Maasai Immersion Project. Courtesy of IVHQ.
Volunteers will support a rural Maasai community in various ways, including environmental conservation, poverty reduction, farming and welfare. Volunteers can also help local doctors, create social media content, and work on construction projects for school expansions.
Read More
Porter Forest. Courtesy of FollowAllice
Sophia Ehlers
The Rongai Route is Kilimanjaro’s most tranquil trail, approaching from the remote northern side near the Kenyan border. It’s ideal for trekkers seeking solitude, gradual ascents, and a more personal connection with the mountain. The route passes through unspoiled forest, moorland, and alpine desert, offering a peaceful alternative to the busier southern routes. Mt. Kilimanjaro is the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, and the highest peak in Africa, rising from tropical lowlands to icy glaciers at Uhuru Peak (about 3.7 miles). A journey through this route to reach the mountain has the traveler passing through five unique climate zones: Cultivation, Forest, Moorland, Alpine Desert, and Arctic/Glacial Zone. No ropes or specific fitness level required, but strong legs and stamina are essential. Luggage needed includes a daypack between 11-15 lbs with items such as water, snacks, personal items, and a camera. The other required luggage carrier is a duffel bag, which the traveler does not carry; instead, porters carry this bag, which will have the traveler’s gear, such as sleeping mats and any extra clothing. Hiking time lasts between 4-6 hours daily.
Early in the trek, the traveler passes through Chagga farming communities such as Nalemoru, where life follows traditional rhythms amid terraced banana and coffee farms. Though the climbers do not stay in the villages, the cultural backdrop adds depth to the experience. The final ascent begins just before midnight on summit night, when climbers set out under the stars to reach the peak by sunrise—a demanding but unforgettable push through lighter air and colder temperatures.
This trip is led by Follow Alice–an adventure travel company known for its ethical, community-centered approach to tourism. Founded in 2014 after cofounder Reto climbed Kilimanjaro with local Tanzanian guide Chris, Follow Alice was born out of a shared passion for exploration and cultural connection. Today, all of their guides are local, and 70% of each trip’s cost remains within the local economy, supporting sustainable travel as well as empowering communities. This 7-day trip is priced at $2,300 per person.
Mount Meru. Anja Pietsch. CC BY 2.0.
It takes about 5-7 hours to reach Mariakamba Hut at sea level, so there’s a journey to be had. Onward to Saddle Hut. If everyone wakes up early enough, they can see a beautiful sunrise behind Mt. Kilimanjaro. Later, after a steep climb, the group will reach the band of the mountain.
Read More
Summit day. Courtesy of Follow Alice
Tanzania, located in East Africa, is home to diverse wildlife and Serengeti National Park. It is a great place to go on a safari and explore well-known sites. However, on this trip, travelers explore a different famed aspect of Tanzania: Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the world’s seven summits and the world’s tallest-free standing mountain. Travelers begin this trip upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. The first day will be spent with a briefing about the upcoming trek along the Lemosho Route, known for its scenery and high success rate due to its good acclimatization profile. Travelers will begin this trek by entering through the Londorossi Park Gate, where they will have an hour's drive to the trailhead at Lemosho Gate and then hike for around three hours to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), where they will spend their first night. The next day, travelers will hike into the moorland zone, enjoying beautiful scenery before reaching the Shira 1 Camp. On the fourth day, travelers will continue through the Shira Plateau and see a gap in the Kibo crater created by lava flow before spending the night at Moir Hut. Then, travelers will hike to Lava Tower, where they will enjoy lunch before continuing to Barranco Camp. The next day, travelers will climb the Barranco Wall, which is steep but reportedly easier than it seems, with the reward of being above the clouds upon reaching the top of the wall. Travelers will then spend the night at Karanga Campa and wake up the following day ready to tackle some more hiking through the alpine desert before reaching Barafu Camp. Travelers will sleep early and get up at midnight to hike through sunrise, heading toward Uhuru Peak and the summit (the top of Africa). After this accomplishment, travelers will spend the next day hiking through the rainforest to Mweka Gate at the foot of the mountain, enjoying some last scenery before driving back to a lodge to spend the night, with departure being the next day.
Follow Alice is an outfitter focused on adventure trips worldwide. All guides are local and 70% of all trip prices stay in the local economy. The company started in 2014 when the cofounder Reto climbed Kilimanjaro with Chris, a local Tanzanian guide, and the two teamed up to form Follow Alice.
Hot air ballooning in the Serengeti. Courtesy of G Adventures LTD
Tanzania is a country in Africa known for its wildlife and culture. Thirty percent of the country is made up of National Parks, with the city of Arusha being its safari capital. After beginning the trip in Arusha, travelers will see the Serengeti National Park. Here, travelers will partake in a three-day wildlife safari in which they will visit Ngorongoro Crater, a conservation area that is known for having Africa’s best wildlife view. Travelers will also have the option to take a hot air balloon ride and will get to go down to the crater floor. Travelers will then pass by Mount Kilimanjaro on the way to Dar es Salaam before spending the last few days of the trip in Zanzibar. In Zanzibar, travelers will get to visit Stone Town. This is one of the oldest parts of Zanzibar and is one of its historical centers with amazing architecture and beaches. This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $1565 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 9 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals and accommodation will be included.
G Adventures is a sustainable, small group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.