Kilimanjaro Summit Climb 2025

Conquer the famous ‘roof of Africa’ with The Brain Tumour Charity team!

At a colossal 5,895m, Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes to ever break through the Earth’s crust. Our challenge is to clamber above the sea of clouds to its summit. We begin in the lush rainforests of the Lemosho Glades, climbing towards the Shira Plateau – is the perfect spot to acclimatise. From here we can see our goal: the ice-capped peak of Kibo. We follow the impressive Southern Flank, Barranco Wall and Barafu Route to the summit. Our groups have excellent success rates (96%) for reaching the summit, however, the summit night climb – with its 1,000m ascent and 2,000m descent – is not to be underestimated.

This is one of the toughest but most exhilarating adventures you will ever embark on.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: International departure from London

The big day has finally arrived! Everyone will feel a mixture of nerves and excitement as they meet up for the long-awaited flight to Tanzania. Embrace the nerves and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.

Day 2: Flight to Kilimanjaro airport

Your local Charity Challenge representative will meet you in arrivals and you will take a two-hour transfer to your hotel. The evening will include a team dinner, briefing and kit check before getting a long sleep in preparation for the start of the challenge.

Day 3: Lemosho gate to Big Tree Camp

It’s the long awaited challenge day!
The day starts with a two-hour transfer to Kilimanjaro National Park for registration. You will have lunch here before driving a further 40 minutes to Lemosho Gate at 1,981m. The trek begins on a little-used path called Chamber’s Route, which takes you through the first layer of Kilimanjaro’s eco-systems – the rainforest. The first day’s walk is short but tough and you should be prepared for some steep inclines and descents before you reach the first night of camping.

Day 4: Big Tree Camp to Shira One Camp

Today you will enjoy a morning climb of over 600m as you emerge out of the rainforest and into the next eco-system – the moorland. After stopping for lunch at a high point, the route heads down onto the Shira Caldera, a high-altitude desert plateau. From here, the trek is relatively flat into camp and, on a clear day, offers you the first sightings of Uhuru Peak – Kilimanjaro’s dramatic summit. The evening’s camp is at Shira One (3,500m), one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones.

Day 5: Shira One Camp to Shira Two Camp

After an early start, head east across the Shira Plateau to the Shira Cathedral (3,880m). Here you will have the opportunity to do an optional short climb (approx 20 minutes up and 20 minutes down) to the top of the Shira Cathedral. You will need to leave your poles at the bottom as this involves a bit of scrambling but you will be rewarded with stunning views from the top. Back on the main route, you will continue your trek across the plateau before ascending steeply to your campsite for the night: Shira Two (3,800m).

Day 6: Shira Two Camp to Barranco Camp

Today is a long day as you head out of the campsite and continue gradually uphill for approximately three hours. You will briefly leave the moorlands behind you as you head up to 4,500m to the Lava Tower where you will stop for lunch. This is an important step in the acclimatisation process and will be the first experience of trekking at very high altitude. After lunch you will begin your descent to the campsite. The route takes you through the Barranco Valley which is dotted with giant Dendrosenecios – impressive plants native to high-altitude mountain tops that can grow up to 6m tall. When you reach the next campsite you will be able to see how far you have come, with views over the expansive plains below and Mount Meru in the distance

Day 7: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Pack your poles into your daypack and summon up all your energy for this morning’s climb up the Barranco Wall. Conquering this 300m high wall is often one of the highlights for trekkers but requires scrambling at times and some time spent on more exposed edges. You may need to depart earlier as this section can become crowded with porters also trying to negotiate the route with their heavy loads, but take the time to catch your breath and marvel at their strength and endurance. Once at the top, you will take an undulating path into the Karanga Valley before a final steep ascent to the campsite. There is an optional but recommended afternoon trek (approx. 1-2hrs) to the scree slopes towards the southern ice fields, which helps with acclimatisation.

Day 8: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After a large, energy-filled breakfast, the trek to Barafu Ridge Camp (4,600m) begins – a tough walk made all the more difficult by the altitude. The route begins with a strenuous climb of approximately three hours back into the alpine desert eco-system. You will then trek along a flat, rocky plateau before making the final steep climb into camp. Take the afternoon to either rest or join a short acclimatisation walk to a higher point. Dinner will be early tonight and will include a full briefing before you get some much needed sleep ahead of the midnight summit departure.

