5.0 
Small Groups
Small groups and private climbs, so you can walk at your own pace.
THE MOUNTAIN, AND EVERYTHING BETWEEN
More Than a Summit
Kilimanjaro is a journey through worlds. Walk beneath a rainforest canopy, emerge into open moorland and cross the quiet, rocky alpine desert before reaching the Arctic summit.
With Betheli Expeditions, the climb begins with a conversation about you: your time, your experience and the kind of mountain journey you want.
One mountain. A different landscape every day.
5,895 mAbove sea level
5 ecological zonesFrom forest to ice
6+ climbing routesFind your own path
1 unforgettable experienceMore than the summit
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. PERSONAL CARE.
Why Climb Kilimanjaro With Us?
Personal Support
Real people to help with route choices, preparation and travel plans.
Quality Equipment
Mountain camping equipment and full-board meals on the mountain. Rental gear is available in Arusha.
Experienced Local Guides
Local knowledge, mountain experience and a warm Tanzanian welcome.
Safety First
A thoughtful pace and clear conversations about your wellbeing.
Itineraries Built for the Summit
We recommend 7–8 day routes. Extra days to acclimatize give you the best chance of standing on Uhuru Peak.
SIX WAYS TO THE ROOF OF AFRICA
Which Kilimanjaro Route Is Right For You?
Explore the routes, then compare the current trekking-day durations, distances and starting rates.
Machame Route
A scenic southern approach, camping beneath big skies and crossing dramatic ridges.
From $2,399 / personView Route 
Lemosho Route
A quieter western start through forest, opening onto the broad Shira Plateau.
From $2,499 / personView Route
Marangu Route
The hut-based trail, with a direct approach and the same route for the descent.
From $2,050 / personView Route
Rongai Route
Approach from the north, with a gentler early gradient and quieter trails.
From $2,534 / personView Route
Northern Circuit
A longer journey around the mountain’s northern slopes, with time to settle into the pace.
From $3,265 / personView Route
Umbwe Route
A steep, direct start for experienced trekkers; discuss acclimatization carefully.
From $2,317 / personView Route
ROUTE FACTS
Compare Kilimanjaro Routes
Compare route difficulty, trekking-day duration, distance and starting price. Arrival and departure days are excluded; distances are gate to gate and include the descent.
| Route | Difficulty | Trekking days | Route distance | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machame Route | Hard | 7 days | 56.7 km gate to gate | $2,399 |
| Lemosho Route | Moderate–hard | 8 days | 64.7 km gate to gate | $2,499 |
| Marangu Route | Moderate–hard | 6 days | 66.9 km gate to gate | $2,050 |
| Rongai Route | Moderate–hard | 7 days | 68 km gate to gate | $2,534 |
| Northern Circuit | Moderate–hard | 9 days | 97 km gate to gate | $3,265 |
| Umbwe Route | Very hard | 6 days | 46.3 km gate to gate | $2,317 |
All starting prices are USD per person and exclude hotel accommodation. Pre- or post-trip hotel stays can be arranged on request at an additional cost.
RAINFOREST → MOORLAND → ALPINE DESERT → SUMMIT → DESCENT
What the Journey Looks Like
Not just an ascent. A remarkable passage through changing landscapes, one step at a time.
01 / RAINFOREST
The world turns green.
The trail begins in the forest: damp earth, moss and tall trees. Slow down and let the mountain set the pace.
02 / MOORLAND
Step into the open.
Heather gives way to wide horizons and giant groundsels. The summit feels closer, but the days remain unhurried.
03 / ALPINE DESERT
A quieter kind of wilderness.
Vegetation thins, the air cools and volcanic rock stretches toward the sky. Every step becomes a little more deliberate.
04 / SUMMIT • 5,895 M
A summit you carry home.
The final ascent is cold, slow and demanding. At Uhuru Peak, the African continent unfolds below the clouds.
05 / DESCENT
Back through the worlds you crossed.
Return to warmer air and greener trails. There is time to rest, share stories and appreciate the whole journey.
Choose your travel style
Whether you want to meet new people, climb privately with your people, or travel independently, choose the climbing style that fits you.
Travel IndependentlySOLO
Travel your way
A personalised climb designed around your dates, pace and experience.
Best for: independent travellersStart planning
Just Your PeoplePRIVATE GROUP
Travel with your people
A private climb with your own guide team for your partner, family or friends.
Best for: couples, family, friendsStart planning
Social & SharedJOIN A GROUP
Meet new people
Join a small group on a scheduled departure and share the climb with other travellers.
Best for: solo travellers & social travellersCheck group datesBEFORE YOU LACE UP YOUR BOOTS
What Is Climbing Kilimanjaro Really Like?
A practical picture of the experience, from preparing at home to your last day on the trail.
Training & Preparation
Build walking endurance on hills, practise with your daypack and wear in your boots. Leave time to prepare.
Arrival in Tanzania
We meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport and take you to your hotel. The day before the climb, your guide holds a briefing and checks your equipment.
First Days on the Mountain
Expect steady walking, changing weather and a slower pace than at home. Settle into life on the trail.
Altitude & Acclimatization
More time can help you adapt, but altitude affects everyone differently. Tell your guide how you feel.
Summit Night
Often a pre-dawn start, with cold temperatures and a long climb. Take it step by step; turning back is always valid.
