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Tanzania

Climbing Kili

16 days | Ages 15-18 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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Adventure to the “Roof of Africa” on this seven-day trek to Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest freestanding volcano. Start with an introduction to the unique culture of the region as you engage in community activities, learn tribal history, and acclimate to prepare for your expedition. Considered a non-technical climb, the route up Mt. Kilimanjaro is highly challenging but conquerable by anyone with good physical and mental fitness. Hike along scenic trails each day and spend your nights sleeping in tents under the stars. After several days of climbing, wake before dawn for your final ascent to the summit where you’ll stand above the clouds and look down on some of the finest views in Africa. End in Arusha where you’ll explore the local markets and enjoy a farewell feast with your hiking companions.

Students love the shared camaraderie that comes from challenging themselves and each other to summit Mt. Kili!

Program Tuition

$6,895

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

Summer 2021

Program tuition refundable until March 31

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 16-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

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Africa here we come!

Your adventure in Africa begins as soon as you board the flight to Tanzania. All of Rustic Pathways’ scheduled group flights to Tanzania depart from New York and are escorted by a flight leader. After boarding the flight in the evening, you’ll have plenty of time to relax, get to know your fellow travelers, and sleep in preparation for your arrival to Africa. Team Tanzania will be ready and waiting to take you on the adventure of a lifetime when you arrive at the airport. Welcome to Tanzania! You will arrive into Kilimanjaro in the evening and transfer to Moshi, the small but bustling staging town for Kili excursions. This first night in Africa will offer the chance to get to know the other students on your program, your staff members, and your new host country. Your guides will give you a quick orientation that will introduce you to the local culture and prepare you for the adventurous two weeks ahead. For the first 5 nights you'll be staying at a guesthouse in Moshi. There will be electricity, flush toilets, and hot showers, but electricity in Moshi does go out from time to time and the guesthouse does not have a generator.
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Stretch Out!

Over the next several days, overcome your jet lag and learn more about the mountain as you learn about Kilimanjaro from a historical, environmental, and social context. Start off your exploration of Kilimanjaro with a light hike in Marangu Village, one of the main starting points for those attempting to summit the mighty mountain. Take a short hike to viewpoint and religious pilgrimage site, where the Moshi valley opens up on one side and if you are very lucky, the Kili summit dominates the other . . . though it is usually shrouded in mist. On the way down, stop by a historic Chagga tribal cave refuge, where this innovative tribe built into the sandstone to hide from their enemies. Wrap the day with a local coffee-making demonstration before heading back for a good night’s rest.
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Mountain Conservation

While it is known for being a world-famous climbing destination, Mt. Kilimanjaro is also a protected national park and an important ecological center for the region. Wake up early and head to a rural village on the slopes, where you will learn about the culture of the local community and partner with them on a development or reforestation initiative. Possible projects you might participate in include building fuel-efficient stoves, building trashcans, planting trees, or cleaning the litter scattered throughout the area. Participate in traditional cooking and harvesting, and end with a rousing song-and-dance routine!
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Organic Coffee on the Lower Slopes

You've dived into the tribal cultures, environmental issues, and ecotourism on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, now add sustainable agriculture to your widening scope of this important mountain. Spend the morning touring a local coffee farm, where you will be able to see all of the steps that result in the delicious beverage you know and possibly love, and end the tour treating yourself to a sample session of fresh brews. Visit the pioneer institution of ecotourism, Mweka, where your Kilimanjaro mountain guides most likely have studied at the start of their profession.
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Social Enterprise on the Plains

Spend your last day before the mountain visiting a local social entrepreneur, who has started a community-based organization to provide high-quality, low-cost education in a sustainable way to communities in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. Learn how strong local leaders are reshaping their own futures, explore the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro with a hike to one it's locally famous waterfalls, and remember that as you climb one mountain, others climb a different sort of mountain. Head back early to your guesthouse for a thorough briefing and gear check, and prepare for the adventure ahead!
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Your Climb Begins!

