Climb Kilimanjaro - trip now full

If you already have a place booked – you are one of the lucky ones! The Kilimanjaro challenge takes you to the roof of Africa. After passing through savannah, rainforest, jungle and alpine desert, the route leads to the summit of Africa's highest mountain, where stunning views of the Great Rift Valley - and the wildlife that inhabits it - await. Are you ready to feel on top of the world?

Use the tabs above to find support materials that will help you get the most out of your trip.

Open challenges

Climb Kilimanjaro is one of the last trips Oxfam will offer as a bespoke Global Challenge. If you love the idea of supporting Oxfam through overseas travel, then we’d encourage you to sign up to an Open Challenge.

Day one

Fly London – Nairobi

Our journey begins on the overnight flight to Kenya.

Day two

Nairobi – Kilimanjaro

We arrive in Nairobi in the morning and change planes for an onward flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. After a relaxing afternoon, we stay at the Nakara Hotel in Marangu village, close to the entrance of the Kilimanjaro National Park and at an altitude of 1,800m.

Day three

Trek Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts (4.5 hours)

After breakfast and final preparations, we drive to the park entrance and begin with a gentle ascent through dense rainforest. Chattering Colobus monkeys leap between towering trees as we follow a path lined by giant ferns, wild forest flowers and maybe even the odd orchid. Time permitting, the day includes a short trek to the Maundi crater.

Day four

Trek Mandara Huts – Horombo Hut (7-8 hours)

An early start for a longer uphill trek, first through forest and then across heath and moorland. As we ascend and pass through the cloud level, the landscape becomes more rugged and rocky, and Kilimanjaro’s twin peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, become visible in the distance.

Day five

First acclimatisation trek (5 hours)

The first of two acclimatisation treks, today’s walk takes us through streams and rocky mountain vegetation, past the black-and-white striped Zebra Rock, and up to an observation point at 4,200m. After taking in spectacular views of the twin peaks and the trail to the summit, we head back down to Horombo Hut to enjoy a hot lunch and put our feet up for the afternoon.

Day six

Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (7-8 hours)

An unforgettable day on the lower route to Kibo Hut, through spectacular mountain flora and fauna: giant cacti, lobelia and abundant mountain flowers line today’s route. We stop for a picnic lunch on Kibo Saddle, the broad desert area between the two peaks.

Day seven

Second acclimatisation trek (5 hours)

The second acclimatisation trek takes us close to William's Point (at 5,000m above sea level), before we rest in preparation for tomorrow’s final ascent to the summit.

Day eight

Kibo Hut - The Summit - Horombo Hut (15-17 hours)

After beginning the big day as any sensible person would – with a nice cup of tea – we set off just after midnight and ascend slowly up the steepest and most difficult part of the climb. The aim is to arrive at Gilman’s Point (5,685m) in time to watch the sun rise over the crater rim. Give yourself a pat on the back at this point - you have officially climbed Kilimanjaro! You can then choose to head back to Kibo Hut or to carry on through the snow for two more hours to Uhuru Peak – at 5895m the highest point in Africa. There’s time at the top to rest and (weather permitting) take photos of the Great Rift Valley below. Exhausted and exhilarated, we then descend to Kibo Hut for a warm snack, and continue for a further three or four hours to Horombo Hut.

Day nine

Trek Horombo Hut – Marangu (6-7 hours)

After breakfast, we start making our way back down. The descent is rapid: we reach Mandara Hut in three-and-a-half-hours, and arrive at Marangu Park Gate three hours later. With the mountain now well and truly conquered, we transfer to our hotel to relax and rest aching limbs. In the evening, it’s time to celebrate.

Day ten

The reason we’re here

A special day, as we visit an Oxfam project and you have the chance to see how the money you raise can really make a difference. We fly to Nairobi in the morning, where we divide into two groups and visit different Oxfam projects. After enjoying a final dinner together, we return to Nairobi airport for an overnight flight home.

Day eleven

Back to reality

We arrive back in London, and you head home with a head full of fantastic memories and some of the best holiday snaps you’ve ever taken.

Download the itinerary (PDF)

This is a complex itinerary and may be subject to change.

