High-quality, durable gear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable Kilimanjaro trek, as it helps you cope with the mountain’s varying temperatures and ensures your safety.

A detailed kit list will be provided in your welcome pack, and also available to download in your passenger portal. It’s important to have all the specified items. While some equipment can be costly, there is an option to hire gear locally. Upon arriving in Tanzania, you’ll receive a kit briefing where you can hire any forgotten items, though it’s best to come prepared.

To see your full kit list, login to your passenger portal here – https://www.ultraadventures.co.uk/my-account/

You will fly from London Heathrow to Kilimanjaro and return to London Heathrow.

You are responsible for getting to London Heathrow for the initial meeting. All transfers after initial meeting will be included until you are back in the UK. Flights will be booked and announced closer to the time of the trek. This is usually confirmed after your 80% fundraising target date.

All residents of the United Kingdom be required to obtain a Visa to enter Tanzania.

You will be able to apply for this online. Some details you will need for this will be included in your Welcome Pack, additional information will also be provided by us once your flights for the trek have been booked.

On your Mount Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll be served plenty of food. Typically, featuring freshly prepared, locally inspired dishes designed to keep your energy levels high. Meals vary; sometimes you’ll enjoy buffet-style lunches, while other times you might have packed lunches to take along. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions; just let us know in advance. At each Kilimanjaro camp, there will also be tea, coffee, hot chocolate, squash, and fruit juices.

Bringing a selection of your favourite snacks can be beneficial. They not only act as an energy source but also provide an emotional uplift during demanding stretches of your climb. So think of your favourite sweets: chocolate, biscuits, and crisps. Make sure you have enough for the duration of the trek—one or two snacks per day.

Salty snacks: To satisfy those salty cravings, this will also help replace some of the salts. Pringles, hula-hoops, trail mix.
Sweet snacks—your favourites to give you an extra boost. Sweets and chocolates.
Biscuits or cookies can be a great comfort treat and go great with a hot drink!
Squash or juice is great to remove the taste of purification tablets.

On the trek, you will be sharing TWO people in a tent and a twin room for your stay pre- and post-trip.

If you prefer to have a SOLO tent and room, there is a $140 fee (subject to change), as this requires an extra room for both pre- and post-nights and the porters to carry extra tents.

We don’t really advise solo tents, as most altitude symptoms manifest at night; it’s better to be in with someone, just in case you get unwell.

The majority of people like to share a tent, as this gives them comfort and the support of having someone there throughout the night. Everyone will make friends at the airport and usually pair up there!

We will be asking you before the trek if you are happy to share or if you would prefer a solo tent.

Please see above.

Uhuru Peak is at extreme altitude. The Machame route is a seven-day trek, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness and helps you to acclimatise. There are a few things that you can do to help with altitude sickness: Eat well, drink well, rest, and take medication (Diamox).

Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headaches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, please let your doctor know.

There will be an expedition medic with you on the trek who will advise when you need to take Diamox.

*Diamox is used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is important not to take it in advance of the trek; you only need to take it when you are advised to by the medic.

An expedition doctor or medic will join the group to oversee everyone’s health and address any medical concerns. Their responsibilities include supporting the crew to ensure the journey goes smoothly and offering encouragement during challenging moments. The total number of crew members assisting you will vary based on your group’s final size.

You will have your backpack, your camp bag, and your hotel bag.

Backpacks will be carried by you on the trip. This needs to be big enough to carry water, personal medications, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm layers, waterproofs, and your packed lunch on day 1. Think roughly 30L. It should also have a waterproof cover.

Camp bags will be carried by porters, so there is strictly a 15-kg limit, and this will be weighed at the gate to the National Park. It must be soft, no wheels or frames, and ideally it should be waterproof/water resistant. We recommend big duffel bags rather than a big backpack for ease of locating gear. We also recommend packing cubes for that reason! This bag will have your sleeping gear, spare clothing, camp footwear, wash bag/toiletries, spare snacks, and a book/card/kindle. We always recommend you have a practice of packing your bag; it will save you lots of time and stress when we get to the hotel. Your waterproofs and warm layers will be in your backpack every day, so don’t include them in your 15 kg allowance.

Hotel bags will have your lovely clean clothes and party attire! This will remain at the hotel throughout the trip and will be secured to await your return. This can be a suitcase, rucksack, or anything you like.

We have sent you a full kit list of all the items you need. In your Facebook group, there will also be Natalie’s pinned post with lots of information about the equipment needed. Clothing that you travel in or for your leisure day at the hotel can be left in the hotel and does not need to be carried on the mountain. Upon arrival, you will receive a kit briefing where you will be able to hire some items that you might have forgotten.

