Kilimanjaro Group Climb Dates 2026 / 2027
Join a Scheduled Group Climb
Join a Kilimanjaro Group Climb in 2026
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the greatest adventures you can do. At 5,895 metres, it is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the most iconic treks in the world. Thousands of people from all over the globe have stood on Uhuru Peak and you do not have to do it alone.
Our Kilimanjaro group climbs depart regularly throughout the year on all major Kilimanjaro routes. The scheduled dates below are published specifically for travellers who want to climb alongside people they do not yet know — people who share the same dream, the same drive, and will soon share the same summit. If none of the dates below match your schedule, just contact us. We are often able to open a new departure around your preferred travel time.
Most of our clients choose their own travel dates, and many ask us to open their climb to other joiners — simply for the company and the shared experience on the trail. You do not need to worry about crowds. We limit every group climb to a maximum of 12 trekkers. This is a deliberate choice: smaller groups mean your guide can closely monitor every climber’s condition, respond quickly if anyone needs support, and make sure everyone has the chance to speak openly about how they are feeling on the mountain. Read our Kilimanjaro altitude sickness guide to understand how we keep you safe.
Exceptional Travel Expert is a Tanzania-based operator based in Arusha — right at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Our guides are professionally trained, certified in wilderness first aid, and have led hundreds of climbers to Uhuru Peak. We keep our safety standards high, our groups small, and our service personal. If you prefer a fully private or custom climb, we offer that too — just get in touch and we will build the perfect trip for you.
The Machame Route is the most frequently chosen route on Kilimanjaro and consistently delivers high summit success rates. Its gradual ascent profile allows the body to acclimatize effectively, making it well suited to climbers of varying fitness levels. The route passes through distinct ecological zones and offers rewarding panoramic views, particularly from the Shira Plateau and Lava Tower. For most climbers, the 7-day option is the recommended choice as it provides an additional acclimatization day that meaningfully improves summit outcomes.
View full itinerary →The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the finest overall experience on Kilimanjaro. Its extended approach through the Shira Plateau provides a longer acclimatization period, which directly contributes to the route's outstanding summit success rate. Climbers traverse more remote terrain, encounter less traffic on the lower sections, and benefit from broader views across the mountain. The 8-day itinerary is strongly recommended for those who prioritise both summit success and the quality of the overall journey.
View full itinerary →| Arrive | Depart | Trip Name | Duration | Price | Availability | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 07, 2026 | May 15, 2026 | 6 Days Machame Route | 6 Days / 5 Nights | $2,242 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailableDeparture coming up fast! | |
| May 22, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | 7 Days Machame Route | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $2,510 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 9 Seats AvailableSecure your place in May! | |
| Jun 06, 2026 | Jun 15, 2026 | 7 Days Lemosho Route | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $2,510 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailableBook early for June! | |
| Jun 23, 2026 | Jul 03, 2026 | 8 Days Lemosho Route | 8 Days / 7 Nights | $2,763 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 7 Seats AvailableWomen Only — spots filling fast! | |
| Jul 08, 2026 | Jul 18, 2026 | 8 Days Lemosho Route | 8 Days / 7 Nights | $2,763 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 6 Seats AvailableVery limited — act now! | |
| Jul 24, 2026 | Aug 02, 2026 | 7 Days Lemosho Route | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $2,510 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 9 Seats AvailableReserve before it fills up! | |
| Sep 28, 2026 | Oct 07, 2026 | 7 Days Machame Route | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $2,510 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailableIdeal weather in late September! | |
| Oct 09, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 7 Days Machame Route | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $2,510 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailablePeak season — book early! | |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 03, 2026 | 8 Days Lemosho Route | 8 Days / 7 Nights | $2,763 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailableGreat conditions in late October! | |
| Dec 08, 2026 | Dec 17, 2026 | 7 Days Machame Route | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $2,510 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailableKick off December with a climb! | |
| Dec 22, 2026 | Jan 01, 2027 | 8 Days Lemosho Route | 8 Days / 7 Nights | $2,763 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailableSummit on New Year's Eve! | |
| Jan 26, 2027 | Feb 04, 2027 | 7 Days Lemosho Route | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $2,510 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailableBook your January adventure! | |
| Feb 08, 2027 | Feb 17, 2027 | 7 Days Machame Route | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $2,510 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailableValentine's on the mountain! | |
| Feb 22, 2027 | Mar 04, 2027 | 8 Days Lemosho Route | 8 Days / 7 Nights | $2,763 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailableEnd February on the summit! |
| Arrive | Depart | Trip Name | Duration | Price | Availability | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 06, 2026 | Aug 14, 2026 | 6 Days Marangu Route | 6 Days / 5 Nights | $2,183 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 9 Seats AvailableGreat August availability! | |
| Aug 25, 2026 | Sep 03, 2026 | 7 Days Rongai Route | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $2,510 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 11 Seats AvailablePerfect end-of-August climb! | |
| Sep 07, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 | 6 Days Rongai Route | 6 Days / 5 Nights | $2,242 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 5 Seats AvailableOnly 5 left — grab yours! | |
| Nov 06, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | 6 Days Marangu Route | 6 Days / 5 Nights | $2,183 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailableStart November on the summit! | |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 30, 2026 | 7 Days Rongai Route | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $2,510 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailableAdventure before the holidays! | |
| Jan 10, 2027 | Jan 18, 2027 | 6 Days Rongai Route | 6 Days / 5 Nights | $2,242 Per PersonBased on 2+ trekkers | 10 Seats AvailableConquer 2027 from the top! |
Our group climb departures are available across all major Kilimanjaro routes, though we feature only the routes with the highest summit success rates, the 8-Day Lemosho Route, 7-Day Machame Route, and 9-Day Northern Circuit, carefully scheduled during the best weather windows of the year, with built-in acclimatization days to maximize your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
- All rates are per person sharing. Solo travelers are welcome — single supplement is available on request.
