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team of people celebrate at the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek 2023

Challenge level: 5 out of 5

When can I go?

6 September - 18 September 2023 On Sale
Duration 13 days

What does it cost?

Registration fee (payable today) Info £399

Finish your adventure with an awesome optional excursion!

We're delighted to offer you three optional excursions at the end of this challenge. You can jump on a safari in the amazing Arusha National Park or extend your stay in Tanzania on a 3-day safari in the incredible Serengeti National Park!

Find out more about the Serengeti National Park extension package here

Find out more about the Arusha optional excursion package here.

If you would like to take part in either of these stunning excursions, please let us know before the 17th May 2023. Email us at bookings@dream-challenges.com or call us on 01590 646410 (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday).

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Total commitment Info

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek 2023

Are you ready to take on the ultimate mountain challenge? Join our epic Mount Kilimanjaro Trek in 2023! With unsurpassable support, unbeatable camaraderie, and an expertly planned itinerary, you KiliCANjaro and reach the Roof of Africa.

We're excited to give more fearless trekkers the chance to conquer the ultimate Dream Challenge in 2023 and climb Kilimanjaro for their favourite charity. There's still time to join our team, but hurry — this epic trek requires training and determination. The sooner you sign up, the sooner you can start preparing and the more you can get out of your adventure.

Following the famous Northern Circuit route, we'll trek for X days and reach a stupendous height of 5,895m/19,341ft for the charity of your choice. Climbing Kilimanjaro is no mean feat — it's one of the toughest challenges in the world — but we'll support you from sign-up to success and be right there with you at your unforgettable celebration in Tanzania.

We'll take rest days to better acclimatise to the mountain air, trek at a steady pace with two doctors and a team of hand-picked local guides an Dream Challenges staff, and discover the literally breath-taking landscapes of Kilimanjaro. It's not all rocks and barren landscapes: we'll also hike and camp in lush forests and bushland, with birdsong as our soundtrack.

You’ll make lifelong new friendships and a sense of achievement that you will revel in for years on end. 

Get a glimpse of what you're in for!

If a picture paints 100 words, a video paints a million! Watch this awesome video from Gary, one of our past Kilimanjaro conquerors!

Want more time to prepare? Join our group for the Mount Kilimanjaro Trek in 2024.

Your itinerary

Days 1 & 2
London - Moshi, Tanzania

Our adventure starts at the airport in London, where we meet for the first time and catch our overnight flight to the amazing country of Tanzania in Africa, arriving in Moshi on Day 2.

Our ground handler welcomes us at the airport and we transfer by coach to our hotel. Once settled and freshened up, you have some free time to relax before we meet back up for our first group dinner and challenge briefing. This is a fantastic opportunity to gather more details from our experienced challenge guides and ask any questions you may have about the challenge that lies ahead of us.

Day 3
Moshi – Londrossi Gate – Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa) | approx. 6km/ 4-5 hours (2,360m – 2,895m)

Ready and raring to go after our challenge briefing yesterday, we get ready to start our trek today. Waking up to breakfast at the hotel, we spend the morning transferring to the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, first to the Londrossi Gate of the National Park for registration and then to our starting point at the Lemosho Trailhead.

Here, we fuel up with a spot of lunch and meet our experienced mountain guides and support crew. Then we commence our trek up the tallest free-standing mountain in the world! As it’s our first day, we take it easy, hiking for about four to five hours, through the gorgeous and unspoiled rainforest, teeming with a wonderful range of the local wildlife, including blue monkeys.

Tonight will be our first night camping on the mountain, in the comfortable and professional twin tents provided by the Dream Team.

These will be set up for us by the time we arrive, so there’s no need to panic about pegging a tent down yourself! Instead, you can kick back and enjoy the amazing sounds and scenery of the forest.

Day 4
Big Tree Camp – Shira 1 Camp (Shira Caldera) | approx. 8km/ 6 hours (2,895m – 3,505m)

We have a slightly more difficult trek today as we head into an altitude of 3,500m trekking across the Shira Plateau, with a height gain of around 2,000ft/ 610m.

Our route takes us to a beautiful wilderness camp just outside the Shira crater, unvisited by the majority of trekkers, where we overnight at around 11,500ft/ 3,500m.

Here, we kick back, have dinner together and enjoy the amazing vistas of the nearby volcano cone, Kibo, which we can see from our camp.

Day 5
Shira 1 Camp – Moir Hut | approx. 10km (3,560m – 4,100m)

After a good breakfast, we continue our trek over the fantastic Shira Plateau and the landscape once again changes, keeping our eyes constantly enthralled.

