilimanjaro climbs, and former owner of a Kilimanjaro trekking operation based in Arusha, Tanzania. Jeremy will advise you on routes and seasons, kit and clothing, training, acclimatisation and he will always be on hand to help you plan your expedition so that you have the safest experience while on Kilimanjaro. The added value of this personal service is far above that which other companies offer.
- No hidden costs. All accommodation and meals are provided, including hotel with dinner, bed and breakfast before and after the climb. The only meals you may need to pay for are lunch on arrival and on departure day depending on your flight schedule.
- Fully guided and portered climb including park & rescue fees and mountain transfers. Our ratio of guides to climbers is the best on the mountain (one guide for every two climbers).