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  • kilimanjaro
  1. FAQs

Kilimanjaro - the Roof of Africa

* We have a 100% success rate on Kilimanjaro *

Book a Kilimanjaro Adventure!

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Known as the Roof of Africa, Kilimanjaro is one of the best-known mountains on earth. It's the world's highest free-standing mountain and the easiest of the fabled Seven Summits and for decades it has captured the imagination of generations of trekkers! Join Ricky Munday, Everest Summiteer and founder of Inspire Alpine, for a guided trek on the picturesque Rongai or Lemosho Glades routes for a life-changing bucket list experience.

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Kilimanjaro has three main volcanic peaks, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira - it's a truly superlative mountain, standing in isolation like an island above the surrounding savannah and the hot, dry plains of Tanzania. An expedition to climb Kilimanjaro offers an eclectic cocktail of East African culture and scenery. At 5,895 metres, climbing Kilimanjaro is a fantastic challenge that is entirely feasible for a hillwalker looking to combine a high mountain adventure with a visit to East Africa, which offers incredible safari and other adventure travel opportunities. Kilimanjaro translates as 'mountain of the springs' and it holds some of the world's last remaining and fast-receding tropical glaciers, which you will have the opportunity to admire on summit day.

We'll pass through five different vegetation zones as we ascend from the lowest to the highest point: Lower slopes, montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and summit rock and ice, which makes an ascent of this magical mountain even more special.

Had the most amazing unforgettable experience ever! A great trip, with a great bunch of people, it’s a must for your bucket list!

- Gillian, Kilimanjaro client - Read Gillian's full review.

Booking & Dates

You can view available dates for both route options (Rongai & Lemosho Glades) on the dropdowns below, then select your ticket type.

Self-funding: Make full payment (option 1), or pay a deposit of £250 (Option 2) & pay your expedition balance either in monthly instalments, or by bank transfer 60 days before the event

Fundraising: Pay a registration fee of £250 & raise a minimum of £3,600 for our social mission. Set up a fundraising page on our site (option 3). This option means you only pay £250 for your trip, unless you have a fundraising shortfall.

Book a call with Ricky Join our Club on Strava 

Kilimanjaro Gallery

Scroll left or right on the image below to view our Kilimanjaro gallery

Kilimanjaro - the Roof of Africa

Fundraise for us

Fundraising for us can make your bucket list adventure much more achieveable & make your dreams come true! With this option, you pay your non-refundable registration fee of £250 when booking & select 'fundraise minimum sponsorship' from the options to pay your expedition balance. You're pledging to raise £3,600 for our social projects and this option means the balance of your adventure challenge cost is met through this minimum sponsorship.

Read more about fundraising

Route Options

Rongai Route - 9 days northern approach

The Rongai route is the only route from the north side of the mountain, which tends to be drier than the south. It's a relatively quiet route with good opportunities to spot wildlife as we ascend, and which gives incredible views of Mawenzi (second highest peak on Kilimanjaro).

Rongai has a gradual ascent in terms of terrain, which allows for excellent acclimatisation compared to other routes. We also include an additional day of acclimatisation on Day 5 so you can enjoy the stunning scenery from Mawenzi camp. We will camp in tents (two people per tent).

We'll trek for five days, ascending through the forest onto heathland, before approaching the summit from the NNE side of the mountain. After summiting, we descend to Horombo Camp the same day. The following day (Day 8) we descend to Marangu Gate.

Lemosho Glades Route - 10 days western approach

On this amazing high mountain adventure you'll steadily climb through magnificent forests and moorland, and emerge into high-alpine deserts as you enjoy spectacular views along the way to the summit.

The challenging and less-travelled Lemosho route begins in the lush rainforests of the Lemosho Glades, before climbing beautiful on a beatiful path up the western breach of the mountain, to the Shira Plateau, which is the perfect spot to acclimatise.

From here we can see the ice-capped peak of Kibo - our ultimate goal. Our trail then follows the impressive Southern Flank, Barranco Wall and Barafu Route to the summit. This adventure starts off with a few long days as we gain altitude, and has several days built in to help us acclimatise, vastly improving your chances of making the summit. Overall, we spend 8 days trekking up and down the mountain.

Book a Kilimanjaro Adventure!