- On the Marangu Route, accommodation is in shared A-frame huts (up to 8 per hut).
- Need more time on the mountain? Extra days can be added at $255 per day.
- All prices are subject to change if Kilimanjaro National Park fees or government taxes change. Current rates are valid through 30 June 2026, with potential adjustments from 1 July 2027.
Package Details
What's Included in Your
Kilimanjaro Group Climb
- 1 night pre-climb hotel in Moshi or Arusha
- 1 night post-climb hotel at the same property
- Camping tents on Machame, Lemosho and Rongai routes
- Shared A-frame huts on the Marangu route
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks every day on the mountain
- Boiled and purified drinking water throughout the climb
- Hot drinks at camp — tea, coffee, hot chocolate
- Meals prepared by a dedicated mountain chef
- Experienced certified mountain guides throughout
- Porters carrying all camp equipment and group gear
- Dedicated mountain chef for all on-mountain meals
- Crew ratio designed for your safety and comfort
- Airport transfer on arrival — Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK)
- Airport transfer on departure
- Ground transport from Moshi or Arusha to the trailhead
- Return transport from the trailhead after the climb
- Emergency oxygen cylinder carried on the mountain
- Basic first aid kit available at all times
- Pulse oximeter for daily altitude and health monitoring
- Guides trained in wilderness first aid and AMS management
- Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees
- KINAPA rescue fund contribution
- All government taxes and levies
- No hidden fees — everything confirmed upfront at booking
- International flights to/from Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK)
- Tanzania visa fees — approx. $50 USD for most nationalities
- Travel insurance — mandatory, must include emergency evacuation cover
- Medical vaccinations and personal health requirements
- Personal medications and toiletries
- Sleeping bag — available to rent, ask at booking
- Trekking poles — available to rent, ask at booking
- Warm jacket — available to rent, ask at booking
- Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks
- Additional hotel nights beyond the included 1 pre + 1 post night
- Extra nights available on request at an additional cost
- Wi-Fi or phone charging at hotels — may incur a small fee
- Laundry services at hotel
- Tips for guides — strongly recommended
- Tips for porters — they work incredibly hard on the mountain
- Tips for the mountain chef
Kilimanjaro group climbers approaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise — the highest point in Africa at 5,895m, Tanzania.
How to Book Your Kilimanjaro Climb
Simple steps to secure your spot on the mountain
Browse the departure schedule above and pick the route and date that works best for your travel plans.
Confirm your place with a 20% deposit. The remaining balance is due on arrival in Tanzania — no large upfront payments.
Receive your confirmation email with your full itinerary, pre-departure checklist, and everything you need to prepare.
Arrive in Moshi or Arusha, meet your fellow climbers, check in to your hotel, and begin the journey to Uhuru Peak.
Why Choose a Kilimanjaro Group Climb with Us?
Thoughtfully designed for travelers who value team spirit, affordability, and a once-in-a-lifetime summit experience on Africa's highest peak.
All group climbs operate as scheduled, even with a small group. Your trip will never be cancelled due to low numbers.
Share costs with fellow trekkers and save significantly compared to a private climb — without compromising on quality.
Routes designed by experienced mountain guides with built-in acclimatization days for maximum summit success rates.
Certified guides, a dedicated mountain chef, and experienced porters committed to your safety and comfort every step.
Choose from Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Marangu, or the scenic 9-Day Northern Circuit — we offer group departures on all major routes.
Trek alongside adventurers from around the world. Share meals at camp, exchange stories, and push each other to Uhuru Peak.
Knowledgeable Tanzanian guides who bring years of mountain experience, genuine encouragement, and warmth to every step of the climb.
From airport transfers and park fees to mountain meals and safety equipment — every detail is taken care of so you can focus on the summit.
Everything You Need to Plan Your Climb
Training, packing, health, costs and more — all in one place to help you prepare with confidence.
Kilimanjaro Training Guide
How to physically and mentally prepare for the climb — fitness plans, weekly schedules, and expert tips to get you summit-ready.