Day 9: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Point to Millenium Camp

Beginning the summit walk at midnight, the route to Stella Point (5,750m) is a tough, steady climb over rocky and sometimes uneven ground. Be prepared for the mental challenge as temperatures plummet due to the wind chill. You will aim to reach Stella Point just after dawn, buoyed by the natural energy and warmth of the rising sun.

After a short rest, it’s one final push to Uhuru Point, and the roof of Africa at 5,895m. Whilst this section is fairly flat with smaller undulations, the altitude and fatigue will make it a challenging final stretch. Once there, celebrate your accomplishment with your fellow challenge participants, and take the time to admire the surrounding glacier, before beginning your descent. Knees will be feeling weary and weak as you make your way carefully back down the scree slopes to Barafu Camp. After a short rest and a much needed lunch break, you will continue down further to Millenium camp at 3,750m, where you can celebrate over dinner before getting a well-deserved early night.

Day 10: Millenium Camp to Mweka Gate through Kidia

Whilst the summit day may be behind you, your challenge is not yet complete. Leaving the beautiful moorland campsite, you begin the long, tiresome walk back into the rainforest and down to the plantations at Mweka Gate. Knees may struggle as the descent is steep in places and the path can become slippery and uneven through the rainforest. After approximately seven hours, the long-awaited finish line will come into sight and the celebrations can really begin.

Following a delicious lunch and a two-hour drive back to your hotel, you can enjoy a hot shower and rest before the you receive your medal and certificate over a celebratory dinner.

Day 11: Depart Tanzania to UK

Depending on flight times, there may be an opportunity to visit a local arts market to pick up souvenirs. You may also want to venture out of the hotel to try one of the local restaurants for lunch (not included). Then it will be time to wave goodbye to Tanzania, having completed an incredible challenge and forged some lasting friendships along the way. Feeling elated, the flight home is a great time to reflect on the achievement, swap details with your inspiring teammates and plan your next Charity Challenge.

Day 12: Arrive home

Saying goodbye will not be easy, but the memories you’ve made will stay with you forever.

What’s Included

Accommodation during the challenge (usually in twin share)
UK-based 24-hour emergency support line
Internal transfers (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary)
Drinking water on challenge days
An English speaking first aid trained challenge leader and full local support team
Three meals a day (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary)
Entrance fees to national parks or other places of interest visited on the itinerary
Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
A Charity Challenge T-Shirt
International flights to and from the UK, in economy class (see air tax exclusion below)

What’s Excluded

Visa (if required)
Travel to and from the UK airport of departure
Vaccinations (please check Trip Notes for requirements)
Contribution towards air taxes and fuel element (please see the section below on “Air Tax and Fuel Element Contribution”)
Tips
Departure Tax (if applicable)

Payment Options

Registration fee: £495. The registration fee of £495 is payable directly to event organisers Charity Challenge.

Remaining cost of trip: The fuel element of air taxes (capped at £250). Paid 10 weeks before your challenge.

Fundraising option: £5,995. To guarantee your place on this trek, we ask that you have raised £4,796 (80%) 12 weeks before departure.

Registration fee: £495. The registration fee of £495 is payable directly to event organisers Charity Challenge.

Remaining cost of trip: £495, plus the fuel element of air taxes (capped at £250). Paid 10 weeks before your challenge.

Fundraising option: £4,985. To guarantee your place on this trek, we ask that you have raised £3,988 (80%) 12 weeks before departure.

Registration fee: £495. The registration fee of £495 is payable directly to event organisers Charity Challenge.

Remaining cost of trip: £2,938, plus the fuel element of air taxes (capped at £250). Paid 10 weeks before your challenge.

Fundraising option: Raise as much as you can!

Please note: if choosing a ‘Minimum Fundraising Option’ place, you commit to raise a minimum sponsorship amount of £5,995. The cost of your place is your registration fee (paid by you at registration) plus an Event Fee (paid by The Charity). This Event Fee, taken from your fundraising, will only be paid should 80% of your final fundraising amount be raised at 12 weeks prior to departure. You will be asked to confirm this via a Minimum Fundraising Agreement before being authorised onto the challenge. If choosing this option, you’re required to share this funding arrangement with their supporters/donor so they are aware.