Climb Kilimanjaro | Kilimanjaro Trekking | Adventurous Ewe

New Years Eve Kilimanjaro Trek

  • Overview
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Essential Info
  • Pics & Vids
  • Dates & Prices

Highlights

  • Start your New Year’s literally on a high, from the summit of the world’s highest freestanding mountain
  • 6-day Machame Route allowing you to “trek high & sleep low”, therefore making it a favorable route for acclimatisation
  • Camp under a sky full of constellations and the twinkling span of the Milky Way
  • Experience the relentless energy, magic and support of your amazing local crew
  • Accompanied by vastly experienced guides with 1 guide to 2 trekkers on summit night/day
  • Receive expert support from the Adventurous Ewe team with over 35 Kilimanjaro summit achievements
  • Benefit from the use of some of the industry’s best outdoor brands for your mountain equipment
  • Free Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go bottle to eliminate our plastic footprint in Tanzania
  • Top packing, kit and responsible travel tips provided
  • Optional trip extensions available – Tarangire National Park & Ngorongoro Crater Safari or Zanzibar Beach Extension

Overview

Kilimanjaro, situated south of the equator in Tanzania at 19,340 feet, (5895m), is the world’s highest ‘free standing’ mountain, where bright white glaciers flow down from the summit. It is made up of three volcanic cones that were formed by the Great Rift Valley – Shira (3,962m), Mawenzi (5,159m) and Kibo (5,895m).

Climbing Kilimanjaro is like walking from the equator to the North Pole in a week, providing dramatic changes in vegetation and animal life day by day. Your journey to the summit of Kibo will take you through 5 different climate zones 1. Rainforest 2. Heath 3. Mooreland 4. Alpine desert and 5. Arctic summit. Your carefully crafted 6-day trek will allow you time to acclimatise whilst soaking up this ever-changing scenery.  

Local guides will accompany you every step of the way with their intoxicating energy, encouragement, smiles and their vast experience. Reaching the top of one of the famed Seven Summits, under the golden light of sunrise illuminating the glacier will be a memory of a lifetime. The feeling of exhilaration and immense level of pride will be all consuming as you marvel at the incredible views and be in awe of what you accomplished. When you climb Kilimanjaro and stand on the roof of Africa, you see the world a different way. What seemed impossible might just be doable.

Our commitment to the rights and fair treatment of porters and trekking guides and our support of the environmental charity, Cool Earth, means you can rest assured knowing you’re doing the trek of a lifetime the ethical and meaningful way.

Route

Machame Route – 4 day ascent

Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route is one of the most iconic routes on Mt Kilimanjaro. Despite being a tough climb, the Machame Route (also known as the Whiskey Route) has one of the highest summit success rates given the topography of the trail which allows you to ‘trek high & sleep low’ therefore making it a more favorable route for acclimatisation.

This route offers some of the most spectacular scenery while on the mountain. Starting on the south west side of the mountain the trail proceeds north through scenic moorland, traversing the Shira plateau which offers great views of Kibo’s southern glaciers. This plateau is one of the largest high altitude plateaus in the world where your trail then joins the Shira and Lemosho routes at the Shira camp.You will spend 4 nights at close to 4000 meters, which is ideal for acclimatisation, before moving on to complete the final stage to the summit of Kilimanjaro. A pre-dawn start on the last day of your ascent enables you to reach Kibo crater rim to absorb the sun breaking the African horizon before reaching the high point at Uhuru Peak (5895m) in time to see the glacier towers illuminated by the golden light of the early morning sun.

Mweka Route – 2 day descent

You will descend via the Mweka Route due to it being a direct route to the foot of Kilimanjaro with one stop over at Mweka camp. On your last day there is the chance of seeing a great array of birdlife and even catch a glimpse of Colobus monkeys as your path winds its way through the rainforest.

Day 1
Flight from UK to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Overnight flight

Flights are not included in your Kilimanjaro adventure giving you the flexibility to depart from the airport of your choice and extend your stay in Tanzania if you wish.

We will provide you with the recommended flights for this trip in order for you to take up the airport transfers included in Tanzania. Alternately, you can book your flights through our Flight Agent who is ATOL & ABTA protected.

Day 2
Arrive and pre-trek briefing

A warm African greeting is awaiting you on your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Your Local Guide will provide you with a comprehensive trek briefing and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary clothing and equipment. Gear which is missing can be rented.

Time to enjoy dinner and get a good night’s rest before leaving for the mountain the following day.

