Table of Contents
This tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local community and contribute to sustainable development projects in Tanzania. Over three days, you will have the chance to support a local school, plant some trees, support the animal share project and of course do some hiking.
Tour Highlight
- Day 1: Planting Trees and School Visit Keda Field Center
- Day 2: Animal Share Project Keda Field Center
- Day 3: Kilimanjaro Day Hike More than a Drop
Day 1
Planting Trees and School Work
We will pick you up from Moshi town (max 45km from the centre) and head to Njia Panda village where we will visit one of the schools around the region and support them with some impact activities. You can expect varied activities, from fixing chairs and tables, painting blackboards and making gardens. The headmaster, teacher and other locals will always be around for help – it is a real community effort. Enjoy precious moments where a game of football, a shared song or dance, or just those moments of endless smiles occur and create life-lasting memories.
We will also have time to plant trees around the school compound with the help of the students and teachers. This activity will help the student learn about the importance of trees in our ecosystem, how to properly plant and care for them, and the positive impact they have on air quality and wildlife habitats. By involving the students in this activity, we are not only beautifying the school grounds but also instilling a sense of responsibility for the environment in future generations.
- Accommodation: Keda Field Center
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle
- Meals: B, L, D (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Activity: School Visit
Day 2
Animal Sharing Project
Today we will visit and participate in the goat share project. We will go to the market to buy a goat in the morning and then proceed to the village and find who would most benefit from a donation of a goat (for milk production, food or selling on to others). The goat’s first kid would be passed on to a neighbour, the second we will pass to other communities, and the recipient would get to keep any subsequent kids to use however they choose. We will meet with a number of beneficiaries of the goat project, including the women who run the tree nursery, as well as locals who lived in a rural village nearby.
- Accommodation: Keda Field Center
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle
- Meals: B, L, D (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Activity: Animal Share Project
Day 3
Marangu Day Hike
The Kilimanjaro-Marangu day hike ascends to the first camp’s Mandara Hut (2720 m) and returns that same day using the same path. It takes 21 minutes to travel the approximately 13 km from Himo town. In order to receive a valid permit to begin the trek, you must complete the registration process at Marangu Gate and pay the park entrance fee. At Marangu Gate, which is 1879 meters above sea level, it takes three to four hours to travel the 8 kilometers (or 16 kilometers round trip) to Mandara Hut. You will travel through a rainforest on your route from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut. This forest is dense, lush, and home to a wide variety of plant life. If you’re lucky, you might spot black and white colobus monkeys as well as blue monkeys.
- Accommodation: More than a Drop
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle
- Meals: B, L, D (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Activity: Hiking
-END OF TOUR-
From: USD $ 989
per person sharing
“This experience is co-designed with Positive Impact Tourism”.
Tour Include
- 1 Pickup and 1 Drop off in/around Moshi town
- Accommodation as seen in the itinerary
- All national park and gate fees
- All Activities as indicated on the itinerary
- Kilimanjaro Day Trip Hike
- Moshi Project with Keda
- Government Taxes and conservation fees.
- Transport as indicated on the itinerary
- Local and Friendly English-speaking safari guides
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary (B, L, D – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Drinking water while on safari
- Accommodation on safari as indicated on the itinerary
- Emergency First Aid Kit
- Guides and Crew Fair Wages
Tour Exclude
- Travel/Medical Insurance
- Meals outside your itinerary
- Accommodation outside your itinerary
- International visa for Tanzania
- International /Domestic Flights
- Anything of a personal nature
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes hiking Mount Kilimanjaro a unique experience?
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is unlike any other trek because it combines stunning landscapes with rich cultural encounters. From lush rainforest to alpine deserts and snowy peaks, the scenery changes dramatically along the way. Unlike many treks worldwide, you also pass through local villages where communities welcome hikers. The mix of physical challenge, natural beauty, and cultural interaction makes it truly unforgettable. Even first, time hikers can enjoy this experience with proper guidance and preparation.
How do local communities benefit from Kilimanjaro hiking tours?
Local communities benefit in many ways from tourism around Mount Kilimanjaro. Many guides, porters, and lodge operators are residents, providing steady income for families. Tours often include visits to nearby villages where hikers can learn about daily life and support local businesses. Some operators contribute a portion of fees to schools, health clinics, or conservation initiatives. This approach helps communities thrive while preserving their culture and natural environment.
Can I interact with local tribes during the hike?
Yes, hikers often encounter members of the Chagga who live on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Chagga are known for their farming, particularly coffee cultivation, and you may see terraced farms along the route. Guided visits allow you to learn about their traditions, food, and daily routines. These interactions are respectful, educational, and often highlight sustainable living practices. Many hikers find these cultural experiences just as memorable as reaching the summit.
Which routes are best for combining hiking and community experiences?
Routes like Machame, Marangu, and Rongai not only offer spectacular scenery but also pass through Chagga villages and forested areas. Machame, for example, takes you through rainforest and farmland, providing opportunities to meet locals and see traditional farming. Marangu is known for its hospitable mountain huts run by local families. Rongai passes through less, traveled areas, offering both solitude and community encounters. Choosing a route that combines nature and culture enhances the overall experience.
Is the Kilimanjaro community and hiking experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, with proper preparation and the support of experienced guides, many beginners can enjoy hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. Tours are designed with acclimatization days and manageable daily distances. Porters carry your heavy gear, leaving you free to enjoy the hike and cultural interactions. Local guides are highly trained and provide both safety and educational insights along the way. It’s an adventure that’s challenging yet accessible for those with reasonable fitness.
Still have questions?
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