Outline itineraries

Route

Rongai

Lemosho Glades

Day 1 Fly into Kilimanjaro airport, Hotel Fly into Kilimanjaro airport, Hotel
Day 2 Rongai Gate to Simba camp (2,830m) Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp (2,780m) 
Day 3 Simba Camp to Kikilewa Cave (3,600m) Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Day 4 Kikilewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn (4,315m) Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
Day 5 Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge (4,700m) Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960m) 
Day 6 Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Camp (4,703m), Tents Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,963m) 
Day 7 Kibo Camp to Summit (5,895m) to Horombo Camp Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Day 8 Horomobo to Marangu Gate, Hotel Barafu Camp to Summit (5,895m) to Millennium Camp
Day 9 Fly home Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate, Hotel
Day 10 Fly home

For detailed itineraries, please see Essential Information below.

Kilimanjaro Summit Day

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Book a Kilimanjaro Adventure!

Contact us with questions Do you still have questions? You can read much more essential information below. Do you still need more info? Would you like to speak to one of our Advenure Experts? Contact us using the options below:

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Schedule a call

Essential information

Book with confidence - Covid-19

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Cancellation flexibility

For any bookings made between now and 31 March 2021 on an overseas adventure departing before 31 December 2021, we’re offering you the right to cancel and get a full refund of your deposit up to 90 days before the challenge is due to depart. We want anyone considering booking a trip now to have complete confidence that their deposit is protected and that they can cancel without any penalty for whatever reason.

What happens if my trip cannot run due to Covid-19?

Your safety is our top priority. Please rest assured that if your trip cannot operate in the host country due to Covid-19, we will offer you a number of options including the chance to:

  • postpone your trip to a later departure of the same event (this year or next)
  • join any other overseas trip in our portfolio (this year or next)
  • transfer your place to another person
  • receive a full refund of monies paid for the challenge

Please note that in most cases, where trips can be rescheduled in the same financial year, we are waiving our standard admin fees.

What if I postpone the trip and then the later revised trip is also affected and cannot run due to Covid-19?

Even if you move on to another trip later in the year or next year, if we still find ourselves unable to safely operate the trip in the host country due to Covid-19, we’ll offer you the same options as above, to postpone, to change trips, to transfer your place to someone else or to receive a refund.

What if there is no official advice against travel, but I want to cancel within 90 days of departure?

We respect that you may feel more comfortable staying at home, and not travelling regardless of the destination or official advice. If you choose to cancel, we’ll action your request but where there is no FCDO advice against travel to that country at the time of cancellation, our standard cancellation terms will apply.

Published: 1st October, 2019

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Kilimanjaro - Frequently Asked Questions

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See our Kilimanjaro FAQ page below or for further info: 

Kilimanjaro FAQs

Pre-Kilimanjaro trip preparation

Expedition Documentation

Please note you will be emailed out a set of Trip Joining Instructions after we confirm your booking. This includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists. The following is to serve as a helpful guideline but please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!

How hard is it really and how fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?

Contrary to what most people believe, Kilimanjaro is not just a “hike”. Kilimanjaro is a tough challenge and requires a good level of fitness, physical and emotional strength, and stamina and it is important that you are prepared. You need to be comfortable carrying a backpack, have a reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness and enjoy sleeping in a tent! Summit day can be very long and cold, but very rewarding, especially when the sun comes up!

Your training to climb Kilimanjaro should incorporate aerobic, anaerobic, strength and flexibility exercises. Most importantly, you should spend time walking in the hills, in the boots you are going to be wearing on the Kilimanjaro challenge. People of all ages and sizes can reach the summit of Kilimanjaro but the more you train, the fitter you’ll be and the more you’ll enjoy the experience. The training plan here is focused on the National Three Peaks Challenge but it’s also good prep for a non-technical high-altitude trek.

What are the skills/prior experiences required for this climb?

This is one of our beginner trips and so the only thing required is to have a thirst for adventure!

Do I need a visa / vaccinations?

Visa - The answer is yes, all UK, Irish and US nationals require a visa for travel to Tanzania and this should be obtained prior to your challenge departure. If you are of different national heritage to those mentioned above, please check the Tanzania High Commission's website for visa requirements.

Vaccinations - Make sure you are up to date for all boosters and courses as advised for life in the UK. You should also take a course of antimalarial medication and be aware that depending on the type you may need to start taking these up to a month in advance of departure. For advice on any additional vaccinations or treatments, please speak with your GP or doctor. 

What insurance do we need?