It is completely up to you how you wish to pack and take your items. As you usually have the allowance of 2x 23 kg bags (dependent on the airline and will be confirmed once your flights are booked). You can split your kit between the two bags; that way, if you want to use suitcases, you can put your big bag and items between two suitcases and then pack your bag at the hotel. You will then be able to leave your leisure clothes, etc. in your suitcase at the hotel. I would suggest putting boots and essentials in hand luggage and using your daypack for hand luggage. Maybe waterproofs/down jackets, a change of clothes, and some underwear in the hand luggage! That way you know you have essentials if any bags go missing; thankfully this hasn’t occurred yet, and hopefully it won’t in the future; however, it’s wise to think about it just in case.

Your full day-by-day itinerary shows what is included in terms of hotel accommodation and meal basis. Your pre- and post-climb accommodation is usually at Weru Weru River Lodge; however, this will be confirmed closer to your trek.

Travel insurance is compulsory, and it is essential that we see your Travel Insurance policy certificate before the trek. This MUST cover you at high altitude. Ultra Adventures will require a copy of your insurance policy 4 weeks prior to departure.

If you haven’t taken out insurance yet, we can strongly recommend the “Extreme Pack” from True Traveller: https://www.truetraveller.com/trekking-insurance. This should cover you for trekking up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Please check their packs to confirm they cover Mount Kilimanjaro, as they may change. 

Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame route is an exciting challenge! Summiting Kilimanjaro is a challenging endeavour that pushes climbers physically and mentally. The gradual ascent to high altitudes requires endurance, resilience, and determination, making reaching the summit a remarkable personal achievement. It’s a non-technical climb, meaning you don’t need specialised mountaineering skills, but it still demands a good level of physical fitness and stamina. Arriving in good shape with a positive mindset will set you up for success!

You’ll be trekking for 6 to 7 hours each day at higher altitudes, and for the summit, you should be ready for a long day of 12 to 15 hours on your feet, including 6 to 8 hours of climbing and 6 to 7 hours of descending. The higher altitudes and long days require not just physical endurance, but also mental resilience. However, if you prepare well, stay positive, and pace yourself, reaching the summit will be an incredibly rewarding personal achievement!

To climb Kilimanjaro, you’ll need a good level of fitness, but you don’t have to be a super athlete! Focus on building your endurance with activities like hiking, walking, or jogging for several hours at a time. Strengthening your legs, core, and overall stamina is key.

We recommend walking as much as possible while carrying a backpack so that you can get used to this. When you are on the trek, you will be walking every day for long distances; the more exercise you do before the trek, the more you will get out of it.

Here are some tips to focus on:

Get the miles in: The best training by far to climb Kilimanjaro is to get your walking boots on and get lots of miles under your belt. You will be regularly walking long distances each day on the trek; you don’t want to suffer from sore legs.

Practice walks: Hiking practice allows you to understand the stress your joints will be put under and how well you can deal with this. To help you prepare for the trek, do practice walks at any of the UK’s peaks. Make sure you use your walking poles, boots, and backpack to get used to how this feels.

High-intensity training: This will improve your level of fitness and make you realise that you can push yourself further than your limits. A key skill you will need for the trek! This will help improve cardiovascular fitness, increase strength, and build muscle endurance, which can all make the climb more manageable.

Stair Climbing: If you don’t have hills nearby, climbing stairs is an excellent substitute for building leg strength and endurance.

Altitude Training (if possible): If you can, plan to spend time at higher elevations or train at higher altitudes before the climb to help your body adjust to lower oxygen levels. If not, focus on building endurance at lower altitudes.

Positive mental attitude: Keep telling yourself, “I can do this.” This mindset is key to pushing through the tough moments on the trek. Climbing Kilimanjaro requires mental resilience and determination, especially with the altitude and long days. Stay focused on the summit and celebrate small victories along the way to stay energized. Encouraging yourself and others also boosts morale, making the journey more enjoyable for everyone. Having the right mindset can make a huge difference in your experience and success!

You are responsible for arranging your own transport to and from the UK airport.

We will provide flights to and from Tanzania, airport transfers to the hotel, and transportation to and from the mountain gate.

The Machame is a beautiful and popular Kilimanjaro route. The Machame route is designed to incorporate a “climb high, sleep low” strategy, which helps with acclimatisation. During the trek, you’ll gain elevation throughout the day and then descend to lower altitudes for rest, which helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and allows your body to adjust better to higher elevations.