We’ll pass loads of wild, yellow flowers, called Senecios, which can grow to an astonishing height of about nine meters!

When we reach Fischer Camp, we’ll enjoy our lunch, before hiking on to Moir Camp, where we’ll be staying the night, at 4,175m above sea level.

We have a short rest here and then we have the option to take on a further hike up to the ridgeline (approx. 2km from our camp).

As the ridge lies about 130m higher up than our camp, this walk will allow us to acclimatise better to the altitude. After arriving back at camp, dinner will be served.

Day 6
Moir Hut – Pofu Camp | approx. 10km (4,100m – 4,025m)

Yesterday has prepped us for some tough trekking and changes in altitude, but you’ll be pleased to know that today is a little easier.

We start the day with a steep hike out of the valley and then hike along Kilimanjaro’s Northern slopes and we even come close to Kenya!

We’ll notice our proximity to the neighbouring country when the beautiful Tsavo and Amboselli Valleys come into view. As you can expect from being this high up on the planet, we’re treated to awesome panoramas and mountain scenery throughout the trek and arrive at last at Pofu Camp, where we stop for the night.

Day 7
Pofu Camp – Cave Three Camp | approx. 6km (4,025m – 3,915m)

Continuing our exploration of the mountain’s Northern Slopes, we have the same length trek today, but the terrain means it’s likely to take us less time, so we can further adjust to the environment.

We can also expect to see other courageous people today, as our route (the Northern Circuit) meets the Rongai Trail.

Our day’s hiking ends when we reach the Cave Three Camp to settle down for the evening.

Day 8
Cave Three Camp - Kibo Hut | approx. 4.5km (3,915m – 4,750m)

Day 8 marks our last day before the final summit stretch tomorrow! This means we take it a little slower so that we can allow for sufficient rest in preparation.

As we’re coming closer to “the roof of Africa,” we hike higher than we have so far on this challenge and we’ll notice that vegetation grows sparser up here.

Reaching the Kibo Hut relatively early, we enjoy a hot lunch, rest as much as possible and drink plenty of water. We have dinner in the evening and go to bed early for a very early start.

One of the best mottos in life is "hydration is key" and this is particularly important as we get ourselves ready for our push to the peak.

Day 9
Summit Day | Kibo Hut – Summit Bid – Horombo Hut | approx. 21km (4,750m - 5,895m summit – 3,915m)

We rise at midnight for the toughest, but most rewarding day of our challenge and after breakfast, we follow a long and winding path up to the wonderful rim of the volcano’s crater.

As we trek higher, the slope becomes steeper and rockier with boulders here and there, which signals that we’re drawing close to the Gilman’s Point, at a whopping 5,712m.

This is a check point of sorts and thankfully, from here, our route gets a little gentler all the way to the summit.

Of course, we take a bit of a break here to take in the staggering vistas, enjoy the mountainous sense of achievement of having reached 5,895 metres above sea level and get some fabulous photos, so we can remember the moment forever!

Then it’s back down we go, descending carefully to Kibo Hut for a rest and some hot lunch. This refreshes us sufficiently, so that we can finish off our day’s tough feat by trekking to our night’s camp, the Horombo Hut, which sits at 3,915m.

By now, we’ve jolly well earned ourselves a big dinner, which we tuck into before retiring to bed.

Day 10
Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Impala Hotel, Arusha | approx. 20km (3,706m – 1,962m)

We’re so ready for our final day of trekking and after our last breakfast at a campsite, we embark on a beautiful descent back down the mountain, stopping at Mandara for lunch.

Our stunning route takes us through rainforests full of colourful plants and wildlife and we can enjoy the exotic birdsong as we walk, a wonderful soundtrack to spur us on to our finishing point at the gate of the National park.

Triumphant and trekked out, we check out of the park and rest our legs on a coach transfer (approx. 3 hours) to our hotel for a freshen up, before we meet again for our delicious celebration dinner.

Day 11
Free Day | Arusha

Our last day in Tanzania is free for you to spend as you like, relaxing at the comfortable hotel or wandering the local area. Arusha is a hugely popular, multicultural city, which lies on the Northern Safari Circuit, close to many of Africa’s greatest National Parks.

Why not finish your adventure with an awesome optional excursion?

We're delighted to offer you three optional excursions at the end of this challenge.

You can visit the stunning Kikuletwa Hot Springs, jump on a safari in the amazing Arusha National Park or even extend your stay in Tanzania on a 3-day safari in the incredible Serengeti National Park!

