- Ages 18+
- All levels
This trip combines adventure, learning, and travel. You’ll be introduced to different cultures while you develop your climbing skills.
Quick Details
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, in January 2025!
Mount Kilimanjaro is known as the Roof of Africa and it’s easy to see why. Towering over the Great Rift Valley of Tanzania to reach a height of 19,340 feet (5,895 meters), it is the largest standalone mountain in the world. Formed by volcanic activity over a million years ago, the massif is comprised of three distinct peaks, or volcanic cones. Kibo is the last remaining dormant cone and its highest point, Uhuru, is the summit goal.
The Kaf Experience
Every international Kaf trip is unique. Our goal is to create a travel experience that feels like something you would design yourself and give an opportunity to meet locals in the area. On this trip, we will spend 9 days climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, culminating with a night in the Kibo crater (think views!) and a sunrise summit (amazing photos!). This route is known for its sensational beauty and reduced crowds, with an itinerary set to optimize acclimatization. After the climb, we will relish in a luxury accommodation. That evening we will head over to Wilfred’s house for a local BBQ with our porters and guides. If you desire, there will even be an opportunity to visit the homes of your new-found friends and meet the families you’ve undoubtedly heard all about. No other service offers this type of unique connection to the people and the mountain experience you share with them.
Traveling with you every step of the way will be Kaf lead guide, Kevin Stolbrock. He has been with Kaf for a decade; working in various roles in the field, office, and logistics department. His intimate relationship with Kaf programming will ensure the trip fully embodies the full spirit of Kaf Adventures. Kevin will be living in the shadow of Kilimanjaro for 6 months in the beginning of 2025 with his spouse, child & two cats. You can read more about Kevin on our meet the team page.
Climbing Kilimanjaro offers more than just a physical challenge; it’s a journey through a stunning array of ecosystems and a test of endurance that culminates in a breathtaking triumph. Along the way you will have an opportunity to engage with the rich cultural tapestry of Tanzania. Local guides and porters offer insights into traditional practices and the mountain’s spiritual significance. The journey to the summit is a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, making it a deeply meaningful experience for those who undertake it.
Our Local Partners
In previous travels to Tanzania, Kaf Adventures’ founder Mick Pearson was fortunate to meet and climb with local hero Wilfred Moshi and we will be partnering with his company, Kili Treks Tanzania, on this climb. Wilfred is a member of the local Chagga tribe and grew up revering the large volcano overhead. He began working as a porter on Mount Kilimanjaro in 1999 and his natural leadership skills quickly led him toward pursuing training as a certified mountain guide. Now he is a talented and professional guide with over 20 years of experience on Mount Kilimanjaro. Wilfred believes in the power of transformative travel experiences. His dreams have led him around the world, and in 2012 he was the first Tanzanian to summit Mount Everest! Now his ambition and determination are an inspiration for climbers across the nation.
Wilfred is dedicated to providing the highest level of safety not only to his clients but to all of the guides and porters on the expedition. All Kili Treks guides speak English, have Wilderness First Responder certifications, and are local experts with up to 200 Kilimanjaro summits under their belts. Wilfred is a proud partner of Kilimanjaro Responsible Trekking Organization (KRTO), which promotes ethical treatment of Porters and the use of Leave No Trace practices.
A Sacred Place
Kilimanjaro holds profound significance for the Chagga people, who have lived in the mountain’s shadow for centuries. The Chagga view the mountain as a sacred entity, integral to their spiritual beliefs and cultural identity. It plays a central role in traditional myths, rituals, and ceremonies and is portrayed as a symbol of unity, strength, and endurance. Beyond its spiritual significance, the mountain influences daily existence, with its fertile slopes supporting the growth bananas, maize, beans, and millet vital to the local economy. The global attention Kilimanjaro receives as one of the Seven Summits makes it a symbol of both cultural pride and environmental stewardship for the Chagga people and the wider world.
