Take the Pilgrimage to The Roof Of Africa
So you have ticked Mt. Kenya Point Lenana off your bucket list and are now eyeing the Roof of Africa? Or maybe you have some experience hiking diverse trails and want to head straight to the big boys club. Our team of expert hiking coaches thoughtfully designed the Roadmap to Kilimanjaro course just for you.
Roadmap to Kilimanjaro is a comprehensive high-altitude hiking program to help any intermediate hiker reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. This 8-week training program shows you how to master high-altitude hiking and equips you with the information you need to successfully conquer yourself all the way to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Goals Of The Roadmap To Kilimanjaro Program
Through several iterations in our Beginner to Mt. Kenya in 90 Days and High90 Altitude Rush program [deprecated], we identified three essential requirements that you must fulfill for you to complete the pilgrimage to the top of the world’s highest free-standing mountain:
1. Physical fitness:- You must be reasonably fit to endure the arduous trek.
2. Sufficient understanding of hiking and hiking gear:- You must be significantly self-sufficient in most aspects of hiking, including pacing and gear layering.
3. In-depth understanding of high-altitude hiking:- You must have an above-average knowledge of high-altitude hiking. Importantly, you must understand altitude sickness symptoms and how your body adapts to high-altitude conditions.
What Are The Features Of The Roadmap To Kilimanjaro Program?
The Roadmap to Kilimanjaro training course is ideal for intermediate and advanced hikers based in Kenya and includes the following:
- Four high-altitude preparatory hikes–all-costs inclusive.
- Physical fitness plans to incorporate into your fitness routine.
- Dedicated coaching in an online forum throughout the program.
- Comprehensive training materials on all aspects of hiking–from gear and layering to walking various terrain.
- 7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame route expedition and 2 nights at a hotel–accommodation, camping, and transport costs included. Note: The total expedition length is 9 days when you factor a commute day each way.
The Roadmap to Kilimanjaro program is for you if you:
- Successfully completed the three-month Beginner to Mt. Kenya program or the twelve-week Rookie Program;
- Are an intermediate or advanced hiker who has already climbed Mt. Kenya or other significantly high-altitude mountains around the world; or
- Are an accomplished backpacker who desires to climb Kilimanjaro.
The Roadmap to Kilimanjaro program is not ideal for beginners.
Roadmap to Kilimanjaro Program Schedule
We kick off the program with a one-hour virtual session four days before the first event. The session’s goal is to get acquainted with the team and get a run-through of the program and what to expect. This will include Q&A.
We kick off the program with a gentle, beautiful, long hike across the Mount Kipipiri Forest. Our 13km walk to the summit takes us to 3,363m ASL before taking a steep 4.5km descent.
2024 Dates: Jan 13| May 11 | Oct 05
Our second hike takes us to the brutally steep 6km Table Mountain trail in the Northern Nyandarua moorlands up to 3,792m ASL. Our sole goal in this program is to build up endurance, and Table Mountain gives us a deserving welcome to the steep Aberdare triplets.
2024 Dates: Jan 27| May 25 | Oct 19
As if to spite her sister, Table Mountain, the Seven Ponds trail is dramatically steep throughout. We thoughtfully chose the 5.5km trail as the penultimate preparatory hike to give us another kick of endurance, in readiness for the brutal Kilimanjaro summit push. The views at the seven natural ponds at 3,831m ASL are worth every pain getting there!
2024 Dates: Feb 10 | Jun 08 | Nov 02
Lest we forget the arduous climb ahead of us, Rurimeria, the mother of all steep trails, gives us one last kick as we set our eyes on the pilgrimage to the Roof of Africa a fortnight later. The 7.5km brutally steep trail serves to remind us how far we have come and how much we've grown. Of course, a rewarding brisk walk through the lush fields of golden moorland offers a much-welcome sigh of relief, as we trudge the last steps to 3,860m ASL.
