Climbing Kilimanjaro for Charity (A Trek Charity Challenge)

Journey to the top of the world’s tallest uninterrupted mountain! At 5895 meters, Kilimanjaro is the tallest peak in Africa. The snow-capped peak towers over the arid African plains, and the ascent is rewarded with breathtaking views, stunning ice formations, and massive permanent glaciers that flow down from the peak.

Although we have an 85-90% success rate in climbing Kilimanjaro, we know from past experience that the mountain always has the last say. Regardless of your fitness level or level of preparation, altitude can still throw a wrench into your plans. With our decades of experience, we prioritise safety and provide experienced support so that every climber may overcome their own personal obstacles, test their boundaries, and feel pleased at the end—peak or no summit.

Around 178 kg of CO₂ is produced per person on this journey. We offset all of these emissions, even those from flights that our customers have booked through us, because we are committed to responsible travel.

A Complete Climbing Kilimanjaro Itinerary for Charity

Day 1: Depart From Home

Day 2: Arrive Moshi

We will be transferred to Moshi town upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival, we will be able to take in the sights of Kibo, the summit crater and the youngest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. Before tomorrow’s briefing and dinner, we relax and check in, giving us time to organise our gear. Stay at a hotel for the night.

Day 3: Machame Gate – Machame Camp

The entrance to the Machame path is an hour’s drive from Moshi. Here, we finish up with park formalities, meet our porter crew, and begin our ascent! Beginning with a moderate ascent, the trail winds its way through lush, verdant jungle. Because this trail is less travelled, it is occasionally muddy and damp and can become fairly overgrown in spots. Sleeping place: Machame Camp (3100m).

Trek approx 18km / 5-7 hours

Day 4: Machame Camp – Shira Caves

Until we reach the difficult climb onto the Shira Plateau, where we may enjoy wonderful mountain vistas, our route continues onwards through the forest. As you turn around, you’ll see Mount Meru looming over the town of Arusha. Sleeping quarters: Shira Caves (3840 m).

Trek approx 9km / 4-6 hours

Day 5: Shira Caves – Barranco Hut

Now that you’re on high moorland, the scenery drastically alters the nature of the walk. We reach our camp at Barranco Hut (3900m), a tin cabin where we pitch our tents, after traversing the southwest flank of Kilimanjaro and passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final portion of the Western Breach. While we have spent the day at an altitude of up to 4,600 meters, we have adhered to the mountaineering principle of “walk high, sleep low” to help your body adjust to the higher elevation. El Barranco Hut (3900 m) is the site of the night camp.

Trek approx 15km / 8-10 hours

Day 6: Barranco Hut – Barafu Camp

The Great Barranco, a massive ravine, is our first stop today. Then we climb the Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeasterly Kibo slopes, and depart sharply. Not technically difficult, but a long and exhausting climb over rock. As we make our way towards the Karanga valley—our final opportunity to replenish our water supply before reaching the peak—we will pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers. As we make our way towards camp across dry, barren terrain, scree now shapes the terrain. Camp for the night: Barafu (4,600 m).

Trek approx 18km / 7-9 hours

Day 7: Barafu Camp – Summit – Millennium Camp

Starting while it’s still dark, we trek hard upwards to the summit glaciers to avoid walking too long in the scorching sun today. Scree climbing will take four or five hours, but we’ll cover a lot of ground quickly and reach a very high elevation. Spectacular sights await you. As the sun rises, we should be on Stella Point, the rim of the crater at an elevation of 5739 meters. Views to the craggy Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s secondary but more technical peak, and beyond are absolutely beautiful, as are the spectacular ice cliffs within the crater that surround us. Uhuru Peak, which means liberation in Swahili, is 5895 meters high and may be reached after another hour of hiking. Our descent starts with a return to Stella Point, followed by a scree slope and track that will take us back to Barafu Camp. After breakfast, we will travel back to camp for a much-needed rest. Fantastic vistas of the grasslands and Mawenzi are ours to enjoy as we descend. Camp for the night: Millennium (3720m).

Trek approx 20km (7km climb); 10 – 12 hours

Day 8: Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

Upon reaching Mweka Gate, we will finish the park requirements and earn certificates that you may proudly display. The trip down through the jungle is mild. After we are picked up by our vehicles, we head back to the hotel in Moshi. Take a shower (and maybe even a couple of beers!) to celebrate in style before our big event. Stay at a hotel for the night.

Trek approx 10km; 5 hours

Day 9: Free time Moshi; Fly Home

Moshi has some great markets and areas to explore, or just relax with your fellow achievers. Flight times vary, but we will re-group at the hotel in time to transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving Day 10.

(Breakfast included with overnight stay; lunches and dinners not included)

Day 10: Arrive Home

End of the Climbing Kilimanjaro Itinerary for Charity