Kilimanjaro - Run to the roof of Africa
Impressive Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive stratovolcano in North-Eastern Tanzania, rising above the East African plains, 270km from the shores of the Indian Ocean and measuring up to 40km across. It is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world and one of the ‘Seven Summits’ - the highest mountains on every continent. Because of Kilimanjaro’s equatorial location and high elevation, you will experience almost every climate type on earth is encountered. You will pass through arable land at 800-1800m, lush forest at 1800-2800m, heather and moorland from 2800-4000m, alpine desert at 4000-5000m, and arctic conditions above 5000m.
The Route
The Adventure Running Company offers a seven-day ascent of Kilimanjaro. This time round we're rolling with the Umbwe route which enables you to enjoy some of the best trails Kilimanjaro has to offer along with getting you acclimatised and in the zone, ready to take on the summit.
So about the Umbwe route... This is an incredibly beautiful approach and is only open to teams camping on the mountain. Passing the Lava Tower and legendary Baranco Wall you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular sunsets and sunrises you’ll ever see. Ready to run? Start your descent all the way home on the Mweka route.
About the Running
If you’re worried about being the slowest runner then don’t be. We've got your back. The Adventure Running Company trips are all about working together towards the goal so we will always be at the back of the group, providing encouragement, platinum quality banter and Percy Pigs when needed.
There will always be a member of the squad around to make sure you're on track and to ensure that you have everything that you need, so all you need to think about is one foot in front of the other, as fast as you can!
What is included
The Squad
The Adventure Running Company are there to accompany you throughout your trek. Our team are our greatest asset – fully qualified with extensive experience on Kilimanjaro as well as higher, harder and colder summits around the world – and dedicated to your safety, enjoyment and success on this epic adventure. Check out more about us here!
Our in-country partners are Ahsante Tours. Using predominately the same guides, cooks and porter teams on each trip, together we provide one of the most professional support services on the mountain with a success rate that’s second to none. Ahsante Tours are based in Moshi, at the foot of Kilimanjaro, gateway not only for Kilimanjaro and Meru, but for game viewing in the northern circuit. The Adventure Running Company use the beautiful, luxury Weru Rover Lodge on the outskirts of Moshi. Safe, clean and friendly, with lush grounds, a clean pool, onsite restaurant and an open air bar, Weru Weru is the perfect place for us to prepare, relax and celebrate. If you require further accommodation before or after the expedition, Weru Weru has a variety of rooms available. The Adventure Running Company can book this extra accommodation for you.
On the mountain, our in-country guides are fully trained and qualified. Most started as porters and worked their way up to become guides. They are friendly and informative and, together with The Adventure Running Company, plan each day ahead. The Tanzanian guides only guide on Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro, so it is quite likely they have summited 100+ times before, therefore you are in very good hands!
The porters are vital to the success of the climb as they help to make your trip as comfortable as possible. The porters carry your baggage (max 15kg) and all the supplies needed for the duration of the climb. They set up camp each day, pitching your tent before you arrive. These are probably the toughest people you will ever encounter. The cooks are fully trained and will prepare good quality meals. The cook is an integral part of our success – he will control and monitor our diet on the mountain, making sure that our intake of carbohydrates is sufficient. He will also ensure that your meals have a high-energy content and are easily digestible at high altitudes.
Experience
This itinerary is designed for experienced runners. We don’t expect you to be Kilian Jornet but in order for you to get the most out of this adventure, you’ll need to be able to cover a fair amount of ground with plenty of positive ascent, have some night running experience and a basic understanding of the mountain environment. If you have raced mountain marathons, ultras or have spent many a long days in the fells and feel that you are comfortable with steep and long ascents - then this may well be right up your street! Previous experience of altitude is not exactly necessary, as we’re careful to ensure a gradual and thorough acclimatisation throughout the trek, that will prepare you for all the running on this trip.
If you have your doubts about this trip being right for you - don't sweat it. Give us a call or shoot us an email and we'll talk you through it.
Health
Your safety and wellbeing on the trek comes first. Before you throw all your chips in and sign on the dotted line, we recommend that you consult your GP for a thorough check up, or health MOT. Your GP will also advise you on your suitability for the trek and inform you of any vaccinations required.
