Mount Kilimanjaro - Roof of Africa Climb
Difficulty Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa is one of the world’s most popular climbs and the most highly visited of the Seven Summits for a good reason. This climb and mountain are absolutely classic and easily accessible to just about anyone willing to train for the experience and work hard on the climb. Kilimanjaro should be on everyone’s bucket list as should be a safari in Tanzania- combine the two and you have a once in a lifetime experience that can’t be missed
- 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
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.
The tallest mountain on the continent of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro sits 200 miles (322 km) south of the equator in Tanzania, a country located approximately half way up the eastern seaboard of Africa. Kilimanjaro’s summit, an incongruous island of rock and snow, rises more than 17,000 feet (5100 m) out of the arid plains below, just a short distance south of the border with Kenya. Viewed through the hazy heat waves of the equatorial plains below, the anomalous glaciated terrain of the mountain seems almost surreal. The mountain lies in Kilimanjaro National Park, which encompasses 756 square miles (1957 sq km) of terrain above the 9000-foot (2700 m) contour line. The lands below this delineation are inhabited by local Chagga tribespeople. The park was established in 1973 and officially opened in 1977. Tanzanians are uniquely positive and hospitable and make great hosts for our climbs. Many of our porters on the climb are extremely hard working Chagga tribespeople residing on the flanks of Kilimanjaro itself. Using porters allows you to trek with just a daypack, saving energy for the summit to come.
The Machame Route affords us the best climbing and chance of success. This is because it circumnavigates the mountain gradually allowing climbers ample time to acclimatize. These extra days spent at altitude allow our clients to feel stronger and mitigates that chance of altitude illness. This makes the climb safer, increases our success rate, and gives us more time on this beautiful peak. Traversing so much of the mountain also lets us see more of the unique terrain and ecological zones which makes for excellent photo opportunities. You will see when you’re on the mountain that there’s no better way to climb the peak than the Machame Route.
On safari you will take in some of the most awe-inspiring vistas imaginable, straight out of a National Geographic episode. We offer the best game viewing experience- we take you into the heart of the Tarangire National Park during the peak game-viewing part of the year. We then spend a day in the famous Ngorogoro Crater all the while staying in some of the finest game lodges Africa has to offer. We traverse the rugged landscape in converted Land Cruisers in search of the “Big Five.” We may even get a chance to experience the local Masai culture while stopping by one of their villages. In short, we do it all in an action packed couple of days.
This expedition will be organized by Mike Hamill, owner of Climbing the Seven Summits. Mike has personally guided well over 100 high-altitude expeditions, 10 Mt. Everest expeditions, 23 8,000-meter expeditions, has six Everest summits, currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu, and has written the guide book to “Climbing the Seven Summits,” making him one of the most experienced guides in the world.
Mike has an impeccable safety record and an unmatched success rate due to his expertise and professionalism and holds all of the CTSS guides to the same high standards as he holds himself. He knows that his choice of guides is the most important decision factor to continued success so CTSS only employs world-class leaders known for their on-mountain experience, focus on client care and attention to safety.
Kilimanjaro is a serious undertaking and climbers should be prepared with adequate fitness. Our guides will work with you throughout the expedition to provide logistics, guidance, and information to best ensure your summit success & safety.
Welcome to Climbing the Seven Summits Kilimanjaro Expedition!
A Kilimanjaro climb, coupled with a safari, is a true once in a lifetime with the memories that will stay with you forever. Personally, I love this climb because it offers the perfect excuse to see the very best of Africa while being challenged and achieving the most sought after of the famed Seven Summits. In fact, our guides jostle amongst themselves (and me!) for the opportunity to guide this climb purely because we enjoy it so much.
Yes, many companies and guide services offer Kilimanjaro climbs and there is plenty of competition and you have many options, but few expeditions are designed and guided by senior mountaineers who have a huge breadth of experience, not just on Kilimanjaro but on all the Seven Summits. I’m proud to say I’ve had a 100% success rate on climbs under my direct leadership so you can be assured by and have confidence in our CTSS experience, advice and safety standards.