The Wild Ecology of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is a treasure trove of biodiversity; as you climb you will travel through a stunning array of climatic zones, each more captivating than the last. You’ll begin in the lush tropical rainforest zone at the base, where the air is filled with the symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves, and the dense canopy of moss-covered trees provide a mystical atmosphere that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Emerging from the rainforest, you’ll find yourself in the heather and moorland zone. Here, you’ll encounter strange and beautiful flora like giant groundsels and lobelias that seem to belong to another planet. Each step upward reveals a new and thrilling panorama, keeping you motivated as you leave behind the familiar for the extraordinary. As you climb higher, you’ll enter the alpine desert zone, with dramatic, barren landscapes and sweeping vistas that seem to stretch endlessly. The air is thin and crisp, and the temperature fluctuations can be extreme. This zone provides a stark beauty and a sense of isolation that’s both exhilarating and humbling. Finally, you’ll reach the summit zone. The ice fields and glaciers, though shrinking due to climate change, remain a symbol of the mountain’s glacial past and are a striking contrast to the surrounding arid environment. The feeling of standing on the roof of Africa is simply awe-inspiring. The thin air and dramatic views make every step a victory and every moment unforgettable.
Come Climb with Us!
By joining Kaf Adventures on this expedition, you will have the pleasure of climbing with some of the absolute best guides in all of Tanzania! Learn about their rich cultural history, the incredible fauna of the different climatic zones on Kilimanjaro, and be immersed in the pole pole lifestyle while you discover yourself more with every step along the way.
See the tabs below for many of the details and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Extend Your Adventure
For many, a trip to Tanzania would not be complete without an exciting wildlife safari and a few days to relax on the island oasis of Zanzibar. You won’t regret joining us to continue this life-changing adventure!
Tanzania has devoted more land to wildlife conservation than any other country on the continent. What this means for us is a richer experience of witnessing animals, birds, unspoiled wilderness and tribal cultures. Over four days you will travel through numerous protected areas in the Great Rift Valley to see up-close the plethora of species who make their home in this incredible savannah environment. Lake Manyara National Park is know for its tree-climbing lions, but also home to hippos, giraffes, flamingos, pelicans, and plenty of other birdlife. UNESCO World Heritage Site Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area is incredibly unique, supporting up to 25,000 large mammals. Grazers dominate, but the large herds also draw predators such as lions and hyenas. If you’re lucky we may even spot a rare black rhino in the distance. Serengeti National Park is nature at its wildest, where you can expect to see wildebeests, zebras, elands, elephants, buffalos, and more. Throughout the journey you will also see the boma villages of the local Maasai people and learn how their pastoralist lifestyle integrates alongside the area’s goals of conservation and ecotourism.
After returning to Arusha, it’s time to take off to Zanzibar. This island set off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean is the perfect tropical retreat after all your hard work and activity. Take some time to relax among the white sandy beaches, coconut palms, and beautifully landscaped resort gardens. If you’re up for it, there are opportunities for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and learning traditional African dance. Or, venture outside of the resort to wander the labyrinth of alleyways in Stone Town, the cultural heart of Zanzibar, or visit one of the plantations that make this ‘Spice Island’ so famous.
Please contact us to learn more about these options. We are excited to experience this with you!
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Day 1 (Sunday, January 19)
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania after a long day of travel. Kaf Adventures will meet you upon arrival and transport you 40 km to the town of Moshi for your first night’s accommodations.
Day 2
- Spending a full day in Moshi is highly recommended as a vital step in your acclimatization and jetlag recovery. Use this day to meet up with Wilfred and have your gear checked, acquire any last minute items, and get to know your fellow climbers as you explore this vibrant town. There may even be time to visit a local coffee plantation or the nearby maji moto (hot springs!)
Day 3
- Depart Moshi and spend the morning travelling to the western flank of Kilimanjaro, entering the park through the Lemosho gate. Begin hiking and ascend slowly through the dense rainforest as you listen for tropical birds and Colubus monkeys in the trees above.
- Lemosho Trailhead (7,750 ft / 2,370 m) ~ Forest Camp (9,200 ft / 2,800 m)
- 3 – 4 hours of trekking (4 mi / 6 km)
Day 4
- Continue on the forested trail and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend the lush rolling hills, crossing several streams before reaching camp on the western edge of the Shira Plateau.
- Forest Camp (9,200 ft / 2,800 m) ~ Shira 1 Camp (11,500 ft / 3,500 m)
- 5 – 6 hours of trekking (5 mi / 8 km)
Day 5
- Enjoy a full day of exploration on the Shira plateau, hiking through moorland on one of the most stunningly beautiful hikes in Africa. As you continue, the expansive high savannah desert will open up to stunning views above.
