Many travelers come to Tanzania with visions of a peaceful, remote trek up the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Kilimanjaro. They expect to find solitude and serenity but are often surprised by the reality—crowded trails filled with trekkers, porters, and guides. This can make the experience a bit underwhelming. So, how do you climb Kilimanjaro without the crowds?
Why Is Kilimanjaro So Crowded?
1. It’s Walkable.
Kilimanjaro is one of the few high-altitude mountains in the world that doesn’t require technical mountaineering skills to reach its 19,341-foot summit. As long as you’re reasonably fit and your body can handle the altitude, you can make it to the top.
2. It’s the Easiest of the Seven Summits.
Kilimanjaro is also the easiest of the Seven Summits, making it an attractive goal for many adventurers. Before COVID, about 50,000 people attempted the climb each year. That’s roughly 50 times more than the number of climbers attempting Everest or Denali.
3. Porters Multiply the Numbers.
With so many trekkers come even more porters to carry gear, food, and water. For a group of 10 trekkers, there can be a crew of 36 people—1 guide, 3 assistant guides, 2 cooks, and 30 porters! This adds to the crowd on the mountain.
Managing the Impact of Crowds
Kilimanjaro National Park has implemented rules and regulations to manage the sheer volume of people. Hikers are required to stay on designated routes and camps. Weigh stations have been installed at each camp to ensure porters aren’t carrying over 33 pounds and that no trash is left behind.
The park also faces the ongoing challenge of human waste. To address this, permanent composting toilets have been installed at campsites, alongside older, long-drop toilets used by porters. While these measures have helped, the mountain still faces challenges from the volume of visitors.
How to Avoid the Crowds
Choose the Right Route.
Kilimanjaro has several trekking routes, but two-thirds of climbers choose the popular Marangu or Machame routes—nicknamed the Coca-Cola and Whiskey routes, respectively. For a less crowded experience, consider one of these alternatives:
Northern Circuit: The most remote route, circling the north side of Kilimanjaro and summiting from the east. Less than 1% of trekkers choose this route, making it the best option for solitude.
Lemosho Route: Another quieter option, starting with the Northern Circuit before joining the Machame Route later. Only about 9% of trekkers use this route.
Rongai Route: The least crowded approach from the north and is known for being a gradual, scenic climb with fewer people.
Book a Private Climb.
To avoid large groups, consider booking a private climb. This allows you to choose your dates and routes, avoiding the typical weekend start group climbs. Starting your climb mid-week, for example on a Tuesday, can help you miss the busier campsites and bottleneck areas like the Barranco Wall.
Climb During the Off-Season.
For seasoned hikers, climbing during the rainy season can drastically reduce the number of people on the mountain. The rainy seasons take place in November and mid-March through the end of May. Rain usually arrives in the afternoon when you are at camp. While the trails can become more challenging, the Northern Circuit and Marangu routes are your best options—the Northern Circuit receives less rainfall, and the Marangu route has huts, so you avoid wet camping.
Final Thoughts
If you want to climb Kilimanjaro without the crowds, your best strategies are choosing a lesser-traveled route like the Northern Circuit or Rongai, booking a private climb, and starting your trek mid-week. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and with a bit of planning, you can make it an unforgettable and peaceful experience.
