Kilimanjaro
KILIMANJARO | Tanzania
Price Range:
$5,395 USD
Elevation:
19,341 feet
Duration:
10-12 days
Difficulty:
Beginner - Intermediate
Route:
Machame Route
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Mount Kilimanjaro – The tallest mountain on the continent of Africa, is breathtaking. An incongruous island of rock and snow, the summit rises more than 17,000 feet (5,100m) from the equatorial plains below.
It is one of the world’s most popular climbs and the most highly visited of the Seven Summits for good reason. A perfect entry point into mountaineering, it introduces you to the realities of mountain living and climbing at altitude while still being achievable for just about anyone willing to train for the experience. Many of the world’s most successful climbers can trace their start to their time on Kili.
We ascend the peak using the Machame Route, which offers the best climbing and boasts a higher chance of success. The route circumnavigates the mountain gradually, allowing climbers ample time to acclimatize.
These extra days spent at altitude help climbers feel stronger and mitigate the chance of altitude illness. This makes the climb safer and gives us more time to enjoy the unique terrain and ecological zones (which make for excellent photo opportunities) on this beautiful peak. You will see when you’re on the mountain that there’s no better way to climb the peak than the Machame Route.
Kilimanjaro is a serious undertaking, and climbers should be prepared and physically fit. Our back office team and our guides will work with you before and throughout the expedition to provide logistics, guidance, and information to best ensure your summit success & safety.
When planning a trek to the Roof of Africa, we don’t doubt that you’ll do your homework comparing routes, prices, operators, and more. If you’ve been digging, it’s more than likely that you’ve noticed a few differences in our Kilimanjaro expeditions compared to others. With more than 300 operators vying for your business, it can feel like a never-ending rabbit hole to navigate and compare all the options. We want to take the legwork out of understanding the difference. After all, who you climb with could be the difference between standing on the Roof of Africa, falling in love with mountaineering, and finding a lifelong passion or being part of a massive team on a route that increases your risk of altitude sickness and having to turn back shy of the summit.
So, how do we choose to set ourselves apart from the rest? We are proud to be a true mountaineering guide service rather than simply a trek operator. With a name like Climbing the Seven Summits, it shouldn’t be a surprise that we lead expeditions all over the world. From the summit of Everest to the top of Antarctica, Aconcagua to Denali, our mission is to deploy the best guides and logistics in the world for your safety and success in the high mountains. In addition, we take pride in having a different approach and philosophy when compared to most travel companies. The quality of our hand-picked, global guide staff, our approach to high altitude illness, our acclimatization schedules, our Marginal Gains Philosophy, and our No D*ckheads Policy are just a few of the things that set us apart.
For more on how we set ourselves apart, check out our recent blog post, Kilimanjaro: Why Climb with an Expedition Company?
Star Guided Expedition: Pega Sherpa, one of the world’s best Himalayan guides, will be leading our December 2024 team climb on Kilimanjaro, which means you have an incredible opportunity to not only tag one of the Seven Summits but also hear Pega’s stories and learn from one of the most accomplished climbers in the Himalayas.
Kilimanjaro Expedition Highlights:
- Stand on the Roof of Africa at 19,341 feet
- Check this classic climb off your bucket list
- See the Furtwangler Glacier before it’s gone
- Listen to our porters sing their famous Kilimanjaro song
- Experience African life and culture
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Choosing the Right Option
At CTSS, we offer a variety of different climb options to customize your Kilimanjaro experience to your climbing style and ability.
Star Guided Expedition! Pega Sherpa, one of the world’s best Himalayan guides, will be leading our December 2024 team departure, which means you have an incredible opportunity to not only tag one of the Seven Summits but also hear Pega’s stories and learn from one of the most accomplished climbers in the Himalayas.
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Allowing you to customize your expedition to suit your needs is a huge priority for us.
As mountaineers ourselves, we understand that it’s the little things that can make the difference. Comfortable, well-rested climbers are successful climbers, and climbers who have objectives that are suited to their skill level are happy climbers.
