Kilimanjaro Challenge

Join the adventure of a lifetime and summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, while supporting YCI’s HerStart Catalyst Fund this March 1-8, 2025.

mountain

Kilimanjaro Challenge at a Glance

 

If you’ve dreamed of seeing the magnificent glaciers and challenging yourself to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, one of the Seven Summits of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, here’s your chance to do it while supporting young women entrepreneurs globally!

 

The 6 day Machame route we will lead you on is one of the most scenic routes to Africa’s highest peak. With an expert team of local guides and porters, we will trek through majestic forests, alpine deserts and glistening ice fields, challenging our minds and bodies as we share this once-in-a-lifetime journey to one of the world’s most famous peaks.

December 16, 2024: Registration deadline

Register online with a $500 CAD deposit by December 2, 2024 to secure your spot.

 

February 2, 2025: Fundraising deadline
In total each individual will fundraise a minimum of $8000 CAD to participate in this challenge, but we encourage you to set high goals! This amount includes a $500 CAD deposit upon registering.

Day 1: Arrival

 

You’ll be greeted upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to a comfortable lodge in Moshi, where you will stay the night and be briefed on the itinerary and discuss any additional information needed.

 

Meals included: dinner

 

 

Day 2: Machame route (Climb day 1)

 

Machame Gate (1,800 m / 5,900 ft) to Machame Hut Camp (3,000 m / 9,800 ft)

Elevation Gain:  1,200 m / 3,900 ft

Approximately 6-7 hours of trekking

         

Your head guide will meet you for the drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate (approximately 45min). After registration, begin climbing along a winding trail through beautiful and lush forest. Since this is the zone which experiences the most rainfall on the mountain you should be prepared for afternoon showers. These can make the trail slippery at times! The climb is steady, gradually easing as you approach camp at Machame Hut (9,800ft).  The camp is located on the edge of the forest and giant heather zones. Approximately 6-7 hours of walking today.

 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

 

Day 3: Machame route (Climb day 2)

 

Machame Camp (3,000 m / 9,800 ft) to Shira Camp (3,840 m / 12,600 ft)

Elevation Gain:  840 m  / 2,800 ft

Approximately 5-6 hours of trekking

 

Today is a little shorter, beginning by climbing a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo, the summit cone of Kilimanjaro, and the jagged rim of the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. It is filled with the lava flow from Kibo and its rim has eroded and been blasted away by weather and volcanic action. Once on the plateau the trail becomes gentler as you continue your climb to Shira Camp. On a clear day the views from here are spectacular.

 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

 

Day 4: Machame route (Climb day 3)

 

Shira Camp (3,840 m / 12,600 ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850 m / 12,650 ft) via Lava Tower (4,550 m / 14,900 ft)

Elevation Gain:  710 m / 2,300 ft

Elevation Loss:  700 m/ 2,250 ft

Approximately 5-6 hours of trekking

 

Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridge lines of high desert to Lava Tower. The trek to the base of Lava Tower is about 4 hours. This tower is a 300 foot high volcanic plug. If time and energy allow, you can scramble to the top of Lava Tower for fabulous panoramic views. From Lava Tower we begin our steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing large flowering plants which actually look like trees, the scenecios. This is good practice for your descent from the summit in a few days time and will take 1-2 hours. Although you will end your day at almost the same elevation as you started, today is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Barranco Camp is in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.

 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

 

Day 5: Machame route (Climb day 4)

 

Barranco Camp (3,850 m / 12,600 ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600 m / 15,100 ft)

Elevation Gain:  750 m / 2,500 ft

Approximately 6-7 hours of trekking

 

After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and begin our climb up the Barranco Wall. This is an impressive scramble where you will be rewarded with fantastic views back towards camp. The porters climbing the wall are also an impressive sight. From the top, at 4,200m, you will follow an undulating path around the mountain side. On a clear day there are spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right. After descending into the Karranga Valley your climb takes you through Karranga Camp and steadily on to Barafu.  This is located on the ridge below the summit cone. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. At Barafu we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

 

Day 6: Machame route (Climb day 5)

 

Barafu Camp (4,600 m / 15,100 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,300 ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110 m / 10,200 ft)

Elevation Gain:  1,295 m / 4,200 ft

Elevation Loss:  2,785 m / 9,100 ft

Approximately 12-14 hours of trekking

 

In the early hours of the morning begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak, taking approximately 6-8 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day and therefore you need clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve had enough of climbing in the dark the sun will rise and you’ll be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi. At Stella Point (5,750m) join the crater rim. From here, climb less steeply to Uhuru Peak which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit the descent will take you straight down to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way. This part of the descent takes about 6 hours. Later in the evening enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

 

Day 7: Machame route (Climb day 6) 

 

Mweka Camp (3,110 m / 10,200 ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830 m / 6,000 ft)

Elevation Loss:  1,280 m / 4,220 ft

Approximately 2-3 hours of trekking

 

Descend straight to the gate through lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. Return to Moshi from Mweka Village.

