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1st Annual US Peace Corps Kilimanjaro Challenge

14 Days  /  13 Nights

This challenge is open to all current Peace Corps Volunteers, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Peace Corps Staff, and their families.  Each participant may select the charity or project in which they are climbing and raising funds for.  Participants may choose to pay for the trek and travel expenses associated with their climb or they may use pledges and sponsorship funds to pay for part or all of these expenses.  Either way, we suggest that you commit to raise at least $500 above any costs of your trip that will go directly to your selected charity.  In addition to your fundraising efforts, E-Trip Africa will donate 100% of any operational profits from this Challenge to the Mailisita Foundation​.

June 16th : Departure

Today you will depart from your nearest international airport.  Most flight route through Amsterdam where you will change planes for your flight into Kilimanjaro International Airport.  Some participants may fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

June 17th : A Warm Welcome To Tanzania

Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed to Tanzania by a member of the E-Trip Africa Charity Challenge team and then you will be chauffeured to your hotel in Moshi where you will have the opportunity to get to know your fellow climbers.

June 18th :

Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge

It is important to be well rested before taking to the trails, thus today will help you overcome any Jet Lag.  In the morning you may choose to go for a swim in a beautiful hot springs or hit the markets of Moshi.  In the afternoon we will have an important preparation meeting with our lead guide, followed by a kit check.

June 19th :

Accommodation: Machame Hut

After a hearty breakfast and a final kit check, you are then transferred to the Machame Gate where your trek will start.  We will trek through the rainforest with chances to catch a glimpse of the wide variety of wildlife.  The trail continues between Weru River and Makoa River, taking us through the giant heather and finally arriving at our campsite at the Machame Hut.

June 20th :

Accommodation: Shira Hut

Our trek takes us down into a beautiful gorge and then onto the moorland zone.  We continue along the rocky ridge up onto the Shira Plateau.  Shira is the third and oldest of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones.  It is filled by lava flow from Kibo and its rim has been destroyed by volcanic activity and erosion.  From here we usually get our first up close glimpse of Kibo and the stunning glaciers of the Western Breach.

June 21st :

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Today we leave the Moorland Plateau behind.  Hiking along the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach, we will stop for lunch near the Lava Tower.  We will then descend to the bottom of the Barranco Valley to enjoy the camp sheltered by the towering cliffs.

June 22nd :

Accommodation: Karanga Valley Camp

An early morning climb up Barranco Wall (14,000 ft) is known for magnificent views of Mt. Meru and the plains below.  We then continue across the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley Camp where we will enjoy a relaxing afternoon.  An optional trek just below the glaciers provides additional acclimatization and practice scree walking.

June 23rd :

Accommodation: Barafu Ridge Camp

An early morning climb up Barranco Wall (14,000 ft) is known for magnificent views of Mt. Meru and the plains below.  We then continue across the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley Camp where we will enjoy a relaxing afternoon.  An optional trek just below the glaciers provides additional acclimatization and practice scree walking.

June 24th : Summit

Accommodation: Mweka High Camp

Rising around midnight, under the Super Full Moon, we start our summit attempt around 1 am.  Trekking the scree slopes to Stella Point (18,820 ft) on the rim.  We will take a short rest at Stella Point and enjoy a magnificent sunrise.  We continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak (19,342 ft), the highest point in Africa.  After spending a few precious moments to enjoy your accomplishment and the views from Uhuru, we start our descent.  We return to Stella Point and pass along Barfu Ridge to Mweka High Camp where we will spend the night.

June 25th :

Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge

We finish the descent through the Mweka Gate, and onto Mweka village where your vehicle will be waiting to take you to the Stella Maris Lodge in Moshi.  After bidding farewell to the mountain, it is time to thank the crew that helped you along the journey.  A well earned dinner, hot shower, and good night’s sleep await you in Moshi.

June 26th :

Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge

After a late breakfast and a relaxing morning we will split into teams to lend a hand to several projects within the Moshi area.  From maintenance work at a local school to planting trees, you will have an opportunity to spend the next two days getting to know the locals while assisting them in one of their projects.

June 27th :

Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge

Today you will be able to spend the day dedicated to assisting the development project you selected the day before.

June 28th :  Return Flight

After a relaxing breakfast you will have a chance to visit the markets in search of local treasures, walk around town and enjoy your final day in Tanzania.  A vehicle will be available to take you to the airport to catch your flight.

June 29th :

Today you will arrive home with lasting memories of the mountain that you conquered and that people that you helped along your way. 

This Charity Challenge is limited to a maximum of 24 trekking participants.

Included

Accommodations

5 nights Stella Maris Lodge
6 nights Fly Camps

Transportation

Arrival Transfer from JRO
Transfers to/from Trail
Departure Transfer to JRO

Activities

7 days Trekking Kilimanjaro
2 day volunteer placement

Fees

Kilimanjaro National Park Fee
Climbing Fee
Camping Fees
Rescue Fees

Other

3 Meals each Day
Drinking Water
English Speaking Guide
Porter Services (max 33 lbs)
Stay Connected Program

Not Included

International Flights
Visa Expenses
Travel & Health Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Excursions not in the itinerary
Activities not listed above

Recommended

Lonely Planet’s detailed guide to trekking in East Africa.  With 27 detailed treks, the guide is a must have when planning your Trek in East Africa.

Trail Back Trek Poles

$79.95

Dry Mesh Duffle Bag

$119.95

Extra Heavy Socks

$18.36

300 Lumen Cree Lamp

$29.95

0° Sleeping Bag

$67.95

Alpine Explorer Pack

$115.00

Extreme Kit for Women

$25.00