Today, you embark on one of your biggest challenges ever. The trip to the summit moves through five unique climate zones, beginning with the rainforest portion of the trek. After breakfast, you will drive from Njoro Village to Machame gate – the starting point of your Kilimanjaro adventure. From the gate (1,640 meters elevation), the group will trek a distance of about eleven kilometers (estimated hike time: 5-6 hours) to the first base camp of Machame (2,850 meters). Each morning and evening, trip leaders and mountain guides will monitor your health and encourage you to hydrate and fuel up for the days to come. You will camp in tents for the next 6 nights as you make your way up Kili. Students will sleep in tents on safari mattresses that are carried from campsite to campsite by the porters. There will be no running water, showers, or electricity, and toilets will be simple pit toilets in outhouses at the established campsites.
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Machame to Shira

Practice your Swahili hiking songs as you trek out of the rainforest and into the open, rolling moorlands. Covering eleven kilometers (estimated hike time: 4-6 hours), todays hike will traverse nearly a thousand vertical meters before arriving at Shira 2 Camp (3,810 meters). After a big dinner to rehydrate and refuel, you will enjoy hot chocolate as you take part in group discussions, journaling and card games with your local guides. Heading back to your tents before bed, don’t forget to take a moment and gaze up at the remarkable night’s sky.
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Shira to Barranco

In preparation for the remaining climb, your group will spend today acclimatizing to the elevation. Hike from Shira Plateau up to Lava Tower (4,630 meters), and past the Arrow Glacier (4,877 meters) before descending to Barranco Camp (3,976 meters). By following the “climb high, sleep low” wisdom, your body will thank you as you near the summit. Today’s trek covers about ten kilometers and 6-8 hours.
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Barranco to Karanga

Today is a short day and will allow your body to continue to adjust to the altitude. Depart Barranco Camp for Karanga Camp (3,995 meters) over about 4-5 hours of trekking through alpine desert.
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Karanga to Barafu

On the penultimate day of your ascent, continue through alpine desert up to Barafu Camp (4,673 meters). At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. At Barafu you will rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day!
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To the Summit!

Your summit approach starts at midnight. After a quick snack and a big group pep talk, you will chant their new Swahili songs as you proceed to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Ascend through the most challenging portion of the trek toward Stella Point (5,685 meters) on the crater rim. This portion of the trek usually lasts six to seven hours and allows for a breathtaking view of the sunrise on arrival for the faster hikers. Continuing from Stella Point, it’s another one or two hours of hiking through the arctic zone before arriving at Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) for your big group picture and well-deserved celebration on the Rooftop of Africa! Retrace your steps back to Barafu and will rest for a short lunch before continuing your descent to Mweka Camp (3,068 meters). From the summit, you have the next 12 kilometers (estimated hike-time: 4-6 hours) to reflect on the incredible feat you just accomplished.
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Back to Moshi

Today is, as they say, all downhill. Starting at Mweka, you will cover 10 kilometers (estimated hike time: 3-4 hours) on your way back to Mweka Gate. After thanking your porters, receiving your certificates of accomplishment and taking one last group photo, you’ll pile onto the bus and head back to Moshi for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. This evening, you will be asked to reflect on your experience, the challenge you faced and what you have learned about your true potential. You will be back at the guesthouses in Moshi for the night. Students will have electricity, flush toilets, and hot showers.
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Rest and Hot Springs

Recover from your climb with a casual morning before hitting the road to Arusha. Check into a lodge where you will enjoy a pool party, barbecue, and share your personal highlights and challenges you faced on the mountain. Your final night will be spent at a guesthouse in Arusha. Students will have access to electricity, flush toilets, and hot showers.
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Goodbye Africa

After a full night’s sleep, spend your final morning saying goodbye to your friends. Enjoy a Swahili meal in town for your last taste of local cuisine, and then hit the markets and barter prudently as you browse the stalls for popular souvenirs like paintings, Tanzania soccer jerseys, wood-carved masks, the Masai tribal blanket called the shuka, and more! Options abound. Compare your purchases with your friends as you prepare for your journey home in the evening.
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Return Home

Return home to the sights, sounds, and smells you grew up with, and the loved ones who will greet you at the airport as you say goodbye to your newfound friends. Take a moment to pause and reflect on what you and your group accomplished. What challenged you? How did you engage with the place and the people that you visited? And more importantly, how will you amplify their stories as you tell others about the growth-filled experience you’ve just had? We trust you’ve had an incredible time and look forward to seeing you again soon. Kwaheri na safari njema! Goodbye and safe travels!

Total: 16 calendar days / 15 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Tanzania

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Tanzania offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Tanzania Africa 2026