To the Roof of Africa - Kilimanjaro done right, with Adventure International

If you’re looking for an operator who does Kilimanjaro right,  Adventure International are the one.

Founded a decade ago by two climbers, this passion project rooted in ethical travel that does good, gives back and leaves no trace has evolved into something much more.

This is a company that really cares about its people, its community and its environment.

Today, as well as being the mountain’s most experienced operator, they employ a dedicated team of more than 300 local people. With heavy investment and deep, holistic training from  Adventure International, this brilliant community crew bring their unique energy, knowledge and love of the landscape to every trip, and help ensure the protection of this incredible natural wonder for future generations.

The result is an unsurpassed range of Kilimanjaro itineraries, offering successful, sustainable, memorable, safe and comfortable experiences for all budding climbers - from beginner to experienced; cash-conscious to VIP luxe.

Challenge without compromise

When it comes to climbing Kilimanjaro, there are two myths to bust.

Number one - yes, it is possible to undertake this lifetime experience without compromising on comfort.

Instead of crowded camping sites and classic tourist routes,  Adventure International guests will soak up the magnificent, untouched beauty of Tanzania’s heights by day, before settling for the night under a canopy of stars, in private accommodations set up away from the main routes in advance of their arrival.

Number two - budget isn’t better.

You may find cheaper trips than  Adventure International’s lightweight itinerary, but these savings could prove costly on the mountain.

Despite its reputation as the easiest of the world's famous, " Seven Summits", Kilimanjaro is still a demanding trek and can be dangerous to some which is why safety is paramount.

Safety First…

 Adventure International’s ethical approach means that their prices may be higher than an average “budget” trip, but so are their standards - in professionalism, local knowledge, quality of gear and food and, crucially, safety.

With an incredible climber-to-team ratio of 1:7 (like travelling with a small village!), crew and porters are never overloaded, and all receive rigorous safety training that includes Red Cross CPR and advanced first aid to ensure they can deal with emergency situations efficiently and correctly.

On the mountain, climbers are constantly monitored, with team members paying particular attention to key signs of altitude sickness, Kili’s biggest health threat.

… with Experience close on its heels!

Of course, Kilimanjaro is all about the adventure, the achievement and the wonder!

And  Adventure International’s incredible team delivers this in spades, with a guest experience that’s hard to beat.

High pay rates, sound practices and excellent training make for a well-motivated and energised team, who happily share their deep local knowledge of Kilimanjaro’s fascinating ecology and geology throughout the trip.

This, after all, is where  Adventure International was born and still lives.

It’s a place that they are more than passionate about, and know intimately - from the most stunning routes to how to deliver a successful ascent for climbers of all levels.

Who can climb Kilimanjaro?

The tallest freestanding mountain in the world, Kili shouldn’t be underestimated - in fact, more than 50% of climbers experience altitude sickness in some form.

Though you need no technical training, Kilimanjaro is classed as an “extreme altitude mountain trek” and people do need to be reasonably fit - so someone who exercises regularly and is OK with long, tough hikes is a good candidate.

For those people and their bucket lists, it’s good news - Adventure International have an amazing record of getting their climbers safely to the summit.

How?

Guided by their saying, “All clients must be able to walk off the mountain themselves”, they offer great advice on getting ready for the trip, from physical preparation to must-have gear.

They’ve also used their incredible local knowledge of the terrain to pinpoint longer routes that offer more time to properly acclimatise, as well as more time immersed in the epic scenery and experience.

Adventure International also offer  Set Departure trips that your clients can join or private trips as required.

And when?

It’s best to avoid the heaviest rainfalls in November, April and May.

Recommended windows for the best outcome are June-October and January-March.

Let’s talk routes…

Let’s get down to the good stuff - the routes!

There are loads of different routes up Kilimanjaro, but  Adventure International favours three - Lemosho, Machame and Shira.