- Shira 1 Camp (11,500 ft / 3,500 m) ~ Moir Hut (13,800 ft /4,200 m)
- 5 – 6 hours of trekking (7 mi / 11 km)
Day 6
- Proceed steadily upward for 4 hours over expansive ridgelines of high alpine desert to Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic plug which marks an exposed pass at 15,000 ft. In the afternoon, descend steeply into the Great Barranco Valley. Your next camp is set in a valley enclosed by massive walls on 3 sides. Hanging glaciers on the Kibo massif glint in the sunshine above amidst the eerie landscape of plants, such as the giant groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjari), and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia.
- Moir Hut (13,800 ft /4,200 m) ~ Barranco Camp (12,850 ft / 3,950 m)
- 5 – 7 hours of trekking (6 mi / 10 km)
Day 7
- Begin your day with a scramble up the steep Barranco Wall, then traverse the ridges and valleys of the mountain’s southern face, as Kibo’s glaciers loom above to your left and the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jut into the African sky straight ahead. A hot lunch will welcome you in the Karanga Valley and there will be plenty of time to rest and take in the surrounding beauty.
- Barranco Camp (12,850 ft / 3,950 m) ~ Karanga Camp (13,100 / 3,970 m)
- 3 – 4 hours of trekking (3 mi / 5 km)
Day 8
- As you move steadily uphill, the temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed, flat area on a ridge, acting as a base camp from which many make their summit attempt. Eat and drink as much as possible before retiring to your tent for rest and sleep.
- Karanga Camp (13,100 / 3,970 m) ~ Barafu Camp (15,300 ft / 4,670 m)
- 3 – 4 hours of trekking (2. 5 mi / 4 km)
Day 9
- Rise early and begin trekking up the winding path of endless switchbacks. Pole pole! In about 6 hours, you will come to the edge of the crater at Stella Point, at 19,000 ft (5,795 m), which is the end of the steep track. From here, it is a more gently sloped trek along the crater rim to the summit of Uhuru Peak. Bask in the glory of standing on the roof of Africa! After having your fill at the summit, make a short descent to Crater Camp, which is set in soft sands near the retreating vertical ice walls of the Furtwangler glacier. Rest and enjoy well-deserved snacks and hot drinks after your incredible accomplishment. Few that trek Kilimanjaro ever experience the summit zone in this way.
- Barafu Camp (15,300 ft / 4,670 m) ~ Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft / 5,895 m) ~ Crater Camp (19,340 ft / 5,895m)
- 8 – 10 hours of trekking (3 mi / 5 km)
Day 10
- In the morning, opt to explore this unique environment, including a visit to Reusch Crater, the ash pit, and the glaciers. Cross the lunar landscape of the crater to Stella Point, then down to Barafu Camp for lunch. In the afternoon continue the descent through the moorland of savannah and heather to Mweka Camp for the night.
- Crater Camp (19,340 ft / 5,895m) ~ Mweka Camp (10,070 ft / 3,070 m)
- 6 – 7 hours of trekking (7.5 mi / 12 km)
Day 11 (Wednesday, January 29)
- Make your final descent through the rainforest and mark your completion of Mount Kilimanjaro!
- Mweka Camp (10,070 ft / 3,070 m) ~ Mweka Gate (5,400 ft /1,645 m)
- 3 – 4 hours of trekking (6 mi / 10 km)
- Return to Moshi and celebrate your triumph at the homes of your new Tanzanian friends with nyama choma, or traditional Tanzanian barbeque.
- Fly home from Kilimanjaro International Airport or relish the comfort of a real bed for one last night in Moshi before venturing on to further travels.
See the tabs below for more details about itinerary and pricing for optional add-ons:
Days 12-16
(Jan 30-Feb 3)- Take a once-in-a-lifetime Safari across Tanzania’s most magical lands to see incredible wildlife in its natural habitat.
Days 16-19
(Feb 3-Feb 6)- After all your hard work, spend your last few days relaxing in a seaside Zanzibar oasis.
