Kilimanjaro Trek
66km
Approx. distance
extreme (3)
challenge grading
11 days
challenge duration
tanzania
challenge location
Challenge Highlights
Summit the world’s highest free-standing mountain
Trek along the beautiful Machame Route
Discover diverse landscapes, changing as you climb to the peak
Gaze in awe at a mountain on the equator capped with snow
The Challenge
Grab your boots and join us on an exhilarating trekking adventure to the top of Africa as we summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain standing tall at 5,895m, a magnet for trekkers and climbers. Our trek takes us along the beautiful Machame route, which allows us to gradually acclimatise to the altitude as we climb to the summit. We’ll trek through dense tropical rainforest all the way up to the snow-capped peak to witness awe-inspiring views. This is a tough but spectacularly rewarding challenge, so join us and conquer the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro!
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - depart UK
We depart the UK for our overnight flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Day 2 - arrive tanzania
Upon arrival we will be met by our ground handler representative and then we transfer to our lodge in Moshi. Later in the day, we will have a climb briefing and equipment check and the local Head Guide will answer any questions we have about the challenge.
Day 3 - Machame Gate to Machame Camp - 2,800m
After breakfast, we transfer to Machame Gate where we register and complete the National Park formalities. We then start trekking, steadily ascending through stunning rainforest which can be quite muddy and wet underfoot, but it’s a magnificent way to start our challenge!
Trekking distance – approx. 9km/5-7 hours
Day 4 - Machame Camp to Shira Camp - 3,750m
Following breakfast at camp, we push on with our ascent. Today is a short day but rather steep and rocky in places. It’s a slow hike with plenty of rests and enough time to acclimatise. We push on trekking until we reach the Shira Plateau, where we will be rewarded with great views of the mountain and if we look back, magnificent views of Mount Meru rising above Arusha Town.
Trekking distance – approx. 5km/5–6 hours
Day 5 - Shira Camp to Barranco Camp - 3,950m
Our day starts with trekking over high moorland with the scenery now changing the whole character of our challenge. We trek steadily uphill to the Lava Tower, where we stop for lunch around noon. From the Lava Tower we start our descent for about 2 hours to our camp at Barranco. Today is good for acclimatisation, as we climb up to 4,600m and sleep at 3,950m – the golden altitude rule is, “walk high, sleep low”.
Trekking distance – approx. 10km/6–7 hours
Day 6 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp - 4,000m
Following breakfast, we set off to conquer what the locals know as ‘breakfast wall’ – the Great Barranco Wall! It is a scramble using our hands and feet, (not technical like rock climbing) but certainly adds to our adventure. Once we take in our achievements at the top, we will be able to witness stunning views across the mountain towards the Karanga Valley and will be able to spot our previous night’s campsite. We continue undulating through the green valley until we reach our camp at Karanga Valley.
Trekking distance – approx. 5km/4–5 hours
Day 7 - Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp - 4,800m
We push on with our challenge and start with a short, but steep ascent across the barren landscape but will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Decken Glaciers.
We will be keeping our pace to a slow rhythm as we need to conserve as much energy as we can for the summit attempt later this evening. We reach our camp then it’s an early dinner before getting our heads down, as we will be woken at 10:30pm for our summit attempt!
Trekking distance – approx. 5.5km/5 – 6 hours
Day 8 - Kosovo Camp to Uhuru Peak - 5,895m then descend to Millennium Camp - 3,730m
We aim to leave camp at 12am using our head torches to light the way. The next 4 hours are spent trekking to Stella Point (5,750m) over scree and rock, where we will be rewarded with magnificent and spectacular views of the ice cliffs which surround us, and the majestic views to the Mawenzi Peaks – trekking just does not get any better than this!
We now make regular rest stops every 15 minutes or so, to aid our chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. We push on to the summit with the sun rising over the stunning Mawenzi Peaks and aim to reach the summit by about 6 or 7 am. We start our long descent via Stella Point and back to Kosovo Camp, where we will enjoy some lunch and a good rest. Our descent then continues down to Millennium Camp (3,730m) – today is a very long, emotional day, but at the same time, so memorable
and exhilarating.
Trekking distance – approx 4.5 km/6-7 hours to Uhuru Peak and approx 12.5km/6 – 7 hours to Millennium Camp
Day 9 - Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate - 1,600m then transfer to Moshi
Continuing with our descent, we continue trekking for around 5 hours to make the 1,300m descent to the main park gate. Following lunch, we take the transfer back to our lodge through very beautiful coffee plantations and the traditional small villages of the Chagga people. Upon reaching our lodge, it’s time to relax with a nice hot shower or cool dip in the swimming pool! This evening, we meet as a group and mark our achievements at our
celebratory dinner.