Included

Accommodation: Hotel (twin share basis)
Meals: Not included

Day 3
Machame Gate (1,817m / 5,961ft) to Machame Camp (3,021m / 9,911ft)

After breakfast at your hotel, Half an hour drive from Moshi lies the gate to the Machame route, where you will complete park registrations, then you are off on your 6 day trek. The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.

Distance covered: approx. 10kms / 6.2miles
Trekking time: approx. 6 – 7 hours

Included

Transfers: From hotel to Machame Gate
Accommodation: 3 season mountain tents (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4
Machame Camp (3,021m / 9,911ft) to Shira Camp (3,830m / 12,566ft)

Today your route continues on up through the forest until you reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha City in the distance.

Distance covered: approx. 4.8kms / 3miles
Trekking time: approx. 5 – 6 hours

Included

Accommodation: 3 season mountain tents (twin share basis)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5
Shira Camp (3,830m / 12,566ft) to Barranco Camp (3,972m / 13,031ft)

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. Traversing the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, you will pass underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp. The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatisation to altitude.

Distance covered: approx. 10kms / 6.2miles
Trekking time: approx. 7 – 8 hours

Included

Accommodation: 3 season mountain tents (twin share basis)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6
Barranco Camp (3,972m / 13,031ft) to Barafu Camp (4,640m / 15,223ft)

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, you’ll set off on your way to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will takes you across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude however the Barranco Wall is a fantastic traverse and this is often a favourite day of trekkers. Whilst the ascent is not technical there are a few sections where the Guides and support team will be there to help you negotiate some of the steeper areas. On a clear day you will be rewarded with some of the greatest views on Africa’s highest peak.

On arriving at camp you’ll eat and spend the afternoon resting as you prepare for your summit bid that evening. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. Following an early dinner and some sleep, you’ll get up up between 11pm and 12pm to start your climb to the summit.

Distance covered: approx. 8.5kms / 5.3miles
Trekking time: approx. 7 – 8 hours

Included

Accommodation: 3 season mountain tents (twin share basis)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7
Barafu Camp (4640m / 15,223ft) to UHURU PEAK (5895m / 19,340ft) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m / 12,434ft)

In the early hours of the morning under a star filled sky you will start your final push to the summit glaciers. Taking advantage of the best surface conditions (frozen scree and possible snow), your path will climb via some well-graded zigzags at a slow but steady pace reaching the iconic Stella Point (5735m), in around 5 – 6 hours. This is one of the toughest parts of your ascent but your torchlight trek will be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over the jagged Mawenzi peak.  With the bright white ice cliffs in the crater turned golden by the early sun, you will follow the crater rim for about an hour on easier terrain to ascend to the highest point in Africa – Uhuru Peak (5895m). Congratulations! After enjoying your epic summit achievement and taking the obligatory photo, you will begin your descent by returning to Barafu camp for breakfast before continuing down to Millennium Camp for a well deserved rest.

Distance covered: approx. 13.4kms / 8.3miles
Trekking time: approx. 12 – 15 hours

Included

Accommodation: 3 season mountain tents (twin share basis)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8
Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

Before your last day on Kilimanjaro you will bid a fond farewell to your trusty local crew of porters who been a fundamental part of the team for the past week. Then a long yet gentle descent on a well-constructed path takes you down through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and the chance to catch a glimpse of Colobus monkeys. On arrival at Mweka Gate you will complete park formalities and receive certificates of ascent before being transferred back to your hotel. A shower and a beer (not necessarily in that order) will be a welcomed sight plus time to reflect on your Kili adventure amongst some new-found friends. That evening you’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner with your Guides and a well-deserved sleep in a hotel bed!

Distance covered: approx. 12.1kms / 7.5miles
Trekking time: approx. 6 hours

Included

Transfer: From Mweka Gate to hotel
Accommodation: Hotel (twin share basis)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and celebration dinner

Day 9
Free morning (depending on your flight times)

You can either relax by the hotel pool or take a free shuttle bus into Moshi Town to explore for souvenirs or simply enjoy a coffee. It’s a low-key place with an appealing blend of African and Asian influences and a self-sufficient, prosperous feel, due in large part to its being the centre of one of Tanzania’s major coffee-growing regions.

Included

Transfer: From hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Meals included: Breakfast

*Option to extend your trip in Tanzania with Safari and Zanzibar packages available or you can return home.

Day 10
Arrive back in the UK

Filled with an immense sense of pride and achievement together with some fantastic new friendships and memories of a lifetime.

Why go

Supporting local tourism and communities

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the tourism industry which employs 1 in 10 people worldwide, we’re keen to promote sustainable adventures to help support local communities and give you the chance to have a more meaningful travel experience.

