Kilimanjaro climb

Kilimanjaro is a mountain often described in superlatives. It’s the world’s largest freestanding mountain, one of the Seven Summits, and - at 19,341 feet - Africa’s highest point. A climb to the summit - nearly three miles above the East-African plains - is a bucket-list accomplishment. Yet just as memorable are each day’s smaller details: a turacao flashing through fig and holly forest, dazzling sunbirds amongst the moorland’s fabulous groundsel trees, and the terraced glaciers ringing the summit crater.

That combination makes Kilimanjaro a unique destination. It’s a strenuous but non-technical ascent - no rock climbing or glacier travel and no need for ropes or ice axes. It’s an ideal introduction to high-altitude climbing and a rewarding journey in a fantastic landscape. It’s truly an adventure of a lifetime.  

The Aspen Expeditions Difference

A trip with Aspen Expeditions Worldwide avoids the crowds by climbing the Rongai or Machame Routes. While these routes are a bit longer then the standard routes the trek is stunning. As it ascends from the trailhead at 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) to the summit, it passes through every ecological zone found in this area of East Africa. You begin in rainforest, pass through alpine pines, then into grassland, alpine tundra, and eventually walk along the crater.

Kilimanjaro is an ideal mountain to try high-altitude climbing without needing years of experience or training. Climbing the mountain can be strenuous, but our route is non-technical (there is no rock climbing, ice, snow, or need for ropes). We use a very experienced team of local Tanzanians acting as porters, kitchen staff, and local guides. With the assistance of our local team, it means you only carry day packs to save your energy for the summit push. They also offer a priceless look into local culture.

Aspen Expeditions Worldwide can help you have a successful and safe climb on Kilimanjaro!

We offer:

• Custom itineraries – We specialize in creating an itinerary that meets your schedule and goals. We can add more days for acclimatizing, or plan a remote and less crowded route. Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll craft a trip of a lifetime!

• Highly-skilled AEW guides – Our professional mountain guides lead each trip, accompanying you from the airport to the summit and back. We send a trip leader from Colorado who has previous experience on Kilimanjaro or other high-altitude mountains. Their climbing expertise and training in wilderness and high-altitude first aid protocols helps keep you safe and improves your chances of summiting.

• First-class local partners: We team with a highly-regarded local company, Snow Africa Adventures, who have run hundreds of treks across Tanzania. Their incomparable support helps ensure your trip is smooth and pleasant, with a lively, proficient crew of porters, kitchen staff, and local guides. Their work allows you to hike each day with a light daypack, so you save energy for your summit push.You’ll learn about the mountain’s plants and wildlife while camping and sleeping comfortably.

• Pre-trip Training: The high peaks (dozens over 13,000 feet) surrounding our home in Aspen, Colorado make a majestic, practical setting for pre-trip training and acclimatization. Hike and climb privately with our trip leaders to gain the fitness, skills, and altitude training to make the most of your adventure. 

Savor a fantastic landscape and get a priceless look into local culture while climbing one of the World’s Seven Summits. Learn more by contacting Aspen Expeditions Worldwide [link] or reading our sample itinerary and FAQ [link].

We offer a Variety of Safari Options; including one-day trips outside Arusha, three-day trips into the magical Ngorongoro Crater, and luxury balloon safaris in the famed Serengeti.

Sample Kilimanjaro Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart the USA for Tanzania.

Day 2  - Arrive into Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to our hotel in Arusha

Day 3  - Sightseeing, shopping, relaxing in and around Arusha... including a visit to the National Cultural Center.

Day 4  - Drive to the Rongai Gate trailhead at around 6,000 ft. Hike to our first camp at 9,000 feet.

Day 5 - Our six-hour hike takes us to the Third Cave Camp at 12,800 feet.

Day 6  - Acclimatization day at camp with a mid-day hike to 14,000 feet.

Day 7  - Today's four-hour hike takes us to Kibo Camp at 15,500 feet

Day 8  - Rest and acclimatize with short walk above Kibo Camp.

Day 9  - Summit Day! A midnight start for our climb to The Top of Africa at 19,341 feet! We then descend to the Horombo Camp at 12,000 feet.

Day 10  - Six hours of easy descent take us to the end of the trail at the Kilimanjaro Park Headquarters (6,000 feet). We return to our hotel in Arusha.

Optional 3- 5 day safari:

$1750 for 3 day Safari

$2650 for 5 day Safari

AEW Kilimanjaro costs:

Trip cost includes:

Airport shuttles round trip, three nights at the hotel in Arusha (two before and one after the climb) with breakfast, Forest Service fees, Kilimanjaro National Park fees, on-mountain rescue fees, payment for porters, two local guides and cook, tents, tables, chairs, oxygen cylinder, and private toilet. This cost also includes the travel expenses and wages for AEW guide as your personal Aspen Expeditions' guide.

Cost does not include:

Gratuities, Airline Tickets, Personal gear like sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles etc, other meals and drinks at hotel in Arusha and personal interest/gifts, etc.

To further discuss this adventure of a lifetime, or itinerary / pricing information:  Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form  to create your customized Kili expedition.

Tanzania Visa requirements and recommendations

We recommend using a service called TravelVisaPro.com to obtain your visas for Tanzania. You can send (via FedX or Priority Mail) your passports with payment and they will return passports with visas in 8 days. We advise doing this sooner than later since the visas are valid for one year and you avoid any last minute 'rush' issues.  The total cost, including their service, is roughly $150/person.

Immunizations (CDC requirements and recommendations)

Please check with the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website for Tanzania for current information on recommended and required immunizations.  I tend not to take the Malaria pills unless the trip includes a visit to the coast (Zanzibar) or lower elevations. In general the concern is Hep A and B and Typhoid. Tanzania requires proof of Yellow Fever if arriving from countries with this disease (USA excluded).

Rescue Insurance (AAC membership)

Not a bad idea to join the American Alpine Club (AAC) since it includes international rescue insurance and other benefits like discounts on huts in the Alps.

To further discuss this adventure of a lifetime, or itinerary / pricing information:  Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form  to create your customized Kili expedition.