Please get in touch with us for more information and/or if you'd like to take part in one. Simply email us directly at events@dream-challenges.com or call us during office hours (9am - 5pm Monday to Friday) on 01590 646410.

Days 12 & 13
Arusha – UK

We bid a fond farewell to Tanzania and transfer to Arusha airport for our overnight flight back to the UK, arriving in London on Day 13.

Alternatively, you can jump on the awesome chance to extend your stay in Tanzania and embark on an optional three-day safari in the Serengeti National Park.

If you choose to take part in the optional three-day safari extension, you won’t fly home with the main group, but there will be an optional later flight back to the UK after your safari.

Please let us know if you’d like to take part at least 14 weeks before the challenge.

Book my place

Funding options

Self Funded

Pay the registration fee (£399) and challenge costs (£2,995) + airport taxes/fuel surcharge (approx. £375).

£2,995

Pay the balance

  • Pay a non-refundable registration fee of £399 when you book, which is used to administer the challenge and secure your seats with the airline.
  • Pay the challenge cost of £2,995 yourself 12 weeks before the challenge starts.
  • The challenge costs cover your flights (not including airport taxes and the fuel surcharge, approx. £375), food, accommodation, transfers, guides, oxygen and medical support, including a UK-registered doctor with expedition medicine training.
  • Choose to fundraise as much as you can for the charity, hospice or animal sanctuary of your choice with no minimum target, or make a personal donation.
  • Please also remember to budget for airport taxes and fuel surcharge. These won't be covered in the challenge costs so you'll need to pay them separately (approx. £375).
Book my place

Sponsorship

Pay your registration fee (£399) and airport taxes/fuel surcharge (approx. £375), and fundraise £5,990 or more for your chosen charity.

£5,990

Pay the balance

  • Pay a non-refundable registration fee of £399 when you book, which is used to administer the challenge and secure your seats with the airline.
  • Fundraise the minimum sponsorship target of £5,990 for a charity of your choice at least 12 weeks before your challenge starts.
  • Providing you have raised the funds, the charity you are supporting will pay the challenge costs (£2,995) on your behalf.
  • The challenge costs cover your flights (not including airport taxes and the fuel surcharge, approx. £375), food, accommodation, transfers, guides, oxygen and medical support, including a UK-registered doctor with expedition medicine training.
  • Please also remember to budget for airport taxes and fuel surcharge. These won't be covered in the challenge costs so you'll need to pay them separately (approx. £375).
  • Please note that not all charities are happy to commit to the minimum sponsorship option. If you choose this option, we contact the charity you want to support on your behalf. If they are not happy with the minimum sponsorship option, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Book my place

FAQs
Mount Kilimanjaro Trek 2023

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a high altitude trek that is a serious physical challenge, but nothing you can't achieve without a bit of training. We provide all our participants with a realistic and achievable training plan once you register for the challenge, which we recommend you stick to.

The trek will test your physical fitness, powers of endurance and mental strength. Our mountain guides have an excellent track record both in safety and in reaching the summit with this type of group.

Much of the route is on well defined paths although the summit ascent will involve some scrambling on scree-covered slopes and boulders. Perhaps the biggest challenge is dealing with the altitude; but we have designed this itinerary to allow for sufficient acclimatisation to the conditions, which will help to improve the chances of reaching the summit. Two UK registered expedition trained doctors will be travelling with your group.

Please don't be! The majority of people will sign up on their own and our Dream Challenges are renowned for the amazing camaraderie and life long friendships made as our groups take on these incredible feats together.

Once you've signed up for the challenge, we'll send you a link to a private Facebook group for everyone registered for the Mount Kilimanjaro Trek 2023.

Please feel free to use this space to swap questions, advice and updates with your fellow trekkers on your training and fundraising. You may also want to reach out to the fellow participants in this group to see if there's anyone in your local area you can meet up to train and fundraise with.

Trekkers need to be 18 years or older to take on this Dream Challenge, but there's certainly not a maximum age limit!

One of the amazing things about the challenge is that adults of all ages will come together to do something very special.

The daytime temperature on the plains and at lower levels will be around 30 degrees Celsius.

Trekking through the rainforest could, as the name suggests, be very wet and the temperature will drop significantly as we climb higher.

Night time temperatures will be sub-zero and the summit is permanently covered with ice.

You will need a good pair of hiking boots; a 3-4 seasons sleeping bag; warm waterproof clothing and water bottles or a hydration bladder. Apart from that, no specialist equipment is required. We will supply a full kit list before you go.

We will camp in two-person tents on the mountain and accommodation will be provided in comfortable tourist class hotels on our nights in Arusha on a twin sharing basis.

