Kilimanjaro · 5,895 m
Kilimanjaro, privately.
Barafu is named after Barafu Camp, 4,673 m, where climbers rest before the summit night. We have taken climbers to the roof of Africa since 2014, first from Moshi and now from our office in Arusha, always as private climbs for your own party.
Routes
Choose your route
All four are private climbs with your own guides and crew. Longer routes acclimatise better and reach the summit more often.
| Route | Days | Approach | Scenery | Crowds | From, per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemosho Route | 8 | West, camping | Remote forest, the whole Shira Plateau, southern circuit | Quiet at first | $3,150 |
| Rongai Route | 7 | North, camping | Wilderness, Mawenzi Tarn | Quiet | $2,750 |
| Machame Route | 6 | South, camping | Forest, Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall | Busy | $2,500 |
| Marangu Route | 5 | South-east, huts | Rainforest, moorland, the Saddle | Busy | $2,350 |
How we climb
Slow, looked after, and fair to the crew
Your lead guide checks every climber's health each day on the mountain and decides the pace. Our guides are trained in mountain first aid, and every climb has an evacuation plan.
Porters are paid fairly and carry within the park's weight limits. You meet the whole crew before you start and say goodbye properly at the end.
The crew
From our climbs
Gate to summit
Photographed on a Barafu climb, from the rainforest to the crater rim.
Group climbs · @barafutreks
Friends at the gate, family at the summit.
We also lead larger groups: friends, clubs, companies and charity climbs. Big teams get extra guides so faster and slower climbers each keep their own pace, a crew sized to the group, and a lead guide who knows every name by day two.
Our trek account follows the groups on the mountain, day by day.
On film
Climb it with us first
Two short films from our own climbs, on the Machame and Lemosho routes.
“They were absolutely right, and everything was taken care of from the moment I stepped off.”
“Barafu Tours managed to accomplish my dream in a phenomenal way.”
“The guys were so friendly, kind and positive. We all summited.”
Questions about Kilimanjaro
Which route has the best chance of reaching the summit?
Longer routes. The more nights you spend on the mountain, the better your body adapts to the altitude. We recommend the 8-day Lemosho Route, or the Machame Route with a seventh day added at Karanga Camp.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
The driest months are January to early March and June to October. The long rains in April and May make the southern routes wet; Rongai stays drier.
Do I need climbing experience?
No ropes or technical skills are needed on these routes. You do need to be fit enough to walk 5 to 8 hours a day for several days, and the summit night is hard.
Is a private climb more expensive than a group climb?
It can cost more than joining a shared group, because it is priced for your own party and dates. In return you choose the pace, and the guides look after only you.
What travel insurance do I need?
A policy that covers trekking up to 6,000 m and emergency evacuation. We ask to see it before the climb.
The summit starts with a message.
Tell us your dates, your fitness and your route. A planner in Arusha replies within 2 hours.