I have chosen the Machame Route because it circumnavigates a good portion of the mountain and allows our climbers more time to acclimatize properly, thus increasing their chance of success, not to mention enjoy the more spectacular views of surrounding Africa.
We look forward to helping you achieve success on the “The Roof of Africa.” Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly regarding the expedition if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Mike Hamill
Owner and Lead Guide, Climbing the Seven Summits
Expedition Options (Schedule and Prices)
At CTSS we offer a variety of different climb options to customize your Kilimanjaro experience to your climbing style and ability:
Kilimanjaro Climb (Machame Route) – $5,395 USD
- July 28th – August 6th, 2024
- December 29th, 2024 – January 7th , 2025
- July 27th – August 5th, 2025
- December 29th, 2025 – January 7th, 2026
Join our traditional guided team climb which ascends the stunning Machame Route. Provided are guidance, leadership, and expedition oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill, local guides, logistics, team gear, porters, food, and support for a summit attempt on Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari – USD $7,595 USD
- July 28th – August 8th, 2024
- December 29th, 2024 – January 9th, 2025
- July 27th – August 7th, 2025
- December 29th, 2025 – January 9th, 2026
This is our most popular option. This expedition is our traditional guided team climb which ascends the stunning Machame Route. Provided are professional mountain guidance, local guides, logistics, team gear, porters, food, and support for a summit attempt on Kilimanjaro.
Following the climb you will spend two nights taking in one of the best safari experiences in Africa while staying in some of the finest lodges available.
Read more HERE
Kilimanjaro Private and Custom Climb
Having your own private guide climbing with you can be an indispensable advantage and allow you to customize your itinerary and program to fit your schedule. A personal guide will give you total autonomy and control over your trip, and they can coach you throughout the expedition, give you valuable feedback, be available if there are any medical issues and make your climbing experience more enjoyable overall.
Although summits are obviously never guaranteed, there is no better way to stack the odds in your favor than climbing with a private guide.
This expedition provides a Private guide, logistical oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill, logistics, food, team gear, and support for a summit attempt on Kilimanjaro. This is our signature premiere expedition and suits climbers who want unparalleled safety and personal attention. Whether you’re a less experienced climber or have climbed at altitude many times before, our private climb with 1:1 Private Guide will give you the best chance at standing on top of Kilimanjaro.
Following the climb you will head out on Safari in the Tarangire National Park (which has huge concentrations of animals and a fraction of the visitor numbers compared to the other Northern parks) We also visit the Ngorogoro crater taking in one of the best safari experiences in Africa while staying in some of the finest lodges available.
1:1 CTSS Local Kilimanjaro Guide Pricing:
(Based on a single traveller)
- 1:1 Climb & Safari: $10,995
- 1:1 Climb Only: $9,495
Deluxe Upgraded Accommodations & Safari
- Deluxe 1:1 Climb & Safari: $11,995
- Deluxe 1:1 Climb Only: $9,995
1:1 CTSS International/Western Guide Pricing:
(Based on a single traveller)
- 1:1 Climb & Safari: $19,995
- 1:1 Climb Only: $16,995
Deluxe Upgraded Accommodations & Safari
- Deluxe 1:1 Climb & Safari: $22,995
- Deluxe 1:1 Climb Only: $17,995
Kilimanjaro Speed Ascent w/ Private Guide and Hypoxic Pre-acclimatization Chamber
Please contact us directly for dates and prices.
CTSS offers select climbers our “Speed Ascent” option which employs state-of-the-art technology to allow you to summit in less time. We use a time-tested training program in conjunction with the use of a portable hypoxic altitude chamber to pre-acclimate your body to the rarefied air found at altitude. This option is perfect for those who want to minimize time away from home while still stacking the odds in their favor for summit success.
If you think this option may be right for you please contact us directly and we will work with you on a personalized plan to allow our “Speed Ascent” Program to maximize results for you.