The Machame route is considered moderately challenging. It doesn’t require technical skills, but good fitness and mental resilience are essential. The Machame route is a seven-day trek, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness and helps you to acclimatise.

You’ll trek for 6 to 7 hours each day, and summit day can last 12 to 15 hours. The terrain varies, and acclimatising to the altitude can be tough. However, with the right training and preparation, many climbers find this route both achievable and rewarding!

The landscapes along the Machame route are stunningly diverse and beautiful. As you ascend and descend the mountain via different paths, you get to experience various parts of Kilimanjaro. The rainforest and moorland sections are filled with vibrant vegetation, while the higher elevations provide magnificent views overlooking the plains.

Considered one of the most scenic routes among the seven on Kilimanjaro, the Machame route takes you through five distinct climate zones: rainforest, grassland, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit. This variety increases your chances of spotting some of Kilimanjaro’s unique plants and fascinating wildlife.

Along the way, you’ll encounter impressive natural features, including the volcanic plug known as Lava Tower and the dramatic Barranco Wall. The route also offers prime locations for witnessing some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets on the mountain.

Yes, there is mobile signal on Kilimanjaro, but it can be quite variable. Most of the established routes, including the Machame route, have signals at certain camps. However, coverage may be limited or spotty, especially in more remote areas or at higher altitudes.

It’s also worth noting that while some areas may have a signal, the quality and reliability can fluctuate, so it’s best not to rely on your phone for communication during the trek. If you need to stay connected, consider bringing a portable charger and inform your friends or family that there may be times when you’re out of reach.

On the Machame route, you typically do not carry your own bags. Instead, porters are hired to carry the bulk of your gear, including your main backpack, tents, and food supplies. You will only need to carry a daypack with essentials like water, personal meds, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm layers, waterproofs, and your packed lunch on day 1. Think roughly 30L. It should also have a waterproof cover.

Your camp bag will be carried by porters, so it is strictly a 15kg limit, and this will be weighed at the gate to the National Park. It must be soft, no wheels or frames, and ideally it should be waterproof/water resistant. We recommend big duffel bags rather than a big backpack for ease of locating gear.

This arrangement allows you to focus on the hike and enjoy the scenery without the extra weight, making the climb more manageable. Just make sure to pack wisely and adhere to the weight limit for the porters to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience!

Raising £6,000 for your trek is an exciting goal, and there are many creative ways to achieve it! Here are some tips to help you with your fundraising efforts:

Create Your Just Giving Page

Use the link we provide to set up your Just Giving page. Be sure to share your story, explaining why you’re taking on this incredible challenge and what it means to you. Include photos of your training journey, and consider linking your Strava!

Host Events

Sponsored Walks/Runs: Organise a local walk or run, charging an entry fee or seeking sponsorships from participants.

Bake Sales: Host bake sales at your workplace, school, or community events.

Quiz Nights: Plan a quiz night at a local pub or community centre and charge for entry.

Social Media

Share your fundraising journey on social media. Regular updates will engage your network and encourage donations.

Corporate Sponsorship

Approach local businesses for sponsorship or donations in exchange for promoting their brand on your fundraising page or at events.

Some companies may match employee donations, so check if your workplace has such a program.

Consider asking businesses for sponsorship space on your flag or banner, which you can take with you on the trek and use for photos at each camp and the summit.

Raffles and Auctions

Organise a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and sell tickets to raise funds.

Keep supporters informed.

Regularly update your supporters on your training and fundraising progress. Thank them for their contributions and share your excitement about the trek.

Additional Tips:

Self-Donate: People who make a donation to their own page to get them started often raise more!

Share on Email or Text: There may be lots of your family, friends, or colleagues who are not on social media. Add the link to your email signature and share on text or in your WhatsApp groups!

Set Smaller Goals: Break your overall goal into smaller, manageable amounts to make it feel less overwhelming.

Establish a Timeline: Set deadlines for each fundraising activity to stay accountable.

Share Your Story: Be personal and share why this trek is significant to you, as this can inspire others to contribute.

To take part in the trek, 80% of the fundraising requirement must be raised 12 weeks prior to departure. To help you with your fundraising, here are some guidelines:

25 – 24 weeks

50%-20 weeks prior to departure

75% – 16 weeks prior to departure

80%: 12 weeks prior to departure; compulsory deadline

100%: Must be raised by the date of departure of the trek.

With determination and creativity, you can reach your £6,000 goal while building a supportive community around your journey. Good luck!