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!
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.
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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)
| Date | Price | Single Supplement | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 8-17 | $5,099 / person | $150 / person | $350 / person |
Final payment due April 1st, 2023.
Who’s running the show?
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
- International airfare
- Applicable tourist visas (needed for citizens of most Western countries)
- Incidentals
- Mandatory Travel Insurance
- Airport taxes
- Tips or gratuities
- Beverages
- Meals not mentioned above
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.
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.
Two packs are useful for this trip:
- 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)
- 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!
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
What about jet lag?
What is the weather like?
Is Kilimanjaro safe?
What about currency?
Is Internet / cell service readily available?
How will I charge my electronics?
How much should my backpack weigh? What about my expedition duffel?
How long will I have to go without a shower?
Should I be worried about Malaria?
Do I need specific vaccinations (COVID-19 and other) to visit Kilimanjaro/Africa?
Do I need a travel visa?
What is the food like?
What is up with the water situation?
Do I have to learn any languages before travelling to Tanzania/Africa?
I’m still nervous about the physicality. How fit should I be?
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?
Do I have to share a tent with someone?
Terms & Conditions
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.