Having your own private guide climbing with you can be an indispensable advantage and allow you to customize your itinerary and program to fit your schedule. A personal guide will give you total autonomy and control over your trip, and they can coach you throughout the expedition, give you valuable feedback, be available if there are any medical issues, and make your climbing experience more enjoyable overall.
Although summits are obviously never guaranteed, there is no better way to stack the odds in your favor than climbing with a private guide.
This expedition provides a Private guide at a 1:1 ratio, logistical oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill, logistics, food, team gear, and support for a summit attempt on Kilimanjaro. Whether you’re a less experienced climber or have climbed at altitude many times before, our speed ascent private climb with 1:1 Private Guide will give you the best chance at standing on top of Kilimanjaro in less time than the normal expedition.
African Safari Add-On
Prices Start From $2,200 USD
If you’re climbing Kilimanjaro and want to bring friends and family who don’t climb along for the safari experience of a lifetime then we offer our “safari only” option. This is a great way to celebrate your success on Kilimanjaro with those closest to you. Custom dates can be arranged to suit their desired itinerary alongside meeting us after the climb and heading on safari with the team to both Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro crater.
Zanzibar 4 Day/3 Night Add-On
Prices Starting From $4,500 USD
If you’re climbing Kilimanjaro and want to make the most of your African adventure, our 4 day, 3 night Zanzibar add-on following your expedition is a great way to unwind and relax in one of the most beautiful parts of the continent. Nungwi is blessed with some of Zanzibar’s most idyllic swimming beaches. Spend your days lazing on the spectacular beaches, floating in the idyllic turquoise waters, or indulging in a massage. Then, as the sun sets, join the revelers as the town comes alive, cocktails flow freely, and the beach bonfires begin to blaze. Daily itineraries tend to be gloriously simple: sunbathe, swim, party, repeat!
Want to book or even upgrade? Get in touch and allow our team to put together a custom itinerary for you.
Single Rooming Option: $1,000
We are happy to organize single rooming accommodations throughout the expedition for you. If you aren’t price sensitive, you snore, or you are easily awakened by others that do snore this might be a great option.
We feel that having a single room helps climbers stay healthy and adds a bit of comfort and personal space that can go a long way. If you would like a single rooming option please let us know.
Please note that tent accommodations on the mountain are double-occupancy for safety and warmth.
All prices are in US Dollars.
CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. For more information, please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy.
All payments, once submitted, are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
- Kilimanjaro lies in northern Tanzania just south of the border with Kenya.
- There are five distinct climatic zones on Kilimanjaro.
- Kilimanjaro is the closest of the Seven Summits to the equator.
- Scientists predict that all the glaciers on Kilimanjaro will be gone by 2030 to 2050.
- The second-tallest mountain in Africa is mount Kenya at 17,057 feet (5199m).
- Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano.
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Climbing Kilimanjaro requires solid fitness and an ability to perform well at altitude, but it is not beyond the abilities of many people who are willing to train for the climb and work hard on the trip. If you want to join this expedition but feel unsure of your ability, chat to us as we can work with you to get you up to speed prior to the climb as we take immense pride in helping people achieve their goals.
- Best expedition at a great value: CTSS believes in providing our clients with the highest quality service in the industry at a great value. Climbing and trekking is our passion, and our goal is to share these unique places and experiences with you. We want you to feel good about your experience because we believe word-of-mouth is the best advertising, and that begins with satisfied customers. There is a difference between our expeditions and those of our competitors, especially local cut-rate options. In choosing us, you are hiring the finest guides and logistical support in the industry. Benefiting from many Kilimanjaro expeditions, well over 100 high altitude expeditions, and drawing on decades of first hand guiding experience, we have worked hard to refine our logistics in order to offer you the highest chance of success at an exceptional value.
- We are a modestly sized guide service with highly personalized service: We maintain a moderate size so that we can tailor our Kilimanjaro experience to you. Not all climbers are the same, which is why Mike Hamill will work with you directly to make sure you choose only the programs that are right for you.
