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 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 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 4 days with the children from both Mbahe Primary School and Kim Jones Children's home in Marangu. We will spend time getting to know the children, playing games, working on an improvement project, and other fun activities all before we start the Trek.

Safari (Optional Add On)

After the Trek, for three days we will travel by 4x4 vehicles to three of Tanzania’s best-known wildlife parks. Our Tanzanian guides will take us to the best game viewing spots in Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha National Park where we will do a short walking safari to get up close to some of the animals in the Park. Accommodations will be in hotels.

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

Expedition Costs

Group Size: maximum of 14 Trekkers (minimum 10)

Expedition Dates: October 4-15, 2023 (Please note: dates listed are the arrival and departure dates to/from Kilimanjaro airport (JRO)

Safari Dates: October 15-17, 2023 (Please note: return date is October 17 if late evening flight)

Price for Expedition: $4950

Price for Safari: $775

Fundraising Commitment: $1000 (to support the projects at the school and children's home)

Included • 7 day fully-supported, guided Trek (you only carry a daypack)
• TFK leader and Western mountaineering guide
• 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 ground transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off at scheduled times (early arrivals not included)
• National Park fees, camping fees, park rescue fees
• All camping equipment except sleeping bag and pad
• Activities with the children
• TFK t-shirts and luggage tags

Not Included • Airfare to Tanzania (Kilimanjaro airport, JRO)
• Tanzania Visa ($100 for US citizens)
• Tips for local guides, porters and cooks on Trek (approximately $250)
• A few meals
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water

Included on Optional Safari • 3 day guided safari in 4x4 vehicles
• Walking safari in Arusha National Park
• 2 nights hotel accommodation
• All meals except dinner on last day
• Transportation to Kilimanjaro airport after the safari if depart on October 17
• Shower room last day of safari before flying home

Not Included on Optional Safari • Tips for guides/driver
• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and bottled water

Expedition Requirements

• 18 years or older
• Good health
• Physically fit
• Willing to raise minimum $1000 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 orphanage 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.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Itinerary

Download Schedule here.

Gear List

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

Personal Fundraising Page
• solicit donations on your page
• set fundraising goals
• track progress in real time
• upload photos
• post messages to donors

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.