We require you to have insurance for any personal or medical incidences that may occur during the expedition. This should include cover for illness, medical emergency or evacuation as well as trip cancellation, baggage loss, damage or theft, or any other such mishap that may occur. We recommend you obtain insurance as soon as possible.

What is trip cancellation insurance?

Trip cancellation insurance may allow you to cancel your trip without losing any pre-paid expenses. We highly recommend trip cancellation insurance - if circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (minimum numbers are not reached or travel to a country becomes too dangerous) then we will refund your fees paid, but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs that you may have incurred.

Do I need evacuation insurance?

Yes, it is very important. Many of our expeditions are in remote places with no roads and developing medical services. In the unlikely event that you get sick, you want to get to good medical care ASAP. Our insurance must cover you for trekking up to 6,000m

What sort of hotels do we stay at in the city?

Prior to and after the trek/safari, we will arrange your Moshi accommodation and our chosen properties maintain a high level of customer service and quality aligning with our high standards. Typically, we stay at the Weru Weru River Lodge, located in the two-bridge area 10 minutes’ drive from Moshi Town. Weru Weru boasts lush tropical gardens with nesting weaver birds, is surrounded by a coffee estate to the north, and offers beautiful views of Kilimanjaro.

Travel

What time should I arrive and where do I meet my guides?

Please plan to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and arrive latest on the afternoon of Day 1 of our itinerary, where you will also clear Tanzanian customs. We will arrange an airport transfer to take you to your hotel. Prior to your trip, we’ll send you a final details email including hotel details, information on your guide, details on when and where you will meet your guide, as well as any other pertinent last-minute information.

What if I arrive early or depart late?

We ask that you try to arrive on time, so early is great! Your bags then have a chance to catch up with you, if for some reason they are delayed. If you do arrive early, we’ll be happy to help you with your hotel arrangements and additional transfers. The same goes for departing later, and don’t panic if this happens. If your bags don’t arrive, we can send late bags up with additional porters if necessary. If your flight is late, we will find a solution that allows you to join the trek.

How much cash should I plan to bring?

Participants are usually really excited to purchase local artisan crafts and most of the places that sell such items don’t take credit cards. There are cash machines in town but in the villages, cash is king! Most get by with US$400-$800 for gifts and additional local expenses.

Life on the Mountain

How big is the Kilimanjaro group? / What support will there be?

All of our Kilimanjaro adventures will have a maximum size of 12 participants. If we have more than 12 clients, we’ll split into two groups. We welcome individuals, couples and groups of friends on our treks, and many who join us literally have a mountain to climb in terms of the scale of the challenge they are taking on. We advocate camaraderie and team bonding, and really believe that this enhances your experience.

Your challenge will be led by an experienced international expedition leader with extensive high-altitude and group management experience. Each of our leaders holds an advanced Outdoor First Aid qualification. Our leaders are selected for their experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, sensitivity and sense of humour, and will ensure that your Kilimanjaro trip runs smoothly.

Your leader will be carrying a fully stocked medical kit in case of any emergency. They will carry out daily health checks on Kilimanjaro to ensure you’re acclimatising properly.

Your leader will be in constant contact with all of our local guides via two-way radio - and between our local Kilimanjaro office staff. Your leader will also carry a satellite phone (and spare battery) for emergencies. If for any reason you need to leave the group early, local staff will assist you with your descent of Kilimanjaro and will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary.

Will I be sharing a tent or room with other climbers? Is there a single room option on this trip?

When in Moshi and on safari, the hotels/lodges are priced on a twin-share basis. On the mountain, two team members will share a three-person tent. There is the option of a hotel single room and mountain tent supplement, please contact our office for details.

How long is a typical day on the mountain?

Your morning starts with a pan of warm water and a hot drink delivered to your tent door. We then rise and meet for breakfast around 7am, with the aim to start trekking by about 8am. We usually trek for between 5 and 7 hours, taking time for photographs and breaks along the way, including a sumptuous picnic lunch, before arriving into our next campsite in the afternoon by 3 or 4pm.

How heavy will my pack be?

Typically, 6-10kg. Each day, you’ll be carrying water, snacks, other essential items and any layers that you will need for the day. Porters will carry the bulk of your equipment and clothing, which will be awaiting your arrival at your camp.

What is the weather like on Kilimanjaro?

There are two main trekking seasons on Kilimanjaro - and all of our expeditions take place during these 'dry' periods. Mountain weather is very changeable and hard to predict, but we provide a general overview of what to expect in terms of temperatures and trekking conditions. You should prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Kilimanjaro is large enough to have its own weather system, so the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. The rainy months are April to mid-June and November.