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Day 12 (Thursday, January 30)
- After breakfast at your Moshi hotel, meet your Safari guide and drive to Lake Manyara National Park for your first glimpse of the magic to come. Feast your eyes on bright pink flamingoes, playful baboons, and hippos lounging in the cool waters. This area is famous for its robust population of lions with unique tree-climbing abilities, so don’t forget to look up!
- Later in the day continue on to Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, where the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge will provide luxury dining and acommodations perched right at the crater rim. Listen to the sounds of nature below and try to sleep despite your excitement for the days to come.
Day 13
- Rise early, descend into the crater, and spend the day revelling in the splendor of one of the most unique ecosystems on earth. The Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World and renowned for its high concentration of wildlife.
- Between picnic meals, traverse the crater and see if you can spot “The Big 5” – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinocerous. Ask your guide about the specialized behaviors these animals have adapted for life in the enclosed crater.
- Top off this incredible day with a delicious dinner at Ndutu Safari Lodge before you settle into your stone cottage amidst the tall grass and acacia trees.
Day 14
- Enjoy a sunrise breakfast and get ready for an exciting day in Serengeti National Park. You will be impressed at your guide’s ability to track wildlife across the endless plains.
- February is calving season: watch a baby zebra or wildebeest take its first steps under the watchful eyes of the herd and begin prepare for the upcoming Great Migration.
- Return to Ndutu for dinner and relive your day around the campfire before retiring to bed and drifting off beneath the starry skies.
Day 15
- By now you know the routine. Watch quietly as giraffes stretch to eat from the tall trees and gazelles run and play. Be humbled as cheetahs hunt, hyenas scavenge, and lions sleep under the East African sun. Revel in wonder and appreciation for being present for this incredibly special experience as the animals you’ve dreamed of simply exist in their glorious natural habitat.
- Spend one last night at Ndutu Safari Lodge. Embrace the serenity of the Serengeti and let the sounds of nature be your lullaby.
Day 16 (Monday, February 3)
- Enjoy one final breakfast and say goodbye to your new home.
- Drive to Arusha and prepare for the next leg of your journey out of Kilimanjaro International Airport – either home or to the seaside city of Dar es Salaam and onward to Zanzibar.
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- 18+
- 16+ may be considered when accompanied with a guardian and with Kaf approval
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Kilimanjaro
- Ability to walk up to 8 miles per day for 9 consecutive days with a 25 lb. pack. Previous experience hiking at elevations over 10,000 feet and camping will be helpful, but is not necessary.
Safari
- Ability to sit in a vehicle for 4-6 hours at a time and be quiet and respectful in the presence of wildlife.
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For the entire trip
- Lodging and transportation within Tanzania in accordance with the above itinerary
- All park fees and permits
Kilimanjaro
- AMGA-trained American guide Kevin Stolbrock
- Professional lead guide Wilfred Moshi with 25 years of Kilimanjaro experience
- 4-season mountaineering tents for sleeping (double occupancy)
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- 3 meals per day plus snacks and beverages while on the mountain
- Toilet tents and personal wash basins
- Porters to provide team support on the mountain
- Group medical kit and guides with WFR training
Safari
- Local guide with knowledge of wildlife and the areas in which you’ll travel
- 3 meals per day plus filtered water
- Lodging and transportation within Tanzania in accordance with the above itinerary
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- Flights to and from Tanzania
- Travel visa
- Insurance of any kind
- Medication and vaccination expenses
- Personal trekking and climbing equipment
- Guide and porter gratuity
- Clothing and other personal items
- Miscellaneous spending money for drinks and spare time activities
- Flights to and from Tanzania
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Climbers will need all personal trekking equipment such as backpack, sleeping bag and pad, adequate footwear, clothing, and toiletries. Trekking poles are recommended.
Please ask for more information if you will require any rental equipment
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Flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport are not included. Once in Tanzania, all transportation will be handled by Kaf Adventures until you arrive back at the airport.
“The date I want isn’t listed.” Please visit our Custom Courses page and contact us to book a private or custom course that fits your needs.
“I don’t see any dates.” Several of our courses run infrequently. We invite you to opt for a waitlist on our courses that do not have visible dates on the course calendar. When enough people sign up for that course, we will select a course date and invite you all to register then.