Malaria: Its pretty real and Tanzania is in the Malaria zone, with the greatest risk of infection at altitudes below 1800m between dusk and dawn. The UK Foreign Office advises travellers to take mosquito bite avoidance measures. We advise you to consult your GP prior to travelling to Tanzania regarding Malarial Chemoprophylaxis.
Altitude: The Adventure Running Company has spent a fair amount of time at altitude to understand all of is effects. We take this very seriously. Our tried and tested policy of gradual acclimatisation and continuous monitoring by First Aiders helps to ensure your wellbeing and offers you the best possible chance of summit success.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a lack of oxygen to the tissues, most importantly the brain, and is caused by exposure to low air pressure. AMS commonly occurs above 2500m altitude and symptoms include headaches, excessive fatigue, nausea/vomiting, dizziness and sleep disturbance. While everyone has a different height at which they are affected, everyone will be affected to some degree. Fitness won’t guarantee you a pass when it comes to altitude sickness, but it certainly helps. Most symptoms can be overcome by staying hydrated, nourished, well rested and by ascending gradually. In cases of severe altitude sickness, our priority is to descend as quickly and safely as possible, thereafter the decision as to whether you continue with the climb/run rests with your guide.
Impressive Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive stratovolcano in North-Eastern Tanzania, rising above the East African plains, 270km from the shores of the Indian Ocean and measuring up to 40km across. It is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world and one of the ‘Seven Summits’ - the highest mountains on every continent. Because of Kilimanjaro’s equatorial location and high elevation, you will experience almost every climate type on earth is encountered. You will pass through arable land at 800-1800m, lush forest at 1800-2800m, heather and moorland from 2800-4000m, alpine desert at 4000-5000m, and arctic conditions above 5000m.
The Route
The Adventure Running Company offers a seven-day ascent of Kilimanjaro. This time round we're rolling with the Umbwe route which enables you to enjoy some of the best trails Kilimanjaro has to offer along with getting you acclimatised and in the zone, ready to take on the summit.
So about the Umbwe route... This is an incredibly beautiful approach and is only open to teams camping on the mountain. Passing the Lava Tower and legendary Baranco Wall you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular sunsets and sunrises you’ll ever see. Ready to run? Start your descent all the way home on the Mweka route.
About the Running
If you’re worried about being the slowest runner then don’t be. We've got your back. The Adventure Running Company trips are all about working together towards the goal so we will always be at the back of the group, providing encouragement, platinum quality banter and Percy Pigs when needed.
There will always be a member of the squad around to make sure you're on track and to ensure that you have everything that you need, so all you need to think about is one foot in front of the other, as fast as you can!
What is included
- A rock solid team of experienced & qualified guides, run coaches, first aiders and a pretty handy sports therapist
- Local guides, assistant guides and porters. The Adventure Running Company pays fair wages for porters and guides - approved by Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, as well as Tanzania Association of Tour Operators.
- Dedicated cook and assistant cook
- All meals in-country
- In-country airport transfers
- Transfers to and from the National Park gates
- Park entry permits, camping fees and rescue cover to Kilimanjaro National Park
- Emergency equipment – Comprehensive First Aid, Oxygen and Radios
- Camping equipment hire (4-season tent, camping mat, -22C sleeping bag)
- Private toilet tents on the mountain
- Katadyn filtered water
- Flights
- Personal insurance (required)
- Visas (US $50 payable on arrival)
- Tips (Est. US $180)
- Personal Spending Money
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Pre-trip Injections
The Squad
The Adventure Running Company are there to accompany you throughout your trek. Our team are our greatest asset – fully qualified with extensive experience on Kilimanjaro as well as higher, harder and colder summits around the world – and dedicated to your safety, enjoyment and success on this epic adventure. Check out more about us here!
