Overview
About Outwest
Outwest is an outdoor apparel brand deeply inspired by the beauty of the Irish outdoors and designed for those who embrace it.
Founded in the charming town of Dingle, Co. Kerry, Outwest’s mission is to encourage people to connect with nature and explore the incredible experiences the outdoors offers.
Their range of products is crafted to welcome everyone—regardless of skill level—into the outdoor community. Created by husband-and-wife duo Shane and Rebecca, the brand draws inspiration from the breathtaking Irish landscapes surrounding them. Their vision is to establish Outwest as Ireland’s premier outdoor apparel brand while motivating others to embark on thrilling adventures.
About Kilimanjaro
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 scenic Machame Trail. This time-frame allows for excellent acclimatisation and increases the chance of a successful summit. This route is also rich in biodiversity, and you will experience ever changing landscapes. From spotting African wildlife in the low scrublands, you trek through lush forests followed by striking alpine tundra before finally ascending over scree and past glaciers to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
This trek is suitable for people with a good level of fitness. You do not need mountaineering experience to climb 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, and is 120m higher in terms of altitude. This cuts an hour off our summit night!
The expedition leader and doctor work alongside our incredible team of Earth’s Edge 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 well deserved R&R by the pool, or go on an optional one-day Safari in Tarangire National Park.
About Outwest’s Kilimanjaro Expedition
There are a number of added extras Outwest are offering with their climb. They are all optional, but we would love you to partake in them all!
- Training Day: Outwest will host a training day in Dingle in advance of the expedition and prior to the Training Weekend (below). This is an opportunity for the group to meet each other, ask an experienced expedition leader questions, and develop a bond as a group. Training days are included within the price of the trip. Food and accommodation required for the training events are not included.
- Training Weekend: Outwest will host a training weekend in Dingle in advance of the expedition. This weekend is another chance for participants to meet an expedition leader, expedition doctor and their fellow adventurers. On the training weekend, the expedition leader will give a full expedition brief, lead two training hikes and offer expert advice on all aspects of the expedition including training, equipment, weather etc. Training days are included within the price of the trip. Food and accommodation required for the training events are not included.
- Team WhatsApp Group: Outwest would like to invite you to a private WhatsApp group where you can meet each other, share pictures and training progress, and get excited about this trip of a lifetime!
- Outwest Limited Edition Apparel: Each participant will receive an Outwest waterproof jacket, baselayer and beanie.
When signing up for the adventure you agree to share your contact information with both Earth’s Edge and Outwest so that you can be sent appropriate information about the trip and be invited to participate in the above activities.
Itinerary
Day 2
Arrive in Tanzania
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Arrive in Tanzania. Transfer to our hotel in Arusha and relax for the rest of the day.
Day 3
Drive Arusha to Machame Gate and trek to Machame Camp, 7 hrs
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Drive to Machame gate and then trek through Montane forest to reach Machame Camp.
Day 5
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp, 7 hrs
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Trek to Barranco camp via Lava Tower (4630m). Today's route has stunning views throughout.
Day 6
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, 5 hrs
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Trek through an alpine desert to set up camp in the Karanga Valley.
Day 7
Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp, 5 hrs
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Trek to Kosovo camp and prepare for tomorrow's summit attempt.
Day 8
Kosovo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp, 14 hrs
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Trek to the roof of Africa! Afterward, descend to Millennium Camp.
Day 9
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate and drive to Arusha, 6 hrs
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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
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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 click here.
Sustainability
Certified B-Corp
Earth's Edge is a certified B-Corp. In fact, we are the highest scoring B-Corp in Ireland. We are passionate about sustainable travel, bettering the lives of the people connected with the company and minimising our environmental impact.
Tree Planting
We plant 30 native trees in Nepal for each person that travels with us in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects. If you would like to plant more, please contact info@earths-edge.com. Each extra tree costs €0.15 cents. Learn more about our tree planting here.