Suggested Kit List

Luggage

• Day pack (approx 35 litres) for carrying while trekking e.g. water, lunch, camera, sun cream, tissues, small medical kit, layers – ideally with chest and waist strap.
• Kit bag – this is what the porters will be carrying for you (up to 12kg only) and should be large, sift and light, no frame, wheels or straps. A sailing bag, waterproof duffel bag or a large sports holdall are all fine.
• Small lockable rucksack for items not required during the trek (to be left at the hotel at the base of the mountain).
• Water proof cover or liner (or bin liner).
• Carrier bags/bin bags – useful for dirty washing or wet clothing.
• Zippered plastic bags (optional).

Equipment

• 4 season Sleeping Bag preferably with hood. This must be suitable for -20 °C
• Fleece or silk sleeping bag liner (optional)
• 1-2 telescopic walking poles (with rubber tips)– to help leg control on descent
• Head torch and pocket torch with spare bulbs and batteries
• Whistle and penknife
• Water bottles x 2 (2 litre) or bladder (eg platypus)
• Water purification tablets or iodine drops
• Sunglasses (suitable for snow and sun). For those taking contact lenses, remember to pack contact lens solution, your glasses and prescription sunglasses if you have them
• Binoculars  (optional)
• Camera and film (optional)
• Money belt
• Anti-bacterial wet wipes, tissues
• Toilet paper (bio-degradable)
• Ear plugs
• Sun cream (minimum factor 15) and lip salve with SPF
• Bring a few of your favourite snacks  e.g. dried fruit, chocolate and throat sweets
• Travel towel
• Padlocks are useful to keep luggage secure.

Boots and socks

• Walking boots – must be worn in
• Insoles / foot beds (optional)
• Trainers for general walking / late night toilet visits
• Warm walking socks (not cotton)

Clothing

• Base layer (long sleeved tops and long johns) should be ‘wicking’ fabric
• Second layer:  medium weight fleece and pullover
• Long nylon or acrylic walking trousers
• Outer layer: waterproof jacket and trousers (preferably breathable ones)
• Warm jacket for nights at altitude
• Good gloves – suitable for sub zero temperatures with glove liners and/or warm mittens
• 1 warm hat and/or balaclava
• T-shirt and shorts for lower altitudes
• 1 Sun hat with broad brim
• 1 Scarf to protect the neck and shield face from dust
• Something slightly smarter for dinner on last night
• 1 pair of gaiters (optional – to protect trouser legs on snow/scree)

Small personal medical kit and personal effects

Antiseptic ointment, plasters, ankle/knee support, bandage, headache tablets, sting relief, dioralyte, ciprofloxacin or equivalent diarrhoea remedy, blister treatment (eg compeed), diamox (under medical advice), toothache and ulcer treatment, insect repellent containing DEET, isotonic powders or equivalent (these replace minerals lost through sweat), regular medication, ladies should bring sanitary products.

Copy of insurance policy / passport / visa

You must be prepared for conditions ranging from tropical to arctic-like with extreme high-winds and sub-zero temperatures. Multiple insulating layers of clothes, sturdy rain gear, alpine sunglasses, sunblock and sturdy hiking boots are vital.

Pack as lightly as possible, have a practice pack before you go and check the weight.

On the mountain there is a luggage limit of 15kg – porters can carry up to 12kg of this luggage. Participants can leave what they don’t need during the trek at the Hotel in Marangu.

Bring a lockable smaller bag to leave at the hotel in Marangu to collect after the trek.

All money and passport should be kept in a money wallet rather than a day rucksack for safety.

This list is not exhaustive and also some items may not be required during the trip but it is better to have them than not!

Contact us

Need to get in touch with the team?

For all general enquiries about Global Challenges

Email:events@oxfam.org.uk
Call: 0870 410 5035
Write to: Trailwalker, Oxfam House, John Smith Drive, Oxford, OX4 2JY.

Open challenges

Hike the Himalayas is one of the last trips Oxfam will offer as a bespoke Global Challenge. If you love the idea of supporting Oxfam through overseas travel, then we’d encourage you to sign up to an Open Challenge.