- The best route: CTSS climbs Kilimanjaro by the beautiful Machame Route. By using this route, we provide you with the highest chance of success and give you the best climbing experience available on the mountain. This is due to the more relaxed terrain and greater amount of time for acclimatization en route to the summit. This route allows you to see more of the mountain and shorten the walk out. We climb through a variety of different ecological zones and take in breathtaking vistas of the Breach Wall, the Barranco Wall, and the plains below. You will see when you’re on the mountain that there’s no better way to climb the peak than via the Machame Route.
- Safari: Not all safaris are created equal. We take you into the heart of the Tarangire National Park in search of the “Big 5” at the peak game viewing time of the year when elephants, wildebeests, and zebras congregate here. Opportunities for seeing lions, leopards, giraffes among other big game abound. We then head in to the famous Ngorogoro Crater where cheetahs and rhinos are plentiful. We may even stop by a traditional Masai village all while staying at some of the finest lodges available.
- Leadership: As expedition leader, Mike’s almost unparalleled experience base at high altitude can make the difference between success and failure. Let Mike guide you through the many nuances of climbing Kilimanjaro that will allow you to be successful. From start to finish, he will work with you to make sure you’re as prepared as possible to reach your goal of standing on top of Africa. Often being able to trouble shoot problems before they occur can make the difference, and this is where Mike’s vast experience becomes crucial. See Mike's success rate.
- The Seven Summits specialist! Climbing the Seven Summits is THE Seven Summits specialist. We focus primarily on the mountains of the Seven Summits, and Kilimanjaro is one of our favorite peaks. After decades of guiding on Kilimanjaro, we are well prepared to create the perfect climbing experience for you. We love the diversity of the “Seven Summits,” and the challenge of climbing them all which is why we focus on these climbs in particular.
- Best guides: The quality of an expedition is, in large part, dictated by the individual guide(s) leading the trip. CTSS hires only the finest guides operating at the highest standards for client care who are highly trained, well respected in the industry, and close friends that we trust. The have excellent personalities and are some of the most experienced professionals in the world. Mike and the rest of our guides are strong leaders who maintain high standards. Our guides make our company what it is and have extensive resumes of personal climbs, high altitude guiding, and certifications. All our lead guides maintain at least a Wilderness First Responder medical standard. Our local guides around the world are the best in the industry and do an amazing job helping you attain your goals and navigating local obstacles.
- Safety: Our primary goal at CTSS is safety. We have an unparalleled safety record and our clientele’s well being factors in to every decision we make while on expeditions. Although we like to stand on the top of mountains more than anyone, we believe that climbing is a round trip endeavor and getting you back to your loved ones safely is paramount. We take many safety precautions including bringing multiple communication devices, high altitude safety equipment, medical kits, and the highest quality gear to ensure a safe environment in which to climb.
- Success: Success rates on expeditions under Mike’s leadership are among the best in the business. Mike has maintained a 100% expedition success rate for expeditions under his direct guidance on Kilimanjaro. This is a testament to our quality of service and attention to detail. Mike and our team of guides are incredibly proud of their summit success and work hard to get their clients to the top. As Mike says, “You can’t buy a summit, but you can buy better odds.” With our expertise, experience and infrastructure, you can stack those odds in your favor. We offer a longer acclimatization progression for proper acclimatization to mitigate the risks of altitude sickness. Many guide services race their clients up the mountain, especially local companies, to cut corners on costs. We are highly invested in our reputation for safety and success and are always striving to improve our programs to maintain our hard-earned status. Decision making in the mountains is supremely important, and our guides are the best in the business, have a hunger to summit whenever it’s safe to do so, and have a proven track record. All of our programs acclimatize conservatively to mitigate the risk of having altitude issues and to give them the highest chance of success.
- You!: Why choose us? Because of you! We consistently attract the best clients and believe this is because we offer the highest quality expedition at a great value. Our clientele takes the time to educate themselves about their options and choose us because of this. We feel that surrounding yourself with the right people will make you successful, and that goes for guide service owners, guides, and even those with whom you climb. Having a team with the right attitude and camaraderie is a key factor in making you successful.
