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Climb for Change
Summit Kilimanjaro & Bring Solar Light to a Maasai Village
Climb for Change – Summit Kilimanjaro & Light Up Lives
We’ve combined the most powerful experiences in Tanzania into one unforgettable trip — climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and bringing clean energy to a Maasai village. It’s an epic, meaningful journey — all in true Visit Natives style.
Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), Africa’s highest mountain, offers breathtaking beauty and a challenge of a lifetime. Climbing it is like hiking through four seasons in a week — from lush rainforest to alpine desert and glacial summit.
We take the scenic 8-day Lemosho route, known for its excellent acclimatization and high summit success rate. You’ll cover 46 kilometers (28.5 miles) over varied landscapes, guided by experienced local crew.
But this isn’t just a personal adventure — it’s a mission.
For every participant, we donate health insurance to a Maasai family. And once the trek is complete, the journey continues: you'll travel to a remote Maasai village where you’ll personally install a solar panel for a local family. It’s a deeply moving moment — the first time light switches on in a home, shared smiles, and real connection.
Are you ready to climb with purpose and bring light where it's needed most?
Highlights
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Climb One of the Seven Summits
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the legendary Seven Summits. Reaching the top is a dream for many — and now you can do it with a purpose.
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Sleep Under a Sky Full of Stars
Spend nights on Kilimanjaro’s slopes, surrounded by nature and the vast African sky. Each day brings new terrain and unforgettable views.
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Bring Light to a Maasai Village💡
After the trek, you’ll travel to a remote Maasai community where you personally install a solar panel for a local family. This simple act brings lasting change.
The itinerary
DAY 1.
Welcome to Tanzania! Our guide will come to pick you up from the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer you to Moshi, where we will sleep overnight in Aishi Machame Hotel. The hotel is at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The ambiance here is unique – surrounded by the African wilderness is a natural hideaway from bustling civilization and a perfect place to unwind. Aishi Machame Hotel features cozy garden-view rooms, a swimming pool with a lounge zone, a bar, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. (Dinner and drinks at your expense).
DAY 2.
Climbing Kilimanjaro - 8 days Lemosho Route
Londrossi Gate (2200m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2895m)
Pick up at 07:00
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at the trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through the rainforest, which winds to the first campsite.
DAY 3.
Mti Mkubwa Camp (2895m) – Shira 1 Camp (3505m)
Pole Pole! – Wake up time at 6:00
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Heath
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
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DAY 4.
Shira 1 Camp (3500m) – Moir Hut (3505)
Take it easy! – Wake up time at (Bed tea) 6:00
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Heath
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak, across the plateau, which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. Various Lent Hills offer numerous walks, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
DAY 5.
Moir Hut (3500m) – Lava Tower (4600m)
Take it easy! – Wake up time at 6:00
• Distance: 7km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is significant for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 6.
Baranco Camp (3950m) – Karanga Camp (4000m]
Take it easy! – Wake up time at 6:00
• Distance: 5km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. It is a short day meant for acclimatization.
DAY 7.
Karanga Camp (4000m) – Barafu Camp (4600m)
The big day! – Wake up time at 6:00
• Distance: 4km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the MwekaTrail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
DAY 8. Barafu Camp (4600m) – Uhuru Peak Camp (5895m) - Mweka Camp (3060m)
Sleepless night! – Wake up time at (Midnight) 11:00
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Around midnight we will put on our headlamps and start the ascent to the summit under thousands of twinkling stars. Heading northwesterly and ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, it`s a steep, long, and most mentally and physically challenging trek. However, the energy of our group and the rhythm of our guide1s Swahili chants will help you keep going.
At Stella Point (5,756m), you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). You may encounter snow from Stella Point on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
After taking in the views and taking some pics, we will make our way back down to our camp. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. In the afternoon, after some rest and Lunch at Barafu Camp, we will head back through the Alpine Desert and Moorland to our camp nestled in the Heath Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 9.