Our Kilimanjaro Trek has been designed to deliver an amazing experience and showcase the some of the most epic mountain landscapes whilst also giving you the chance to step out of your comfort zone and gain a greater understanding of the mountain, the local environment, local communities and the culture. 

Carbon Footprint

We’ve crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of the Kilimanjaro Trek, and plant or protect enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.

What’s the number?
It works out on average at 251kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, leaders, crew and office operations.

The only thing not included is travel to Tanzania. Given that our beloved guests travel from all parts of the UK for this adventure we have no way of reliably knowing their travel plans therefore we’re unable to include an individual number in the figure on display here.

What does the number mean?
To give you a snapshot of the numbers:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you).
  • A return economy class flight London – New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air over a period of 5 – 10 years.

 

What are we doing about it?
Our adventures are relatively low-carbon by design, and we’re working to develop long term carbon reduction plan. Following much research into climate change organisations, we carefully selected to support the environmental charity, Cool Earth. They’re a sustainable operation and work with rainforest communities across the globe to halt deforestation and it’s impact on climate change. We invest 1% of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects world-wild with Cool Earth.

On a local level here in the UK, we’re an ongoing business member of the Snowdonia Society, plus Jim and Sue, together with some of our local leaders, also help the Society with their local projects such as planting native trees in Snowdonia. This is to help preserve the landscape and enhance wildlife habitat here in Snowdonia.

Want to know more?
We believe that with great travel, comes even greater responsibility. Tourism is one of the most important and largest industries on the planet. It employs more people worldwide than any other, with millions of families relying on tourism for their daily needs. At Adventurous Ewe we believe that our type of small scale, positive impact tourism can bring benefits to many communities, help preserve the environments we travel to see, and provide real and positive social exchanges. Here is our plan to do our part towards helping reduce factors that we can contributing to climate change as part of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency.

 

Future of Tourism

We’ve joined the movement to reshape the Future of Tourism!

We are excited to announce that Adventurous Ewe has signed the new set of Guiding Principles launched by the Future of Tourism Coalition. As a signatory, we commit to place destination needs at the centre of our recovery strategies and do our part to build a better tomorrow for travel and tourism.

These transformative principles outline a bold vision for the future of tourism – one that retains the integrity of destinations, promotes inclusivity and equality, maximizes positive impacts for communities and environments, and fosters collaborative change.

As a collective, we can build a better future for all and we’re super excited to do our part.

Learn more at www.futureoftourism.org
#FutureofTourism

 

Book and travel with confidence

As well as carefully crafting amazing and meaningful adventures across the planet, we’ve made booking them as flexible, safe and as simple as possible. With the ongoing impact of COVID-19, we’ve made a number of updates to our safety guidelines, flexible booking conditions and trip departures. For more info, please our Book and Travel with Confidence page. 

Pre-trip info

On joining us for the Kilimanjaro Trek, you will receive all the exciting trip info via our free mobile travel app.

You’ll have access to your itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper to benefit the environment and the need of carrying around documents with you. A’ppy days.

Pre-trip support

With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on this Mt Kilimanjaro Trek and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the trek and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the destinations that we visit in order to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure. Plus with over 35 successful summit achievements between them, they are best placed to answer any of your questions, no matter how big or small.

Flights

Flights are not included in your Kilimanjaro adventure giving you the flexibility to depart from the airport of your choice, use any of your frequent flyer points or extend your stay in Tanzania if you wish.

We will provide you with the recommended flights for this trip in order for you to take up the airport transfers included in Tanzania. Alternately, you can book your flights through our Flight Agent who is ATOL & ABTA protected. 

Passport

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay in Tanzania. Airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than 6 months validity.

Visa

 

UK passport holders do require a visa to enter Tanzania. The visa application process is now an electronic visa system. You’ll need to apply for a single entry visa which has a validity of three (3) months with effect from date/day of issue and a maximum period of stay of ninety (90) days. 

You will need the following items for your application:

  1. Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least two adjacent blank passport pages available for the Tanzania visa stamps. Amendment pages in the back of the passport are not suitable for Tanzanian visas.
  2. One Tanzanian visa application form.
  3. Two recent, identical, 2 x 2 passport photographs, in colour, front view and with a plain/light background.
  4. A letter of invitation from sponsor (either host company or individual) in Tanzania explaining the relationship to the applicant and the purpose of travel to Tanzania. In addition, the letter must indicate the length of stay, place of stay, and contact information in Tanzania. (We’ll provide this).
  5. Letter from employer or sponsoring company in the UK, on company letterhead, introducing the applicant, indicating the applicant’s employment status/position held in the company, clearly stating the purpose of visit to Tanzania, and requesting the Tanzanian visa. All letters must displays a U.K. mailing address. (We’ll provide this).