Trekking distance – approx. 13.5km/5-6 hours
Day 10 - return to uk
After breakfast there may be some free time to relax at the lodge or go shopping in Moshi before transferring to the airport for our flight back to the UK.
Day 11 - arrive uk
Arrive UK.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed. Mountain weather conditions, the group’s ability and any other factors outside our control can impact on the schedule set out in this brochure.
challenge inclusions
what's included
- Return flights from a London Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport
- All transfers
- All accommodation
- All meals on the trek and celebratory dinner
- Safe drinking water while trekking
- Porters, cooks and professional English speaking local guides who are experienced in Kilimanjaro summit climbs
- Global Adventure Challenges Leader from the UK
- Local Doctor, oxygen cylinders, oxi-pulse meter, Gamow bag and medical kit to assist with monitoring participants’ wellbeing on the climb
- Trekking permits and National Park fees
- Tents and other camping equipment including cooking and toilet facilities
- Thin sleeping mats
what's not included
- Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge Contribution – Please refer to Dates and Costs tab. These are approximately £250 and payable 8 weeks prior to departure
- Personal trekking kit (trekking boots, poles, etc)
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Sleeping bags, air mats
- Visa for Tanzania
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
frequently asked questions
I’m interested... What do I do now?
You can register online here – payment of the registration fee is due at time of booking. All payment options and costs are explained on the Dates and Costs tab on the challenge page. Once your registration is received we will get in touch with further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Your charity will also be in contact to discuss your fundraising.
Is this trip for me?
Absolutely! The trek is suitable for all abilities with the correct training. The minimum age for this trek is 18 years old (if you are aged between 14 – 17 years you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This challenge has been graded as Extreme (3) on our challenge grading scheme, meaning the trek has been designed to be challenging but achievable as long as you train beforehand. You will be trekking for 7 consecutive days, and at high altitude and in varied temperatures, a good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the challenge! We will provide you with a full training guide once you register, this is also available to download via our website. Why not join one of our challenge training weekends – it’s a great opportunity for you to meet our team and other challengers, and train together prior to the event.
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from some broken in trekking boots and some waterproofs you do not need any specialist kit.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. Participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as sunscreen, water, camera, sun hat etc.) and kit bag will be carried from camp to camp by our porters. You will be able to leave some items not required for the trek at the lodge in Moshi whilst we are on the trek.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided from dinner on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 10. Water will be readily available and supplied free of charge. We cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form. African food is very varied and nutritious with plenty of vegetables.
What support is there on the challenge?
This is a fully supported trek. There will be a strong support team with a professional Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK as well as local guides and porters. Full comprehensive medical kits will be taken with the group and all guides are trained in first aid. Mobile telephones and ICOM radios will be used to ensure your safety and security at all times. A local English-speaking medic will also be joining the trek.
Can I stay in Africa after the challenge?
Yes, but all extensions are strictly limited, subject to availability and are given on a first-come, first-served basis. You will need to complete an extension request form, available from Global Adventure Challenges by emailing enquiries@globaladventurechallenges.com. There is a minimum £60 + VAT charge for having your return airline ticket extended. Please note, the final decision always rests with the airline.
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem with you taking more rest stops should you need them. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group ensuring no one is left alone. Remember this is not a race! The main physical problem you may encounter is altitude sickness, which can occur over 2,500m – the maximum altitude on this challenge is approx. 5,895m.
Will the altitude affect me?
Your physical fitness will not affect your ability to cope with the altitude, however the fitter you are the better you will cope in general whilst on the mountain. Altitude sickness is caused by decreased oxygen concentration in the blood due to the lower atmospheric pressure at high altitude. All individuals are affected differently, but symptoms can include breathlessness, nausea and headaches. Please be assured that this trek has been designed to maximise your chances for sufficient acclimatisation i.e. the speed at which we trek, the route taken, acclimatisation days taken and the number of highly trained experts in the support team.
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
dates and costs
Payment Option A
option a stuff goes here
2021
15TH - 25TH SEPTEMBER 2021
Option A – Minimum Sponsorship (Learn more)
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Registration Fee £349 + Min Sponsorship £4538 + Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge Contribution: £250
Option B – Self-Funding (Learn more)
Registration Fee £349 + Self Funding £2269 + Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge Contribution: £250
30TH SEPTEMBER - 10TH OCTOBER 2021
Option A – Minimum Sponsorship (Learn more)
Registration Fee £349 + Min Sponsorship £4538 + Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge Contribution: £250
Option B – Self-Funding (Learn more)
Registration Fee £349 + Self Funding £2269 + Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge Contribution: £250
