10 DAYS FROM
$5099 CAD

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ACTIVITY LEVEL

Challenging ? You do not need to be an expert mountaineer to climb Kilimanjaro, but you should be in reasonably good health. Plan to train ahead of time. Altitude sickness is also a possibility at higher elevations on Kilimanjaro.

GROUP SIZE

Max 12

ACCOMMODATION

Tenting, Hotels

Discover Kilimanjaro

Please Note: This trek is part of the Inside Track series of adventures rather than a true G’WA. With Inside Track, you get to travel with Sam as she “road tests” new treks for future G’WAs. Sam talks more about this below.


Stand on Top of Kilimanjaro with Me!

Samantha Plavis of She Walks the Walk watching Mount Acetenango erupt.

Welcome to a whole new kind of trek for She Walks the Walk! Come with me as we Discover Kilimanjaro together. This adventure is part of our Inside Track series, an opportunity for you to join me as I road test new destinations for future Global Walking Adventures (G’WAs).

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’ll know that Mountains have always moved me. (Like this one on the right!)

I’ve had my eye on Mount Kilimanjaro (Kili, as the locals call it) for more than a decade, but the time was never right. But as often happens to us vagabonds, the opportunity literally dropped in my lap while trekking elsewhere in the world – Jordan, to be exact! A phenomenal woman from Nova Scotia mentioned she had a group going to Kili. Oh, the doors that travel open…

So I’d like to pay it forward, and open that door to you! Come with me on a 10-day hike up Africa’s tallest mountain. We’ll see the famous Snows of Kilimanjaro – sadly, something that may not exist 10 years from now. The glaciers on top of the mountain are receding at a ridiculous rate now, and many are worried that soon, they’ll be gone forever.

We’ll climb to Uhuru Peak, just shy of 6,000 metres (19,000+ feet) above sea level. Yes, this is a seriously high mountain – it’s not your typical stroll up your local hills! We’ll also pass through every climate from equatorial savannahs to Arctic-like conditions. But as the World’s Tallest Mountains go, it is doable for most people who are in reasonably good shape, have the right equipment and most importantly, the right mindset. Plus, we’ll be taking the more meandering Lemosho route, and we’ve even tacked on an extra acclimatization day to adjust to the higher altitudes more gradually.

Get the “Inside Track”

Discover Kilimanjaro is not your typical G’WA – in fact, it’s not a G’WA at all! This is the first of my Inside Track series of adventures, an opportunity for you to travel with me as I explore new destinations for possible future G’WAs. The main differences are:

  • I’m not leading the trek – I’m a traveller just like you
  • There won’t be any “official” She Walks the Walk programming, but you can bet there’ll be some awesome convos along the way!
  • This won’t be a women-only trek – it’s open to everyone

You can read more about the differences on the main Global Walking Adventures page here.

So, Want To Be Travel Buddies?

I’m so excited to share this with you! Scroll down to see all the deets. And if you have any questions, feel free to contact me anytime using the form below.


Book Now

Let’s Discover Kilimanjaro together and knock this iconic trek off our bucket lists! Space is limited, to hold yours, please complete the fields below and select a date/time for a chat with Sam. This trek has all the feels and will stretch you both mentally and physically. DEADLINE FOR BOOKING IS MARCH 10th.

Step 1.

    Step 2.

    To ensure an optimal adventure experience, all prospective participants are required to speak to Sam in advance. Click the link below to schedule your chat.


    Mt. Kilimanjaro Group Trek  

    Lemosho Route  

    2023 Dates & Prices (CAD Taxes Included)

    DatePriceSingle SupplementDeposit
    June 8-17$5,099  / person$150  / person$350 / person

    Final payment due April 1st, 2023.    


    Who’s running the show?

    G Adventures Logo

    This Discover Kilimanjaro adventure is offered through our one of our preferred partner networks. G Adventures has been changing the world through travel since 1990. They are one of the largest and most reputable adventure travel companies on the planet! But big isn’t always better, if its at the expense of others. We love that their core values include directly benefiting the people and places they visit. Every tour uses the talents of local experts whenever possible.


