Kilimanjaro Trek
69km
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 local guides and transferred to our hotel. Later in the day we will have a climb briefing and the local guides will answer any questions we have about the challenge. We will also do an equipment check with each participant to be sure that we are all fully prepared.
Day 3 - Machame Gate to Machame Camp - 3,100m
After breakfast we take the transfer to Machame Gate where we register and complete the National Park formalities. It’s here that we will also meet the rest of our Support Crew – the cooks and porters! We start trekking ascending steadily 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
Trekking distance – approx. 5km/5 – 6 hours
Day 5 - Shira Camp to Barranco Hut - 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. For those with enough energy, there may be time to climb up the Lava Tower (4,500m) to aid acclimatisation. From the Lava Tower we start our descent for about 2 hours to our camp at Barranco. The day today is great for acclimatisation as we climb up to 4,600m and sleep at 3,900m – the golden altitude rule as they say is “walk high, sleep low”.
Trekking distance – approx. 10km/6 – 7 hours
Day 6 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp – 4,000m
Trekking distance – approx. 5km/4 – 5 hours
Day 7 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp - 4,800m
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. 6km/5 – 6 hours
Day 8 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak - 5,895m. Descend to Millennium Camp
We aim to leave camp at 12am using our head torches to light the way. If it’s a clear night we may be able to trek using the moonlight which adds to the summit experience. The next 4 hours is spent trekking to Stella Point (5,750m) over scree and rock, but upon reaching Stella Point we will be rewarded with magnificent and spectacular views of the ice cliffs which surround us, and majestic views to the Mawenzi Peaks.
We make regular rest stops now every 15 mins or so to aid our chances of reaching Uhuru peak. It’s a long tough trek and night! We aim to reach the summit by about 6 / 7 am.
After taking in the ‘freedom’ (“Uhuru” in Swahili) of our successful challenge, we start our long descent via Stella Point and back to Barafu camp where we will enjoy some lunch and a good rest.
Our descent then continues down to Millennium Camp – today is a very long, emotional day – but at the same time, so memorable and exhilarating.
Trekking distance – approx 6.5 km/6 – 7 hours to Uhuru Peak and approx 13km/6 – 8 hours to Millennium Camp
Day 9 - Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
In the evening we meet as a group to mark our achievements at our celebratory dinner.
Trekking distance – approx. 13.5km/6 hours
Day 10 - Return to 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
- Challenge Medal
What's Not Included
- Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge Contribution – Please refer to Dates and Costs tab. These are approximately £250 and payable 12 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?
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 you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.
If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact customer.care@globaladventurechallenges.com.
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.
Request a Call Back
We understand that booking your challenge is a big step, and you may have some questions before you take the plunge! If you'd like to talk to our Customer Care team before you book your space, just click the button below to request a call.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
dates and costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. This is used to administer the challenge, and to secure relevant permits. You then commit to raising the minimum sponsorship and send it to your chosen charity as you raise it - 80% of the minimum sponsorship MUST be received by the charity no later than 12 weeks* before departure. Failure to do so may mean non-participation in the challenge. Your chosen charity will decide when the remaining 20% should be received - this is a normally a couple of weeks after your return to the UK - proof of pledges may be required. The Challenge Costs will be paid for you by your charity out of the sponsorship raised. Do try and raise as much as you can, as every penny you raise over the minimum sponsorship will be retained by your charity too!
*For the challenges listed below, 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. You will then be required to pay the challenge balance no later than 12* weeks before the challenge date. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
*For the challenges listed below, the challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
2024
Registration Fee
£299
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£5,500
Option B - Self-Funding
£2,750
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
£375
When?
20 - 30 June Fully Booked
2025
Registration Fee
£349
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£5,550
Option B - Self-Funding
£2,775
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
£400
When?
2026
Registration Fee
£349
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£5,650
Option B - Self-Funding
£2,825
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
TBC
When?