Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Climb
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 8 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. In Tarangire National Park, animals come by the thousands to drink and bathe in the cool Tarangire River. Expect to see wildebeests, zebras, elands, elephants, buffalos, and more. 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 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.
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!