*Accommodation is included on a twin-sharing basis. However, if you would rather pay for a single supplement and have a tent to yourself, we can arrange this for you at an additional cost of £141. Simply let us know at least 17 weeks before the challenge begins.

Porters will carry your luggage, food and water, so you will only need to carry a small day pack containing essential accessories and equipment.

In addition to paying your registration fee and either self funding your challenge or raising the minimum sponsorship target, you will need to budget for your:

  • Airport taxes and the fuel surcharge (approx. £375 but subject to change)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Visa
  • Gratuities
  • Optional tours and personal expenses
  • You may also want to pay £141 for a single supplement.

The group size for this challenge is likely to be around 25-30 people.

Yes of course!

We're delighted to offer you an amazing three-day safari extension following our Kilimanjaro trek (not included in challenge costs). three optional excursions at the end of this challenge. These three days will see you exploring the incredible Serengeti National Park on an unforgettable wildlife safari!

If you choose to take part in the optional three-day safari extension, you won’t fly home with the main group, but there will be an optional later flight back to the UK after your safari.

Please get in touch with us for more information and/or if you'd like to take part in one. Simply email us directly at events@dream-challenges.com or call us during office hours (9am - 5pm Monday to Friday) on 01590 646410.

You will need to take out your own personal travel insurance covering health, accident, loss and repatriation.

As part of our amazing 14-step initiative to minimise the risk of coronavirus, we're delighted to have found a fantastic travel insurance policy, which covers you for cancellation because of medically diagnosed COVID-19.

Please ask the insurer about the nature of the cover. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate cover for your challenge.

You can however take out your own insurance providing it covers you for a charity trek in Tanzania.

Each participant needs to organise their own tourist visa. Full details on how to apply will be provided much closer to the challenge departure date.

The Dream Challenges team are here to help you achieve your challenge and will support you all the way.

We are on hand from the minute you sign up to answer any questions that you may have about your training or the challenge itself.

Once you have registered, we will send you a realistic training programme to help you get fit for the trek. The programme builds up gradually as the challenge gets closer.

We'll also have medical support, including at least one UK doctor with expedition medicine training.

We'll have medical support, including two UK registered expedition trained doctors travelling with your group. They are equipped with a comprehensive expedition medical kit and mountain evacuation is arranged if needed.

You'll be pleased to know that we'll have plenty of food to sustain us and keep our energy up throughout the challenge. On a typical day, we'll be eating the following:

Breakfast:
• Seasonal Fruits
• Porridge, Toast, Boiled Egg, Fried Egg, Scrambled Egg, Omelette, Sausage, Pancake
• Blueband butter, Peanut Butter, Jam, Honey
• Tea, Coffee, Milo, Milk, Drinking Chocolate, Cocoa

Lunch Box and Hot Lunch:
Chicken, Boiled egg, Crisps, French toast, Juice, Cake, Sandwich, Soup, Boiled Potato, Vegetable Sauce, Beef, Chips Seasonal Fruits

On Arrival at the Camp:
• Everyday when participants arrive at the camp we provide Popcorn or Peanuts with Tea, Coffee, Milk, Milo, Drinking Chocolate waiting for the Dinner

Dinner:
• Soup, Bread, Pancake, Half Cake, Spaghetti, Vegetable Sauce, Beef, Fruits
• Soup, Bread, Pancake, Half Cake, Rice, Vegetable Sauce, Fried Fish, Fruits
• Soup, Bread, Pancake, Half Cake, Macaroni, Mushroom Sauce, Fruits
• Soup, Bread, Pancake, Half Cake, Rice, Vegetable Sauce, Beef, Fruits
• Soup, Bread, Pancake, Half Cake, Spaghetti, Minced Meat, Fruits
• Soup, Bread, Pancake, Half Cake, Rice, Beans, Fruits

After Dinner:
• We provide Tea, Coffee, Milk, Milo, Drinking Chocolate.

The last night ascending to the summit:
• We provide Tea + Juice + Biscuits and Chocolates.

By all means, you can bring your own favourite snacks to have throughout the day, but please be mindful of your weight allowance.

*If you have any dietary requirements, that's absolutely no problem - but make sure to let us know beforehand so we'll have sufficient food for you, too!

As we're not medically trained, we're afraid we can't offer you advice on this. We recommend you contact your GP or your local travel clinic, who will have the latest travel health advice.

We also recommend you visit the NHS Fit for Travel website here, to keep up to date with current travel health news and advice on staying healthy abroad.

NHS Fit for Travel website: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

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