Also, please visit the UK Foreign & Commonwealth office website, or your respective nationality governing website, for the latest travel information on Tanzania at:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania

Transit via Kenya: If you are travelling via Kenya to your destination you may also require a visa for Kenya. If you have connecting flights and your baggage has been checked all the way through to your destination you will not need a Kenyan visa.

Travel Insurance & Global Rescue
Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. It is compulsory that everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes, among other things, cover for the full value of your trip, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, trekking to a height of 5895 metres, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects and COVID-19 travel cover.

For UK residents we have partnered with Campbell & Irvine Direct to provide you with a travel insurance. If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote.

You must send your Travel Insurance Policy to Adventurous Ewe no less than 8 weeks prior to departure.

Global Rescue Membership

For peace of mind whilst trekking in the mountains, Global Rescue provides short term membership giving access to travel, security, medical advisory and evacuation services up to $US500,000.  They’re a specialised field rescue company, and assist from the point of illness or injury by getting you to the closest and most appropriate medical facilities to get stabilised. Once fit to fly if you require additional inpatient treatment Global Rescue will further evacuate and repatriate to your home hospital on record. These services are all covered through their upfront membership fee with no claims process.  For more info, please click here

Vaccinations & allergies
Vaccinations

For the most up to date info on vaccinations, please consult with your GP or travel healthcare practitioner 8 weeks in advance of travel.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, this includes the airports of Nairobi (Kenya) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).

Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Malaria prophylaxis is essential and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

If you will be travelling with medication (including over the counter medication) you should check for any restrictions on medications before you travel. You can do this by contacting the Tanzanian embassy.

For up to date vaccination information please check the NHS government website ‘Fit for Travel’ at: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/united-republic-of-tanzania

Rest assured we are monitoring and activating the guidelines and recommendations put in place by the respective governments and World Health Organisation as a result of COVID-19. You will receive our operational guidelines for this expedition when you join the trip and hand sanitiser and face masks will be provided for travel. Rest assured your safety and wellbeing is our top priority at all times.

Severe allergies

If you have a severe allergy please inform us at the time of booking. We will do all we can to help, but unfortunately we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on this trip. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by AE leaders and crew. Whilst your leader is aware of our trekkers medical history, please also inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

 

Safety and well-being

Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority. The Kilimanjaro Trek is intentionally challenging and requires individual preparation as the trip is designed to take you out of your every-day comfort zone and achieve something extraordinary. Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place.

You will be accompanied by local qualified Mountain Guide/s and a UK High Altitude Mountain Leader for groups over 12 people. All our Guides are Remote First Aid trained and have extensive experience in leading teams in this region. They will be ultimately responsible for your safety on this trip.

There will be ICOM radio contact between Adventurous Ewe Mountain Leader, Local Leaders & crew and the Office Base in Moshi Town at all times during your trek. Your Mountain Leader will also carry a Satellite phone for emergencies only and have 24-hour contact with Adventurous Ewe office in UK. In the unlikely event evacuation be required the Tanzanian National Park rescue service have emergency vehicles on standby at exit routes from the mountain. All staff are highly trained with the evacuation procedures. A member of our staff will be carrying medical supplies and oxygen, should it be required.

If for any reason you need to leave the group early and come off the mountain, local staff will assist you with your descent and will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary. All costs incurred due to an early descent will need to be covered by the individual before departing the hotel.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel advice website for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.

Please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania.   

We also ask that you please ensure you use your alcohol-based hand sanitiser at all times to minimise the spread of any germs throughout your fellow flock of trekkers!

For more info, please visit our Safety and Well-being page. 

Adventurous Ewe Leaders and Crew

Our Local Guides are very experienced, well trained, knowledgeable and charismatic. They are constantly self-driven to go above and beyond to ensure you will have an amazing experience. Mountain climbing for the local guides is more than just a career, it’s a passion which they are proud to share with others. They understand it’s the little things that make a big difference and their keen attention to detail ensures that they always exceed expectations. Your team of local guides have received extensive training and certifications from local and international organisations including the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority and Training Expertise UK.

Standard client to mountain crew ratio is 1:4 and on summit night there will be 1 Assistant Guide to every1- 2 trekkers.

Our Guides are responsible for ensuring the complete safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of the team whilst also retaining a flexible and supportive attitude. The Leaders/s have satellite phone, radio and mobile phone contact with base, the local office in Moshi and Adventurous Ewe’s HQ.

