ROUTE & ITINERARY
ITINERARY
TREKKING
ALTITUDE
2024
To climb Kilimanjaro on our 15 day Kilimanjaro & Mount Meru Expedition itinerary (trekking for 11 days), you can join us on one of our Challenge Group departures.
Your flight departure will be from London.
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport we transfer approximately 1 hour to our comfortable hotel in Arusha town, at the foot of Mount Meru. After freshening up we have a welcome lunch and meet our team of local guides who will be leading the expedition. In the afternoon there is the chance to relax before the welcome briefing, given by your AC Leader, UK Doctor and head local guide, and kit check. This evening we enjoy an evening meal together before an early night.
After breakfast we leave the hotel for our transfer towards Arusha National Park to begin our ascent of Mount Meru – Tanzania’s 2nd highest mountain. You can expect to see plenty of wildlife on the 3 hour walk up to Mirikamba Hut (2500m) when we spend the night. This first day is very similar to a walking safari with a high chance of spotting wildlife including buffalo, giraffe and elephants, have your camera close by!
Today we walk upwards and out of the forest towards Saddle Hut. We expect to arrive after 4-5 hours of walking. After lunch there is an optional acclimatisation ascent of Little Meru (3820m). The vast African Savanna is laid out far beneath us. Today gives you the first taste of the expansive views that we will enjoy later during this challenge on the Western Breach.
The climb begins before dawn. We steadily ascend for 6-8 hours over slabs of rock to reach the summit. The last hour of the hike you will scramble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. There are wonderful views of Kilimanjaro and of Mount Meru’s ‘Ash Tray’, the volcanic centre of the crater. We descend to Mirikamba Hut to rest after a long hard day.
A relaxing descent back to the Park Gates via a different route, with lots of opportunities to relax and to spot as much wildlife as possible. Transfer to a hotel in Moshi town, close to Kilimanjaro, for a well-deserved shower and rest.
After breakfast we transfer to the Machame Gate, where we meet the rest of our Kilimanjaro support team, including guides, cooks and porters. Our bags are weighed to ensure it’s within the 15 kg limit – and finally the moment we have all been waiting for! We begin our Kilimanjaro trek through lush vegetation of the humid rainforest, the ascent is steady – and we have some short breaks en route, with a picnic lunch before reaching our camp in the afternoon which lies above the forest. There is some time to relax before dinner, and then it’s our first night under canvas.
Our first full day trekking – with over 1,000m of ascent. It’s a tough day, but a great way to kick start the process of acclimatisation. We soon enter the Moorland zone, with shrub like trees and unique flora. Today includes moderate to steep slopes up onto the Shira Plateau, ascending along a broad ridge with spectacular views. A slow and steady ascent allows for our bodies to acclimatise, so we allow plenty of time for breaks to ensure everyone remains well fed and hydrated. Upon reaching the Plateau it is just a short walk to our second camp – and views on the Shira Plateau are different as we’ve ascended into the High Alpine Desert zone. Our local Kilimanjaro crew will have camp ready, and fantastic food cooked for us for dinner.
Today is one of the most scenic – and prepares our bodies for the Kilimanjaro summit push in 2 days time. We head east across beautiful barren moon-like landscape and around craters that scar the earth. We trek in the shadow of mighty Kibo, with it’s southern ice field visible above us, until reaching the Lava Tower where we stop for some lunch and the highest point of the day – at 4,630m. This afternoon we descend through ravines into a scenic valley with a wonderful micro climate and flora unique to Kilimanjaro. We reach our camp late in the afternoon. This ascent up to Lava Tower, followed by the descent to a lower overnight camp aids the acclimatisation process – and Baranco Camp is perhaps the most scenic on Kilimanjaro. Cliffs and glaciers tower above us, with views down into the forested Umbwe Valleys below.
Our first challenge today is a climb and scramble over the volcanic rock of the towering Barranco Wall. This is a real highlight of the challenge, breathtaking views and a real sense of achievement! On reaching the top, we have a well-earned snack break and enjoy fantastic views over to Barafu and Mount Meru, this is a brilliant spot for a group photo. We then head onwards to Karanga Camp, first through undulating terrain and then across the steep-sided Karanga Valley. At Karanga camp it’s a full cooked lunch; we need as much fuel as possible to prepare for our Kilimanjaro summit push that starts at midnight (on this day!). The afternoon is about getting up to our high camp feeling as good as possible – and that means moving at a slow and steady pace, and staying hydrated. It is a steady climb up to Barafu, reaching camp late afternoon. After a good meal, it’s extra layers to keep warm and try to relax and sleep in preparation for our early morning Kilimanjaro summit bid.
And so to the Kilimanjaro summit day! We awake just before midnight – and after a hot drink & snacks we begin our climb. For the next 6 hours we trek the steepest and most demanding part of the route by torch light. This is a long and gruelling trek to reach Stella point (5,730m) at Kilimanjaro’s crater rim. After a short rest we make our final traverse to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent at 5,895m. The rising morning sunlight gives us spectacular views across the plains below and of Mount Meru in the distance – and we feel on top of the world! After celebrating with a few summit photos, we begin our descent into Kibo Crater to camp for the night. The scenery is breathtakingly unbelievable and depending on the time of year, you will see the fast-receding glaciers set amidst either sandy, desert or snowy conditions.
