Private, fully supported climbs to Uhuru Peak on every main route — led by mountain guides from our home town of Moshi, at the foot of Kilimanjaro.
At 5,895 metres, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. It is also one of the most achievable of the world’s great summits: no technical climbing is needed, and with good preparation, a sensible route and an experienced team, people of many ages and backgrounds stand on Uhuru Peak every year. The mountain is protected within Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A climb takes you through five distinct climate zones in a matter of days — from farmland and rainforest on the lower slopes, through heather and moorland, across a high alpine desert, to the glaciers and ice cliffs of the summit. Each day brings a new landscape, and the night-time push to the summit, ending with sunrise over the clouds, is an experience few people ever forget.
Genet Expeditions is based in Moshi, the town at the foot of the mountain where most climbs begin. Our climbs are private and fully supported: experienced mountain guides, a cook, and porters who carry the tents, food and equipment, so you only carry a day pack. We hold a briefing and equipment check the evening before your climb and arrange your hotel nights before and after.
The most important decision is your route and the number of days. Longer itineraries give your body more time to adjust to the altitude, which is the main reason climbers do not reach the summit. Below you can compare the routes and choose the itinerary that suits you.
We live and work at the foot of the mountain. Our guides have climbed it many times and know every route, campsite and change in the weather.
Guides check your health twice a day, watch closely for signs of altitude sickness and will always put your wellbeing before the summit.
Your own guides and crew, at your pace. Climbing with friends or family? You stay together as one private group.
We help you choose the route and length that give you the best chance of success — not simply the cheapest or quickest.
Porters and crew are the heart of every climb. We support fair treatment, proper equipment and reasonable loads. See our responsible tourism approach.
Hotel nights in Moshi, airport transfers, a Materuni waterfall day, a safari or Zanzibar afterwards — all arranged by one team.
Every climb is private, fully supported and led by our Moshi-based mountain guides. Longer itineraries give your body more time to acclimatise — and a better chance of reaching the summit.
Kilimanjaro · the Machame route
The scenic “Whiskey Route”: rainforest, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall on a six-day camping climb to Uhuru Peak.
Kilimanjaro · the Machame route
The Whiskey Route at a more gradual pace: rainforest, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall, with an extra night at Karanga Camp.
Kilimanjaro · the Lemosho route
Kilimanjaro’s quiet western approach: rainforest, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall on a seven-day camping climb.
Kilimanjaro · the Lemosho route
The western wilderness at a gradual pace: Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall and a night at Karanga before the summit.
Kilimanjaro · the Northern Circuit route
Kilimanjaro’s longest, quietest circuit: the western rainforest and Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and a traverse of the remote northern slopes.
Kilimanjaro · the Northern Circuit route
A specialist expedition: the Northern Circuit with a conditional night at Crater Camp, about 5,730 m, beside Kilimanjaro’s summit.
Kilimanjaro · the Rongai route
Kilimanjaro’s quiet northern approach near the Kenyan border: moorland, Mawenzi Tarn and the alpine Saddle on the way to Uhuru Peak.
Kilimanjaro · the Rongai route
The quiet northern approach with an extra acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn before crossing the Saddle to Kibo and Uhuru Peak.
Kilimanjaro · the Marangu route
Kilimanjaro’s historic “Coca-Cola Route”: rainforest, moorland and alpine desert to Uhuru Peak, sleeping in the mountain’s only permanent h…
Kilimanjaro · the Marangu route
The historic hut route to Uhuru Peak, with an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut and a guided walk to Zebra Rocks.
Kilimanjaro · the Umbwe route
Kilimanjaro’s steepest, most direct approach — rainforest ridges, Barranco and Barafu in five days. For experienced, acclimatized trekkers …
Kilimanjaro · the Umbwe route
Kilimanjaro’s steep southern approach with an extra night at Karanga Camp — rainforest ridges, Barranco and the summit, for experienced tre…
Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, inside Arusha National Park — a superb climb in its own right and ideal acclimatisation before Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru
Tanzania’s second-highest mountain in three days: wildlife on the lower slopes, montane forest, a dramatic crater rim and Socialist Peak.
Mount Meru
Mount Meru at a balanced pace: wildlife, montane forest, a sunrise summit on Socialist Peak and a second night at Miriakamba Hut.
Everything you need to know before you go — and the questions our guides are asked most often in Moshi.
The Machame route is the most popular: scenic, varied and well suited to climbers with some hiking experience. Lemosho begins on the quieter western side, crosses the Shira Plateau and is our favourite for its scenery and excellent acclimatisation. The Northern Circuit is the longest route, circling the mountain on its remote northern slopes — the best choice for acclimatisation and solitude.