What will the Kilimanjaro food / accommodation be like?

We ensure there is plenty of food which is varied and wholesome. Breakfast is usually a hot drink with bread/ toast and spreads, porridge, eggs and sausage. Our Kilimanjaro cook team then hurries ahead of us to set up the mess tent and provide us with a hot lunch (most days). This usually consists of a starter soup, followed by either a rice or pasta dish with meat and veggies. 

On arrival into camp hot drinks and snacks are usually served before we tuck into the main event, which again is usually a hot soup starter, followed by a more substantial main than lunch, perhaps a warm winter stew, or meat and fish with lots of veggies, pasta or rice followed by a pudding or cake if it is a special occasion. 

We also recommend that participants pack some of their favourite snacks to enjoy throughout the day.

Accommodation - When we are not trekking, life on a Kilimanjaro climb is spent mainly under canvas. We even go to the toilet in our specially designed toilet tent! For the majority of our expeditions we supply a 3-man branded expedition tent between 2 people, which means that everyone gets plenty of room for both sleeping and for their luggage.

What type of communication is available on the climb?

The local guides carry radios and mobile phones, so are in daily contact with our agent's Moshi office. If you bring a mobile phone from home, please double-check the cost of global roaming with your network supplier. Local SIM cards are available for purchase can and offer better reception, so please advise if you would like assistance with arranging one. Do please note however that once on the mountain there is extremely limited cell phone reception and no internet access available.

How much should I tip the local staff?

Tipping is mandatory as your guides, porters and camp staff work very hard on the mountain. Suggested tipping amounts are $100-$150, as this is dependent on your group size and the number of local staff employed. You can also donate any unwanted items of kit or clothing, as long as they are in serviceable condition. 

Flights & extending your stay

Do you provide flights?

International flights are not included in your package. You need to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on the afternoon of Day 1 of your itinerary. If you’re flying from the UK, this typically means departing the UK the previous day. Many of UK-based clients this fly on Qatar Airways and the flights from the UK are via Doha, Qatar. Other airlines also serve JRO from the UK, including Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways.

When is a good time to climb Kilimanjaro?

The two main trekking seasons - and the optimum times to climb Kilimanjaro are from the end of December to March and June to October. Temperatures should range between 25-30°C at the foot of the mountain and the temperature will decrease by approximately 1°C every 150m we climb. Mountain weather is always unpredictable, so you should ensure that you are fully prepared and equipped for all eventualities.

Can I extend my trip?

If you would like to extend your trip it is absolutely possible. We offer fantastic safari extension packages. To find out more, please check the website or email us and a member of the team will be in touch!

Published: 1st November, 2019

Updated: 6th December, 2020

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Do You Want A Safari Extension?

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Safari Extensions

We offer a superb 3-day & 2-night safari extension designed to offer you a short, intense and incredibly rewarding Tanzanian Northern Circuit safari adventure. You'll experience the excitement of game viewing in three of the most spectacular national game parks in Tanzania; Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire National Park. This 3-day safari option is a great way to experience some of Tanzania’s most amazing wildlife.

You can expect to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) as well as cheetah, giraffe and a wide range of other carnivores & herbivores. You can see full details by clicking the button below.

3 Day Short Safari – Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Manyara

Published: 2nd January, 2020

Updated: 21st January, 2020

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How To Book Kilimanjaro

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Participation Agreement and Terms & Conditions 

You'll need to read and agree to both our Overseas Trips Booking Terms & Conditions and our Participation Agreement (see below) - you'll be asked to confirm this during the booking process below. 

Overseas Trips Booking Terms & Conditions Participation Agreement

How to book  

  1. Choose your event date below 
  2. In the event, you can choose to pay your deposit online (with a 1.5% processing charge to cover our fees), by bank transfer (free), or pay your full balance - you'll receive an email acknowledging receipt of your payment/booking. 
  3. Once you've booked and/or paid your deposit you'll receive a second email requiring you to complete our online Client Information & Medical Declaration Form, which must be completed before we can confirm your booking

Rongai Route:

October 2020 February 2021

Lemosho Glades Route:

December 2020

Published: 2nd January, 2020

Updated: 19th February, 2020

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Kilimanjaro Entry & Health Requirements

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You can view the British Government's latest advice here. We suggest clients discuss their vaccination requirements with their GP and refer to the TravelHealthPro website, which comprises the travel health resources of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), which was set up by the Department of Health with the broad aim of Protecting the Health of British Travellers. You can be issued a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, but we advise our clients to apply for a Tanzanian visa in advance using the new e-visa system on line – this works really well and has significantly reduced waiting times at the airport on arrival. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa from the nearest Tanzanian High Commission before you travel. We do not recommend a visa on arrival as this creates unnecessary delays for the whole group.

