Kilimanjaro Kosher

A fully kosher Kilimanjaro expedition - and we've been running it for years. Everything about this trek is identical to our standard Kilimanjaro expedition in terms of route, guides, and success rate. The difference: every meal is freshly prepared kosher, the group schedule is adapted to respect Shabbat and Jewish holidays, and you're surrounded by a Jewish group that shares your values. This is Kilimanjaro without compromise - the adventure of a lifetime, done your way. Glatt kosher meals throughout · Shabbat-aware scheduling · Professional English-speaking local guides · Cancer charity donation included

Trip details

  • Country: Tanzania
  • Summit elevation: 5895m
  • Duration: 10 days | + 3 safari
  • Price: from $3100
  • Success rate: 94%
  • Recommended seasons: January-February, June-October

Highlights

  • Uhuru Peak 5895m
  • Fully glatt kosher meals
  • Shabbat-aware scheduling
  • Jewish group experience

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania!

Before landing in Tanzania, enjoy a stunning aerial view of Mount Kilimanjaro from the plane. After landing, board the shuttle to Palace Hotel in Arusha, passing through unique rural and mountain landscapes along the way. After arriving at the hotel and checking in, enjoy a Shabbat dinner at Chabad House Arusha.

Accommodation: Palace Hotel in Arusha, or similar

Day 2: Shabbat Rest at the Hotel in Arusha

A full Shabbat rest day at the hotel - enjoying the calm before the expedition begins tomorrow.

Accommodation: Palace Hotel in Arusha, or similar

Day 3: Machame Gate - Machame Camp (2835m)

After breakfast at the hotel, gear up and meet the local crew for a pre-departure briefing. Drive about an hour to Machame Gate - the entrance to the nature reserve at 1800m. This route is considered one of the most beautiful paths to the summit. Today we trek through lush rainforest on a well-marked trail. By mid-afternoon we arrive at Machame Camp, settle in, and share a delicious group dinner together in the communal tent.

Accommodation: Tents at Machame Camp

Day 4: Machame Camp - Shira Cave Camp (3750m)

Wake up to your first mountain morning as the local guides conduct a routine medical check before heading out. Continue ascending through the transition from rainforest into savanna-like zones, where the air grows thinner and the vegetation more sparse. Along the way you'll encounter uniquely beautiful plants set against breathtaking scenery. At day's end, arrive at Shira Cave Camp at 3750m and be rewarded with a stunning sunset. Rest well tonight before continuing tomorrow.

Accommodation: Tents at Shira Cave Camp

Day 5: Shira Cave Camp - Lava Tower (4600m) - Barranco Camp (3900m)

Wake up to a new morning at Shira Cave Camp. After breakfast, begin hiking toward Lava Tower at 4600m - a 90-meter volcanic rock formation. Pass through alpine desert and encounter giant groundsels - endemic giant plants that grow only at these altitudes. After a long and tiring day, descend to Barranco Camp to rest at 3900m. Climbing high and sleeping lower accelerates the acclimatization process.

Accommodation: Tents at Barranco Camp

Day 6: Barranco Camp - Barranco Wall - Barafu Camp (4673m)

Wake up with the summit looking closer than ever. After breakfast and a medical check, head toward the famous Barranco Wall. Cross bridges over streams, then climb the narrow steep path - using hands and feet on certain sections. Afterwards, continue ascending toward Barafu Camp at 4673m. The camp sits on open ground and is the final stop before the summit push.

Accommodation: Tents at Barafu Camp

Day 7: Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka Camp (3100m)

Wake at midnight, gear up, and set out with headlamps. Climb for approximately 8 hours to the summit of Kilimanjaro at 5895m, with short rest and hydration breaks along the way. Soak in the breathtaking view and the incredible achievement - then the mission continues. Descend to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue down through the rainforest all the way to Mweka Camp at 3100m.

Accommodation: Tents at Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate (1640m)

Wake up to the final morning at Mweka Camp after an emotional summit day. Trek toward Mweka Gate as the landscape transforms back into lush rainforest. At the gate, stop for a group photo with the entire local crew, raise a toast and thank them for their incredible hard work throughout the journey! Enjoy a festive celebratory lunch with dancing, then return to the hotel in Arusha for a well-deserved shower after a full week on the mountain!

Accommodation: Palace Hotel in Arusha, or similar

Day 9: Shabbat Rest at the Hotel in Arusha

Back from the summit with an incredible sense of achievement! Time to rest and celebrate the end of an unforgettable journey.

Accommodation: Palace Hotel in Arusha, or similar

Day 10: Flight Back Home!

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then pack up and check out. Board the shuttle to Kilimanjaro Airport for the flight back home. On the way, share memories and stories from this incredible journey - full of photos and experiences that will stay with you forever :)

Safari itinerary

Safari, day 10: Safari at Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees. Enjoy a safari experience that stands apart from other reserves in the country - spotting large herds of African elephants, marveling at spectacular bird migrations, and observing diverse wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, monkeys, and more.