Mweka Camp (3060m) – Mweka Gate (1640m)
Boogie Down! – Wake up time at 7:00
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
After our last breakfast (and a dance party) with our new mountain family, we will start our final descent through the rainforest and off Kilimanjaro. It can be wet and muddy, gaiters and trekking poles will help, and shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). At Mweka Gate, we will have a special Open Road Tours-style celebration lunch (complete with some celebratory food and drinks).
Afternoon, we drive to our hotel in Arusha where you can have a shower and rest after the trek.
DAY 10. After breakfast, we head to a Maasai village where you’ll personally install a solar panel for a local family. Spend the day with the Maasai, learning about their traditions and way of life. In the afternoon, we’ll take you back to Arusha.
TRAVEL DATES
This trip lasts for 10 days and 9 nights. You can book a private Kilimanjaro climb at any time. Note: We also offer the Machame route and other options.
Want to explore more? You can extend your journey with one of our immersive cultural experiences:
Maasai Expedition
Live alongside the Maasai in their village and learn about their deep-rooted traditions.
Learn more →
Hadzabe Experience
A Unique Journey with Tanzania’s Last Hunter-Gatherers
Step into the daily life of the Hadzabe people, one of the world’s last true hunter-gatherer communities.
Discover the Hadzabe Bushcraft →
Safaris & Zanzibar
We’re also happy to help you plan an unforgettable safari or a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar.
LOCATION
Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania
Our trip starts from the Kilimanjaro airport or Arusha city. The first and last night's accommodation is in a hotel in Moshi, about an hour's drive from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION
The first night is in a three-star hotel in Moshi (Aishi Matchame Hotel or similar). During the trek, we sleep in mountain tents.. The last night is in a hotel in Arusha.
FOOD
A chef will prepare three tasty meals per day while we trek Kilimanjaro. The nutritious food contains soups, fruits, meat, etc. Our tummies will be packed and happy!
PRICE
This is a private expedition, and the price depends on the size of your trek group. We also organize expeditions for solo travelers — just let us know your preferred dates, and we’ll create a custom offer for you.
Price includes
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8-day guided trek up Mt Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Route with local guides, cooks, and porters
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Two nights in a hotel with breakfast, seven nights in a tent (full-service in modern alpine camping)
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Entire board while climbing (three meals per day)
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Certified mountain guide, cook, and porters (15 kg personal luggage per porter)
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The guide carries a Pulse Oximeter, used to take blood-oxygen level readings of clients twice a day, a first aid kit, and emergency oxygen
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Private transport (one arrival and one departure private airport transfer between Kilimanjaro Airport and the hotel)
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Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
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A visit to Maasai boma
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Our give-back- program
Price excludes
- International flights
- Food and drink in the hotel (first and last day)
- Tips
- Visa (50 USD)
- Mountaineering insurance (compulsory)
Secure your spot by paying a non-refundable booking payment of 400 EUR. You pay the rest 32 days before the departure. Read our terms.
How Solar Power Lights Up Lives in Maasai Villages
Many Maasai communities in Tanzania live without access to electricity, relying on firewood or kerosene for light — both harmful to health and the environment. Solar energy offers a clean, sustainable, and low-cost solution. With simple solar systems, families can light their homes, charge phones, and improve safety and education. One small panel can create a big, lasting change.
Experience the Transformation
This journey doesn’t end at the summit. After climbing Kilimanjaro, you’ll travel with us to a Maasai village where we personally install the solar panels and hand them over to the families. You’ll see the impact with your own eyes — smiles, gratitude, and the light switching on for the very first time. It’s a powerful and unforgettable moment that makes all the effort worth it.
Turn your personal challenge into a powerful community change.
Ready to Summit with Purpose?
Sign Up Now!
Go Beyond the Summit
Each Climb for a Cause participant helps deliver a solar energy system to a Maasai village — it’s already included in your trip. But if you’d like to go even further, you can amplify your impact by contributing an additional $100 or more to support the project.
You can also invite friends, family, or colleagues to support your climb and help raise funds. Every contribution brings light, safety, and opportunity to off-grid communities in Tanzania.
Let your climb shine even brighter.