Kilimanjaro Extended Trek 

An EPIC journey to the top of Africa

August 1 - August 6, 2023

$1,875 * (Ages 16+)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023 Details and Itinerary

( Subject to change...A comprehensive itinerary will be sent 30 days prior to the trip.)

 

 

Immediately following the Tanzania mission trip, any team member may choose to "add-on" (you're already there, right?!) the Kilimanjaro Trek.  At over 19,000 feet, we will be climbing Africa’s most magnificent and storied summit, Mount Kilimanjaro.

 

A week of incredible quiet times (talk about inspiration!), devotionals and team bonding will motivate you to push all the limits. The difference between someone who makes it to the top of Kili and someone who doesn't?...It's the one who laces up and starts hiking.

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Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

Reach life-changing elevations and climb Africa’s most magnificent and storied summit, Mount Kilimanjaro. This incredible bucket-list extension to our Tanzania summer mission trip will have you climbing the highest peak in Africa.

 

We utilize local guides as well as porters to carry our gear, cook, and handle all the duties while you hike with a small pack by day and relax in camp by night. Join us for the Mount Kilimanjaro Climb of your dreams!

 

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the largest freestanding mountain on the planet. This astounding mountain is composed of three volcanoes: Shira, Mawenzi, and our target, Kibo, the tallest of all three. Most fit and determined adventurers can reach the summit with the assistance of guides and porters and require no technical climbing skills.

 

Our 6 days Kilimanjaro Marangu climbing route has a moderate slope, making it less difficult to climb. The 6-day itinerary is the most popular way up Mt. Kilimanjaro and is the only route with emergency evacuation service. Also, it is the only route with dormitory huts and simple dining rooms.

 

What’s Included:

• 6-day climb of Marangu route on Mt. Kilimanjaro (based on availability)
• Lodging (Huts with beds), Meals, and Transportation prior/post climb
• Expert local guides, porters, and chefs
• Park fees, hut accommodation fees, and all guide and porter fees and gratuities

• Pre and Post lodging, transport, and food in Arusha, Moshi, and Nairobi. 

• Medical Emergency Insurance

• All Free Day Excursions

 

What’s Not Included:

• Personal gear, sleeping bag, and clothing (Separate Kilimanjaro packing list will be sent to you)
• Extras: laundry, souvenirs, snacks

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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

*You must be in good physical and mental health. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment must be considered before being accepted.

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2023 Basic Trek Itinerary

( Subject to change...A comprehensive itinerary will be sent 30 days prior to the trip.

 

Marangu Route

Duration of climb: 6 days

 

Day One

Marangu Gate (6,102ft) – Mandara hut (8,907ft)

Hiking time: 5h
Distance: Approximately 5.03 miles
Habitat: Montane forest

 

Once we reach the park gate all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. We will make sure that you have all your day pack items (containing drinking water, snacks, camera, your lunch, extra clothing, etc) with you, as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers.
 

Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs we might have. We now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found.

Our first night stop, Mandara hut, consists of a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut. Dinner is prepared by our cooks and served in a communal dining mess.

 

Day Two

Mandara hut (8907ft) – Horombo hut (12,155ft)

Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 7.2 miles
Habitat: Moorland

 

From Mandara hut, the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. We'll take a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for our first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun.
 

Once we are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel. After about 6 hours trek from here, you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have a hot bowl of washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.

 

Day Three

Mandara hut (8907ft) – Horombo hut (12,155ft)

Acclimatizing and Rest Day. We spend the full day and night acclimatizing. Amazing quiet time and journaling spots, worship, and devotionals. 

 

Day Three

Horombo hut (12,155ft) – Kibo hut (15,518ft)

Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 5.96 miles
Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast, we continue our ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). We will take the recommended lower route as it is much easier and nearly an hour shorter. Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Kibo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds and toilets. 
 

The summit is now a further 3920ft up and we will make our final ascent the same night. Here we will prepare our equipment, ski-sticks, gaiters and thermal clothing for our summit bid. We'll go to bed around 7 p.m and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.

 

Day Four

Kibo hut (15,518ft) – Uhuru Peak (19,341ft) – Horombo hut (12,155ft)

Distance: Approximately
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo 3.36 mile ascent and 9.32 mile descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit 

 

We will rise around 11:30 p.m and after some tea and late dinner we will head to the summit. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave, also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point, which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great mental effort.
 

From Gillman's Point, we will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (19,341ft), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it! Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest, we will gather all our gear we left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for our overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and some serious sleep, filled with massive satisfaction.

 

Day Five

Horombo hut (12,155ft) – Marangu Gate (6,102ft)

Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 12.24 miles

After breakfast we continue our descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu Gate, you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where we receive our summit certificates. We now drive back to Arusha for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at the Impala Lodge.

 

Health-Extended Trip

Altitude – Our trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro will take us to remote regions at high altitude. We will take our time to acclimatize properly by allowing for additional rest. When gaining in altitude above 10,000 feet, we have included sufficient rest or “layover” time to ensure that you acclimatize properly. While many people may experience minor ill effects from high altitudes, there are some who have persistent symptoms that require returning to a lower altitude. We will do our best to allow a pace for everyone to acclimatize. Listening to our guides will help a great deal. We cannot determine how you will do at higher altitudes, but being in the best shape possible and having a lower body fat percentage will help greatly.The ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a strenuous adventure and should not be undertaken if you have any health conditions that may put you at risk. You are strongly advised to consult your physician for a thorough medical check-up and clearance before attempting the mountain. Should you require any medication whatsoever, you must provide your own and be able to administer it yourself. Medical supplies in Tanzania are not reliable or guaranteed, though we will have a fully stocked medical kit on the trip.

 

Talk to your doctor about the following vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Malaria pills, as well as any prescriptions you are currently taking or should take in case you get sick.

 

*Specifics on this extended trip will follow after being accepted.

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