Our in-country partners are Ahsante Tours. Using predominately the same guides, cooks and porter teams on each trip, together we provide one of the most professional support services on the mountain with a success rate that’s second to none. Ahsante Tours are based in Moshi, at the foot of Kilimanjaro, gateway not only for Kilimanjaro and Meru, but for game viewing in the northern circuit. The Adventure Running Company use the beautiful, luxury Weru Rover Lodge on the outskirts of Moshi. Safe, clean and friendly, with lush grounds, a clean pool, onsite restaurant and an open air bar, Weru Weru is the perfect place for us to prepare, relax and celebrate. If you require further accommodation before or after the expedition, Weru Weru has a variety of rooms available. The Adventure Running Company can book this extra accommodation for you.
On the mountain, our in-country guides are fully trained and qualified. Most started as porters and worked their way up to become guides. They are friendly and informative and, together with The Adventure Running Company, plan each day ahead. The Tanzanian guides only guide on Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro, so it is quite likely they have summited 100+ times before, therefore you are in very good hands!
The porters are vital to the success of the climb as they help to make your trip as comfortable as possible. The porters carry your baggage (max 15kg) and all the supplies needed for the duration of the climb. They set up camp each day, pitching your tent before you arrive. These are probably the toughest people you will ever encounter. The cooks are fully trained and will prepare good quality meals. The cook is an integral part of our success – he will control and monitor our diet on the mountain, making sure that our intake of carbohydrates is sufficient. He will also ensure that your meals have a high-energy content and are easily digestible at high altitudes.
Experience
This itinerary is designed for experienced runners. We don’t expect you to be Kilian Jornet but in order for you to get the most out of this adventure, you’ll need to be able to cover a fair amount of ground with plenty of positive ascent, have some night running experience and a basic understanding of the mountain environment. If you have raced mountain marathons, ultras or have spent many a long days in the fells and feel that you are comfortable with steep and long ascents - then this may well be right up your street! Previous experience of altitude is not exactly necessary, as we’re careful to ensure a gradual and thorough acclimatisation throughout the trek, that will prepare you for all the running on this trip.
If you have your doubts about this trip being right for you - don't sweat it. Give us a call or shoot us an email and we'll talk you through it.
Health
Your safety and wellbeing on the trek comes first. Before you throw all your chips in and sign on the dotted line, we recommend that you consult your GP for a thorough check up, or health MOT. Your GP will also advise you on your suitability for the trek and inform you of any vaccinations required.
Malaria: Its pretty real and Tanzania is in the Malaria zone, with the greatest risk of infection at altitudes below 1800m between dusk and dawn. The UK Foreign Office advises travellers to take mosquito bite avoidance measures. We advise you to consult your GP prior to travelling to Tanzania regarding Malarial Chemoprophylaxis.
Altitude: The Adventure Running Company has spent a fair amount of time at altitude to understand all of is effects. We take this very seriously. Our tried and tested policy of gradual acclimatisation and continuous monitoring by First Aiders helps to ensure your wellbeing and offers you the best possible chance of summit success.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a lack of oxygen to the tissues, most importantly the brain, and is caused by exposure to low air pressure. AMS commonly occurs above 2500m altitude and symptoms include headaches, excessive fatigue, nausea/vomiting, dizziness and sleep disturbance. While everyone has a different height at which they are affected, everyone will be affected to some degree. Fitness won’t guarantee you a pass when it comes to altitude sickness, but it certainly helps. Most symptoms can be overcome by staying hydrated, nourished, well rested and by ascending gradually. In cases of severe altitude sickness, our priority is to descend as quickly and safely as possible, thereafter the decision as to whether you continue with the climb/run rests with your guide.
Itinerary
Please Note: Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of trekkers can all affect the plan. Your leader and our local team will do their best to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, and cheerfulness in the face of adversity is an asset in the mountains.
Please Note: Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of trekkers can all affect the plan. Your leader and our local team will do their best to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, and cheerfulness in the face of adversity is an asset in the mountains.