    What’s Included

    Our journey to the roof of Africa takes us along the challenging and less-travelled Lemosho route, widely considered to be the most beautiful path up the western breach of the mountain, to the Shira Plateau. To improve your chances of summit success, we’ve built in several extra days to help you adjust to the increasing altitude. Here’s what you can expect:

    • 8-day guided group trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho Route with local guides, cooks and porters  
    • Additional “acclimatization day” during ascent  
    • All permits and fees  
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities  
    • Simple hotel (2 nights), full-service alpine camping (7 nights)
    • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners (Allow $100-$150 for meals not included)  
    • Transportation throughout tour  
    • Moshi Women’s Cooperative Visit, Moshi  
    • Certified mountain guide
    • Unscripted laughter
    • Facing your fears
    • And new friends for life

    Extras 

    • My Own Tent (single supplement) $149 CAD  
    • Arrival Transfer:  Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi Hotel 
      • 1 traveller: $120 
      • 2 travellers: $60 each
      • 3 or more travellers: $40 each
    • Arusha City Centre to Moshi-Riverside Shuttle Service
      • Per person: $15  
    • Pre & Post Accommodation Prices (per room per night)  
      • Standard – Single – Moshi $80
      • Standard – Twin/Double- Moshi $100 
    • Moshi Mamas Massage: $53

    Exclusions 


    Cancellation Policy

    Please note the following cancellation policy, which accompanies She Walks the Walk’s Travel Terms & Conditions:

    • Cancellation 60 days or more prior to departure = Loss of deposit 
    • Cancellation between 30 and 59 days prior to departure = 50% loss 
    • Cancellation within 30 days of departure = 100% loss 

    Itinerary  

    Day 1 Moshi  

    Arrive at any time.  

    Exclusive Inclusions: Your Welcome Moment and Meet Your Group  

    Day 2 Moshi/Mti Mkubwa Camp  

    Begin the Lemosho trail of Mt Kilimanjaro ending for the day at the Mti Mkubwa Campsite.  

    Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner  

    Day 3 Mti Mkubwa Camp/Shira 1 Camp  

    Climb into the moorland over the Shira ridge and down to the plateau and the Shira 1 Camp.  

    Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner  

    Day 4 Shira 1 Camp/Shira 2 Camp  

    Travel across the Shira plateau, with time for short acclimatization walks.  

    Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner  

    Day 5 Shira 2 Camp/Barranco Camp  

    Climb through rocky scree to the Lava Tower. Descend into the Great Barranco Valley to acclimatize and camp.  

    Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner  

    Day 6 Barranco Camp/Karanga Camp  

    Tackle the Great Barranco Wall up into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley.  

    Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner  

    Day 7 Karanga Camp/Barafu Camp  

    Trek through the alpine desert up to Barafu Camp. Prepare for the midnight start of the summit attempt.  

    Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner  

    Day 8 Barafu Camp/Mweka Camp  

    At midnight, begin the summit trek. Conquer the rim of the main crater, then cross the scree and snow to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Mweka Camp.  

    Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner  

    Day 9 Mweka Camp/Moshi  

    Continue descent through the forested, lower slopes to Moshi. Meet the mamas of the Moshi Women’s Cooperative, a G Adventures supported project, for a climbing ceremony.  

    Exclusive Inclusions: Your G for Good Moment Moshi Women’s Cooperative Visit  

    Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch  

    Day 10 Moshi  

    Depart at any time.  

    Meals included: Breakfast  


    Preparation

    You may be wondering if you can do this…

    We know that most women would be up for a self-discovery adventure, given the right opportunity. However, the reality of walking multiple challenging kilometres every day requires a fitness level I describe as “active”. This does not mean (by far!) that you need to be a tri-athlete or take a boot camp to get you whipped into shape.

    Smiling group of trekkers hiking Kilimanjaro.

    Anyone comfortable on longer hikes – either urban walking or out on the trails – should be able to manage this trek. But it is physically demanding, and given the rugged landscape, it will stretch you at times!