Rongai approaches from the north, near the Kenyan border; it is drier and quieter, a good option in the rainy months. Marangu is the only route with huts instead of tents. Umbwe is short and very steep, best for experienced trekkers who have already acclimatised.
Altitude, not fitness, is the biggest challenge on Kilimanjaro. Each extra day on the mountain gives your body more time to adjust, which improves your chances of reaching the summit and makes the climb more enjoyable. For most people we recommend at least seven days — for example the 7-day Machame or Lemosho — and eight or nine days if you can.
Shorter climbs are possible, but they leave less margin for adjustment. Climbing Mount Meru or spending time at altitude before Kilimanjaro is an excellent way to prepare.
Most climbers feel some effects of altitude, such as headaches, poor sleep or loss of appetite. The keys are to walk slowly — pole pole, as the guides say — drink plenty of water and climb high and sleep low where the route allows. Our guides monitor every climber twice a day and will advise you to descend if symptoms become serious.
Speak to your doctor before you travel, especially about medication for altitude and malaria. The CDC’s Tanzania page is a useful starting point.
You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking for six to eight hours a day over several days, often on steep and uneven ground. The best training is long hikes with a day pack, ideally on hills, in the months before your climb. Summit night is the hardest part: a slow walk of many hours through the cold and dark, so mental determination matters as much as fitness.
Temperatures range from warm and humid in the rainforest to well below freezing at the summit, so layers are essential: thermal base layers, a fleece, an insulated jacket, waterproofs, warm gloves and a hat. You also need sturdy, worn-in hiking boots, a good sleeping bag and a head torch. Porters carry your main bag; you carry a day pack with water, snacks, sun protection and a warm layer.
We send a full packing list when you book, and good-quality gear can be rented in Moshi. Our Kilimanjaro preparation guide has more detail.
On camping routes, your crew sets up sleeping tents and a dining tent before you arrive at each camp. Days start with hot drinks and breakfast, followed by four to seven hours of walking with regular breaks. Afternoons are for rest, acclimatisation walks and an early dinner. Water is treated for drinking, and meals are cooked fresh by your mountain cook.
Summit night begins around midnight. After a few hours of climbing you reach the crater rim, and then Uhuru Peak at around sunrise — before descending to a lower camp the same day.
Each route has its own character. Longer routes allow better acclimatisation; the number of days shown is what we offer for each route.
| Route | Days we offer | Scenery & character | Accommodation | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machame | 6–7 days | Varied and scenic; the popular “whiskey route” | Tents | Fit hikers wanting variety |
| Lemosho | 7–8 days | Quiet western start, Shira Plateau, superb views | Tents | Scenery and acclimatisation |
| Northern Circuit | 9–10 days | Longest and most remote, circling the north | Tents | Best acclimatisation, solitude |
| Rongai | 6–7 days | Northern approach, drier and quieter | Tents | Rainy months, quieter trails |
| Marangu | 5–6 days | Classic route, same path up and down | Huts | Those who prefer huts |
| Umbwe | 5–6 days | Very steep and direct | Tents | Experienced, acclimatised trekkers |
Not sure which to choose? Tell us about your hiking experience and we will recommend a route.
We meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi to rest.
Your guide explains the route, checks your equipment and answers every question.
Guides, a cook and porters support you every step, with daily health checks.
Reach Uhuru Peak, descend, receive your certificate and return to Moshi for a hot shower.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but the most popular months are January to early March and June to October, when the weather is generally drier and the skies clearer. January to March tends to be a little warmer and quieter; June to October is cooler and busier.
The long rains, from around late March to May, bring wet trails and more cloud, and fewer people climb at this time. November brings the short rains. In the wetter months, the Rongai route on the drier northern side can be a good choice. Whenever you climb, conditions near the summit are cold, often well below freezing at night.
Park regulations, fees and health advice change from time to time. These official and non-profit sources are worth reading before your climb.
Still have a question? Our team in Moshi answers within 24 hours.
Ask on WhatsAppBetween five and ten days on the mountain, depending on the route. We recommend at least seven days for the best chance of reaching the summit.
For most climbers we recommend the 7-day Machame, the 7 or 8-day Lemosho or the 9-day Northern Circuit. All three allow good acclimatisation and beautiful scenery.
No technical climbing is required. You should be comfortable walking for several hours a day over several days, and training with long hikes beforehand helps a lot.
Altitude sickness. Walking slowly, drinking plenty of water and choosing a longer route all help. Our guides check your health twice daily and will advise descent if needed.
Yes. Sleeping bags, jackets, poles and other gear can be rented in Moshi. We check your equipment at the briefing the evening before the climb.
Tipping is customary and an important part of crew income. We send guidance on recommended amounts when you book, so you can plan ahead.
Tell us when you would like to climb and about your hiking experience. Our Moshi team will recommend a route and reply within 24 hours.
