MOUNT KILIMANJARO
NEW YEAR SUMMIT
10 days
ITINERARY
6 days
TREKKING
5,895m
ALTITUDE
£2,695
PRICE FROM
DEPART BOXING DAY, SUMMIT NEW YEAR'S DAY
- 62km
- 5,895m
- Flight Packages
- Hotel & Camps Inc
- All Permits Inc
- Food & Drink Inc
- UK Mountain Leader
- UK Medic
- Group Challenge
- Solo Friendly
- Medal & T-shirt
Join our once-in-a-lifetime Kilimanjaro New Year Summit climb. See in the first sunrise of the new year from the summit! Departing the UK on Boxing Day, escape the festive excess and cold as we trek the 6-day Machame route
The New Year Summit
Make it a New Year to Remember
Climb through the night on New Year’s Eve, reaching the summit to cheers and celebrations. It’s an unforgettable way to start the year! Our Machame Route begins in the southwest of the National Park, through dense rainforest, and ascends via Barafu Camp and Stella Point. Day 3 includes acclimatisation with a scenic trek to Lava Tower. With varied terrain and features, it’s one of Kilimanjaro’s most engaging routes. Reaching the summit feels like standing on top of the world!
- UK's #1 Kilimanjaro operator
- All-inclusive, supported climb
- Summit on New Year's Day
- Short & Sharp Machame Route
- +97% Success Rate
- UK Leader & Medic
- Optional charity fundraising
- All-inclusive – no hidden costs
- Flights included - Full ATOL Cover
Climb Kili With Us!
UK's number 1 Kili operator
We’ve taken over 7,000 trekkers to Kilimanjaro’s summit, and now it’s your turn. Perfect for solo travellers, couples, and friends, this fully supported adventure includes expert UK mountain leaders, medics, all meals, transfers, and pre-climb prep. You’ll trek through rainforest, alpine desert, and summit under the stars on New Year’s Eve… an unforgettable way to ring in the new year!
An Action Challenge trip is much more than a holiday! It brings like-minded people together in fantastic landscapes, provides the best support & great hospitality, and enables the group to take on a tough & unforgettable challenge which forges new friendships, broaden horizons, and leaves you wanting more of life’s adventures!
The blueprint for Action Challenge trip is based on delivering a high quality enjoyable experience – and doing it all safely. An experienced UK Mountain Leader ensures that all aspects of the challenge run to plan – and one of our UK Medics with an expedition med kit is on-hand to look after the group’s wellbeing – enabling everyone to have the best chance of successfully competing their challenge.
We go to great lengths to ensure that we only use the best local organisations to supply the all-important ground logistics and the on-challenge support, catering, and hospitality teams – with experienced guides leading the way on the trails with their deep local knowledge and authentic style.
Like minded people with a similar sense of adventure – but often from very different backgrounds, and with a wide range of experience, ages, levels of fitness, and personal ambitions. Our trips are perfect for individuals, couples, and small groups of friends to join – and then to take on a unique challenge as part of a larger group which shapes & bonds as the adventure unfolds!
Whether its’s the hotels, restaurants & transfers before & after the main challenge – or the challenge accommodation & meals whilst out on the trails – our all inclusive packages mean that you will get a top quality experience at a great value price! Flights are generally included, but there’s a ‘land only’ option if you’d prefer to book your own – and single supplement accommodation upgrades are available.
The group comes together – takes on a tough challenge together – and then celebrates its achievements in style on the final night of the trip in a local restaurant or hotel, with medals, awards, and a maybe a bit of a party! Many of our participants make new special friends on our trips – and quite a few come back together for another challenge in the following years!
A successful challenge starts with good preparation. The better prepared you are the more confident you’ll be, and the more you’ll enjoy it! Our ‘Challenge App’ will have all the info & details of what to expect on your challenge – and how to prepare for it. We also offer unlimited free UK training walks. These one-day walks run Spring through Autumn in some of the UK’s most scenic locations, including the South Downs, Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, the Peak District, and the Lake District. They’re a great way to meet fellow trekkers before your big adventure, get to know some of our challenge leaders, and most importantly to build confidence and fitness on varied terrain.