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Are you a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project?
Yes! We are proud to be a partner member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). The International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) created the Partner for Responsible Travel Program to recognize tour operators committed to fair treatment practices of their crew. KPAP monitors the companies’ treatment of the crew to determine if a company is meeting the proper treatment guidelines. You can find more information about KPAP and the IMEC by clicking here.
Do I need to have any prior climbing experience?
This trip is open to all individuals in good physical condition. There are no technical climbing prerequisites to join this program.
What is a good fitness and training program for this climb?
- Climbing conditioning – pack-loaded uphill hiking, walking, and stair climbing
- Strength training – for the lower and upper body
- Cardiovascular training – including both aerobic and anaerobic workouts without pack weight
- Flexibility training
Do I need to acclimatize due to altitude?
No acclimatization is necessary for this program.
Will I need to share a tent?
Yes, both hotels and tents on the mountain will be shared accommodations due to limited tent space and the weight of carrying extra tents. We do offer a single rooming option for an additional $1000 if you would prefer your own hotel room and tent.
How heavy will my pack be?
In general, climbing packs on Kilimanjaro are quite light due to porters being used while on the climb. You will only need to carry what you need for the day, which shouldn’t be more than 10- 15 lbs (5kg). Note: hiring porters provides jobs and helps the local economy in Tanzania.
Will I need to purchase trip insurance?
Yes. Trip delay and cancellation, rescue, repatriation, and medical insurance are mandatory for this program for your own benefit. We have seen too many times people need to cancel their trip either before or during the expedition for reasons such as injury, health, family, and business matters. With such a long trip and so much at stake, climbers need to be prepared for contingencies.
What is the food like on the climb?
In general, our food on and off the mountain is excellent. We eat well at our hotel off the mountain, and on the mountain, we employ a first-rate cook staff to prepare our meals. The food is fresh and healthy, and there is plenty of it!
Didn't find an answer to your question? Don't hesitate to ask us.
Free Expert Advice
When you sign up for an expedition, you become part of the CTSS family.
This means a free consult with Mike Hamill—the author of Climbing the Seven Summits—or one of his expert team.
Personalized strategy, progression planning, expert coaching, and advice on how to get the most out of your climbing journey!
6x Reasons to Choose CTSS
Safety
Your safety and success are our priorities in that order. We make conservative decisions, plan redundancies and all our guides have wilderness medical training, safety & rescue plans & access to doctors 24/7 to help keep you safe.
Value for $
We keep our overheads low to pass savings on to you. We are proud to offer the best service for the most competitive price, without skimping on safety or taking shortcuts with logistics, staffing and infrastructure.
Holistic Approach
Our service goes far beyond the mountain. Think of us as your climbing coach, we’ll be there from start to finish to prepare, debrief and plan your progression as a mountaineer, whether your goal is a single summit or the Seven.
Guides & Team
Guides can make or break your climb. We hand pick the most qualified, tenured, tested and personable guides and Sherpa in the world. Owner and mountaineer Mike Hamill personally oversees the management of each expedition.
Our Values
We care about you, our people and the planet and we walk our talk by donating a percentage of every expedition to Tiger of the Snows fund which supports outdoor tourism workers all over the world and following strict Leave No Trace principles amongst other initiatives.
Success
We have an unparalleled summit success rate. How? We do it in a myriad of ways; like a great chef’s secret sauce, we've fine tuned the recipe over decades but most importantly, we believe in you & your ability to achieve your goals and are invested in putting you on top.
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There are no words to adequately describe our time together. God knew exactly what we needed for this adventure, and the placement of our guide was perfect! The care and attention he gave us all was unbelievable… thank you so much for all the preparations that went into making this trip carry on without a hitch.
‑ Pam B.
Kilimanjaro Adventures
Testimonials
Kilimanjaro Inquiry Form
Chimborazo Summit!
Our Ecuador Volcanoes private expedition wrapped their trip with a successful summit of Chimborazo (20,702ft) on Sunday.
