MY 2026 CHALLENGE

As you ascend, the oxygen levels drop to nearly half of what you’re used to at sea level. Altitude sickness doesn’t discriminate—fit or unfit, novice or expert, anyone can be struck down. Nausea, dizziness, & splitting headaches are just the start. If left unchecked, severe forms like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or Cerebral Edema (HACE) can cause confusion, vomiting, & even death within hours. You’re gambling with your body’s ability to adapt.

The temperature plummets to as low as -20°C (-4°F) during the summit push, with biting winds that can strip the heat from your body in minutes. Inadequate gear or a misstep in preparation could leave you battling hypothermia, frostbite, or worse.

The final ascent is a punishing, hours-long ordeal in pitch darkness, climbing steep, slippery scree at high altitude while battling fatigue, freezing temperatures, & thin air. Many collapse or turn back before ever seeing the summit.

The trails may seem manageable at first, but loose rocks, steep climbs, and sudden drop-offs make every step treacherous. A single misstep on the slippery summit scree or a narrow trail could result in serious injury—or worse, a fatal fall.

Kilimanjaro's peak is nearly 6000 metres above sea level. At this height, the air pressure ( the amount of oxygen it contains) is less than half that at sea level, & has been said to be comparable to 'working with only one lung'

Kilimanjaro’s weather is as unpredictable as it is unforgiving. Clear skies can suddenly give way to violent storms, freezing rain, or snow, making trails slippery and increasing the risk of hypothermia. A single day can see scorching heat in the rainforest and sub-zero temperatures at higher altitudes.

Unlike in more developed mountaineering regions, Kilimanjaro’s remote location means rescue options are slow and limited. In severe emergencies, evacuation is by stretcher or helicopter, which can take hours to coordinate— if weather conditions even allow it.

• Height: 5,895 metres (19,341 ft)
• Location: Tanzania, East Africa
• Coordinates: 3.0674°S, 37.3556°E
• Type: Dormant stratovolcano
• Cones: Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo
• Summit Name: Uhuru Peak (meaning “Freedom Peak” in Swahili)

Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world — it rises from the African plains without being part of a mountain range.

It’s often described as a journey from the equator to the Arctic, because climbers pass through five completely different ecosystems on their way to the top.

I’ll be climbing with Action Challenge, a UK-based expedition company that runs hundreds of charity adventures worldwide.

Our team will be taking on the Lemosho Route, one of the most scenic and safest routes to the summit.

Trip length: 11 days (including travel)

Trek duration: 7–8 days on the mountain

Route distance: Around 70 km (43 miles)

Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m

Operator: Action Challenge – Kilimanjaro Lemosho

The climb is non-technical, meaning you don’t need ropes or climbing equipment — just strong legs, determination, and a lot of grit.

On the mountain, we’ll be sleeping in high-quality expedition tents, with:

• A dedicated local support crew
• Porters carrying main kit bags and equipment
• Cooks providing three fresh meals daily
• Guides monitoring our health and progress

Action Challenge works with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) to ensure all porters are fairly paid, properly equipped, and treated ethically.

Safety is the top priority. Action Challenge provides:

• Daily oxygen saturation & pulse checks
• Qualified medics on the trek
• Emergency oxygen & portable stretchers
• Evacuation plans and 24-hour support
• Strict acclimatisation schedule to minimise altitude sickness

All climbers must also have comprehensive travel and medical insurance, which includes emergency evacuation cover.

Here’s a look at what’s needed for Kilimanjaro:

Clothing Layers

• Base layers (moisture-wicking tops & leggings)
• Mid layers (fleece or softshell)
• Insulated down jacket (for summit night)
• Waterproof jacket & trousers
• Trekking trousers & shorts
• Gloves, hats, buffs, and thermal socks

Equipment

• 4-season sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat or inflatable mattress
• Trekking poles
• Head torch (with spare batteries)
• Daypack (30–40L)
• Duffel bag (70–80L for porters to carry)

Other Essentials

• Sunglasses (UV protection)
• Sunscreen & lip balm
• Refillable water bottles / hydration system
• Wet wipes & personal hygiene kit
• First aid kit & altitude meds (if prescribed)

Travelling to Tanzania requires being up to date on standard UK vaccinations.

You may also need:

• Yellow Fever Certificate (check current entry requirements)
• Typhoid & Hepatitis A (recommended)
• Malaria prevention tablets (consult your GP or travel clinic)

Always seek advice from a travel health professional at least 8 weeks before departure.

Flights depart from London Heathrow to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

The team spends the first night in a 4-star hotel in Moshi, before starting the trek the following morning.

After the climb, we’ll celebrate our summit success back at the hotel with a well-earned meal and certificate ceremony.

Summit night is where determination counts most.

We’ll leave camp around 11:00 PM, trekking by headtorch through the freezing night.

The route climbs steeply through volcanic scree until we reach Stella Point (5,739 m) at sunrise — then push on to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

Expect:

• Temperatures between −10°C and −20°C
• Thin air and slow, steady breathing
• 6–8 hours of climbing to the summit
• Another 5–6 hours descending to camp

Reaching the summit is emotional, exhausting, and unforgettable — truly the roof of Africa.