Published: 2nd January, 2020

Updated: 21st January, 2020

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Insurance For Kilimanjaro

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You are required to have an insurance policy that covers trekking to 5,895m, but it does not need to cover technical climbing. You're advised to take out insurance to cover potential events that might cause you to cancel your trip. You should bring with you a copy of your policy and also a photocopy of your passport, and to keep it separate to your own documents in the unlikely event that you lose your passport. We advise you to consider the British Mountaineering Council insurance, but many other insurance companies offer policies suitable for Kilimanjaro, such as truetraveller, DOGTAG & others.

Published: 2nd January, 2020

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Kilimanjaro - Expedition Leader

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Ricky Munday will be leading this expedition. He's a qualified Mountain Leader with an Expedition First Aid qualification and is a full member of the Mountain Training Association. He reached the summit of Mount Everest (8,848m) in May 2018. He holds an Honours degree in Physiology & Sport Science and is also a Chartered Accountant (CA). From 2014-2018 he served as the youngest ever member of the executive team at the UK's national polar research organisation, where he led the key professional service teams in both Antarctica and Cambridge. After qualifying as a CA, a four-month secondment to an orphanage in Kenya inspired him to spend six years deployed in the aftermath of natural disasters leading support functions for the Red Cross and other aid organisations in Sudan, Bangladesh, Pakistan & Haiti. In 2017 he became the first Brit in twenty years to summit Kilimanjaro's second highest peak (Mawenzi), which is a technical rock climb. 

Book a call with Ricky

Join our Club on Strava

Published: 2nd January, 2020

Updated: 8th July, 2020

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Kilimanjaro - Training & Fitness

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This trek is suitable for all abilities, with the correct training. You'll be trekking for seven consecutive days, at high altitude and in varied temperatures, so good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your trek. You should aim to walk regularly in the hills with a light pack (7-10kg) and follow an exercise routine to strengthen your core and legs and to increase your cardiovascular fitness. We recommend this training guide for trekking expedition clients.

You can find out more about how to prepare for high-altitude here.

Published: 2nd January, 2020

Updated: 8th July, 2020

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Kilimanjaro Client Benefits

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  • a complimentary Cicerone Trekking Kilimanjaro guidebook (worth £16.95 - read an excerpt here)
  • a complimentary branded Inspire Alpine BUFF® (worth £15.95)
  • a complimentary BMC Safety on Mountains booklet (worth £6.99)

We also offer an unbeatable range of generous discounts from outdoor retailers & manufacturers:

  • Cotswold Outdoor and Snow+Rock: 15% discount online or in-store
  • Montane: a 15% discount online
  • Open Air: a 15% online or in-store
  • summitfit: a 20% discount online

Published: 2nd January, 2020

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Kilimanjaro Clothing & Equipment

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You'll receive a kit list upon booking, but you can see an example kit list here.

Published: 2nd January, 2020

Updated: 21st January, 2020

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Kilimanjaro Acclimatisation

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The main problem faced by trekkers is trying to climb too quickly. From a medical perspective, we are trekking in very high altitude (up to 5,500m) and in extreme altitude (summit day above 5,500m). At sea level, the standard barometric pressure is 101 kPa. At 5,895m on the summit of Kilimanjaro, the standard barometric pressure is 50 kPa. This lower oxygen pressure means that there are fewer oxygen molecules in the same volume of air - there is only 49% of the oxygen available compared to sea level.

Your body reacts to this lower oxygen level in a variety of ways - for example, your respiration (breathing) rate increases, and your body starts to generate more red blood cells. The respiration increase begins immediately, but the production of extra red blood cells takes longer. We are following a gradual ascent profile and have programmed an extra night at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, with the opportunity to gain extra height on Mawenzi Ridge on Days 4 & 5. This ensures that we give our bodies more time to acclimatise to the lower oxygen levels before summit day. We recommend that you discuss with your GP the option of using Diamox (acetazolamide) to help prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Published: 2nd January, 2020

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Kilimanjaro Safety

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Your safety is our top priority. On the mountain, your Leader will carry an expedition first aid kit, a satellite phone and have two-way radio contact with all of our guides at all times. They will also carry a pulse-oximeter to monitor your oxygen levels regularly. In the event of an emergency, helicopter rescue is available and - if your travel insurance covers medical evacuations up to 6,000 meters above sea level - your insurance company should cover your costs. We also carry an emergency supply of supplementary oxygen.