On Saturday, the team trekked from the Chimborazo parking lot (15,748ft) to Chimborazo High Camp at 17,552 feet. The weather was fickle, with plenty of clouds and snow, but they arrived ready for a late lunch / early dinner.
Summit day arrived quickly with a 9:30 pm wake-up call. By 10:00 pm, the team started their ascent from Chimborazo High Camp to the summit. After 8.5 hours of trekking, the team reached the summit of Chimborazo (20,702ft) under spectacular weather conditions! After a few smiles and photos from the summit, they hiked back down the mountain, packed up High Camp, and returned to the van.
The team is now soaking up the rich, oxygenated air in Baños de Agua Santa, where they will rest and enjoy some waterfall sightseeing as they make their way back to Quito.
Congratulations to the team on not one, not two, but THREE successful summits!
Photos from CTSS Guide Edgar Parra
Socked in on the way to Chimborazo High Camp (17,552 ft)
Full steam ahead for the summit of Chimborazo (20,702ft)
A waning full moon greets our team as they ascend Chimborazo (20,702ft).
This is what it's all about! Smiles from the summit of Chimborazo (20,702ft).
Ecuador at it's finest from Chimborazo (20,702ft).
Headed home! A quick descent to hot springs, waterfalls, and oxygen rich air.
A Summit Streak in Ecuador
Our Ecuador Volcanos private expedition is cruising along as their summit streak continues!
After climbing Illiniza Norte, the team headed to Cayambe. They pushed through windy and cloudy weather and contended with less than ideal terrain conditions, but at 8:00 am local time yesterday, they proudly stood on the summit of Cayambe at 18,996 ft!
From Cayambe, the team headed to the Papallacta Spa Resort, where they relaxed and enjoyed the thermal waters - one of our favorite post-climb activities in Ecuador. But the fun begins again today as they head to Chimborazo Lodge (13,123 ft) to start their final climb of the expedition to the summit of Chimborazo (20,548 ft)!
We are hoping for continued success for the team. Stay tuned for an update on Chimborazo in the coming days!
Photos from CTSS Guide Edgar Parra
It was windy and cloudy but it didn't stop our private team on Cayambe.
Making their way across the glacier on Cayambe.
A few breaks in the clouds offered up impressive views of the Ecuadorian landscape below.
A summit success at Cayambe (18,996 ft) - congrats to the team!
More Ecuadorian Summits: Cayambe and Illiniza Norte
Our Ecuador Volcanoes private expedition continued onto Illiniza Norte (16,818ft) with a successful summit. The weather held out, and rain greeted them at the summit, but that didn’t slow them down. The team climbed from the hut to the summit and back to the hut in just 5 hours! Go team!
Our Alpine Athletics team started Monday with a glacier skills session on Cayambe. After a hearty dinner, they began their summit ascent at 10 pm local time. Our guide reported beautiful weather on the summit with a team of happy (and tired) climbers!
The following climbers summited Cayambe (18,996ft):
- Lisa T.
- Courtney H.
- CTSS Guide Lucy M.
From there, they explored the beautiful markets of Otavalo, then transferred to Papallacta Hot Springs to enjoy and relax after their successful climb. Congrats to the entire Alpine Athletics team!
Photos from CTSS Guide Edgar Parra
Feeling good on the summit of Illiniza Norte (16,818ft).
Ecuador's volcanic landscape comes to life at sunrise!
Congrats on the successful summit of Illiniza Norte (16,818ft)!
Our Ecuador Volcanoes private expedition on the descent from Illiniza Norte (16,818ft).
Photos from CTSS Guide Lucy Mejia
Our Alpine Athletics team on Cayambe (18,996ft).
Glacier skills on slopes of Cayambe (18,996ft).
Ecuador Summits
Our Ecuador Volcanoes private expedition is off to a fantastic start! Over the weekend, the team hit the ground running. On Saturday, they hiked and summited Pasochoa (13,878ft), an extinct volcano. On Sunday, they climbed and summited Corazon Peak (15,708ft). Next, they are headed to the Nuevos Horizontes Hut, where they will gear up to climb Illiniza.