Porters welfare: We understand porters, and the whole mountain crew in general, are the heart and soul of our Kilimanjaro treks and we believe that fair treatment of our crew on the mountain is not merely an industry requirement but the tenet of every Kilimanjaro expedition. Ensuring our crew is well fed, equipped, paid and cared for is a priority for us together with the potential to advance in their career path on the mountain.

When we trek, the entire group ‑ you, the guides and porters alike ‑ are a team who share the same needs for safety and wellbeing in this mountain environment.

Group size

We pride ourselves in small group travel to minimise the impact on the environment and to make your experience more authentic and safe.

The minimum group size for the Kilimanjaro Trek to run is 1 person and the maximum group size is 24 people.

You are most welcome to join this mountain trek as a group of friends, family, colleagues, a private bubble or as a solo traveller. You are also welcome to use this trip as a fundraiser for the charity of your choice.

If you have a group of over 6 people, we would be more than happy to run a private trip for your team, your charity or your company.

For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke trip, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Trip grading
Trekking experience and level of difficulty – ‘Extreme’

This is a tough trek, reaching an altitude of 5,895m, but one that is very achievable with the correct preparations. It requires a reasonable level of strength, stamina, endurance and determination. Even if you consider yourself fit, you may still find the climb very challenging, depending on how well your body acclimatises to high altitude. There is no scientific way to determine how easily you acclimatise, and the acclimatisation process can also differ from climb to climb.

Having been operating Kilimanjaro treks for many years now, we strongly recommend the 8-day Lemosho route due to maximising time for acclimatisation, experiencing the beautiful and varied scenery and also for it’s quieter path. You will be trekking high and sleeping low on some nights to help with acclimatisation as well.

Most of the trails on Kilimanjaro are well defined and of good quality but some forest sections can be slippery particularly in poor weather conditions so good boots and trekking poles are ideal. There is a short rock scramble on Barranco Wall which rises 843 feet (257 meters) above the Barranco Valley. Steep, narrow paths cut back and forth along the rock face, making the Barranco Wall one of the more challenging sections of the mountain, though you don’t need any technical climbing skills for this section. Most trekkers are thrilled that they get to experience the Barranco Wall and it is often a highlight of the ascent! Your guides will position themselves at strategic points on the Wall for support. The final push to Uhuru peak is almost entirely on scree and loose rock without permanent footpaths however you will be accompanied by Assistant Guides during the section at a ratio of 2 people to 1 guide. Their relentless support and encouragement will make a dramatic difference to your summit bid.

Please also be prepared for varied conditions and temperatures especially as you ascend. You are likely to be cold, washing facilities are minimal, the loos are different from the luxuries at home and your appetite may be affected by altitude. Camping and sleeping proves more difficult as you ascend too. You should be prepared for an early start every day on Kilimanjaro and a long night/day of trekking for the summit bid. Though please remember that everyone on your trek will be experiencing the same and as a team pursuit, we encourage strong teamwork and support.

A bespoke training programme will be provided when join the team for Kilimanjaro to help you with your preparations. Your training should incorporate aerobic (endurance building), anaerobic (strength building) exercises and some good long walks! Training in your trekking kit with your ruck-sack on consecutive days in the outdoors is ideal to help with your preparations too. The training programme includes info, videos and an exclusive discount code for a 28 day kettlebell training programme which is ideal for strength and endurance training. The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the experience.

Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

 

Typical day

06.00 – 06.30 start the day with bed tea followed by a hot breakfast. Hot water in bowls will be available most days for washing your hands and face. Following breakfast and filling your water bottles, you will start trekking as a team. Your trek leader will set a slow pace, with assistant leaders and UK Leader walking amongst the group to offer support. There will be regular short breaks to rest and refuel on snacks and water and a longer stop for lunch.

On arrival into camp, there will be time relax and enjoy a hot drink, before sitting down together for dinner and a briefing by your leader for the following day. Your main kit bag, tents and camping equipment will be carried by porters and will be set up each evening as you arrive into camp. All main meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared, cooked and served by your kitchen crew. It’s an amazing operation to watch unfold as you journey up & down Kilimanjaro.

Training

A bespoke training programme will be provided when join the team for this Kilimanjaro to help you with your preparations. Your training should incorporate aerobic (endurance building), anaerobic (strength building) exercises and some good long walks! Training in your trekking kit with your ruck-sack on consecutive days in the outdoors is ideal to help with your preparations too.

We also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities. For more info, please visit our Training and Preparation page.

The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the challenge.

Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

 

Kit

A full kit list will be provided when you register for this trip. Good kit can make the difference between a fantastic adventure and an uncomfortable one. Well worn in waterproof hiking boots are essential together with a good quality waterproof jacket AND trousers and a very warm sleeping bag.