    Walking won’t be our only challenge on this journey. It will seem like we are passing through every climate zone in the world – and in a way, we will be! From relatively hot savannahs through temperate zones, alpine deserts, and finally Arctic-like conditions where glaciers live (for the moment). As mountain climbing goes, the path is straight-forward, though there will be some stretches of rocky landscapes and snow/ice-covered fields.

    We’ll also be reaching high altitudes (Uhuru Peak is at 5,895 metres or 19,000+ feet). Altitude sickness is a possibility, but we’ll talk more about that during our initial conversation! I’ve felt both miserable and amazing at altitude. It’s all in the preparation, and this is my wheelhouse!

    You also must be comfortable getting uncomfortable with things like toileting in the wild, African wildlife, and the wind whipping your tent around like a dishcloth. Meals will be good but basic – and Domino’s does not deliver here!

    If you have any questions or concerns about the trek and your abilities, let’s talk! I can answer your questions and help you assess if this is the right journey for you.

    All assets up until this point are ⓒ to G Adventures, and only representative of the respected images.


    What about gear?

    This adventure requires some specific hiking attire and gear. We’ll also need to prepare for temperature swings from -5 degrees Celsius (23F) to 35C (95F). Trekking up Africa’s highest mountain takes us through a number of different climate zones, so you’ll want to plan for extremes – hot and sunny, cool, cloudy, and misty, fog, rain, wind, and lastly snow and cold! Can you imagine you may experience one or all of these conditions in the same day on your trek?!

    In the lowlands, temperatures in the shade can reach 35C, while in the highlands it will be below freezing. We recommend lightweight, breathable, easily removable layers of clothes to help you adapt to the local conditions. Choose moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibres. Avoid cotton!

    The top of Mt. Kilimanjaro is super chilly, and we start our final ascent around midnight, hiking through the coldest part of the day. You’ll need several warm layers and good boots to grip as you climb over frozen scree, ice, and snow, along with protection for your extremities – warm socks, gloves, and a cozy winter hat. Pro-tip: don’t skimp on your sleeping bag and pillow. You’ll want to be comfortable when recharging at night!

    Lastly, Mt. Kilimanjaro location near the equator heightens the damaging impact of the sun’s rays. You’ll need high quality sunglasses and sun screen to protect yourself and reduce the risk of sunstroke.

    What to bring on our Mt. Killimanjaro trek!

    Two packs are useful for this trip:

    1. A larger pack (preferably a duffle) that will be carried by the porters inside large, canvas duffle bags. This pack should not exceed 15kg, and should be within the following dimensions: 30cm (height) x30cm (width) x 60cm (length)
    2. A smaller 30-35L pack (5kg) that you will carry containing your water, snacks and wet weather gear.

    We provide you with a detailed packing list on registration, including suggested brands and what is possible to rent on location.

    Note: A refillable water bottle/flask is required for the trek, no plastic or disposable bottles are allowed on the mountain and they may be confiscated prior to the hike.


    Meet Sam

    Join the Inside Track!

    Samantha Plavins of She Walks the Walk trekking through Jordan in October 2022.

    Sam Plavins is a former financial service advisor who got off the treadmill to pursue her own passions. She believes we should not be afraid to question the path we’ve taken. Or society’s version of who we ought to be.

    A life-long adventurer, Sam has travelled the world with her family and on solo adventures. She started “She Walks the Walk” as a way to help other women at crossroads find more meaning and purpose in their lives. Sam lives with her family in Thunder Bay, Canada, and when she’s not out walking, she’s writing her book or looking for her lost cell phone. Read more about Sam here.


    Booking Process

    Your Discover Kilimanjaro adventure is confirmed once the following conditions have been met: 

    • A chat with Sam about logistics, altitude and your expectations
    • Payment of the deposit
    • Completion of our Registration Package
    • Execution of the SWTW Terms and Conditions including the SWTW Travel Policy

    FAQs & Terms

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    What about jet lag?

