The short answer
You don't need a partner to climb Kilimanjaro. Book a place on one of our group departures and you climb with other solo travellers, couples and small groups, led by our guides, with everything arranged. January to February and September to October bring smaller groups; July and August are the busiest and most sociable.
Many people put off Kilimanjaro because they have no one to climb with. You don't have to wait. On a group departure, you join other climbers on a set route and date, and by the time you reach the first camp, the group has become your team.
See our group departures →How a group departure works
- ›Choose a date and route: Book a place on a scheduled departure that suits you.
- ›We build the group: You climb with other solo travellers, couples and small groups who booked the same departure.
- ›Meet the night before: A briefing in Arusha the evening before the climb introduces you to your group and your senior guide.
- ›Everything arranged: Guides, porters, a cook, tents, food, park fees and transfers are all included.
- ›One pace: The guides set a steady pace the whole group can keep, because the summit belongs to everyone.
Good to know
Groups have between 4 and 12 climbers. Larger groups are split into two guide teams.
The best time to join a group
| Months | Conditions | Groups | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| January and February | Clear, cold and dry, with good summit views | Smaller | Climbers who prefer a small, close group; combine with the calving season on safari |
| March to May | The long rains: wet trails and fewer departures | Fewest | Flexible climbers. Ask us about dates |
| June | The dry season begins; trails firm up | Moderate | Peak-season conditions before the busiest months |
| July and August | Dry and clear: some of the best summit months | Largest and most sociable | Climbers who enjoy meeting lots of people; combine with the river crossings on safari |
| September and October | Still dry and clear, with fewer people | Smaller | A quieter mountain in excellent conditions |
| November and December | Short rains low down, often clear higher up | Moderate | An end-of-year challenge, including over the festive season |
Good to know
Weather on the mountain changes quickly in every month. These are typical patterns, not forecasts.
Which route?
Longer routes give the group more time to acclimatise and to get to know each other before summit night. For most solo climbers, we recommend the 8-day Lemosho or 7-day Machame. See the current routes and dates on our group departures page, and compare them in our route guide.
How to join
- ›Tell us your dates: Say when you want to be in Arusha and which route you like.
- ›Reserve your place: A deposit holds your place, and we send a booking confirmation, a gear list and preparation notes.
- ›Prepare: We share a training plan, packing list, and visa and health information, and you can message your senior guide with questions.
- ›Arrive: We pick you up at Kilimanjaro Airport, and the group briefing takes place the evening before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to take the next step?
See our group departures →
Written by
Ombeni — Founder & Lead Guide
Ombeni founded Trust Tours & Safaris in Arusha in 2008 and has personally guided hundreds of Kilimanjaro climbs and Tanzania safaris. TALA-licensed Tourism Agent (Class A). More about Ombeni →