We appreciate that good kit can be expensive and some items you may not use again such as sleeping bags and down jackets, therefore we have a number of Kilimanjaro rental packages available. More info will be provided when you join the team. 

An exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code will also be provided for the independent outdoor retailers on registering for this expedition.

Exclusive Kit Discount Codes

To help you get the very best from your expedition we will provide you with an exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code to use in specialist outdoor retailers both online and in store. They offer a large choice of kit that the staff themselves use while climbing, hiking, mountaineering, running, travelling or enjoying expeditions across the globe and they pride themselves on sharing their experience and knowledge of equipment so you can choose the right gear to suit you and your Kilimanjaro expedition.

We also have an exclusive discount code for Expedition Kit Hire for any kit packages you wish to hire.

Altitude

When you ascend above 2500 metres your body has to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow your body to adjust we have structured your Kilimanjaro Trek so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms – headaches, tiredness, disturbed sleep, shortness of breath, cough, loss of appetite, nausea, palpitations and swelling of the hands and face.

Individuals acclimatise at different rates and we would expect the majority of the team to notice the effects of being at high altitude, and while most will only feel discomfort and headaches, it is not uncommon for a small number of people to need extra care which will be provided by our leaders and crew. During your pre-trek briefing, altitude sickness will be discussed in more detail and advice on how to best cope with it. The most important thing is not to fear it, but to respect it. Know the signs & symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), be aware of how it affects the body and report any illness to your leader straight away. Our leaders and crew are there to help and are fully experienced with high altitude conditions and all the scenarios that trekking at these altitudes bring. You’re in good hands.

In most cases, AMS can be avoided following these guidelines:

  • Drink around 3-5 litres each day to achieve suitable hydration levels. Try and avoid tea & coffee and definitely no alcohol
  • Walk slowly, even when in camp
  • Keep warm, especially at night
  • Eat well, even when you don’t feel like eating

All our trips that spend time at High Altitude follow our standard altitude safety measures. A number of medical conditions or medications can also reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing condition (e.g. heart problems), or unsure of your physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking. There are a number of untested herbal remedies which claim to prevent mountain sickness. However, only one drug is currently known to have a useful role in preventing AMS and to be safe for this purpose: acetazolamide (Diamox). We recommend that you carry Diamox in your first aid kit for treks where you spend an extended period above 4000m. Diamox can only be obtained from a medical professional on prescription and it is important that you first consult your own doctor so that you know there are no contra indications with other medicines you may be taking and that you do not have an allergy to acetazolamide. Diamox commonly causes some minor side effects, such as tingling fingers and toes, or a metallic taste in the mouth, but more severe reactions are rare. If you intend to take Diamox, you must familiarise yourself with the appropriate dosage and regime prior to coming on this trip. We recommend trialling it first in the safety of your home environment prior to the trek.

Please note that while we endeavour to assist you with achieving your personal goals, however there may be times when your leader makes the decision to either delay or stop your ascent based on your medical conditions and AMS symptoms. Please respect this decision for it is for your own safety and welfare.

This trip includes five or more overnight stays over 3500 metres/11500ft, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If left untreated AMS can be life-threatening.

Weather

Trekking Kilimanjaro is unique for many reasons, and one of these is that from origin to summit, you will weave through 5 distinctive climate zones. It is said that the journey from the gate to the peak is like walking from the equator to the North Pole in a week! Each zone is subject to a corresponding decrease in rainfall, temperature and flora/fauna as the altitude increases.

January and February are the warmest months, April and May are the wettest months, June and July are the coolest months, and August and September are the driest months. Due to its proximity to the equator, Mt Kilimanjaro does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on Kilimanjaro are determined more so by the altitude and time of day. At the start of the trek, at the foot of the mountain, the average temperature is around 21°C to 27°C. From there, the temperatures will decrease as you trek through Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones. At the summit, Uhuru Point, the temperatures at night can range between -7°C to -29°C.

Due to Kilimanjaro’s great height, the mountain creates its own weather systems. Conditions can be extremely variable and difficult to predict. Therefore, it is essential that you are prepared for all types of conditions including rain, snow, wind and the very cold plus warm conditions in the rainforest at the start and finish of your trek. A comprehensive clothing and kit list will be provided once you have booked onto this trek.  

We recommend that you check the mountain weather forecast in the days leading up to your trek by visiting here.  

Accommodation
9 nights: Hotel (2 nights), camping (6 nights)

At the start of your expedition you have one night at a comfortable hotel near Moshi town with swimming pool and views of Kilimanjaro. You will return to this hotel for your final night of accommodation at the end of the trek.

