Trekking for kids

Our Adventure

Nestled on the Eastern coast of Africa, Tanzania has long served as an enticing getaway for those with an appetite for adventure, culture, and astonishing natural beauty. Mt Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest, free-standing mountain and one of the "Seven Summits," stands at a height of 19,340 ft (5896 m). Kilimanjaro is celebrated for its astonishing panoramic views, abundant plant and wildlife, and unrivaled perspective of the highest peak in Africa.

Our 7-day trek on the popular Machame Route, will take us to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mt. Kilimanjaro. This route will take us through many different ecosystems as we make our way to “High Camp”, with the summit on the 6th day. This longer route will give us the added benefit of several days to acclimate at elevations around 12,000 ft as we traverse a significant portion of the mountain. Our journey to the "roof of Africa" will be long and challenging, but knowing that each step we take is for the good of the orphan and disadvantaged children, who live at the base of this iconic mountain, will keep us motivated to reach the summit.

Our Trek will be fully supported by knowledgeable local guides, porters, and cooks and will have the added benefit of a professional Western Guide, world renowned Mountaineer and Polar Explorer, Ryan Waters. We will hike 5-7 hours a day and 12+ on summit day, over varied terrain, carrying a daypack and sleeping in tents. We require that all Trekkers be in excellent physical condition. It’s important that a good physical conditioning program be undertaken at least three months before departure.This is a non-technical climb.

Our Work

Our group of Trekkers will spend 3 days at a local elementary school and children's home in the village of Marangu. Before the Trek we will spend time getting to know the children, playing games, working on an improvement project and taking the children on a fun field trip to a nearby point of interest.

Safari (Optional Add On)

For two days we will travel by 4x4 vehicles to two of Tanzania’s best-known wildlife parks. Our Tanzanian guides will take us to the best game viewing spots in Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater where we will have the opportunity to see a a variety of wildlife. We will spend one night in a hotel near Ngorongoro Crater and one night in Arusha.

Please contact Tricia Donaldson, Director of Operations, for more information.

Expedition Costs

Group Size: maximum of 14 Trekkers

Expedition Dates: July 14-26, 2021 (Please note: dates listed are the arrival and departure dates to/from Tanzania)

Optional Safari Dates: July 26-28, 2021

Price for Expedition: $3,975

Price for Optional Safari: $795

Fundraising Commitment: $1,000 (100% goes to projects at the chosen school and children's home.

Tax-deductible Portion of Expedition Cost: $1100

Included

• 7 day fully-supported, guided Trek (you only carry a daypack)
• TFK leader and Western mountain guide (Ryan Waters)
• 6 nights, tent accommodation on Trek
• 5 nights hotel with breakfast (double occupancy) on non-Trek days
• All meals on Trek
• Most meals on non-trek days
• All private ground transportation, including single group transfer to and from the Kilimanjaro airport
• National Park fees, camping fees, park rescue fees
• Tips for guides, porters and cooks (approximately $200; not included in price with other companies)
• All camping equipment except sleeping bag and pad
• Activities with the children at the school and children's home
• TFK t-shirt, buff, and luggage tags

Not Included

• Airfare to Tanzania (Kilimanjaro airport)
• Tanzania Visa ($50 for US citizens)
• A few meals
• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water
• Tips to hotel staff
• Travel insurance that covers covid
• Required covid testing for flight/country requirements

Included on Optional Safari

• 2 day guided safari
• 2 nights hotel accommodation
• Most meals
• Transportation to Kilimanjaro airport after the safari (single group transfer)

Not Included on Optional Safari

• Tips for guide/driver (approximately $30)
• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and bottled water

Expedition Requirements

• 16 years or older
• Good health
• Physically fit
• Willing to raise minimum $1,000 for the projects

3 Step Process

1. Apply • Fill out the online application
• Pay $500 deposit ($50 non-refundable)

2. Prepare • Read Information and Fundraising Packet from TFK
• Start a training regimen if not already exercising regularly
• Fundraise for children's home projects
• Gather all necessary gear for the Trek
• Pay remaining Expedition fees
• Arrange flights

3. Experience • Arrive in-country and meet your TFK group leaders and fellow Trekkers.
• Enjoy a trip of a lifetime!

We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, both before and during your Expedition.

Click here to read about TFK’s Registration and Cancellation Policies.

Sample itinerary

Download Schedule here.

Gear List

Click here to download a pdf of the Gear List for Kilimanjaro Trek.

Background Information

Fundraising Resources

After signing up for an Expedition, Trekkers receive a Fundraising Kit, and access to the Trekker Resource Center, with online tips and tools to help you succeed.

TFK Brochures • brief version of the website in printed form
• great introduction to TFK for your donors

Personal Fundraising Page
• solicit donations on your page
• set fundraising goals
• track progress in real time
• post a message to your donors
• donors can send a message to you

Other Resources • Ideas for raising your $1000 minimum
• form letters to help you get started
• fundraising logs
• receipts and forms
• project flyer

Contact our Director of Operations, Tricia Donaldson, for more information.