- Logistics: We have led countless high altitude expeditions and have perfected the logistics, allowing you to focus on climbing, safety and success. We eat well and live well on expedition. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while on your climb or safari to not be distracted from the task at hand. We feel that these creature-comforts go a long way to making your time in the backcountry enjoyable. We strive to work with the best local outfitters and provide the best local logistics hands down.
- Updates: In today’s connected world people want to know how things are going on expedition. CTSS maintains regular updates on our blog to keep friends and families informed. This can relieve a lot of the stress loved ones have when you’re away on climbing. We want to make the climb as stress-free for both the climber and the folks back home.
- Professional Business Practices: Running a professional guide service that you feel comfortable putting your trust in is important to us. We comply with all local, state, federal and international laws. We hope that this makes you feel more confident about choosing us and our programs.
- Enjoyment: This is your vacation, and you’re here to have a good time. Our goal is to give you the experience of a lifetime, inspire you in the mountains, and to have a great time doing it. This, again, comes back to our guides; they all have great personalities, and their love for the mountain is contagious.
- Low client to guide ratio: We operate all of our trips at a low client to guide ratio which offers you a better, safer, and more personalized experience.
The following is a sample daily schedule of our Machame Route:
- Arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to hotel
- Gear checks, team meeting, and check out town
- Drive to Kilimanjaro Park gate (5,800ft) and climb through rainforest to Machame Camp (10,000ft)
- Continue to the climb through Heather-Moorlands to the Shira Plateau Camp (12,300ft)
- Continue the climb to Barranco Camp climbing over a pass at nearly 15,000ft underneath the precipitous Breach Wall before descending to 12,800ft
- Climb the Barranco Wall to about 14,500ft before again descending to Karanga Camp at around 13,000ft
- Climb to our high camp at 15,500ft before turning in early for our summit climb early the next morning.
- Summit Day! We awake in the wee hours of the morning (night) working our way to the “Roof of Africa” at 19,344ft. The day is cold and can be windy and snowy so make sure you have proper warm gear! After standing on top we descend back to high camp and take a brief respite before packing up and heading down to our final camp at 12,000ft
- Pack camp and descend to the trail head. Here we bid farewell to our porters and guides before driving back to town for lunch. Celebration Dinner
- Those not joining us for safari transfer to the airport where they begin the journey home. Those joining us on a safari drive to Tarangire Park for a game drive and then onto Ngorongoro Crater.
- Continue our safari with a full day by exploring the famous Ngorongoro Crater
- Early morning return to Arusha and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport in anticipation of our flights home. Please book your return flight in the afternoon.
This detailed gear list is provided for your reference. Each item has been selected over many expeditions to Kilimanjaro. Please follow these guidelines carefully. Every item on the list is mandatory, and if you arrive in Tanzania missing some of them, you will be required to track them down in town prior to the climb at your own expense which can be difficult and costly. Please make sure you are fully prepared so that your trip, and the trip of your teammates, goes smoothly. If you have any questions about the gear, please contact us, and we can discuss it: we’re here to help!