Whilst on the mountain there are 6 nights camping. We use high quality, 3 person mountain tents which are of expedition quality. Only 2 people and their bags stay in each tent to help with warmth and also that most altitude related symptoms manifest themselves at night therefore sharing a tent is highly recommended. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single member of the team of the same sex. Single hotel rooms and single tents are available for a supplementary cost. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and matt, although you can hire these items if you prefer. We also have a dining tent with a table and chairs for meal times. The crew will set up and pack down all tents so you will be looked after very well.

We take along our own portable toilets and toilet tents. These are kept nice and clean, and loo roll is provided to help us provide the best levels of hygiene that we can on the mountain. There are long drop toilets at each campsite which are maintained by the National Park Authority – but we recommend its best to avoid these!

For more info or to request a single room and or tent, please get in touch with us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk.

 

Food & drinks

All meals are included within the trip cost apart from lunch on your last day where you have some free time. With this expedition, being hydrated and having a well-balanced diet are important elements to summiting success. Your head chef and cook crew work hard to ensure that the menu is carefully planned as you ascend, especially as it’s not unusual for people to lose their appetites at altitude. It’s amazing what this team are able to produce on the side of the mountain with all the ingredients having been carried up by porters.

The menu has a high liquid and carbohydrate content; the two important elements for successful high altitude mountain ascents and all using local produce wherever possible. At breakfast you’ll have a hot drink (tea, coffee or hot chocolate) with porridge, or eggs, sausages and toast with jam, marmalade or honey. Lunch is usually three courses; starting with soup, followed by a hot meal such as cheese toast or chicken and ending with some fresh fruit or sometimes a muffin. Afternoon tea is served at camp shortly after your arrival, usually around 1500-1600, which is a hot drink and snacks such as peanuts, popcorn, or biscuits. Dinner is usually three-courses starting with soup, then a carbohydrate such as rice, pasta or potatoes, with beef, chicken, sausage or corned beef and cheese followed by fresh fruit or something sweet. Vegetarians will have beans or a vegetable mix with different sauces. Please inform us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements. Please note, you should bring your own trail snacks for the trek and some favourite snacks high in energy for summit night which you can have easy access to in your pocket. We also recommend bringing water flavouring such as electrolytes, berocca or similar.

Fully purified and treated water is provided whilst trekking. All other drinks whilst at the hotel/restaurant will need to be paid for on an individual basis. It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps or streams enroute. You should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles. You will receive a free Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go bottle when you depart on this trek. For further info please click here.

Water-to-Go Bottles

Adventurous Ewe has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological contaminants from any non-salt water source – for more info please click here. Adventurous Ewe trekkers will receive a free Water-to-Go bottle when departing for our Kilimanjaro Trek, and better still, 15% of the purchase value for replacement filters will be donated to our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth.

Please note that if the water freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.

Please help us reduce the volume of single use plastic in this pristine environment.

Luggage

You need two bags for your Kilimanjaro adventure. The first being a soft material ‘duffel style’ bag or rucksack (no hard bodied case) with your mountain kit. This will be will be carried by porters on the trek and should not weigh more than 14kgs. This weight allowance is strictly enforced as porters will also need to carry their own kit as well as other items. Their maximum weight limit is 20kgs per porter.  It is possible to leave clothes and other items not required for trek at the hotel in a foldaway bag clearly marked with your name. Your second bag is your 30 – 35 litre rucksack which you can take on the flight as hand luggage. This bag is for you to take each day of your trek containing items such as wet-weather jacket & trousers, a warm layer, beanie hat & gloves, snacks & water, first aid kit, personal medication, sun-screen, camera, etc.

For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

Please be aware that plastic/polythene bags are illegal in Tanzania. The Government of Tanzania have made it official that from 1st June 2019 all plastic carrier bags will be prohibited from being taken into mainland Tanzania. Plastic or plastic packaging for medical services, industrial products, foodstuff, sanitary and waste management are not prohibited at this stage.

Visitors to Tanzania are prohibited to carry plastic carrier bags at any time including for packing items in their main luggage or hand luggage before embarking on a trip or flight to Tanzania. 

Plastic ‘ziplock bags’ that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed of in the country.

Payment info

Deposit of £295 per person is required on booking.
Remaining balance of £1600 per person is due for payment no later than 8 weeks prior to the trip start date.

Part payment plan
A part payment plan can be arranged for this trip. Please contact us for more information or to set up your plan. Simply email info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Fundraising
You are welcome to fundraise for a charity of your choice if you wish to do so. All sponsorship monies are to be sent directly to your chosen charity.

