Climb to the top of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest and grandest peak, with Gane and Marshall School Challenges.

Kilimanjaro is one of the top trekking destinations for student groups, providing a very real but achievable challenge, that of climbing the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Though a strenuous and highly challenging climb, Kilimanjaro is accessible enough that even first-time climbers can ascend to the summit, provided they have the right training and support before and during their trek. At Gane and Marshall we have extensive experience in organising Kilimanjaro climbs; we operate the safest routes and use the best ground support teams, ensuring your students the greatest chance of success.

NB We only accept students 15 years and over on this high altitude trek.

Kilimanjaro Routes

We operate longer Kilimanjaro climb itineraries than most operators, preferring a gradual ascent via the Lemosho or Circuit route, instead of a more rapid ascent via the shorter, and busier, Machame and Marangu routes. However you approach Kilimanjaro, the altitude (19340ft/5895m) will always present a challenge, but these extended routes allow for additional acclimatisation time and thus significantly improve success rates.

The nine day Northern Circuit Climb and eight day Lemosho Route are our favoured routes for school groups, and the routes we use for all of our Kilimanjaro open groups. Private groups may for various reasons wish to consider a different route, but we strongly recommend that all groups opt for a 8 or 9 day itinerary. We will not organise climbs of less than eight days for school groups.

For further information on the various routes and approaches on Kilimanjaro, see our Kilimanjaro information file. For additional reading material, see the following article on planning your Kilimanjaro Climb, written by Jeremy Gane for Travel Africa Magazine.

Extensions

These treks to the Roof of Africa combine wonderfully with a Mt Meru climb. Meru should ideally be completed before Kilimanjaro, so as to provide additional acclimatisation time. The combination of Mt Meru with our 8 days Lemosho Route up Kilimanjaro is formidable.

We can also organise “holiday” extensions of varying duration, for instance a short safari or time on the coast. Such extensions are available to both private and open group participants.

Kilimanjaro Private Groups - you choose the dates

We can set up a private Kilimanjaro climb exclusively for your school. You specify the dates you want to travel and your preferred route, and we will structure the itinerary accordingly. Have a look at the prices for our open groups below to get an idea of the cost - a private group can be more or less expensive than an open group depending on whether you choose to adjust the itinerary.

To enquire about a private group for your school, contact us.

Kilimanjaro Open Departures

Please contact us if you would like to set up an Kilimanjaro Open Group for students from your school, which we will then promote to other schools via our website and mailing list.

If you would like to book onto one of our open challenges, or if you simply require more information, please contact us directly on +44(0)1822 600 300 or info@schoolchallenges.com.

Alternatively please complete our itinerary request form.