We're Climbing Kilimanjaro!
✈️ DECEMBER 30, 2025 – JANUARY 6, 2026
⛰️ Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Starting 2026 On A High Note: 19,341 Feet! 🏔️🌕
Follow Our Climb in Real Time
Are You Ready For The Ultimate Adventure?
Join us for an epic Kilimanjaro climb, timed perfectly to camp under the full moon, starting on New Year’s Eve 2025!
We’re gathering a small group of 10-12 adventure-seekers who want to challenge themselves, experience breathtaking landscapes, and celebrate the New Year from the Roof of Africa.
- ✔ A Bucket List Experience – No technical climbing required, just determination and a love for adventure.
- ✔ A Route Designed for Success – We’re taking the Rongai Route, known for its stunning views, fewer crowds, and better acclimatization.
- ✔ Expert Local Guides – We’ve partnered with Exuberant Kilimanjaro, a highly respected Tanzanian outfitter that puts climbers and the local community first.
This is more than just a climb—it’s a life-changing journey with a supportive group that will encourage you every step of the way.
🚀 Ready to take on the challenge? Let’s make 2026 the year you stand on Africa’s highest peak! Reach out to learn more.
Kilimanjaro Climb Information & FAQ
We are planning a 7 day mountain climb, starting on December 31, 2025.
You'll want to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on December 29, 2025. The climb finishes January 6th. Full accommodations and most meals are included before and during the climb. A full itinerary is outlined below!
Who is organizing this climb?
Hello! We are Jessi and Cassandra, local to the Twin Cities and Iron Range areas in Minnesota. We have traveled domestically and internationally together, and we have run half marathons together, and we both love hiking and experiencing new adventures. We love adventure, and even more – we love pushing ourselves to do hard things.
We’ve been talking about this bucket list climb for years, and have finally pulled the trigger and set up an official climb! Most importantly – we love making new friends, and we hope to gain enough interest in this climb to have a group of 8-15 like-minded individuals.
We have done extensive research and have carefully selected the climb dates, route, and company to guide us to success. We chose to partner with Exuberant Kilimanjaro, a highly respected local guiding company that directly supports the local economy.
We have personally met with the owner and are confident this trip is well-organized, rewarding, and offers the best chance of summit success.
What is the cost?
It’s actually not as expensive as you may think! The full climb cost, including pre-climb lodging, all meals on the mountain, guides, and permits, ends up being a bit under $2,000. (Airfare and any additional time you may want to spend in Tanzania are not included with the climb price).
You’ll need to contact Exuberant Kilimanjaro directly for official pricing and booking details. Be sure to let them know that you heard about our group!
What route are you taking?
We are taking the 7-day Rongai Route, which is known for its true wilderness setting. Other features include:
- Less crowded than the more popular Machame or Lemosho routes
- Approaches from the north side of Kilimanjaro
- Gradual ascent, making it great for acclimatization
- Known for clear skies and stunning views
We also specifically chose this route because it aligns with the New Year’s holiday and a full moon for an unforgettable summit experience!
How much training do I need to do?
While Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, it is still a physically demanding trek due to high altitude.
Recommended training:
- Hiking: Aim for 5-10 mile hikes with elevation gain 2-3 times per week
- Strength Training: Focus on legs (squats, lunges), core, and endurance
- Cardio: Running, cycling, or stair climbing will improve stamina
- Pack Training: Get used to hiking with weight (15-20 lbs) in a backpack
Acclimatization is the key to success—if possible, try hiking at altitude before the trip!
Full Itinerary and Dates
December 29 – Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi
- Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Most flights from the United States take about 24 hours, transferring to Kilimanjaro in Amsterdam.
- Visa can be obtained upon arrival (typically $50 for a single entry, $100 for multiple entry).
- Exuberant Kilimanjaro representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
- Pre-climb briefing and gear check.
- Meals provided: None
- Accommodation: The Maridadi Hotel
December 30 – Waterfall & Coffee Tour (Optional)
This day allows for rest, cultural immersion, and a chance for the guides to assess climbers before the trek.
- Morning: Gear check and pre-climb formalities.
- Guided tour of Moshi’s vibrant town and bustling markets.
- Excursion to Materuni Waterfalls (40-minute hike through lush scenery).
- Optional: Refreshing swim at the base of the falls.
- Traditional coffee ceremony with the Chagga tribe—grind, roast, and taste fresh coffee.
- Evening return to Moshi.
- Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: The Maridadi Hotel
December 31 – We start our Kilimanjaro climb!
- Route: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
- Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
- Distance: 7 km (~3-4 hours of hiking)
- Terrain: Rainforest, gradual ascent with sightings of Colobus monkeys.
- Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping at Rongai Cave
January 1 – Trek to Second Cave
- Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft
- Distance: 12 km (~6-8 hours of hiking)
- Terrain: Moorland, panoramic views of Kenya and the Eastern Icefields.
- Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping at Kikelewa Cave
January 2 – Trek to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
- Distance: 5 km (~3-4 hours of hiking)
- Terrain: Alpine desert, steep ascent with incredible landscapes.
- Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping at Mawenzi Tarn
January 3 – Acclimatization Day at Mawenzi Tarn
- Short trek to Mawenzi Ridge (14,400 ft), then return to Mawenzi Tarn.
- Distance: 4 km (~2-4 hours of hiking).
- Terrain: Alpine desert.
- Purpose: Acclimatization for a better summit success rate.
- Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping at Mawenzi Tarn
January 4 – Trek to Kibo Hut (Base Camp)
- Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
- Distance: 8 km (~5-6 hours of hiking)
- Terrain: Alpine desert, crossing the barren “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo.
- Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping at Kibo Hut
January 5 – SUMMIT DAY! (Uhuru Peak 19,341 ft)
- Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 12,205 ft.
- Distance: 22 km (~10-13 hours of hiking).
- Terrain: Arctic conditions, steep ascent via Gillman’s Point.
- Reach the summit and take in breathtaking views.
- Descend to Horombo Hut for rest and celebration.
- Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping at Horombo Hut
January 6 – Descent to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
- Distance: 20 km (~5-7 hours of hiking)
- Terrain: Rainforest, lush green scenery.
- Final trek to Mweka Gate, followed by transport to Moshi.
- Celebration dinner in the evening.
- Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: The Maridadi Hotel
January 7 and beyond – Optional Safari, Zanzibar, or other Excursions
- Explore Moshi town, relax, and enjoy local coffee shops.
- Visit to Kikuletwa Hot Springs (also called “Chemka”).
- Head out on Safari with Exuberant or another company.
- Head to Zanzibar, Dar Es Salaam, or wherever your heart desires!
- Head back to the airport.
Who do I contact for more information?
To officially book, contact Exuberant Kilimanjaro via their website or Facebook page. Please let them know that you are interested in the New Year 2026 Rongai Route!
For personal inquiries:
- Jessi and Cassandra are happy to set up a phone call, Zoom, or in-person meeting.
- If you’re in the Twin Cities or Iron Range, MN, let’s grab coffee!
- Contact us: Text 763-276-5455 or email mail@jessigurr.com.
Questions? Send us a message!
We’d be happy to hop on the phone, set up a zoom, or meet in person (if you are local to the Minnesota Twin Cities) to chat more about this trip! We can also introduce you to the owner at Exuberant, who is making this dream a reality for us!