Overview
We are the only company in the world who send an international guide and doctor on all Kilimanjaro expeditions while keeping group sizes sustainably small. Established in 2007, we offer high altitude trekking and mountaineering in some of the most breath-taking locations around the world. Learn more about us here. We are excited to be partnered with Movember for our Movember Kilimanjaro climb and we would love to have you join us.
Movember Kilimanjaro Climb
Kilimanjaro is not only Africa’s tallest mountain standing at 5,896m, but it is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Kilimanjaro is in fact a huge crater known as Kibo and it is over 2km wide.
Our 12-day itinerary includes seven days of trekking on the Machame Trail. This time-frame allows for greater acclimatisation and increases the chance of a successful summit. This route is rich in biodiversity, you will experience both African wildlife and the snow and rock of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Unlike most companies who spend their last night before summiting in Barafu camp, we stay in Kosovo camp. Kosovo camp is a much quieter camp which is 120m higher and cuts an hour off our summit night! This trek is suitable for people with a good level of fitness. You do not need mountaineering experience to climb Kilimanjaro.
The international guide and doctor work in tandem with our incredible local team of guides and porters to deliver an exhilarating experience each and every day on the trail! The morning ritual of native song and dance gets the blood pumping in the early sunlight and will help you reach the top!
There’s also a ‘free-day’ at the end of your trip where you can get some R&R or go on Safari in Tarangire National Park.
About Movember
Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health on a global scale, focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. The charity raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programmes that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Committed to disrupting the status quo, millions have joined the movement, helping fund over 1,250 projects around the world. In addition to tackling key health issues faced by men, Movember is working to encourage men to stay healthy in all areas of their life, with a focus on men staying socially connected and becoming more open to discussing their health and significant moments in their lives. The charity’s purpose is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. To donate or learn more, please visit Movember here.
Fundraising Costs
A minimum of €2,000 fundraised for Movember. This is in addition to the expedition costs.
For fundraising support and ideas contact Aoife Keane at Movember.
Email: aoife.keane@movember.com
Expedition costs and what’s included
Your fees include the following;
- Return international flights from Dublin to Kilimanjaro (UK flights not included)
- Experienced expedition leader
- Experienced expedition doctor
- Training Weekend
- Local guides, porters and support staff
- All accommodation
- All meals (except in Arusha where accommodation is based on B&B)
- A celebratory dinner at the end of the expedition
- All transport throughout the expedition
- National Park fees & local VAT
- All group gear consisting of first aid kits, mountaineering equipment, cooking equipment etc.
- Use of state of the art tents and thermarests
- Team Facebook Group so you can meet each other, share pictures & share advice ahead of the expedition
Help our porters & the planet
Equipment for the Porters: We are asking you to bring any second-hand clothing that you no longer need for the hard-working porters that will help us climb Kilimanjaro. For more information about the porters and the items we are trying to collect please request an information pack.
Tree planting: We are planting one native tree on your behalf in December 2021 in an effort to reduce your carbon footprint. If you would like to plant more, please contact info@earths-edge.com. Each extra tree costs €5.
Mountain Cleanup: We are bringing three litter pickers on the mountain with us. While walking you will have the option to help us gather rubbish which we will dispose of responsibly after the climb.
Itinerary
Day 3
Machame Gate (1,490m) to Machame Camp (2,980m), 7 hrs trekking.
↓
Drive to Machame gate and then trek through Montane forest to reach Machame Camp.
Day 4
Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,840m), 6 hrs trekking.
↓
Trek above the tree line to Shira Camp.
Day 5
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950m), 7 hrs trekking.
↓
Trek to Barranco camp via Lava Tower (4630m). Today's route has stunning views throughout.
Day 6
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,000m), 5 hrs trekking.
↓
Trek through an alpine desert to set up camp in the Karanga Valley.
Day 7
Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp (4,800m), 5 hrs trekking.
↓
Trek to Kosovo camp and prepare for tomorrow's summit attempt.
Day 8
Kosovo Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,896m) to Millennium Camp (3,832m), 14 hrs trekking.
↓
Trek to the summit of Africa! Afterwards, descend to Millennium Camp.
Day 9
Millennium Camp to Arusha, 6 hrs trekking.
↓
Trek to Mweka Gate and then drive to Arusha. Enjoy the pool and bar at the hotel in the afternoon and evening!
Day 10
Day of leisure.
↓
Relax by the pool or go on our optional safari day if you still have some energy left!
Facts
Kilimanjaro lies within the 756-square-kilometre Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the few places on earth that supports five major ecological zones: rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and glaciers.
There are actually three volcanoes that form Kilimanjaro and they are Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo. You will pass Shira on route to the summit, but it is Uhuru Peak on the volcano of Kibo that marks the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa. Its last eruption was around 200 years ago and today Kibo lies dormant.
In 1889, German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountain climber Ludwig Purtscheller were the first to climb Kilimanjaro.
Approximately 25,000 people attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro annually. About two-thirds of them are successful. Altitude-related problems are the most common reason climbers turn back.
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project is an American run Tanzanian NGO which campaigns for the fair treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro. KPAP send an investigator on all our Kilimanjaro treks to monitor porter welfare. KPAP investigators report on porter compensation, tips, clothing, food and the weight of their loads. Earth's Edge is a proud partner of KPAP.
Kilimanjaro is not a peak you can climb on your own. It is mandatory to climb with a licensed guide and have porters carry your equipment. This sustains the local economy and allows local people to reap the rewards of tourism.
Best time to climb Kilimanjaro
In Tanzania, there are two wet seasons and two dry seasons. The "long rains" run from March through May and the "short rains" run from November to mid-December. Outside these times is considered the dry season. It can still rain during the dry season but statistically, it is much drier. This makes January, February and June through to October the best time to climb the mountain.
What you need to climb Kilimanjaro
We have an extensive packing list on what you should bring with you when hiking Kilimanjaro. You can view this packing list here.
How to prepare to climb Kilimanjaro
We have classified Kilimanjaro as a level 5 expedition, for more information about our levels system click here. We expect participants to have a very good level of fitness. Although this is not a technical climb, it is very steep in places and you will be gaining height very quickly. The group moves at a comfortable pace and nobody is ever left behind. Nevertheless, it is your responsibility to contact us if you have any concerns regarding your level of fitness, health or ability to complete the trek. We strongly recommend that you read our information pack, which gives in detail on how you should prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro. You can read this document here.