 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

 

Day 8: Departure to Canada

 

You’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure to Canada.

 

Meals included: breakfast

To participate in Youth Challenge International’s Kilimanjaro Challenge, each person is required to fundraise $8000 CAD, this includes a $500 CAD deposit to secure your spot.

 

What’s included in the fee:

  • 2 nights of accommodation at a comfortable lodge in Moshi (pre and post climb)
  • Meals where indicated in itinerary (to be shared later)
  • Kilimanjaro Park fees, camping and rescue fees, head guide, assistant guides, cook, porters and crew salaries; food, drinking water, tents, portable toilet and oxygen
  • Evacuation service via stretcher and vehicle from the mountain if necessary
  • $500 deposit upon registration
  • Donation to the HerStart Catalyst Fund!

What’s not included:

  • International airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Entry visa and required/recommended vaccinations for Tanzania
  • Any meals and drinks not listed, including all alcoholic beverages
  • Hiring of personal equipment for the climb including sleeping bags, walking poles etc.
  • Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Gratuities – Please see FAQs for tipping guidelines

Step-by-step process

 

1. Register HERE and pay the deposit to secure your spot (Deadline: December 1, 2024)

2. When you have paid your deposit, you will receive a welcome package from YCI outlining next steps and important pre-climb information

3. It’s now time to fundraise! (Fundraising deadline: January 31, 2025)

4. Participants will receive another email with final trip details and airport pick up information

5. See you in Moshi!

Crowdfunding is leveraging the power of your networks to fundraise easily online. By setting up your personal crowdfunding campaign, your networks will be able to donate directly to your climb fees via VISA or MasterCard and we’ll handle the rest! All donations over $20 (CAD) will automatically receive a Canadian tax receipt. Unfortunately, international donations are not eligible for tax receipts.

 

Tips to Amplify Your Campaign:

  • Start your campaign off with a small donation to get the ball rolling.
  • Upload a personal photo or video to your profile page (Or add up to 5)!
  • Write a message on your profile page to provide a personal touch to your campaign.
  • Leverage social networks, sharing your campaign on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Send an email with a personal note and a link to your campaign to your personal and professional networks.
  • You can provide a ‘perk’ for your campaign (i.e. a postcard from Tanzania if someone donates over a certain amount).

Click below to go to the Kilimanjaro Challenge site!

Read More + Register
Frequently asked questions
What does the fundraising support?

Fundraising contributions beyond the direct cost of the climb will go directly to YCI’s HerStart Catalyst Fund to accelerate women-led social enterprises.

 

Women in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda that participate in the HerStart social entrepreneurship program are eligible for seed funding, coaching and business mentorship through the HerStart Catalyst Fund. The Fund helps to kickstart businesses as they scale up driving a more equal, climate-resilient and inclusive economy.

 

Youth Challenge International (YCI) is a leading global youth development organization that promotes youth innovation to drive positive change. Building on over 35 years of experience, YCI’s creative, market-ready solutions help catapult youth around the world to succeed and prosper.

How do I fundraise?  

YCI will provide you with a user friendly platform and helpful toolkit to complete fundraising. We encourage you to be creative with your fundraising ideas and we are here to support you along the way. All fundraising will be done via the YCI managed platform ‘Raisin’ – a secure online platform, where funds can easily be collected and tracked towards your goal.

 

All donations over $20 are eligible for a Canadian tax receipt. Under CRA regulations, Youth Challenge International cannot issue an official donation receipt if a donor is contributing towards a program in which their child is participating.

How do I register for the Kilimanjaro Challenge?

Register here by December 16 to join the Kilimanjaro Challenge from March 1-8, 2025.

 

You will need to provide your basic information along with a minimum fundraising deposit of $500 CAD to complete registration. 

What steps come after registration?

Once you have registered and paid your deposit, you will receive an email with a more detailed welcome package and forms to submit information required to organize the climb logistics.

 

YCI will provide you with an array of resources and information to help you fundraise and prepare for the challenge!

What costs are covered (and not covered) by the fundraising goal?

Costs that are covered by the $8,000 fundraising goal include:

  • Kilimanjaro park fees; fair salaries for local guides, cooks & porters (who carry your overnight bags!); tents, food, water, oxygen, portable toilets; emergency medical & evacuation insurance
  • Airport group pick up/drop off in Tanzania
  • 2 nights of hotel accommodation & meals
  • $500 deposit upon registration
  • Donation to the HerStart Catalyst Fund!

