Subscribe to our Gay Travel Newsletter here
This adventure is one of our most ambitious, and reaches its literal peak in time to watch the sun rise over the African plains below. On the climb, we’ll take the lesser travelled, but exceedingly spectacular, Lemosho Route, which also gives your body more time to acclimatize (and results in a higher summit success rate). Starting in dense rainforest, we’ll encounter six different ecological zones en route to our summit, followed by a two-day descent. As a group, we’ll take it step-by-step, supporting and encouraging each other the entire way.
To treat yourself after this tour, consider joining our Gay Serengeti Safari which kicks off just as this tour concludes.
Jambo! Welcome to Tanzania. Our trip begins with a group meeting at 4PM. Get to know your fellow travellers and Chief Mountain Guide while we discuss the epic climb ahead. We’ll then enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Following an early breakfast, we’ll have a 2-hour transfer to Londorossi Gate for registration, which could take a few hours. Then on to the Lemosho starting point (2,424m/7,952ft) where we’ll start our trek to the Big Tree Camp (2,785m/9,135ft) for our first night on the mountain. We may spot antelope unique to the Lemosho and Rongai routes, so keep your eyes peeled.
Ascent: 400m/1,300ft
Descent: minimal
Distance: 5km/3mi
Approximate hiking time: 3-4 hours
Rise and shine! After breakfast, we trek for about an hour to the end of the forest. Here, the trail steepens and we enter the giant heather moorland zone, crossing several streams en route. We continue to Shira 1 Camp (3,504m/11,496ft), on the western edge of the Shira Plateau, where lunch awaits and we’ll camp for the night. This afternoon, there will be an optional acclimatization ascent of Shira Ridge, which serves up the finest views of Kibo, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones.
Ascent: 720m/2,360ft
Descent: minimal
Distance: 8.4km/5.2mi
Approximate hiking time: 5-6 hours
Today we trek across the Shira Plateau to Moir Hut (4,166m/13,700ft), where we’ll break for lunch. Onwards and upwards, weather permitting, you have the option of a breathtaking sunset acclimatisation climb just before dinner (4,305m/14,125ft).
Ascent: 657m/2,155ft
Descent: minimal
Distance: 9.7 km/6mi
Approximate hiking time: 3-4 hours
We’ve got a 17km/10.5mi trek ahead of us today, moving clockwise around the mountain’s northern slopes via Pofu (4,040m/13,250ft), to Third Caves Camp (3,971m/13,000ft). Along the way we’ll enjoy impressive views to the Northwest, North, and Northeast. While the day may be long, we’ll take it slow and steady enjoying the countless lookouts.
Ascent: 247m/810ft
Descent: 466m/1530ft
Distance: 17km/10.5mi
Approximate hiking time: 6-7 hours
Today we trek upwards to School Hut (4,722m/15,500ft). While the journey is a ‘mere’ 4.9km/3mi, we’ll gain 780m/2,560ft in altitude. Dinner will be served early, as we’re off to sleep at 6PM. ‘Tomorrow’ begins with an 11PM-12AM wake-up call for our final midnight assault. Porridge and tea will be served to help get us going.
Ascent: 780m/2,560ft
Descent: minimal
Distance: 4.9km/3mi
Approximate hiking time: 3-4 hours
While it actually begins in the middle of the night, this is the day we’ve been waiting for. We’ll trek to Gilman’s Point (5,708m/18,700ft) in the dark, on switchback trails, where we’ll pause to enjoy the majesty of the sun rising above the clouds. We’ll then work our way around the crater to Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft), before reaching our final summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft). After realizing you’ve just climbed Kilimanjaro, feel free to shed a few tears, snap some photos, and bask in the well-deserved glory with your fellow climbers. This is an incredibly long and difficult day, so we may only make it to Millenium Camp.
Ascent: 1,181m/3,875ft
Descent: 2,789m/9,150ft
Distance: 15km/9.3mi
Approximate hiking time: 12-14 hours (4-6 hours to the summit rim, 1-2 hours to reach the summit, 2-3 hours descending from the summit to Barafu Huts with a 1 hour rest, then 2 hours to Millennium Camp).
This morning we continue our descent to Mweka Gate (1,633m/5400ft), where we’ll sign the summit register to make it official. A vehicle will be waiting to take us to a local restaurant for a casual burger and beer before heading back to our hotel where we can freshen up – in real showers – before our Farewell Dinner.
Ascent: minimal
Descent: 1,473m/4,832ft
Distance: 9.1km/5.7mi
Approximate hiking time: 8- 10 hours
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at your leisure. Your trip includes a complimentary departure transfer which will be confirmed by your group leader.
Please note: If you are joining our Tanzania: Gay Serengeti Safari ask our sales team about adding an extra night of accommodation.
Once in a lifetime adventure everyone should experience, surrounded by a great group of people. Outstanding organization and communication from the Out Adventures representatives so there was nothing I had to worry about once the trip was booked.
Well organized. So fun travelling with like-minded people. Also takes away some of the stress of other tours where you are not sure if other travellers will be gay accepting/friendly.
Get ready for something life-changing. Honestly the hardest trip I’ve done physically mentally and emotionally, that paid off physically mentally and emotionally. If you’re willing to put in the effort you’ll reap the rewards.
Out Adventures’ prep program to conquer Kilimanjaro.
Read MoreSweat and schlep on one of Out Adventures’ epic international Gay Hikes. From the Peruvian Andes to exhausting Everest Base Camp.
Read MoreWhile these trips typically attract gay men, all genders are welcome, and we encourage friends and family to join the fun as well.
Learn MoreAll accommodations on Out Adventures tours include breakfast and are located in areas central to our activities. All amenities are examples only, and may differ from hotel to hotel.
3-Star Hotel: Clean and comfortable rooms along with basic amenities such as a simple restaurant/breakfast area, some featuring spas. Customer service is good, but offers no frills.
Kilimanjaro Camping: This trip has six nights of camping. All tents are set up by guides/porters, sleeping pads are provided, and there is a private dining tent with a fully supported cooking staff that provides three meals per day. For more details about camping, refer to the more information section on this page.
Scroll down to ‘Examples Of Accommodations’ for specific information and photos about the accommodations used on this tour.
Learn MoreThis trip is fully booked but cancellations occur. If you’d like to be contacted if space opens up, please click “Book Now”, select the appropriate departure and you will be prompted to provide limited information.
If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Shared/Twin Room when booking this tour.
If you are a solo traveller interested in booking a private room, please select single supplement when booking this tour (based on availability). If you are willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Solo Shared.
This departure is closed and a wait list is not available.
This departure is almost sold out. Book now to guarantee your spot!
This departure is open for booking!
This trip is available but we are close to departure and will need to confirm services such as hotels and activities before confirming you on the trip. The process can take up to 5 business days. If you are seriously interested in this trip, please complete the On Request Booking form and one of our team members will get back to you with next steps.