THE ITINERARY
SWIPE TO EXPLORE
26th Dec Departure from UK
- In-flight
- In-flight meals
Time to shake off the turkey dinner and get ready to take on Africa’s highest mountain! We will meet our group and Action Challenge staff at the airport and check in together before boarding our flight to Tanzania. This is usually an overnight flight.
27th Dec Arrive in Kilimanjaro
- Hotel
- L D
On arrival we transfer to the hotel and meet our team of local guides. In the afternoon there is the chance to relax before the welcome briefing, and kit check. Then we enjoy an evening meal together before an early night.
28th Dec Machame Camp
- Camp
- B L D
- 6 hrs
- 11km
- 2,835m
29th Dec Shira Caves Camp
- Camp
- B L D
- 6-7 hrs
- 5km
- 3,850m
30th Dec Barranco Camp
- Camp
- B L D
- 7+ hrs
- 9km
- 3,972m
Today is one of the most scenic days, helping prepare for the summit push. We head east across barren, moon-like landscape beneath Kibo, reaching Lava Tower at 4,630m for lunch and our highest point. In the afternoon we descend into a sheltered valley with unique flora, arriving at Barranco Camp. This climb high, sleep low day supports acclimatisation, with dramatic cliffs and glaciers surrounding camp.
31st Dec Barafu Camp
- Camp
- B L D
- 9 - 10 hrs
- 10km
- 4,670m
Our first challenge is the climb up the Barranco Wall, a short scramble with fantastic views and a real sense of achievement. After a break at the top, we continue across varied terrain to Karanga Camp. Following lunch, we ascend steadily towards Barafu High Camp. It’s a slow, measured pace to conserve energy for the summit push tonight, with arrival in the afternoon, dinner, and rest before the midnight ascent.
1st Jan Summit
- Camp
- B L D
- 15+ hrs
- 14km
- 5,895m
We welcome in the New Year at camp, before stocking up on hot drinks and snacks. We then climb by headtorch. Over six hours we tackle the steepest, most demanding section to Stella Point at 5,730m. We will watch the first sunrise of the new year as we climb, pausing to celebrate and reflect. After a short rest we continue to Uhuru Peak, 5,895m for sunrise views. We then descend to Millennium Camp for a well earned rest after a long day.
2nd Jan Moshi
- Camp
- B L D
- 5+ hrs
- 14km
- Medal & Certificate
We descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, where warm, oxygen-rich air is a welcome change. The long descent eases as the finish approaches. At the gate, we celebrate with our support team before saying farewell. A short transfer takes us to the hotel for a hot shower, time to relax by the pool. In the evening, we will truly celebrate not just the New Year, but our incredible achievements in summiting Africa’s highest peak!
3rd Jan Departure Day
- Inflight
- B
Depending on flight times, you may be able to enjoy a free morning either by the pool, or exploring Moshi, before transferring to Kilimanjaro airport for our overnight flight back to the UK. Alternatively, why not extend your stay in Tanzania and tag on a safari or Zanzibar beach break!
FREE OPEN EVENINGS
Join us for a FREE live info session, talking you through the Climb Kilimanjaro Challenge – from the route and the service, to training, kit, fundraising advice and what it is like to summit Africa’s highest mountain with Action Challenge! You can join us live in-person, or watch an online session:
FREE OPEN EVENINGS
If you’d like to hear more about our Kilimanjaro trips, we run regular free open evenings. Join us live in-person, or online:
New Year Summit
Dates & Prices
See all Kilimanjaro Routes
LEMOSHO ROUTE
- 72km
- 11 Day Itinerary
- Standard Camps & Hotels
The Lemosho Route heads in from the west, all the way round to Kilimanjaro’s southern side. A varied trek with changing views. From day 3 it’s identical to the Machame Route (including Lava Tower acclimatisation) – but has an extra day prior to arrival at high camp, which many makes the final push to the summit feel less pressurised.
DELUXE KILIMANJARO
- 73km
- 12 Day Itinerary
- Deluxe Camps & Hotels
Our Deluxe Kilimanjaro Climb follows the scenic Northern Circuit over 12 days, with 8 days trekking. Enjoy private camps with showers, upgraded meals, and comforts like foot baths. Led by a UK leader and medic, this fully inclusive adventure offers great acclimatisation, support, and camaraderie.