    Jet lag is serious business. We recommend building in an extra day at the start of your trek to give your body and mind the chance to adjust to the new time zone (in June, Tanzania is 7 hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone in North America ). If it’s not possible to arrive early, rest assured! You would not be the first to bumble through a day or two of adjustments.
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    What is the weather like?

    Tanzania is hot in June, but the top of Kilimanjaro will be cool (or cold, depending on what temperatures you are used to in your everyday life!) We will be climbing through every type of climate from hot savannahs to Arctic-like glacier environments, so layers rule the day! Think of "sea and ski" and you'll have an idea of what you'll need. View a sample checklist of what to bring here.
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    Is Kilimanjaro safe?

    Tanzania is generally safe to visit, though there is the risk of violence from gangs, crime, and terrorists, as is the case in many places in Africa. Please check your country's travel advisories for more information (you can view Canada's Travel Advisories for Tanzania here). Once you get onto Mt. Kilimanjaro, the threat of this level of violence drops dramatically. However, there are risks inherent to climbing and trekking, and people do get injured on this mountain. But as mountain climbing goes, Kilimanjaro is challenging but not particularly difficult from a technical mountaineering perspective. There is little threat from wildlife on Kilimanjaro. Snakes exist on the mountain but are rarely seen. Lions, water buffalo, hippos, and other sometimes-dangerous animals are rare-to-non-existent at the base of the mountain and non-existent as you begin to climb. Mosquitos (and the Malaria they can carry) are the biggest risk at lower elevations.
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    What about currency?

    The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. You can exchange at most major banks in the country. Also, you can use your credit card (Visa or Mastercard) to withdraw money from ATMs. Many find this to be the most convenient way to get Tanzanian shillings. However, US dollars are required for many things such as park entry and visas. (Your park entry is included with this trip, so this is more for your FYI if you plan to spend extra time in Tanzania and visit other parks including the Serengeti.) US dollars are also accepted in most tourist areas. It is highly recommended that you bring travellers' cheques in US dollars and a small amount of US cash.
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    Is Internet / cell service readily available?

    Yes and no. But this is a good thing! We've heard that it is possible to get cell service on Mt. Kilimanjaro, but I will be trekking with the idea that it is non-existent. In the summer of 2022, the Tanzanian government announced that it was installing WiFi on Kilimanjaro, to be completed by the end of that year. Here too, I'll be expecting not to find WiFi -- and be ecstatic if we do! I'll be using the WhatsApp as my primary method of communication on those occasions we do have cell or WiFi service. Cell service are available in the main cities in Tanzania and along major roadways though again cell service should not be expected.
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    How will I charge my electronics?

    There is no access to electricity on Mt. Kilimanjaro, so it is highly recommended that you do not rely on anything (phone, camera, ereaders) that needs power to charge. You may consider items such as power banks and solar chargers, though these will add to your weight and have varying reliability. We can talk about this during our chat though you may want to poke around and do your own research as well! Electricity will be available in all hotels, though you will need an adapter and/or converter for 230V, 50Hz.
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    How much should my backpack weigh? What about my expedition duffel?

    Porters will carry your expedition pack up to 30lbs, so you will only need to carry a daypack. This should not weigh more than 10% of your body weight AT MOST. Bear in mind that every litre of water weighs 2.2lbs, and you will be carrying a minimum of 3Ls/water at a time. You are welcome to bring your favourite snacks with you, and don’t forget sunscreen, your rain gear and any photography equipment you wish to carry.
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    How long will I have to go without a shower?

    This is a real trek and we'll be camping all the way up Kilimanjaro, so there will be several days when we do not have access to a shower. However, the guides provide us warm water for washing up in the evenings. Sponge baths all the way until we return to our hotel at the bottom!
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    Should I be worried about Malaria?

    Tanzania is considered to be "high risk" for Malaria. However, you can take anti-malarials to reduce the risk. Other measures including bug spray and mosquito nets can help reduce the risk. The plus side of malaria being common in Africa is that people there know how to treat it.
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    Do I need specific vaccinations (COVID-19 and other) to visit Kilimanjaro/Africa?