Our Alpine Athletics team is busy climbing in Ecuador! The weather turned around for them, and they had fantastic climbing conditions this weekend. The team is currently on Cayambe (18,996ft) with perfect weather still lingering, and we hope for a summit today!
Photo from Lucy Mejia
All eyes on Cayambe for our Alpine Athletics team
Photos from CTSS Guide Edgar Parra
Acclimating and feeling good for our private team!
Pasochoa summit (13,878ft/4230m) under perfect conditions.
We love llamas, just about as much as we love Ecuador!
8 hours of climbing to Corazon Peak (15,708ff/4,788m) - well done team!
Among the Clouds on Cotopaxi
The Alpine Athletics Ecuador Volcanoes trip took an adventurous hike today in the unremitting moody weather!
The team postponed their snow school due to rain and wind and opted to walk to the Refugio Cotopaxi, a quaint mountain hut tucked just below the glacier level in Cotopaxi National Park. After a trek through the clouds, they've settled in for the evening and are looking forward to snow school and summits this weekend.
Our guide reports the team is acclimatizing well. We are continuing to send our support and encouragement to the entire team!
Photo from Lucy Mejia
Walking among the clouds on Cotopaxi
Valentine's Day in Ecuador
The Alpine Athletics team has officially kicked off the climbing portion of their Ecuador Volcanoes expedition. Under moody skies, the team spent Valentine's Day hiking to the summit of Rumiñahui (15,489 ft / 4,721 m), a dormant stratovolcano in Cotopaxi National Park. Our guides report that the acclimatization hike was a success for all climbers, and the team enjoyed the local scenery.
The team spent the evening resting, and today, they are onto snow school and mountaineering training on the lower slopes of Cotopaxi. They will head toward Illiniza tomorrow as they prepare for their next summit.
Photos from Lucy Mejia
Big smiles on Rumiñahui (15,489 ft / 4,721 m)
A very Ecuadorian Valentine's Day for the team
Alpine Athletics Team Arrives in Quito, Ecuador
Our private Alpine Athletics Ecuador Volcanoes expedition is off to a great start!
The entire team safely arrived in Quito yesterday. Once on the ground, the team gathered for gear checks and guide briefings to ensure everyone was ready for the upcoming expedition.
Today, the team is exploring Quito and taking the teleférico (cable car) to Pichincha, an active stratovolcano near Quito. This cable car is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, rising from 3,117 meters (10,226 feet) to an impressive 3,945 meters (12,943 feet). There, they will take in the views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Tomorrow, the team is off to start the climbing portion of their expedition, kicking things off with an acclimatization hike on Rumiñahui, a dormant stratovolcano in Cotopaxi National Park.
Photos from the CTSS Archives
Flying high over Quito!
Exploring Quito, Ecuador on Day 1
Cotopaxi National Park - Photo Julie McKelve
Chimborazo Summits
Our team arrived at the Chimborazo trailhead and climbed up to High Camp, where they spent the night on the mountain. The next morning the team got an early alpine start and headed for the summit. They had wonderful climbing weather and excellent snow/terrain conditions. The climb went smoothly, and the following climbers stood on the summit of Chimborazo (20,549ft).
- Jocelyn C.
- Patrick M.
- Carey T.
- CTSS Guide Franklin
The team is now on their way back to Quito for a hot shower and celebratory dinner before they fly home. Congrats to the entire team on a successful expedition and multiple summits.
Ecuador Team Photos: Courtesy of CTSS Guide Edgar Parra
The team preparing and resting at the refugio for their summit bid on Chimborazo.
Headed home after a successful summit on Chimborazo!
One of our favorite sights - the mountain shadow! And Ecuadorian treat!
It's summit (or sunrise) o'clock!
On the summit of Chimborazo (20,549ft).
Jocelyn C, Patrick M, Carey T, and along with CTSS Guides Edgar and Franklin on the summit.