Costs that are not covered by the $8,000 fundraising goal include:

  • The challenge starts and ends in Tanzania, so you are responsible for flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
  • Any additional travel, sight-seeing or souvenirs beyond the climb.
Is the deposit or fundraising refundable if my plans change? 

No, the deposits or any funds raised are not refundable. We are working with an excellent company in Tanzania to design and develop the best trip possible for our group. We have put the deposit schedule in place to help us better understand our group numbers so our local partners can secure transportation, hotel bookings, climb logistics and crew.

 

All additional funds that are raised are not refundable, as these are charitable donations that are tax receipted and go towards supporting YCI’s HerStart Catalyst Fund.

Do we need a visa to enter Tanzania?

Yes, a visa is required for entry into Tanzania. More details will be sent on this process after registration.

Do you provide travel health insurance? 

YCI provides emergency medical and evacuation insurance through AIG Insurance company to cover each participant. You are welcome to purchase any additional medical/trip cancellation insurance you require. More information will be provided upon registration.

What medications or vaccinations will I need? Is altitude sickness a risk? 

Altitude sickness and related symptoms is common on Mt Kilimanjaro. Not everyone experiences it and it is difficult to predict who will be affected. For most people, it is nothing more than a mild headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time. 

 

However, it is strongly recommended that you visit a travel doctor before departure as there are medications that can help with potential altitude sickness. These are important to have on hand during the climb. You should also discuss other recommended vaccinations or medication to support your travel to Tanzania.

Can we rent equipment for the climb?

Absolutely! After you register, you will receive a welcome package which will include an equipment rental list. All essential equipment is available for rental and will be ready for you upon arrival in Tanzania.  This includes popular items like walking poles and overnight bags for your belongings (sized for the weight limit carried by porters).

What fitness level does the climb require?

A good level of fitness is required due to long days of walking, high altitude and rough terrain. People of all ages and backgrounds have completed Kilimanjaro with us. Anyone who leads an active and moderately healthy lifestyle has a good chance of summiting; we walk very slow to adjust to the altitude. The more you exercise before the climb, the better, as it will give you that extra boost!

What will the weather be like?

Mountain weather can vary and you should come prepared to deal with varying conditions. Generally speaking, early mornings will warm up as soon as the sun rises and the days will be warm and bright. You will be trekking in very clear air and will need strong UV protection.

When the sun sets, the temperature drops to often well below zero degrees. Nights are usually clear and frosty so warm clothing and a warm sleeping bag will be needed. The final summit climb is particularly cold and several layers will be needed before the sun rises. Due to the climate zones, rain will almost certainly happen on some, but not all, afternoons.

What should I pack? 

YCI will provide a detailed guide based on years of experience on what (and what not) to pack for the climb. This will be part of your welcome package.

 

We are also happy to answer any specific questions about packing as you prepare for the challenge!

What luggage should I use on the climb?

Your main, overnight bag on the mountain will be carried by a porter (this makes the climb much more feasible!). There is a weight limit in place in order to protect the porters, therefore your full bag must weigh less than 18 kg (approximately 39 lbs). This will need to be a soft holdall or rucksack, as many of the porters carry the bags on their heads.

 

Each day, you will also carry your own small day pack that will include things like sunglasses, hat, rain jacket and pants, extra layers, snacks, water and a small first aid kit.

What will meals be like on the climb?

Full kitchen and meal tents will be set up by the local crew for our group at a new camp each night (its amazing to see the crew move location to location!). There will be a hot breakfast (e.g. porridge, eggs, toast and tea or coffee) to start each day. Lunch will be packed or hot, depending on where we are on the mountain and the length of the walk that day. There will also be a filling, hot meal in the evening (e.g. soup followed by pasta with chicken and fruit for dessert.)

 

There will be ample drinking water as the porters collect water each morning and evening from local water sources for drinking and cooking. All of the water is treated either using a Katadyn water filter or with chlorine treatment tablets to ensure it’s 100% safe for your consumption. You will need enough water bottles or hydration systems to be able to carry up to 4 litres of water. A combination of bottles and a hydration system is preferable.

Where will we sleep on the climb?

You will be camping on the mountain and tents will be carried and set up by the local team each night. There will typically be 2 people per tent. If you wish to have a single tent, this will be available for an additional cost (be sure to let the team know after registration).

 

Warm bowls of washing water will be provided, typically at morning and night while on the mountain. Wet wipes, toilet roll and antibacterial gel are always useful for extra washing up. At each of the camps, our group will have private toilets set up (tent toilets). There are some very basic squat toilets that also exist along the trail.