Published: 2nd January, 2020

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Kilimanjaro Accommodation

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Accommodation is on a shared twin-bed basis in hotels and two trekkers to a three-person tent on the mountain. Single supplements are available and can be booked below.

Published: 2nd January, 2020

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Kilimanjaro Logistics

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As well as your Leader, we'll be supported by local guides and porters. Kilimanjaro National Park regulations require us to be accompanied by a local guide and we'll also hire porters and a cook to carry our communal gear (tents, food etc.) and your personal gear (e.g. sleeping bags, spare footwear) in a duffel bag or rucksack. You'll carry only what you need for each day's trekking in a small rucksack. We'll have a maximum guide-to-client ratio of 1:3. We need to register with the Park Authority before beginning our trek and need to sign in at each camp along the way. All food on the mountain is provided, and we'll have a communal mess tent with dining chairs and table. Sufficient fresh water will be provided daily to ensure you stay hydrated.

Published: 2nd January, 2020

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Kilimanjaro Includes/Excludes

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Included:

  • Inspirational Talk from Everest Summiteer Ricky Munday
  • Hotel Accommodation in Moshi for 2 nights (twin, DB&B)
  • Transfers to/from airport & to/from mountain gate
  • Park fees, camping fees and park rescue fees
  • Park certified guides (max ratio of 1:3)
  • International Expedition Leader
  • Porters & cooks plus dining tent
  • Camping equipment including sleeping tents & mats
  • Meals & water on the mountain - fresh food, 3 meals per day
  • Toilet tent & hot water/soap for handwashing

Excluded:

  • International airfare to Kilimanjaro Airport
  • Tanzanian Visa
  • Vaccinations and antimalarial tablets
  • Personal medication
  • Personal expenses such as soft drinks or alcoholic drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunch in Moshi
  • Tips ~ $150 for distribution at end of trek at Marangu Gate
  • Hire equipment (available at extra cost)

Published: 2nd January, 2020

Updated: 21st January, 2020

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Kilimanjaro - Detailed itinerary (Rongai route)

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Itinerary:

 Day 1 -Arrive & Transfer to Hotel

Fly into Kilimanjaro airport & transfer to our hotel on the outskirts of Moshi. You'll be greeted by our representative holding an Inspire Alpine® sign outside the airport arrivals hall. We'll transfer by bus or minivan (45 minutes) to the Weru Weru River Lodge where we'll have a briefing, met our local guides, complete a kit check and have dinner together. Expedition Leader & Everest summiteer Ricky Munday will deliver an inspirational talk about his failure and success on Everest.

Day 2 -Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

After breakfast, we'll transfer from our hotel to Rongai Gate (2,364m) close to Nale Moru on the north side of the mountain, where we'll register with the National Park and meet our porters & cook team. We can stop en route at a supermarket for snacks & we'll have a short toilet stop in Tarakea.

We'll be provided with a packed lunch when we arrive, which we can eat before we start our trek. We'll begin our trek on this unspoilt wilderness route on a small path that winds through forest and into the moorland zone.

It's a consistent but gentle climb through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. We reach our first overnight stop at sheltered Simba Camp (2,671m) by late afternoon at the edge of the moorland zone, and we'll have our first glimpses of mighty Mawenzi. We'll have an afternoon snack of popcorn or hot nuts before we eat dinner in the mess tent and spend our first night under canvas.

View interactive Route - Day 2

Trek distance & time: 6 km, 3hours

Day 3 -Simba Camp to Kikilewa Cave

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to 'Second Cave' (3,450m), where we'll eat a freshly cooked lunch, with superb views of the Eastern icefields on the rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanic cones that form the entire mountain. After lunch, we leave the main trail leading up to Third Cave & beyond to School Hut, and instead we dogleg left to stride out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second highest of Kilimanjaro's three volcanic cones and the second highest peak in Africa.


Mawenzi continues to dominate the horizon as we continue on the undulating path until we drop down slightly to reach our next camp in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves (3,600m) in the late afternoon.