Descent & Celebration
The descent takes effort too. Rest afterwards and celebrate the journey, whether or not you reached the summit.
CARE BEFORE THE SUMMIT
Your Safety Comes First
Reaching the summit is never more important than coming home safely. Here's how we look after you.
Experienced mountain guidesOur Tanzanian guides are licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park and have led climbers for over a decade.
Acclimatization strategyOur itineraries follow 'climb high, sleep low', with a slow 'pole pole' pace.
Emergency proceduresWe are covered by AMREF Flying Doctors for emergency evacuation. Guides carry a first-aid kit.
Guide-to-client ratiosSmall groups with assistant guides, so someone can always walk down with a climber who needs to descend.
Mountain equipmentTents and full-board meals are taken care of. Rental gear is available in Arusha.
Health monitoringYour guide checks in with you at every camp and watches for signs of altitude sickness.
Talk to a Guide SCHEDULED DEPARTURES
View group departuresPrefer to join a group?
See the actual upcoming group departures and route details.
What our customers say
Real stories from travelers who climbed, explored, and relaxed with Betheli Expeditions.
Tanzania Safari
5.0“Tanzania is a beautiful and amazing country!”
Every minute of the safari was fantastic and impressive, we left satisfied and are already planning to return. It was professionally organized, congratulations! Sam, our guide, demonstrated exceptional professional expertise, and it was a pleasure to listen to him during the daily tours.
Marangu Route
5.0“Unforgettable Adventure with Betheli Expeditions”
Our guides were incredible — they were experienced, knowledgeable, and made sure we were well taken care of every step of the way. The hike itself is beautiful, with lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and spectacular views of the mountain.
Mount Kilimanjaro
5.0“Beautiful experience on Mount Kilimanjaro”
Unique and indescribable experience as beautiful as , we spent 5 days trekking on Mount Kilimanjaro and our guides and all of them were unique and really good in accompanying us in this adventure! Rating 10, thank you!!!
Machame Route
5.0“Kilimanjaro trekking Machame Route 7 days”
Wonderful trekking and fantastic team. We met serious, kind and specialized people. They attended us on the trek making us feel at home. All of us reached the top of the mountain!!! I highly recommend Betheli expedition
Mount Meru
5.0“Great trip with wonderful guides, chefs and porters!”
Our trip up Mt. Meru with Richard, Paul, Kennedy and all the guides and porters was excellent. Betheli Expedition staff catered to our every need and request with no complaints and always with a smile on their faces. We were a group of 12 women on our yearly trek together and we truly enjoyed ourselves!
Mount Meru
5.0“A great trip to the top of Mount Meru”
Betheli organised a fantastic trek up to the top of Mount Meru at short notice. We were supported on the trip by a fantastic team - led by our guide Richard - who provided tasty food, carried everything we could possibly need, kept us going up the tricky climb, and even taught us some Swahili along the way!
Kilimanjaro
5.0“Amazing trip with amazing people”
Very well organized, professional, helpful, dedicated team, ready to fulfill each request at any time with experienced and devoted guides.
GOOD QUESTIONS. HONEST ANSWERS.
Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked Questions
A little clarity before a big adventure. Talk to our team about the details of your own climb.
How difficult is Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is a demanding high-altitude trek, not a technical climb on the usual trekking routes. Long walking days, cold weather and thinner air make it challenging, even for fit walkers. Prepare with regular hikes, choose an itinerary with time to acclimatize and tell your guide promptly if you feel unwell. Reaching the summit is never guaranteed.
Which route is best for beginners?
Lemosho (8 days) or Machame (7 days). Both follow the 'climb high, sleep low' pattern that helps your body adjust to altitude. Marangu is shorter but gives less time to acclimatize.
How many days should I spend on Kilimanjaro?
We recommend at least 7 trekking days. Every extra day on the mountain improves your chance of reaching the summit.
What is the best time to climb?
The driest months are late June to October and January to early March. April–May is the long rainy season and November brings short rains. Climbs run year-round.
What should I pack?
Thermal base layers, fleece, a warm down jacket, waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves, a warm hat, broken-in hiking boots and a 30–40L daypack. We send a full packing list when you enquire, and rental gear is available in Arusha.
What happens if I struggle with altitude?
Your guides check in with every climber at each camp. Tell them early about headaches, nausea or unusual tiredness. If symptoms become serious, you descend with a guide straight away. We are covered by AMREF Flying Doctors for emergency evacuation.
How fit do I need to be?
You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day for several days. Regular hikes in the 2–3 months before your climb are the best preparation.
Can I climb Kilimanjaro without previous mountain experience?
Yes. Most climbers are first-timers. The standard routes are trekking, not technical climbing, so no ropes or climbing skills are needed.
How much does it cost?
Climbs start from $2,050 per person (Marangu, 6 days). Machame from $2,399 (7 days), Lemosho from $2,499 (8 days), Rongai from $2,534 (7 days) and Northern Circuit from $3,265 (9 days). Meals on the mountain are full board. Ask for a free quote with everything included.
What happens after I reach the summit?
You descend to a lower camp the same day and finish the trek the next morning. You receive your summit certificate at the park gate, then return to Moshi or Arusha to rest and celebrate.
Ready to Climb Kilimanjaro?
Experience breathtaking sunrises, explore volcanic landscapes, and create memories at one of Africa’s most iconic destinations.
Start planning