    Passengers arriving in Tanzania should be prepared to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. As of this writing, travellers entering Tanzania by land must provide proof of vaccination/negative PCR test or take at test at the border. Those entering by air are as of this writing exempt (though this can change so please check the lastest info). It is highly recommended that you get vaccinated for diseases common in Africa including Yellow Fever and Hepatitis A and B. Full Canadian vaccination recommendations are here (check your own country's travel advisories for your government's recommendations). Further, Tanzania is considered to be "high risk" for malaria, so you should consider taking anti-malarials. Many require you start weeks before travel to Tanzania, so don't leave to the last minute!
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    Do I need a travel visa?

    Visitors from all countries require a passport and citizens from most countries including Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom (with some exceptions including Isle of Man and Guernsey) need an Ordinary Visa/Single-Entry Visa ($50 USD as of this writing - confirm price through link) to enter Tanzania. These visas can normally be purchased online. However, the Goverment of Tanzania recommends that you purchase directly from official websites -- there are many visa services online that are not officially recognized by the Tanzanian government. Other documentation may be required including proof of a return flight. Find more information including official Visa Guidelines here.
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    What is the food like?

    Camp cooks prepare fresh meals every day including local and international dishes. Porters carry all food and cooking supplies, and there is always good food on hand. However, as great as the meals will be, climbing Kilimanjaro is not a 5-star restaurant experience! We are on a trek, so meals will be delicious but relatively basic providing us with healthy sustanace designed for climbing mountains.
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    What is up with the water situation?

    It is recommended you do not drink the tap water in Tanzania. Bottled water (both before and after the trek) is at your own expense, however, during the Kilimanjaro trek you will be provided with drinking water. This water is collected from fresh mountain streams and then purified with tablets by your guides who will replenish your empty bottles/thermos flasks on a daily basis. For peace of mind, you are welcome to add your own chlorine or iodine tablets instead, if you are uncomfortable drinking the water provided.
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    Do I have to learn any languages before travelling to Tanzania/Africa?

    English will be the primary language spoken during our trek up Kilimanjaro. However, I’m fluent in French and German. English is spoken by most people you will encounter in Tanzania, along with Swahili (Kiswahili). It will be helpful to pick up some basic Swahili words, but you'll be able to get by with just English, especially considering that this will be a guided tour.
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    I’m still nervous about the physicality. How fit should I be?

    Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is considered "Challenging" for the average person. However, as mountain climbing the world's tallest mountains goes, it is one of the easier mountains to climb. There is no question that some level of cardiovascular fitness will enhance your comfort during the G’WA experience. Prior trekking experience is unnecessary, but I always recommend that you get into reasonable shape for any type of trek. Altitude sickness is also a concern. Although you can't train for this necessarily (short of climbing other mountains), you will be able to handle the symptoms more easily if you are in better shape. You can always Contact Me with any questions you have.
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    What happens if I can’t finish Kilimanjaro due to injury or sickness? What happens if I need to get home in the event of an emergency?

    Evacuation from the Kilimanjaro is a possibility you should consider. Broken legs, bee stings, you name it — sometimes life will throw you a curveball! We do not take risks lightly, which is why all participants are required to carry Emergency Travel Insurance. We can assist you to ensure you purchase appropriate and reliable protection, just in case. This is Sam’s area of expertise, and while we don’t anticipate any issues, insurance is a hard requirement.
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    Do I have to share a tent with someone?

    You can have your own tent on our hike up Kilimanjaro with the Single Supplement of $149 CAD.

    Terms & Conditions

    Two trekkers watching the sunrise on Kilimanjaro.

    We do not believe in mollycoddling our clients. You’re a grown woman. And you get that travelling to the other side of the world presents some new challenges.

    You must be prepared to accept the risks, both known and unknown, of your Global Walking Adventure. The following policy provisions form part of the SWTW Terms and Conditions and will apply to all services being provided to you and your participation in a G’WA with us. Please read this policy very carefully as you will need to sign off on it in order to participate.

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