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, Mount Kenya Crash Program, and other advanced hiker programs, 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.
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.
- 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.
- The ultimate Kilimanjaro expedition.
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 suitable 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.
Our first hike is a gentle, beautiful, trek to the top of Mount Kipipiri, where our 4.5km walk to the summit takes us to 3,363m ASL.
2024 Dates: 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: 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: 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: Nov 16
Having put in the work, we finally undertake the pilgrimage to the Roof of Africa on a six-day expedition. Our route choice for this season is the Marangu route (a.k.a "Coca-Cola Route"). We thoughtfully chose the Marangu route this time for its dorm-like mountain hut accommodation, given the wet weather. Although it's typically done in 5 days, We dedictaed an extra day for rest and altitude acclimatization before the summit attempt.
2024 Dates: Nov 27-Dec 04
Some Thoughts From Our Community
Charges, Package & Cancellation Policy
Roadmap to Kilimanjaro Charges
- Kenyan Citizens & East Africans: Ksh 17,000/= + US$720
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
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Hiking gear: second-hand hiking gear - Ksh 25,000-40,000; brand new hiking gear - From Ksh 80,000/=
- Air rescue for medical emergencies is included in the price but medical expenses are not. Consider procuring travel insurance or checking with your provider about coverage--just in case you encounter a medical emergency.
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Tips at the Kilimanjaro expedition - from $80.
- Other travel expenses - apprx. Ksh 10,000.
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Roadmap to Kilimanjaro Package Includes
- Four preparatory hikes, a six-day Kilimanjaro Marangu route expedition and two nights hotel accomodation (bed & breakfast) 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
- 1:1 matching with an Outdoorer Champion (personal coach)
- Air rescue coverage at Kilimanjaro for medical emergencies.
- Paramedic services at all events
- Emergency prepared equipment incl. emergency oxygen tanks at Kilimanjaro.
- Transport from Nairobi and back for all events
- Park fees & charges at all events
- Guide 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 Kilimanjaro
- Full-board accommodation in shared dorm-like mountain huts at Kilimanjaro.
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.