Climb Kili

A Tanzanian-owned Kilimanjaro outfitter that also runs safaris

Climb Kili is a Tanzanian company that runs its own Kilimanjaro climbs, plus safaris in Tanzania's game parks and tours on Zanzibar. It is owned and operated by founder Nick Moshi, who the about page says started as a porter on Kilimanjaro at 13 and grew up in Marangu village at the foot of the mountain. The site dates the company to 1984 and describes it as a direct operator rather than a reseller, adding that "we do not contract out your climb or safari to a different company." It says it is based in Moshi, and the contact block gives a Tanzania office on the Arusha-Nairobi Road in Arusha, a US office in Highland, Utah, and a UK/EU office in London. Everything it sells happens in Tanzania: the climbs on Kilimanjaro, safaris "from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater," day trips around Moshi, and Zanzibar, where it says it has a local office. The site describes its guides as English-speaking Tanzanians.

Two recommended routes, private or in a group of 6

The company says it can guide any route but recommends 2: the 7 Day Machame and the 8 Day Lemosho, which it calls "the most scenic routes with the Highest Safety and Summit Success." It argues against rushed itineraries such as shortened Lemosho climbs and the Marangu route, and says both of its routes can be scheduled any time of year, with prices and set dates on a separate Dates and Prices page. It says "our recommended itineraries consistently achieve summit success rates of up to 98.8%," and its reasons page adds "~92% summit success last year (~842 summits)," around 1,100+ climbers guided a year and an estimated 20,000+ in total.

Group size is capped. The site says "We intentionally limit our Open Groups to SIX," while private groups "have no min/max." Solo climbers can join any open group with no single supplement, a private climb costs "an additional $400, subject to availability," and the company says it never cancels a trek for lack of numbers.

One detail sets its climbs apart. Instead of the usual Barafu Camp before the summit, it uses what it calls its Kosovo "Climb Kili" Camp: the group climbs past Barafu in daylight, sleeps higher and starts summit night closer to the top. The site says the Kosovo premium fee is included. It also recommends acclimatizing in Arusha, which it puts at 4,590 feet (1,400 m).

On the mountain

The about page sets out the crew. Lead guides have "a minimum of 7 years experience on the mountain," all speak English (some speak other languages too), and all are Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified; guides are licensed by Tanzania National Parks. Guides renew certifications twice a year, covering HACE, HAPE, Gamow bag use, oxygen and pulse oximeter protocols. The company says it carries pulse oximeters, emergency oxygen and a hyperbaric bag on every climb, runs daily health checks, and keeps an evacuation protocol for each route. Porters' loads are restricted to 15kg (33lbs), and the company is a partner of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), which independently monitors porter wages and treatment.

On the trek, porters go ahead to set up tents and the dining tent, chefs prepare meals and can arrange vegetarian or other special diets, and a trip coordinator sends daily updates on health, weather and progress to family at home. Before the climb there is a meet and greet with the guide team; after it, a debrief, a summit certificate and a post-summit meal. The company rents gear on site in Moshi, reviews packing lists, and offers a personalized fitness program.

Beyond the mountain, it offers day trips to Materuni Waterfalls and coffee farm tours, private transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport, safaris of any length in its own vehicles, and Zanzibar stays handled by its island office. The about page names the people behind each part: a Chief Kilimanjaro Officer nicknamed "The Hermenator" who runs the guide teams, Victor, who manages the safari vehicle fleet and trains the safari guides, Gilbert, who has overseen Zanzibar operations since 1992, and Tiffany, the main point of contact for clients since 2009. The reasons page also points to outside coverage, including a KUER member-station reporter's account from December 2025 and a summit documentary, "Kilimanjaro: The Movie."

Price, booking and guarantees

The site describes all-inclusive pricing: park fees, camping fees, crew wages, meals, transfers, rescue fees, hotel nights before and after the climb, private toilets and the summit camp premium are included. A booking takes a "low $350 deposit," and the company says "your deposit stays valid for life" if you need to postpone. It says it accepts all major credit cards. It also promotes a "Climb Kili Guarantee," which the site defines as a promise that no other company offers more safety equipment, a higher summit success and better value. Contact runs 24/7 by phone on +1-888-589-1884 or +1 843 589 1884, by WhatsApp, or through a free 30-minute call or a group Zoom session.

It cites 1,400+ verified TripAdvisor reviews and a TripAdvisor "Best of the Best" award for 2025, and names press coverage from NPR and WWLP. The team also runs charity climbs, with a free fundraising guide, and a P.O.R.T.E.R. program that reimburses staff tuition at colleges in Moshi and Arusha.

What the site leaves open, and who it suits

The site does not show a price for the Machame or Lemosho climb outside its separate Dates and Prices page. The site's figures do not all line up: summit success is "up to 98.8%" on recommended routes but "~92%" overall last year, and the team's experience is given both as 40+ years for the company and "over 40 years of combined experience" for the guides. The site gives no sample safari itineraries or prices.

Climb Kili suits climbers who want a locally owned outfit with small groups, a clearly stated safety kit and all-inclusive pricing, and who like being able to add a safari or Zanzibar with the same company. Solo travelers benefit from the no-supplement open groups. Anyone set on a short, budget climb will find the company steering them toward its longer routes.