Emergencies

Your Adventurous Ewe Leader/s and Crew will have a satellite & mobile phones and radios communications in case of emergencies. The team are trained to deal with these situations. Please ensure you listen to your Leader during these times and refrain from putting any posts on social media. Should you find yourself unable to continue with the trek, your Leader and crew will make the necessary arrangements.

Your Emergency Contact at Adventurous Ewe HQ is Jim Young on +44(0)7747 346 588.

Our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth
Cool Earth

We are very excited to have teamed up with leading climate change charity Cool Earth, who share our mission to protect the planet’s precious environment in a sustainable manner. The future of rainforest protection is where everyone makes a difference to climate change! We invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth. You are most welcome to help make a difference too by sparing a few pennies. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by clicking here. Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2. Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet. Thank-ewe

Departure & Return Duration Availability Deposit Total Cost* (*Total cost includes the deposit)

What's Included?

Pre-trip:
  • Personalised trip support from your Adventurous Ewe team
  • All trip info supplied via our mobile travel app, so you have access to live updates 24/7
  • Discount on personal kit from specialist outdoor retailers, both in shop and online
  • Financial Protection for your booking
  • Public liability insurance
  • Risk assessment and emergency management planning
  • Part payment plan available.
On your trip:
  • Qualified Local Mountain Guides and Assistant Guides (ratio of 1 Guide per 2 trekkers on summit night/day)
  • All other crew including porters and kitchen crew
  • Radio communications between crew and phone comms with the office base in Moshi town and AE HQ
  • Pre & post trek accommodation near Moshi town (twin share basis)
  • All campsites on the mountain with 3 Season mountain tents (2-person tents)
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during your expedition
  • Transfers as required for the expedition
  • All applicable local taxes, park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
  • Luggage transfers each day of the trek via porters
  • Portable flush toilets with a toilet tents
  • Supplemental Oxygen & Pulse Oximeter
  • Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • All safety management, risk management and emergency evacuation
  • Complimentary airport transfers from and to Kilimanjaro Airport
  • All trip management and hygienic cleaning procedures of equipment before, during and post trek.

What's Not Included?

Currently not included but can be organised at an additional cost
  • Return flights from the UK to Kilimanjaro International Airport. We will provide you with the recommended flights for this trip in order for you to take up the airport transfers included in Tanzania or you can book your flights through our Flight Agent who is ATOL & ABTA protected
  • Any trip extensions or additional night’s accommodation

 

Items not included

  • Travel insurance – mandatory
  • Visa – Tanzanian single entry tourist visa 
  • Vaccinations
  • Kit and equipment as listed on your kit list (kit hire available)
  • Tips for local crew – recommended minimum of $US180.00 – $US220.00pp
  • Single room supplement
  • All meals are provided other than one dinner and one lunch
  • Personal spending money for hotel drinks, souvenirs, boot cleaning, etc.
  • Any associated costs with leaving the expedition early including any airline surcharges if you opt to change flights
  • Any increases in government taxes or park fees. This will be at your expense

If anyone needs to leave the group at any point during the trip (for reasons such as an early descent from Kilimanjaro due to altitude sickness or other reasons), all expenses incurred until re-joining the group on the itinerary described in these Trip Notes are the responsibility of the individual(s) concerned and must be paid to our local operator before leaving Tanzania. Adventurous Ewe will provide as much assistance as possible for anyone needing to leave the group at any stage.

Sustainable and Responsible Travel

Adventurous Ewe is committed to delivering our trips in a responsible and ethical manner with sustainability at its core. We respect and aim to operate our adventures to benefit local people, their economy and the environment!

Plus, our commitment to the rights and fair treatment of porters and trekking guides and support of our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth, means you can rest assured knowing you’re doing the trek of a lifetime the ethical and meaningful way.

Some of the ethical features embedded in our Kilimanjaro Trek are:

  • Using local crew who are qualified Leaders, support crew and drivers who are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced and armed with a big friendly smile
  • Ensure fair wages, ethical treatment and further education for porters and guides
  • Staying in smaller-scale locally owned accommodation
  • Buying locally produced food and drink, and dining in locally owned restaurants
  • Minimising plastic waste wherever possible
  • Careful management of limited energy and water resources
  • Offering real life experiences which promote cross-cultural understanding
  • Operating with a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints
  • Adventurous Ewe will make a financial contribution to the environmental charity, Cool Earth, as part of our business partnership.

Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet.

 

 

Location
Duration
10 days & 8 nights
Difficulty
Cost From
£
Trip Notes