Is Tanzania safe? 

Tanzania is in general a safe, hassle-free country. That said, you do need to take the usual precautions while travelling abroad.

 

Some safety tips

 

  • Avoid isolated areas, especially isolated stretches of beach. In cities and tourist areas take a taxi at night.
  • Only take taxis from established taxi ranks or hotels. Never enter a taxi that already has someone else in it other than the driver.
  • When using public transport, don’t accept drinks or food from someone you don’t know. Be sceptical of anyone who comes up to you on the street asking whether you remember them from the airport, your hotel or wherever. Take requests for donations from ‘refugees’, ‘students’ or others with a grain of salt. Contributions to humanitarian causes are best done through an established agency or project.
  • Be wary of anyone who approaches you on the street, at the bus station or in your hotel offering safari deals or claiming to know you.
  • In tourist areas, especially Arusha, Moshi and Zanzibar Island, touts can be quite pushy, especially around bus stations and budget tourist hotels. Do what you can to minimise the impression that you’re a newly arrived tourist: walk with purpose, and duck into a shop if you need to get your bearings or look at a map.
  • Arriving for the first time at major bus stations, have your luggage as consolidated as possible, with your valuables well hidden under your clothes. Try to spot the taxi area before disembarking and make a beeline for it. It’s well worth a few extra dollars for the fare. While looking for a room, leave your bag with a friend or reliable hotel rather than walking around town with it. Buy your bus tickets a day or two in advance (without your luggage).
  • Carry your passport, money and other documents in a pouch against your skin, hidden under loose-fitting clothing. Or store valuables in a hotel safe, if there’s a reliable one, ideally inside a pouch with a lockable zip to prevent tampering.
  • Keep the side windows up in vehicles when stopped in traffic and keep your bags out of sight (eg on the floor behind your legs).
  • When bargaining or discussing prices, don’t do so with your money or wallet in your hand.
  • Crowded places such as bus terminals, train stations, markets and fiestas are the haunts of pickpockets; wear your day pack in front of you or carry a bag that fits snugly under your arm.

 

Moreover, please refer to the Government of Canada website which has additional resources on travel.

 

Canadian Passports

Travel Advice and Advisories

Assistance abroad

Ask travel

Travel abroad

How is safety managed on the climb?

During your Kilimanjaro climb, safety is our number one priority. The guides are highly experienced at monitoring your symptoms and can help you assess whether it is altitude sickness, tiredness or a headache that you are suffering from. The head guides have Wilderness First Responder Medical Training, which is the highest available training specializing in emergency situations within remote settings.

 

Should you have any pre-existing medical conditions it is extremely important that you let us know, so that we can notify the guides well in advance so they can support you.

Will I have cell phone reception on the climb?

There is intermittent mobile coverage on the mountain. Signals are limited, but as long as the weather is relatively clear, there are places each day where you will most likely be able to pick up coverage. In case of an emergency, the guides carry mobile phones and radios.

How can we be responsible tourists on the climb?

It is important to leave no rubbish behind on the mountain. We follow the local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection issued by the National Park leaving wilderness camps clean and carrying off glass and tin. Biodegradable personal soaps and toothpastes can also help minimize your footprint.

What are the guidelines for tipping in Tanzania and on the climb? 

Tipping is a way to express your gratitude for excellent service, that said, here are some general guidelines:

 

  • Restaurants: Tipping is generally not practiced in small local establishments, especially in rural areas. In major towns and in places frequented by tourists, tips are expected. Some top-end places include a service charge in the bill. Usually, however, either rounding up the bill or adding about 10% to 15% is standard practice.
  • Taxis: Tipping is not common practice, except for longer (full-day or multiday) rentals.
  • On Kilimanjaro Climbs: Tipping is expected for all the hard work porters and guides put into each climb; YCI will help arrange an appropriate tipping amount from the group that each individual will contribute towards.
What currency is used in Tanzania?

Tanzanian Shillings will be required in Moshi restaurants, markets & taxi services. For this you can change your USD at any of the money exchange bureaus in town.

However, for most tourism activities in Tanzania USD (or even sometimes a credit card) is accepted. It is good practice to have both.

Are there other ways I can support or get involved with YCI?

YCI is always looking to grow and expand our network of talented and passionate individuals around the world. You can check out any existing volunteer or paid opportunities with YCI here, or contact us directly if you are interested in supporting in a different way.

 

A huge way to support YCI and our global programming is through fundraising and donations. So signing up for a Kilimanjaro Challenge, donating or starting your own fundraising Circle of Impact (even without doing a climb) is a great way to contribute!