Lemosho (Top Pick - Highest Success Rates)

Choose Lemosho for… the highest success rate, the most stunning scenery and one of the best ascent profiles of any route on the mountain.

Starting at Lemosho on the Western side, this route takes you across the most spectacular parts of Kilimanjaro, through the Afromontane forest to the fauna-rich, collapsed ancient caldera of Shira plateau; past the 300-foot Lava Tower and the unique topography of Barranco Valley to a memorable night ascent via Stella Point.

There are two secrets to the success of this route. Its gradual ascent offers the best acclimatisation, and ascending via Stella Point brings you much closer to Uhuru Peak than routes like Marangu.

Example Lemosho Itinerary  - VIP Level from $5,495 p.p (Commissionable RACK rate, 2 people sharing a tent - $390 SS)

Machame (Best for Budget)

Choose Machame for… a brilliant cost-conscious option that offers all the very best of Kilimanjaro without compromising on ethics or safety.

A better alternative to the Marangu route, Machame is less crowded and takes in more of Kilimanjaro’s scenery with a different descent - and after all, if you’re going to commit to climbing to the roof of Africa, you want to see as much of it as possible!

Starting at Machame Gate, soak up sights including the Afromontane forest, Shira plateau and Mawenzi, before an unforgettable night ascent of Kibo to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. Depending on the conditions, you may just catch a glimpse of Kibo caldera and ash pit.

Example Macheme Itinerary  - Standard Level from $4,027 p.p (Commissionable RACK rate, 2 people sharing a tent - $275 SS)

Shira (Off the Beaten Track & Wild)

Choose Shira for… an off-the-beaten-track trek, a less strenuous climb through afromontane forest, glacial valleys and alpine deserts, with a great success rate!

The Shira Route is a little-used trail that begins near Shira Ridge, starting at Morum Barrier on the northwestern side of Kilimanjaro. This trek cuts out a day at Lemosho and starts right on the Shira Plateau. It joins the Machame Route above Shira 2 Camp on day 3 and circumnavigates Kibo to the south before summiting from Barafu via Stella Point.

Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, clients should be made aware of the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge.

The vehicle bypasses the rainforest zone and the hiking trail begins on Shira Ridge. The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Example Shira Itinerary  - VIP Level from $4,956 p.p (Commissionable RACK rate, 2 people sharing a tent - $336 SS)

Where will guests stay, and what will they eat?

And not forgetting the essentials!

Whether they choose a lightweight, luxe or VIP experience, all guests are well looked after in terms of both accommodation and food throughout their adventure.

Intimate, private camping is the name of the game when it’s time for rest.

Travellers on the lightweight standard level option will find their tents are perfect for younger, more experienced travellers conscious of their budget, and all still come complete with private portable toilets.

On luxury level packages, the bigger tents with portable toilets are kitted out with -30f sleeping bags, thermal liners, pillows and upgraded mattresses, as well as a large mess tent with table and chairs.

For the ultimate in mountain comfort, the spacious walk-in tents and cosy bed cots of the VIP level package are perfect for those who don’t want to sleep on the ground!

Again with -30f sleeping bags with thermal liners and pillows and a large mess tent with table and chairs, this level of trip also comes with a toilet tent and shower tent.

Food is fresh and nourishing, resupplied for each climb and again halfway through.

The local crews love to make delicious soups which, as well as being really nutritious, are very digestible - perfect for anyone struggling with any altitude-based sickness or stomach issues!

The VIP level package also includes a high-spec menu.

There are so many reasons to choose  Adventure International for your clients’ Kilimanjaro trip of a lifetime - from success to safety; ethicality to eco-conscience.

Watch our helpful webinar with  Adventure International  owner, Frank Castro  HERE  for his top tips on selling Kilimanjaro

For more images on Kilimanjaro Trips operated by  Adventure International connect with them on the  SquirrelFish platform.

With private and group trips available on these incredible adventure itineraries,  contact us today for details and pricing.