MACHAME ROUTE
- 64km
- 11 Day Itinerary
- Standard Camps & Hotels
The 6-day Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek heads in from the south western side of the National Park, through the dense rain forest. It’s a short & sharp approach to the summit via Barafu Camp and Stella Point. The varied scenery along the way, makes it one of the most interesting ascents of Kilimanjaro for those who feel confident!
NORTHERN CIRCUIT
- 73km
- 12 Day Itinerary
- Standard Camps & Hotels
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s longest and quietest route, offering a 12-day adventure with 8 days of trekking and excellent acclimatisation. Starting at Londorossi Gate, the route circles the mountain via remote northern slopes, with highlights including Lava Tower, Shira Plateau, and a sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak
RONGAI ROUTE
- 74km
- 11 Day Itinerary
- Standard Camps & Hotels
Ideal for those seeking a less crowded climb with varied scenery and strong acclimatisation. Starting through farmland and forest, it climbs steadily to Mawenzi Tarn, then crosses the high-altitude Saddle. The summit push begins at Kibo Camp, ascending via Gillman’s Point and Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Trip Brochure
The Challenge brochure details the full itinerary, inclusions, and more – download for a full run down of the challenge details.
FREE UK TRAINING WALKS
With any overseas challenge booking
• Average 20km distance
• Led by our UK leaders
• Do as many as you like
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Details
Full details & information about what you can expect in the lead up & during the challenge.
Signing Up to the Challenge
Once you pay your deposit & have signed up to the challenge, you will receive a confirmation email welcoming you into the challenge.
You will also receive instructions on how to download our challenge app which has in it all the information you need to start preparing for your challenge – from kit lists to training guides.
We will keep you updated with regular emails & newsletters in the lead-up to the challenge, as well as information on training days & weekends.
If you need to cancel your challenge, your deposit is non-refundable – therefore we recommend you speak to our team to see what alternative options you may have.
Yes, if for whatever reason you need to push your departure back to a later one or change your trip altogether you can do so for a date change fee of £175, subject to availability.
Currently, we do not have the accounting facility to take instalments, we can only take your payment in full at least 12 weeks before your departure.
Preparation
Yes – in our challenge app, which you can download once you are fully registered for the challenge we have a host of training materials, guides & advice for you to use.
You also have access to unlimited free UK training walks. These walks are designed to help you get and around the UK, meet fellow trekkers, and all supported by one of our experienced UK Leaders.
Our free UK training walks offer the chance to meet up with fellow trekkers and our UK crew.
Closer to the challenge we will set up a WhatsApp group so that you can meet others online who are going to be on your trip. We also have a lively & dynamic Facebook group you can join at any time to meet other fellow challengers – past & present to share and swap training tips, advice & stories.
You will need specific travel insurance, which covers the duration of your trip, along with full cover for any activities you will be doing (i.e. trekking, cycling) and to cover you up to any altitude you may be trekking to. Once you are signed up for the challenge, we will send you full details of our recommended providers of appropriate cover.
Life on the Challenge
- Fully supported 10 day group challenge
- UK qualified medic
- Full support team, including local guides
- International flights and air travel taxes
- Action Challenge trek leader
- All accommodation, twin share – hotels / tea house
- All meals with the group; including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- National Park entrance fees
- Day in Moshi ended with a celebratory dinner
- Pre event support including discounted training weekends
- Airline fuel surcharge
- Single supplement for teahouse / hotel
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Vaccinations
- Tips for local crew
- Optional extensions
- Optional training weekends
- Kit hire
Kilimanjaro is a trek, rather than a climb, and pass over well trodden trails & paths which have been formed all the way up to the top of the mountain. There are sections which are trickier than others, with rocks, boulders & scrubland – but it is a ‘trek’ rather than a climb. We recommend strong walking boots, which give you good ankle support & have good grip.
We are real foodies at Action Challenge and whilst we cannot promise a gastronomic feast on a Kilimanjaro climb, we do ensure there is plenty of food which is varied and wholesome. Breakfast is usually a hot drink with bread/ toast and spreads, porridge, eggs and sausage. Our Kilimanjaro cook team then hurries ahead of us to set up the mess tent and provide us with a hot lunch. This usually consists of a starter soup, followed by either a rice or pasta dish with meat and veggies.