- Water treatment (iodine tabs, chlorine tabs, or water filtration system)
- Sunscreen (like All Good 35 SPF with high zinc oxide content & small aloe vera for sunburn)
- Lip balm
- Hand cream
- Camera or phone camera
- Power battery/recharger/solar charger with cords
- 1 ski/winter hat
- 1 ball cap for sun protection
- 1 balaclava/face mask
- 1 buff
- 1 pair liner gloves
- 1 pair heavy ski gloves
- 1 pair heavy mitts, recommended
- 1 pair dark goggles
- 1 sleeping bag, rated to -10F
- 1 Thermarest
- 1 ridge rest
- Travel shoes/sneakers
- Climbing/hiking boots (must be insulated and warm as it is quite cold on summit day)
- 1 thin long john pants, and 1 pair of medium weight long john pants
- 1 pair of light trekking pants
- 1 pair medium weight climbing pants
- 1 Goretex waterproof pants, must be full zip
- 1 Goretex waterproof jacket
- 1 pair trekking shorts
- 2 pairs trekking socks
- 3 pairs climbing socks (1 thin, 2 thick (1 for sleeping))
- 2 pair climbing underwear
- In-town clothes (some restaurants are nice so a collared shirt/dress is not a bad idea)
- Swimsuit for pool at hotel
- Heavy gaiters
- 2 long john tops (1 light, 1 medium)
- Synthetic Sun hoodie or trekking shirt, long sleeve
- Upper body pile layer
- Synthetic pile jacket/pile fleece, front zip with hood or similar (fits over micro puff)
- Mid- to heavyweight down parka with hood
- Book
- Alarm (on watch or other)
- Headphones
- Baby wipes, for staying clean
- Small first aid kit (bandages, triple antibiotic ointment, tums, antacid, Immodium, ciproflacin, azithromycin, ibuprofen, aspirin, blister kit, Band-Aids, etc.)
- Prescription meds, in consultation with your doctor (Acetazolamide 125mg x 14 tablets, Dexamethasone 4mg x 4 tablets, Nifedipine 30 mg slow-release x 2 tablets)
- Toilet paper (2 rolls)
- Ear plugs (for sleeping)
- Pee bottle (liter)
- Pee funnel (women)
- 2-liter Nalgene-type water bottles with full covers (Camelback-type hydration systems are fine until base camp but are unacceptable above there. They freeze, pop and break, so are unreliable.)
- Pack for climb (also doubles as a carry on, 35 – 45L)
- 2 large duffels, water proof PVC rugged construction
- 5 trash bags (for waterproofing duffels, backpack, and caching gear)
- Travel wallet
- Passport
- Cash (small bills are more useful, you can change money in Tanzania after you arrive)
- Toothbrush and paste
- 1 light headlamp with extra batteries
- 1 pair glacier glasses
- Belt for climbing pants
- Collapsible trekking poles
- 3 stuff sacks
- 1 compression sack
- Print out of team emails to bring with you
- Hand sanitizer (small container)
- Marker
- Pen
- 3 lbs personal snack food (real food and stuff that you know you will want to eat at altitude when you don’t feel like eating: nuts, jerky, granola bars, dried fruit, candy, etc.)
- Light umbrella
- Rain poncho
- Small set binoculars (optional for safari)
Thanks for your interest in our expeditions. We're looking forward to climbing with you!
To apply for our expeditions, please contact us to send you an application packet.
Steps:
1. Fill in the application form (you can fill it out digitally or print and scan) and email it back to us at: info@climbingthesevensummits.com
2. Pay your 25% deposit (wire transfers are preferred and the details are on the application form. Credit cards attract a merchant surcharge)
3. Upon receiving your application and your deposit, and accepting you onto the trip, we will then issue you an invoice reflecting that and your balance amount and due date
4. Please send us the remainder of the forms to info@climbingthesevensummits.com which are due 4 months of departure along with your balance.
5. At the same time, please send a copy of the photo page of the passport you intend to travel on and a copy of your trip insurance*
*It’s worth noting most insurers require you to take out a policy within 14 days of paying a deposit for their trip cancellation/interruption clauses. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like recommendations on who we use for our guide’s insurance etc.
Travel can be booked through our partner travel agent: Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations.
- Guides
- Porters
- Hotels
- Transportation: All group transportation while on the expedition. If you depart early then the added expenses for transport, lodging, rescue, and evacuation is your own responsibility.
- Food
- All Group Gear: Four season tents, cooking gear, group duffels, stoves, etc.
- Satellite Phone: Available to clientele at $3/min
- Flights to and from Tanzania
- Any extensions prior or post the specified itinerary (however we can help you plan these add ons)
- Personal gear: all personal climbing gear is the responsibility of the client
- In the event of a rescue, evacuation, or early departure from the group, any rescue expenses incurred or excess expenses above and beyond our normal trip costs including transport, hotels, evacuation, flight changes, and gear shipping are the responsibility of the client.