Read guide →What to Pack
The complete Kilimanjaro packing list — gear, clothing, and essentials for every route and season.
Read article →Best Time to Climb
The best months and seasons to summit Kilimanjaro for clear skies, dry trails, and the highest success rates.
Read article →Altitude Sickness
What AMS is, how to prevent it, and what to do if symptoms appear on the mountain — essential reading before you go.
Read article →Kilimanjaro Climbing Cost
A full transparent breakdown of what it costs — park fees, tips, gear, and every extra you should know about upfront.
Read article →Routes Comparison
Compare all Kilimanjaro routes side by side — difficulty, duration, scenery, and summit success rates.
Read article →Complete Climbing Guide
The full guide to climbing Kilimanjaro — everything you need to know from first planning to reaching Uhuru Peak.
Read article →Flights to Tanzania
How to find the best flights to Tanzania — direct routes, connecting airports, and tips on getting the best fares.
Read article →Free Packing List PDF
Download our free printable Kilimanjaro gear and packing checklist — everything in one organised PDF to take with you.
Download free →Kilimanjaro Group Climbs — FAQs
Everything you need to know before joining a group departure — answered clearly and honestly.
How often do your Kilimanjaro group climbs depart?
We run two scheduled group departures every month throughout the year, covering all major routes. If none of the listed dates work for you, contact us — we can often arrange a custom group departure to fit your timeline.
What if none of the scheduled dates work for me?
No problem at all. Simply reach out with your preferred dates and we will do our best to arrange a departure that fits — either by adjusting a group date or organizing a fully private climb for you and your party.
What is the group size for each climb?
Our group climbs typically range from 4 to 15 climbers. We guarantee departures even with smaller groups, so your trip will never be cancelled due to low numbers.
How much deposit is required to secure my spot?
A deposit of just 20% of the total package price is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is payable upon your arrival in Tanzania — no large upfront payments needed.
What is the difference between a group climb and a private climb?
Group climbs are shared with other travelers and are more cost-effective, with fixed departure dates and routes. Private climbs offer complete flexibility — you choose the date, route, pace, and group composition. We offer both and are happy to advise which suits you best.
Is a group climb good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many of our climbers join as solo travelers and leave with new friends and lifelong memories. The group atmosphere is incredibly supportive — you will never feel alone on the mountain.
Do I need previous climbing experience?
No prior mountaineering experience is required. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak — no ropes or technical skills needed. Good physical fitness and mental preparation are what matter most. Our training guide will help you get ready.
What type of accommodation is provided on the mountain?
On Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai routes, accommodation is in high-quality camping tents set up and taken down by our crew each day. On the Marangu route, you stay in shared A-frame huts. Before and after the climb, you stay in a hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
How do you support acclimatization during the climb?
All our itineraries are designed with built-in acclimatization days — climbing high during the day and sleeping at a lower altitude at night. Our guides monitor each climber using pulse oximeters and adjust the pace as needed to maximize your summit success.
What routes are available for group climbs?
We offer group departures on the Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Marangu, and 9-Day Northern Circuit routes. Our most popular group routes are the 8-Day Lemosho and 7-Day Machame, both offering excellent acclimatization and high success rates.
What is included in the group climb package?
The package includes 1 night pre-climb and 1 night post-climb hotel, all mountain accommodation, all meals, certified guides, experienced porters, a dedicated chef, park fees, airport transfers, and emergency equipment. See the full inclusions list above.
Can I add a Tanzania safari or Zanzibar to my trip?
Yes — many of our climbers combine their Kilimanjaro climb with a Tanzania safari or a few days in Zanzibar. Just let us know your dates and we will put together a free combined proposal for you.
Still Planning?
We'll Help You Get It Right.Planning a Kilimanjaro climb involves a number of decisions — route, timing, budget, fitness preparation, and whether to join a group or go privately. If you are not yet sure where to start, that is entirely normal. Our team works with travelers at every stage of planning, from the very first question to the final confirmation.
Our approach is simple: we listen to what you want, understand your budget and travel window, and put together an itinerary that works — not a template, but a plan built specifically around you.
If you are considering combining your climb with a Tanzania wildlife safari or time in Zanzibar, we can incorporate that into a single well-organised itinerary. Share your preferred travel dates and any questions you have, and we will respond with a free tailored proposal — no pressure, no obligation.
What people usually ask usFree custom proposal — no commitment required
Fill in the form and one of our Kilimanjaro specialists will get back to you within 24 hours with available dates and a tailored proposal.
Response within 24 hours — usually much faster
No commitment required — just a conversation
Only 20% deposit to secure your spot when ready
Memories That Last Beyond the Trip
Are you looking for a private safari or Kilimanjaro climb for your dates? Speak to our Tanzania expert to start planning your tailor-made holiday trip for your dates!
Send your inquiry now and our safari experts will reach out within 24 hours! – Let’s begin planning your Tanzania safari or Kilimanjaro climb!