We wake up early to hike to the Crater Rim (5,730m) in time to see the sunrise. From the rim, we descend to Mweka Hut campsite. Trekking poles will be needed for the loose gravel going down to Mweka Camp (3100m). Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
After an early breakfast we continue our descent of Kilimanjaro back through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. The warm and oxygen rich air is most welcome! The descent is long, but trekkers develop a spring in their step as the finish line is finally within reach. The gate marks the end of our unforgettable time on Mount Kilimanjaro. A final farewell to our local support team includes singing and dancing, and an emotional goodbye. A short transfer takes us to our hotel, where we can finally take off our walking boots and enjoy a hot shower! We have the afternoon to relax by the pool with a drink, and this evening we enjoy a fantastic dinner to celebrate our remarkable achievements – and for those who have the energy we can party into the night!
We can enjoy a free morning either by the pool or exploring the local area before transferring to the airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.
The Challenge brochure details the full itinerary, inclusions, dates & prices – download for a full run down of the challenge details.
The Challenge brochure details the full itinerary, inclusions, dates & prices – download for a full run down of the challenge details.
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Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £495
With flights = £4,695 total (£495 deposit & £4,200 balance)
Land only = £3,995 total (£495 deposit & £3,500 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1400
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,895 total (£395 deposit & £3,500 balance)
Land only = £2,995 total (£395 deposit & £2,700 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1400
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,495 total (£295 deposit & £3,200 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,995 total (£395 deposit & £3,600 balance)
Land only = £3,095 total (£295 deposit & £2,800 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,595 total (£295 deposit & £3,300 balance)
Land only = £2,995 total (£295 deposit & £2,700 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,895 total (£295 deposit & £3,600 balance)
Land only = £3,095 total (£295 deposit & £2,800 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1600
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £495
With flights = £4,695 total (£495 deposit & £4,200 balance)
Land only = £3,995 total (£495 deposit & £3,500 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1400
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,895 total (£395 deposit & £3,500 balance)
Land only = £2,995 total (£395 deposit & £2,700 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1400
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,495 total (£295 deposit & £3,200 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
* After booking your challenge, use the link in your confirmation email to select your free challenge.
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,995 total (£395 deposit & £3,600 balance)
Land only = £3,095 total (£395 deposit & £2,700 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,595 total (£295 deposit & £3,300 balance)
Land only = £2,995 total (£295 deposit & £2,700 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £5,995 total (£495 deposit & £5,500 balance)
Land only = £5,395 total (£395 deposit & £4,900 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £4,095 total (£395 deposit & £3,700 balance)
Land only = £3,095 total (£295 deposit & £2,800 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1800
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £595
With flights = £4,995 total (£595 deposit & £4,400 balance)
Land only = £3,995 total (£495 deposit & £3,500 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £495
With flights = £4,595 total (£495 deposit & £4,100 balance)
Land only = £3,995 total (£495 deposit & £3,500 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £4,095 total (£395 deposit & £3,700 balance)
Land only = £3,495 total (£395 deposit & £3,100 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,695 total (£395 deposit & £3,300 balance)
Land only = £2,695 total (£295 deposit & £2,400 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1,800
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,895 total (£395 deposit & £3,500 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
Pay £750 (£395 deposit + £455 final balance) + fundraise £6200
Pay £1000 (£395 deposit + £705 final balance) + fundraise £5700
Pay £1500 (£395 deposit + £1205 final balance) + fundraise £4700
Pay £2000(£395 deposit + £1705 final balance) + fundraise £3700
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1,800
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,695 total (£295 deposit & £3,400 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,800 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,495 total (£295 deposit & £3,200 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,895 total (£395 deposit & £3,500 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
Pay £750 (£395 deposit + £455 final balance) + fundraise £6,200
Pay £1,000 (£395 deposit + £705 final balance) + fundraise £5,700
Pay £1,500 (£395 deposit + £1,205 final balance) + fundraise £4,700
Pay £2,000 (£395 deposit + £1,705 final balance) + fundraise £3,700
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1,800
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £3,895 total (£395 deposit & £3,500 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
Pay £750 (£395 deposit + £455 final balance) + fundraise £6,200
Pay £1,000 (£395 deposit + £705 final balance) + fundraise £5,700
Pay £1,500 (£395 deposit + £1,205 final balance) + fundraise £4,700
Pay £2,000 (£395 deposit + £1,705 final balance) + fundraise £3,700
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1,800
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,295 total (£295 deposit & £3,000 balance)
Land only = £2,695 total (£295 deposit & £2,400 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Registration deposit (included in costs below): £395
With flights = £3,695 total (£395 deposit & £3,300 balance)
Land only = £2,695 total (£395 deposit & £2,400 balance)
Please note:
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £395
With flights = £4,095 total (£395 deposit & £3,700 balance)
Land only = £3,495 total (£395 deposit & £3,100 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £495
With flights = £4,595 total (£495 deposit & £4,100 balance)
Land only = £3,995 total (£495 deposit & £3,500 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Registration deposit (included in costs below): £295
With flights = £3,695 total (£295 deposit & £3,400 balance)
Land only = £3,095 total (£295 deposit & £2,800 balance
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1,200
Registration deposit (included in costs below): £295
With flights = £3,295 total (£295 deposit & £3,000 balance)
Land only = £2,695 total (£295 deposit & £2,400 balance)
For ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200
Deposit (included in costs below) paid online to sign up: £295
With flights = £3,495 total (£295 deposit & £3,200 balance)
Land only = £2,895 total (£295 deposit & £2,600 balance)
The above is for Flights Included packages, for ‘Land Only’ Packages, the fundraising target is reduced by £1200