2024 Dates: Feb 24 | Jun 22 | Nov 16
Having put in the work, we finally undertake the pilgrimage to the Roof of Africa on a seven-day expedition. Our route choice is the Machame route (a.k.a "Whiskey Route"). We thoughtfully chose the Machame route for its adequate altitude acclimatization and averagely higher summit rate, thanks to a more gradual incline compared to other routes.
2024 Dates: Mar 7-15 | Nov 27-Dec 05
Charges, Package & Cancellation Policy
Roadmap to Kilimanjaro Charges
- Kenyan Citizens & East Africans: Ksh 17,000/= + US$710
Due to a pending court determination on the proposed increase in 2024 KWS conservation fees, we presently do not have a subscription package for foreign residents.
At this time, foreign residents who wish to participate in the program shall get a customized plan billed per event.
Payment Plan
- Pay Ksh 10,000 non-refundable booking deposit.
- 2nd Installment: Ksh 7,000 and US$450 by the end of the first month.
- 3rd Installment: clear the balance at least 10 days before the Kilimanjaro expedition.
Mpesa Buy Goods till 989985. USD bank account information will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Other costs you will incur in the Roadmap to Kilimanjaro training program
-
Hiking gear: second-hand hiking gear - Ksh 25,000-40,000; brand new hiking gear - From Ksh 80,000/=
- Mandatory air evacuation cover at the Mount Kilimanjaro expedition - $50 USD (if you have your own, please confirm ahead of travel that it covers air evacuation during mountaineering activities in Tanzania at elevations above 3,000m ASL).
-
Tips at the Kilimanjaro expedition - from $50
Roadmap to Kilimanjaro Package Includes
- Four preparatory hikes, a seven-day Kilimanjaro Machame route expedition and two nights hotel accomodation in Moshi, Tanzania
- Progressive training throughout the course of the program:
- Training materials and discussions in a WhatsApp group
- Two virtual Q&A group calls
- A one-on-one hands-on gear sessions at the Nairobi Arboretum
- Unlimited consulting with various Outdoorer Champions
- Transport from Nairobi and back for all events
- Park fees & charges at all events
- Guide services at all events
- Paramedic services at all events
- A liter of water, glucose, and fruits at the day hikes
- Services of a professional team of guides, cooks, and porters at Mt. Kilimanjaro
- Full-board accommodation in a standard two-man tent and a standard camping mat at Mt. Kilimanjaro--two people sharing a tent.
Package DOES NOT include
- Hiking gear, clothes, and other personal effects
- Sleeping bag and porter's backpack
- Anything else not mentioned in the 'Package Includes' list
Roadmap to Kilimanjaro Program Cancellation and Refunds Policy
– The booking confirmation deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable to a future event or program.
– The booking and booking confirmation deposit are transferrable to a different person on or before the program start date.
– Where cancellation is requested on or before the program start date, Ksh 10,000 will be retained to cover administration costs and accrued reservation costs. Any excess paid will be refunded in full.
– Where cancellation is requested after the program start date, and on or before day 40 of the program, the entire Kenya Shillings part of the program cost will be retained to cover administration costs and accrued reservation costs. Any excess paid will be refunded in full.
– Where cancellation is requested after day 40 of the program, and before day 50 of the program, the sum of the entire Kenya Shillings part of the program cost and US$120 will be retained to cover administration costs and accrued reservation costs. Any excess paid will be refunded in full.
– No refund will be issued when cancellation is requested on or after day 50 of the program.
– The Roadmap to Kilimanjaro program ticket is bundled and may not be split into specific event tickets. Therefore, no-shows may not claim any amount for any event they miss.
– The Roadmap to Kilimanjaro program subscription will be put on hold as soon as a milestone payment falls overdue.
– The Roadmap to Kilimanjaro program ticket expires immediately a milestone payment becomes seven (7) days overdue. The ticket is deemed canceled on the expiry date, and the cancellation policy applies.
– Participation in the prep hikes is mandatory, otherwise, no adjustments will be made to the final cost.
– No refunds will be issued where participation is denied due to non-compliance with the rules and regulations, safety guidelines, and/or the failure to comply with the minimum gear requirements.
– No-shows forfeit the entire deposits paid up.