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport at anytime. A transfer will take you to the Weru Weru Lodge. |
| Day 2 | Preparation day - Full day of rest, kit preparation, relax, swim, drink beer, briefings etc. |
| Day 3 | Trek day 1 - The super beautiful and quiet Umbwe Route to Umbwe Cave Camp (2800m). |
| Day 4 | Trek day 2 - Incredible trek up to Barranco Camp (3800m). |
| Day 5 | Trek day 3 - Circular loop up to Lava Tower (4600m). Climb it, have a great lunch, run back down to camp (3800m). |
| Day 6 | Trek day 4 - Double loop up to Arrow Glacier camp (4800m) and run back down. Then up towards Barranco Wall to Karange Camp (4100m). |
| Day 7 | Trek day 5 - A chilled day up to Kosovo Camp (4800m). |
| Day 8 | Trek day 6 - Summit Day. Early start to the summit and drop down into the crater for lunch. Afternoon mooch to the epic Ash Pit. |
| Day 9 | Trek day 7 - Early start, back to the summit for sunrise and run all the way back to the gate, 5895m - 1800m. Return to the Weru Weru Lodge for lunch and the BIGGEST PARTY EVER. |
| Day 10 | Departure - you are free to depart from the lodge at anytime, for travel home or on to another adventure! |
Additional Information
It’s customary for the local guides, cooks and porters to receive tips at the end of the trip – and good ones. We make this into a mega fun ceremony with singing and dancing.
Insurance: It is vital that you have adequate insurance cover for the trip. We will be trekking up to 5895m. If you already have annual travel insurance, you must check that you are covered.
Flights - The Adventure Running Company does not book flights. We leave this to you so that you can tailor your trip to your requirements. Return flights from the UK usually cost between £600 - £900.
Visas - All British passport holders require a visa to travel to Tanzania A single-entry Tanzanian Visa costs $50/£38 for UK citizens. You can obtain these easily on arrival. Alternatively, if you wish to get it before you depart; you can get all the information you need from www.tanzania-online.gov.uk.
Money & currency In-country: Local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). It is not possible to buy these outside of Tanzania. We advise you to change US Dollars or UK Sterling into TSh upon arrival in Moshi. Money can be changed at banks, authorised dealers, and bureaux de change. US Dollars in small denominations are best for tips, taxes and larger souvenirs. Everything else is much better to be paid in TSh. ATMS are also widely available and accept most cards, as per normal overseas transactions there will be charge.
Electricity Plugs are UK standard (voltage 230V AC: 50Hz).
Photography - The Adventure Running Company highly recommends bringing a good quality camera. Your trip will be one you will want to remember for the rest of your life and some good pictures will be essential. Either an SLR or compact digital would be fine. Photography in the villages/towns is fine; just remember to keep your camera safe. If you wish to take portraits of people simply ask them first and most of the time they are happy to be photographed.
It’s customary for the local guides, cooks and porters to receive tips at the end of the trip – and good ones. We make this into a mega fun ceremony with singing and dancing.
Insurance: It is vital that you have adequate insurance cover for the trip. We will be trekking up to 5895m. If you already have annual travel insurance, you must check that you are covered.
Flights - The Adventure Running Company does not book flights. We leave this to you so that you can tailor your trip to your requirements. Return flights from the UK usually cost between £600 - £900.
Visas - All British passport holders require a visa to travel to Tanzania A single-entry Tanzanian Visa costs $50/£38 for UK citizens. You can obtain these easily on arrival. Alternatively, if you wish to get it before you depart; you can get all the information you need from www.tanzania-online.gov.uk.
Money & currency In-country: Local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). It is not possible to buy these outside of Tanzania. We advise you to change US Dollars or UK Sterling into TSh upon arrival in Moshi. Money can be changed at banks, authorised dealers, and bureaux de change. US Dollars in small denominations are best for tips, taxes and larger souvenirs. Everything else is much better to be paid in TSh. ATMS are also widely available and accept most cards, as per normal overseas transactions there will be charge.
Electricity Plugs are UK standard (voltage 230V AC: 50Hz).
Photography - The Adventure Running Company highly recommends bringing a good quality camera. Your trip will be one you will want to remember for the rest of your life and some good pictures will be essential. Either an SLR or compact digital would be fine. Photography in the villages/towns is fine; just remember to keep your camera safe. If you wish to take portraits of people simply ask them first and most of the time they are happy to be photographed.
