“Reaching the Roof of Africa with Impact Kilimanjaro was an incredible experience from start to finish!”
Founder-led
Led by Sean, start to finish
Founder’s Trips are Sean’s personal Kilimanjaro expeditions. He leads the climb himself, from the first briefing to the last night on the mountain, with the Tanzanian team he has built and trained over the years.
These open treks are for people who want the challenge of Kilimanjaro alongside someone who has led more than 25 climbs to its summit. Places are limited and go quickly once dates are announced.
Every detail is handled exactly as I would want it for my own climb, because it is.
The itinerary
Nine days, designed around the summit
The Machame route with Kosovo Camp at 4,800 m for summit night, private tents, a toilet tent and hot food throughout. Every extra is built in. Timings are approximate and the pace is adjusted to the group and the conditions on the day.
Dates: departures are announced to a small list first. Get in touch for the next dates and you will hear before places open.
Arrive and brief
Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to your hotel in Moshi. Gear check and a full briefing with Sean and the team.
Machame Gate to camp
Camp at 2,835 mRainforest walking, about 5 to 7 hours. Up from the gate at 1,640 m to Machame Camp at 2,835 m.
Machame to Shira Camp
Camp at 3,810 mOut of the forest onto the moorland, about 4 to 6 hours, to Shira Camp at 3,810 m.
Shira to Lava Tower to Barranco
Camp at 3,960 mThe key acclimatisation day, about 6 to 8 hours. Climb high to Lava Tower at 4,630 m, then drop to sleep lower at Barranco Camp, 3,960 m.
Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
Camp at 3,995 mScramble up the Barranco Wall, then across the ridges to Karanga Camp at 3,995 m, about 4 to 5 hours.
Karanga to Kosovo Camp
Camp at 4,800 mA short, steady walk up to Kosovo Camp at 4,800 m, an exclusive high camp reserved for only a few operators. Early meal, then rest before summit night.
Summit night: Uhuru Peak
Summit 5,895 mLeave around midnight from Kosovo Camp, which cuts about 90 minutes from the summit climb, for Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the roof of Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp at 3,100 m. A very long day.
Mweka Camp to the gate
Descend through the forest to the gate at 1,640 m, about 3 to 4 hours. Back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower.
Depart
Breakfast, then transfer to the airport or onward travel.
What's included
The complete package
Everything below is part of the climb, so there are no surprises on the mountain.
Included
- Sean leading the climb, start to finish
- All national park permits, fees and camping fees
- Airport and park gate transfers
- Kosovo Camp at 4,800 m for summit night, an exclusive high camp
- One person per tent
- A toilet tent for the group, usually one for every four or five climbers
- Hot meals throughout the climb, with dietary needs catered for
- Wilderness first aid trained guides and a support crew, one for every two climbers and often one-to-one on summit night
- Emergency oxygen and medical kits on the mountain
- Pre-trek support: WhatsApp and phone help with training, gear and preparation, plus a kit-check call
- A dedicated person from first enquiry to the summit
Not included
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips for the guides and crew
- Personal kit and spending money
- Drinks and anything not listed as included
The result: an experience of a lifetime.
Who joins a Founder’s Trip
Founder’s Trips are open to anyone. You do not need a company, a school or a group of friends behind you, only the wish to climb Kilimanjaro properly.
Climbing solo
Join as an individual and climb as part of a small team, looked after from the first message to the last descent.
Climbing with a friend
Bring a partner, friend or family member and share it. You are cared for as one team, with one person per tent.
Wanting it done properly
For people who want the best support, upgraded camps and premium extras, led by someone who has led 25+ climbs to the summit.
How it works
A simple, supportive process from start to finish.
Register interest
Tell us you want to be on the next Founder’s Trip.
Hear first
We contact you as soon as dates and places are confirmed.
Secure your place
Confirm with us directly, and we handle the rest.
Prepare
We guide you through fitness, gear and what to expect before you fly.
Want to climb with Sean?
Register your interest and we will contact you when the next dates are confirmed.