CLIMB INFORMATION


With the summit at 19,341 feet above sea level, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest point on the continent of Africa and is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.  Truly, conquering such a mountain is something that would be the achievement of a lifetime for most of us.  For some it is the physical challenge, for others it is testing the strength of your will, and still others it is the  adventure of a lifetime.  Whatever the reason, you have the opportunity to climb famed Mt. Kilimanjaro to help children in Uganda climb their own mountain.

Trip Date:  January, 2019 (Exact dates TBD)
Guide CompanyClimb Kili  

The Cause
Africa Renewal Ministries is putting a team together to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise funds to provide computer labs in schools, make educational materials available and enhance the capabilities of the educators.  Specifically, the focus of the funds raised will be:

  • Education Pilot - $100,000 goal. We will provide computer labs and off-line content servers to pilot primary and secondary schools to increase computer literacy and provide access to better educational materials. This will help students to excel in the classroom and ultimately compete for jobs. Computer labs and distance learning systems will be enhanced at Africa Renewal University to better equip students, pastors, and teachers for their careers.

  • Sponsor a child or student - 250 New Sponsorships. We want to see more children ($40/month) and university students ($200/month), gain the joy of being sponsored, increasing their hope for the future.


The Climb
We will be taking the Lemosho Route up Kilimanjaro.  The Lemosho route is slightly longer than some other routes but is also considered by most to be the most scenic.  The Lemosho route takes 8 days on the mountain, but this  provides much needed time to acclimatize to the altitude to help reduce risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness - or Altitude Sickness) and increase our odds of reaching the summit.  Below is a map of the trail and a detailed itinerary.


Day 1:            ARRIVAL
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be met by our Climb Kili representative and transferred to your hotel.  After check in or the morning of your climb, you will have a detailed meeting with your guide outlining the trek ahead. Overnight stay in bed and breakfast.

Day 2-9:          8 DAY LEMOSHO ROUTE
Day 1: LONDOROSSI GATE to MTI MKUBWA
7,742’~2,360m ∙ 3 mi~4.8 km ∙ 3-4 hrs
After a restful night at the hotel, we begin our trek from western side checking in at the Londorossi gate. The trail with gently ascend through the montane forest until you are welcomed into camp under the Climb Kili banner with tents set up and your personal belongings inside. Tonight’s camp is nestled in the Kilimanjaro rain forest at the Mti Mkubwa which in Swahili means Big Tree.

Day 2: MTI MKUBWA to SHIRA CAMP
11,500’~3,505m ∙ 4.9 mi ~ 8km 5-6 hrs
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. In the afternoon we follow the Shira ridge the vast high altitude desert plateau where the first views of Mt Kilimanjaro open on the horizon and the landscape is a magnificent contrast from the departed rain forest.

Day 3: SHIRA CAMP to MOIR CAMP
13800’ ~ 4206m ∙ 8.7 mi ~ 14km∙ 5-7 hrs
Today we have a full day exploration of the Shira plateau. We trek east toward Kibo's glaciated peak with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro's three volcanoes. We arrive at Moir Camp situated in a huge gorge at the end of a dormant lava flow.

Day 4: MOIR CAMP to BARRANCO CAMP
13000’ ~ 3962m ∙ 4.3 mi ~ 7km∙ 4-6 hrs
Today we take an acclimatization trek to the Lava Tower at 15,000’~4,500m. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier. Following our rest at the tower, we decend upon the enormous Senecio forest reaching waterfall prior to finishing at Barranco Camp. Tonight’s camp is in the shadow of the massive Barranco wall with the breeze often carrying clouds from the Barranco Valley.
Day 5: BARRANCO to KARANGA CAMP
13100’ ~ 3992m ∙ 2.2 mi~3.2 km ∙ 4-5 hrs
Today the group conquers the great Barranco Valley and up the Barranco wall, and adventuourse stretch that ushers us into the arctic zone of Kili.  We continue the trek on the South Circuit path through the Karanga Valley. We camp tonight at Karanga Camp.

Day 6: KARANGA CAMP to BARAFU CAMP
15,300’ ~ 4663m ∙ 2.2 mi~3.5 km ∙ 4-5 hrs
Today we take a slow pace to Barafu Camp from Barafu you will have excellent views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Barufu Camp is situated on an exposed ridge, so it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark. We continue to acclimatize, rest, relax and make necessary preparation for the summit day ahead.


Day 7: BARAFU to SUMMIT to MWEKA CAMP
19,340’~5,895m ∙ 13 mi~21 km (5 km ascent/ 12 km descent) ∙ 7-8 hrs ascent~4-6 hrs descent
Tonight is the night!  A midnight start to conquer the highest point in Africa. This section of the route is considered one of the steepest on the non-technical paths of Kilimanjaro. It is a 6-7 hour hike to Stella Point in order to see the sunrise.  We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This can be the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. From Stella Point you can see the summit; just 1 hour to Uhuru Peak and the rooftop of Africa!  We then descend down to Mweka Camp for dinner and celebration.


Day 8: MWEKA CAMP to Exit Mweka Gate
5,400’~1645m) ∙ 6.4 mi ~10.3 km ∙ 3-4 hrs
A morning walking to Mweka gate reflecting of the past weeks experience with our Climb Kili vehicle waiting to transfer you to your hotel for a very welcomed shower at the hotel.

Day 10:           DEPARTURE
Our Climb Kili representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight.


COST    (PRELIMINARY)

The cost of the 8-Day Lemosho route is $2,675.  This cost includes everything except:
  • Travel & travel insurance (recommended)
  • Evacuation insurance (if not included in travel insurance)
  • Tanzania travel visa (USD $100 for US passports $50 for all others)
  •  Personal gear
  • Gratuity ($250-$300 for mountain crew)
  • Meals while in Arusha (breakfast at the hotel is included)
  • Add-on Safari while in Tanzania
Safari Options
Climb Kili offers several safari options that you may be interested in at an additional cost.  Safari’s generally cost $390/day depending on park visited, additional air travel, etc.  Once we decide on options, we can get firm pricing.

Climbers are expected to pay all of your own costs for the trip as well as raising funds/sponsorships for the project (fundraising goals TBD)

KEY DATES & DEADLINES
  • Informational Conference Call:                  ASAP depending on schedules
  • Commit to climb:                                        April 30, 2018
  • Pay Deposit & Register w/Climb Kili:       April 30, 2018
  • Book Travel:                                               TBD
  • Final Payment Due to Climb Kili:              60 days prior to climb
  • Fundraising Complete:                                30 days prior to climb


Frequently Asked Questions
Of course you have questions.  To get you started, click the link some of the most commonly asked questions related to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.  (I will get more posted in the near future.)
FAQ from Climb Kili
Other Helpful Information
Climb Kili Guide Company
REI Mt. Kilimanjaro and Gear Information

(Stay tuned for more information)

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