Overview

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Standing at 19,341ft, it’s also the highest free-standing mountain on Earth and truly is the challenge of a lifetime! Trekkers will test their endurance as they take on this 11 day trip which will give them the chance to experience some of the most dramatic mountainous landscapes on earth.

About the Challenge
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most majestic sights on the African continent. The sight of its snow-capped peak provides a constant source of inspiration when viewed from the vast plains; and when you finally get to stand at its peak, you’ll feel as though you’re on top of the world. On this awe-inspiring 7 day trek, you will experience it all. It’s a challenge like no other.
This trip is taking place from the 5th to the 15th of December 2019, with 7 days of trekking. You’ll make memories that will last forever. Push yourself to the limits and know that long after you’ve completed the challenge, you will be helping deliver life-saving essential aid to those who are suffering around the world.

Start:
5th December 2019
Finish:
15th December 2019
Location(s):
Tanzania
Trip duration:
11 days

Itinerary - 11 days

Day 1
Day 1 Depart from London

Depart London Heathrow Airport for Tanzania.

Day 2
Day 2 Arrive into Kilimanjaro airport

Upon our arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport we make our way to the first night’s hotel where we’ll receive a briefing and the chance to prepare together for the challenge ahead. Overnight hotel

Day 3
Start of the trek to Machame Camp

Our challenge starts at Machame Gate (1,743m), the beginning of our route up the mountain. We’ll start at a steady pace through the lush rain forest, giving us the chance to spot some of the colourful birds and wildlife who call this area of the mountain home. Our campsite for the night is Machame Camp at 3,100m. Overnight camping. Trekking time approx. 5-7 hours

Day 4
Machame Camp to Shira Caves

After our first night under canvas, we’ll wake early for a hearty breakfast before we set off for our second day trekking. On Day 4, we’ll leave the rainforest and enter moorland plains scattered with rocks and heather. Don’t forget to look behind you where, across the plains, Mount Meru looms in the distance! Our camp for the night is by Shira Caves and sits at 3,840m. Overnight camping. Trekking time approx. 4-6 hours

Day 5
Day 5 Shira Caves to Barranco Camp

We’ll leave camp behind us this morning and head east for our ascent to the Lava Tower at 4,600m. This is great acclimatisation as we walk to a much higher altitude where we will be sleeping, letting our bodies slowly adjust. The scenery dramatically changes as we head in to the Barranco Valley where we will be met by huge senecio plants before we set sight upon our camp set at 3,900m. Overnight camping. Trekking time approx. 6-7 hours

Day 6
Day 6 Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley

Our challenge on Day 6 morning is the Barranco Wall which we’ll be able to see from camp. The path to the top is steep but we will be rewarded with stunning views across Karanga Valley, where we will camp tonight at 4,040m. After lunch at camp, there will be the opportunity for a light walk with even more fantastic views of the stunning glacial valleys. Overnight camping. Trekking time approx. 4-5 hours

Day 7
Day 7 Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp

Day 7 will be another shorter walking day as we ascend to Barafu camp at 4,680m.This morning’s walk will be a short but steep uphill climb across barren landscapes with lots of boulders and rocks. In the evening, we will have the chance to rest and take in Kilimanjaro’s neighbouring peaks before our final push to the summit! Overnight camping. Trekking time approx. 4-5 hours

Day 8
Day 8 Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

Our trek on Day 8 begins very early and we’ll ascend slowly but surely, following the trail of torches in the distance heading towards the summit. This will be a tough day but will certainly provide lots of memorable moments, as by sunrise we should be near Stella Point (5,750m), which lies on the crater rim, and as our eyes adjust to the light we are treated to yet more breathtaking views of glaciers and ice fields shimmering in the new light of morning. From here we’ll continue our trek to the Uhuru summit (5,895m), the roof of Africa! After our celebrations here we’ll descend back down to Millennium Camp (3,000m), our final home on the mountain, with a rest stop at Barafu Camp on the way. Overnight camping. Trekking time approx. 10-12 hours

Day 9
Day 9 Millennium Camp to Hotel

Our final day trek through the rain forest leads down to the Mweka gate where we’ll collect a certificate of a scent and say good bye to the mountain. Tonight the celebrations will begin, with a chance to party with our new trekking buddies and reflect on the incredible challenge we’ve completed together! Overnight hotel. Trekking time approx. 5 hours

Day 10
Day 10 Free Day

Today will be a free day to relax at the hotel or take a trip into town before we transfer to the airport for our flight back to London.