If we're lucky and the weather is clear we'll have magnificent views north towards the Kenyan hills. It has been a long day and we'll sleep well tonight.

View interactive Route - Day 3

Trek distance & time: 11.5 km, 9 hours

Day 4 -Kikilewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

A steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by more superb panoramas of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave the vegetation behind as we approach Mawenzi Tarn (lake) at 4,330m, spectacularly situated in a cirque beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi.

At this altitude, the oxygen level is only 59% compared to sea level, so you will likely be feeling some of the effects of altitude.

View interactive Route - Day 4

Trek distance & time: 2.5 km, 3 hours

The afternoon will be free to either rest or to explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.

We recommend you use this time to gain height on Mawenzi ridge (to 4,500m) as climbing high & sleeping low will help you acclimatise you may also be rewarded with incredible 360-degree views of Kibo and Mawenzi!

View interactive Route - Mawenzi Ridge

Trek distance & time: 1.0 km, 1.5 hours

 Day 5 -Mawenzi Ridge acclimatisation

We will spend a full day at and around Mawenzi Tarn as part of the acclimatisation process. There will be plenty to do and our guide team will help arrange short excursions to explore the area.

We'll likely ascend another 2-300m to a viewpoint to support the acclimatisation process and drop back down to Mawenzi Tarn Camp to spend a second night.

View interactive Route - Mawenzi Ridge acclimatisation

Trek distance & time: 2.4 km, 2.5 hours

Day 6 -Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp

We hit the trail early on day six and leave our attractive campsite to cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo before making camp at the bottom of the wall of Kibo Crater (4,750m) by early afternoon. The landscape of the Saddle is like nothing you've ever seen before, so take time to look around as you're trekking!

The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night - we'll wake well before midnight to begin our preparations for the summit bid! We rest up and prepare our gear tonight and try to get a few hours' sleep.

View interactive Route - Day 6

Trek distance & time: 7.5 km, 4.0 hours

Day 7 -Summit Day!

This is your big day! We'll wake before midnight for a hot drink and a snack, then start our summit bid. The summit attempt is by far the steepest, coldest and most demanding part of the part of the trek, both mentally and physically. We'll climb by torchlight and the route takes us along rocky terrain to Hans Meyer Cave then zigzags through loose volcanic scree towards Gilman's Point on the very rim of the top crater, 5,685m above sea level.

We'll rest at Gilman's point for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. We'll then trek round the crater rim, passing Stella Point at 5,756m, where our path meets those routes that use Barafu Hut for ascent (e.g. Machame).

Those who are still feeling strong can complete the last hour of trekking along the snow-covered crater rim to the true summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Along the way you'll pass close to the spectacular and fast-receding tropical glaciers that crown the summit area. 

After our celebratory summit photos, we'll descend first back to Kibo Hut for some well-earned food and a short rest, then on to Horombo Camp (3,720m), some 2,000 metres below the summit, to spend the night. This is an extremely long and hard day, with between 11 and 15 hours walking at high altitude. However, the feeling of standing on the Roof of Africa will live long in your memory and will be well worth all the aches and pains. Congratulations!

Day 8 -Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate

With stunning sunrise views, this is our last day on the mountain. A sustained descent (trekking poles will help) with wide views across the moorland takes us into the delightful forests around Mandara (2,700m), the first stopping place on the Marangu route. This last leg of the trek can be muddy, so wear gaiters if you brought them. The trail continues through semi-tropical vegetation to the national park gate at Marangu (1,830m). We'll buy our first soft drinks or beers for a week, sign out of the National Park and eat a hot lunch while the porters finish unpacking. 

We'll hold a short ceremony to thank our porters and distribute tips, then leave the local staff to return to our hotel in Moshi by mid-afternoon for a well-earned rest and a much-needed shower! You can also leave any unwanted clothing with the porters at this ceremony.

In the evening, we'll be joined by our local guides for a celebration dinner at the hotel where you'll receive your summit certificate.

View interactive Route - Day 8

Trek distance & time: 21.2 km, 6.0 hours

Day 9 -Departure

After a good night's sleep, we'll transfer you from the hotel to the airport. Depending on the time of your return flight the day can be spent resting in the hotel garden or swimming pool. The memories you've created and the friendships you've made will last a lifetime.

Published: 16th January, 2020

Updated: 6th December, 2020

Author:

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