On arrival into camp hot drinks and snacks are usually served before we tuck into the main event, which again is usually a hot soup starter, followed by a more substantial main than lunch, perhaps a warm winter stew, or meat and fish with lots of veggies, pasta or rice followed by a pudding or cake if it is a special occasion. We also recommend that participants pack some of their favourite snacks to enjoy throughout the day.
Whilst trekking your luggage will be transported by our local team of porters! Each morning your main luggage will be collected, organised and taken directly to the next night’s campsite. You will carry with you a backpack (approx. 30l) with all your essentials you will need with you for the day of trekking (water, snacks, layers, suncream etc.)
The pace will always be slow, steady and manageable. A slow and manageable pace is a key part of good, safe acclimatisation. Your action challenge leader, uk medic and head local guide will together decide the best pace for the group. Remember there’ll always also be time to stop and take in the views, eat a snack or change a layer.
Yes, and plenty of it!
Your challenge will be led by an experienced Action Challenge leader. Our leaders are selected for their experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, sensitivity and sense of humour, and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly.
You will also be accompanied by an Action Challenge doctor, who will be carrying a fully stocked medical kit in case of any emergency. They will carry out daily health checks, and the re-assurance of their presence should allow you to focus on, and enjoy your challenge!
We have a full support team in country with two way radio contact between the Action Challenge Head Quarters in London and local staff and satellite phone for emergencies. If for any reason you need to leave the group early local staff will assist you and will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary.
There are 2 seasons on Kilimanjaro as apposed to our typical 4. However we should prepare for all weather as mountain weather can be unpredictable.
In the first few days, we experience hot and humid weather (approx 25-30°C), which becomes colder as we approach the summit, decreasing by approximately 1°C every 200m we climb. Sun protection with high SPF is vital as the intensity of the sun’s rays increases with altitude – even when it feels cold through cloud cover or increased winds. Waterproofs are essential to ensure we’re prepared in the event of wet weather.
Jan – Mar is the first dry season on Kilimanjaro so the chance of rain is lower, although it’s likely to be colder than the rest of the year with higher chance of snow as we reach the summit.
Apr – May are the wettest months and not ideal for trekking. We do not operate treks during this time to ensure our team’s enjoyment and safety throughout the trek.
Jun – Oct offers the best chance of dry weather throughout the trek, which means it’s the most popular trekking season on the mountain.
Nov – Dec is a short season, rains begin mid November and snow-fall increases as we come into December.
Costs & Fundraising
The balance for your trip cost, will be due to us 10 weeks before your departure. You will be sent a reminder & an invoice 12 weeks before, giving you 2 weeks to make the payment.
80% of your fundraising target is due to be with your charity 12 weeks before the challenge, meaning that it either needs to be banked with them, or sat against a Just Giving page. We will then invoice your charity for the remaining cost of your place on the challenge, it is important you make that 80% target otherwise your charity will not pay for your place, and your trip could be cancelled.
The remaining 20% of your balance will be due to be with your charity 4 weeks after your trip ends.
Our base cost is on a twin share room basis, if you are signing up as a couple of two friends – you can tell us when you register onto the challenge, so we ensure that you will be sharing a room.
If you are signing up to the challenge as an individual, we will match you with someone of the same gender and roughly the same age.
You can choose to pay an additional supplement to have your own room (and/or tent) on the challenge.
All of our groups are an average size of approximately 20 participants, but can range between 12 and 30+ people. We welcome individuals, couples and groups of friends on to our challenges, and many who join us literally have a mountain to climb in terms of the scale of the challenge they are taking on. We advocate camaraderie and team bonding, and really believe that this enhances your experience. You are always welcome to check in with us on the current size of any departure you are interested in!
Yes as long as we know in advance of the trip, we can cater for all dietary requirements & requests.
Get in Touch
Reach out if you’ve a question – or if your company or charity might like to work with us – and a member of our team will get back to you.
Tel: 0203 4796584
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 17:00
Sat – Sun Closed
OUR TREKS