Day 11
Day 11 Depart from Tanzania

Arrive back to London Heathrow Airport

FAQ's

Is this trip for me?

Definitely! These trips are all fantastic challenges for anyone wanting to do something amazing for a great cause! There will be lots of like-minded people taking part, all looking for the challenge of a lifetime and of course to meet new friends. Some people come with friends or family but most people come on their own so what are you waiting for? Sign up today for a fantastic experience and the opportunity to make life long friends.

Is there an age restriction?

You need to be 18 years old or older to participant in our overseas trips. If you are under 18, you may still be able to participate but you will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Before anyone under 18 is accepted onto a challenge we would need to have a discussion so you can make an informed decision on the suitability of the challenge. If you call us in the office we can offer this advice.

I've never done anything like this before, what should I expect?

Most people who sign up to our overseas challenges have also never done anything like this before! You’ll be well supported from the minute you sign up right through to the challenge itself but it’s important you come with an open mind. Due to the destinations we travel to, things don’t always run as smoothly as they would at home so a relaxed attitude is the best in these situations.

How fit do I need to be?

You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to do these challenges. The majority of people who take part in these events will be just like you and will not necessarily have done anything like this before. However to get maximum enjoyment from these challenges training is vital and we will provide you with a detailed training plan tailored to the trip you are going on which we strongly recommend you stick to. We will also be on hand every step of the way to provide training advice

Will I need vaccinations?

Yes, it’s possible that you will need vaccinations before travelling to Tanzania. We would advise you to visit your local travel clinic for the latest advice on what vaccinations are recommended as this changes all the time.

Do I need to travel insurance to travel?

Yes everyone is required to have travel insurance in place before they depart for a challenge. We highly recommend you take a policy out as soon as you sign up in case of any unforeseen circumstances that require you to cancel. If you already have an annual policy or cover with your bank you should check you are happy with the level of cover, repatriation is essential. You will be trekking up to  5895m so please check that your insurance covers this in advance. You’ll need to send us the following details from your existing policy; policy number, emergency contact number and start and expiry date.

Will I be able to raise the sponsorship level?

YES! Once you have started you will find that raising the minimum sponsorship is easy and most importantly fun! We will provide you with a breakdown of examples of how to raise the sponsorship money in an enjoyable way and we will, of course, be available every day to help you with more ideas! You are doing something quite simply amazing so make sure you tell everyone you know, and before you know it you will be racing towards your fundraising target!

When do I pay my sponsorship money?

You can start raising funds for your trip as soon as you sign up and we are on hand to help throughout your fundraising journey. The easiest way to do this is by setting up a fundraising page online, you can then share this link with your friends and family. In order to pay the costs of the trip you need to have raised 80% of the sponsorship amount 12 weeks before. The remaining 20% is due up to four weeks after your return. We’ll be on hand to help you, as will your charity.

Can I extend my trip?

It is possible to extend your stay and travel independently after the main group has headed home. We will advise you of when and how to apply for this once you are signed up. We can only make changes to the date you return, the route must remain the same; all changes are made at the airline’s discretion and subject to availability and a nominal admin fee.

What do I need to bring?

We’ll provide you with a full kit list when you sign up to your challenge. As you will be trekking a good well-worn in pair of boots are essential to get you started!

What will happen to my luggage during trekking days?

Your main luggage will be transported for you each day. You will just need to carry the kit you need for that day including water, sun cream, snacks, camera, waterproofs etc.

Where can I check travel requirements/visa info for Tanzania?

We strongly recommend you check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice for your destination country before travel as this has up-to-date advice on staying safe abroad (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) and for more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information we suggest checking on https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk.

How is my trip protected?

Skyline Events are acting as agents for the tour operator, Skyline Tour Operations Ltd, ATOL license number 10069. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

How do I book my place?

Simply click BOOK NOW to book online today! Places are extremely limited and get snapped up quickly so to avoid disappointment sign up today and don’t miss out!

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