- Porter Tip pool ($300)
- Guide Tip (Customary but optional)
- Required trip insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
Mike Hamill oversees each Kilimanjaro expedition and leads many of them personally.
Mike Hamill, lead guide and owner of CTSS, is universally regarded as one of the most experienced and respected high altitude mountaineers and expedition leaders in the world.
He has personally guided thousands of climbers on the Seven Summits and well over 150 climbers have stood atop 8000m peaks, including Everest with him. A guide for over 20 years, he boasts a 91% expedition success rate and an 83% climber summit success rate for all of his expeditions worldwide.
He has stood on top of Everest 6x and currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu. He’s also the author of the guidebook “Climbing the Seven Summits,”
To complement his leadership, Mike has hand-picked a selection of the finest mountaineering professionals from around the world to make up the international CTSS guiding team.
Our team are highly qualified and some of the most highly experienced climbers in the world. Chosen for their attention to detail, safety records along with their fun, genuine and caring personalities, we have no hesitation in saying they are the best. Mike holds the CTSS staff to the same high standards as he holds himself.
Who you choose for expedition organization and leadership is a big deal – it can be the difference between a great expedition and a miserable, potentially dangerous one and you only want the best in your corner. The fact that Mike and his guides have an unprecedented safety record should be a paramount consideration in who you choose to climb with.
Mike and the CTSS team’s love for the mountains and adventure continues in our corporate social responsibility policy. A portion of profits and fundraising climbs are organized every year in support of the “Tiger of the Snows Fund” a not-for-profit that provides grants to further education of mountain tourism workers and their families.
“Great leaders like Mike inspire and lead people to take on challenges and achieve great things.” -Tim Igo
Climbing the Seven Summits’ primary aim is to help you attain your personal climbing and trekking goals while experiencing the best of our planet, its unique cultures. and environments.
We strive to offer the highest quality mountaineering expeditions and treks at a great value while focusing on our primary goals: safety, success, and enjoyment.
We achieve this by bringing our extensive experience, top-of-the-line logistics, individualized and world-class guides to each adventure we undertake.
To give our clients the highest possible chance at success we are detailed in our approach, ensuring we’ve dotted our ‘i’s and crossed our ‘t’s. We provide personalized service, employ conservative acclimatization schedules, use top-of-the-line mountaineering, camping, and communications gear, hire only the best mountain leaders, and we don’t skimp on costs.
Our expeditions strive to set the highest standards and climb in “good style.” By this, we mean prioritizing the well-being and safety of our teams, leaving no trace on the environments we operate in, respecting culture, contributing to local economies by employing regional partners and paying them higher than the industry standard, and working in a self-sufficient and self-reliant way. We promote a responsible approach to adventure travel by connecting people to the natural world and giving back to local communities by donating a percentage of every expedition to the Tiger of the Snows Fund.
We take immense pride in our expeditions, and this shows in the positive feedback we receive from our teams who form lasting friendships forged in the mountains as they work together and overcome tough challenges.
Please visit our Client Testimonials page for quotes reflecting CTSS leadership and experience. If you would like to talk to previous customers as references, please contact us, and we can put you in touch with many satisfied climbers. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email, and we will be happy to discuss the expedition with you. Joining a climbing or trekking expedition is a big deal, and it’s important to feel comfortable with the expedition leadership. The majority of our clients are return customers because of their overwhelmingly positive experiences.
Kilimanjaro FAQ
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 $1,000 if you would prefer your own hotel room and tent.
In general, climbing packs on Kilimanjaro are quite light due to the use of porters while on the climb. You will only need to carry what you need for the day which shouldn’t be more than 10- 15lbs (5kg). Hiring porters provides jobs and helps the local economy.
Yes. Trip delay and cancellation, rescue, repatriation, medical insurance is 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.
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!
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