Safari, day 11: Safari at Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater was formed by the collapse of a volcano. At the bottom of the caldera lie vast grasslands, forests, and springs that support approximately 25000 animals "enclosed" within the crater - including most of the iconic East African species: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

Safari, day 12: Visit to the Hadzabe and Datoga Tribes - Lake Eyasi

The Hadza tribe is one of the last communities in the world living a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, located in northern Tanzania around the Lake Eyasi region. The Hadza people speak a unique language made up of distinctive click sounds, and continue to maintain their ancient traditions despite modern influences. Their diet is based primarily on hunting, gathering wild berries, honey, and plants - a rare and fascinating example of ancient human existence that draws great interest from researchers and anthropologists. We then continue to the Datoga, herders and skilled blacksmiths who craft jewellery and arrowheads from metal. In the afternoon, drive to Kilimanjaro Airport for the flight back home.

What's included

  • Kilimanjaro Climb:
  • Gift kit - cap and dry-fit shirt!
  • A personal area for every customer in the HighAir app
  • Airport transfers to/from Arusha + internal transfers to the park
  • 4 nights in a 4-star hotel with breakfast in Arusha
  • 5 nights in double tents with mattresses during the climb
  • 3 full meals per day throughout the climb (coordinated with Chabad Arusha)
  • Professional local English-speaking guides
  • Porters for personal gear (up to 15 kg per person)
  • Porters for logistical equipment + kitchen crew and waiters
  • Private portable toilets for group members only
  • Live WhatsApp updates for families during the climb
  • Park entry and climbing permits for Kilimanjaro
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen cylinders
  • Personal gear checklist and an online gear consultation
  • Online preparation call with your group and guide before departure
  • Pre-departure support for flight and travel insurance questions
  • Meaningful donation to the fight against cancer!
  • Safari:
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with open roof (up to 6 seats)
  • Fridge and charging points in the jeep
  • Professional local English-speaking safari guide
  • 2 nights in a luxury lodge
  • 3 meals per day and mineral water throughout the safari days
  • Entry permits for all safari reserves

What's not included

  • Kilimanjaro Climb:
  • International flights (we recommend the best routes from your city)
  • Travel & medical insurance, including high-altitude evacuation cover (required)
  • Lunch & dinner at Arusha hotel
  • Personal gear - clothing and footwear
  • Tips for the climbing crew: guides, kitchen team and porters - $300 per person
  • Tanzania visa fees - $50 per person
  • Local government insurance - $44 per person
  • Extra hotel night in Arusha - $65 per person twin room (if needed)
  • Vaccinations and medical advice at a travel clinic
  • Anything not listed in the included section
  • Safari:
  • Tips for safari guide - $45 per person
  • Personal expenses during the safari stay
  • Optional extras:
  • Single room at hotel in Arusha - $90/night
  • Solo tent during climb - $100 for entire climb
  • Standing tent during the climb, taller and roomier for the same two climbers - $150 for the entire climb
  • Single room at safari lodge - $200/night

Good to know

  • An international Jewish group: the whole trip runs in English, led by our local guides, with climbers from around the world.
  • Tanzania visa costs $50 per person - we recommend applying online in advance (eVisa). Valid for 90 days.
  • All food is strictly kosher with full supervision - separate kitchen, separate utensils and shechita as per halacha. Suitable for Shabbat observant participants too.
  • Summit day starts at midnight (00:00) - full winter gear required for -15°C conditions and summit winds.
  • Machame Route, 6 days on the mountain (Sunday to Friday, before Shabbat) - our success rate stands at 94% thanks to built-in acclimatization days.
  • Medical clearance required - including fitness for 5895m altitude.
  • No prior climbing experience needed - anyone who can walk 8-10 hours per day can reach the summit.
  • Safety before summit - the guide decides whether to continue based on each participant's condition.
  • In the event of an early descent from the mountain, for any reason, all additional costs involved are the traveler's responsibility, such as extra hotel nights, meals, and any required flight changes.

Frequently asked questions

Is prior experience required?

For most of our routes no prior climbing experience is needed. What it takes is good fitness, an open mind and the will to reach the summit - and the preparation we do together before departure does the rest.

What is the group size?

Our groups are limited to a maximum of 15 participants, to keep personal guidance, a warm touch and a high-quality experience throughout the journey.

Is a single room available?

Yes, a single room can be requested for an additional fee. Please note it on the registration form so we can secure the room for you.

What happens if I need to descend early?

Participant safety comes first. If you need to descend early for any reason, the guide accompanies you back safely. Note that any extra costs arising from an early descent are the traveller's responsibility.

What is included in the price?

The price includes everything listed in the "What's Included" section on the page. International flights and travel insurance are not included, and a full gear list is sent to every registrant after registration.

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