Embark Exploration Co. was founded on Mt. Kilimanjaro, where we lived for two years and now maintain a summit success rate of 95 percent. At Embark, our philosophy is that you aren’t climbing this mountain to march among hordes of tourists; you want to have a true climbing experience, which you hope will culminate in an unforgettable summit – and, of course, a safe return.

High-altitude trekking is not the time to shop for the lowest deal or the cheapest guide – but, then again, you shouldn’t have to overpay, either. Embark offers a high-quality service at a reasonable price, with an attention to detail that maximizes your chances for a successful climb and for enjoying every step of your trip. We have been climbing Kilimanjaro for more than two decades, and we’re honored that you’re considering climbing with us.

Here’s what sets us apart.

Comprehensive Safety Training

Climbing Kilimanjaro is an incredible adventure, but it’s important to prioritize safety, considering the extreme altitudes. Choosing a seasoned company with well-prepared guides is key. Our focus on safety is as vital as reaching the summit. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team conducts friendly health check-ins twice daily, keeping a close eye on vital signs and acclimatization. For added peace of mind, we have emergency oxygen and a hyperbaric bag on hand. Should any concerns arise, rest assured, we have a solid protocol in place. Plus, we’re one of the few trekking companies with U.S.-based liability insurance, offering an extra layer of protection. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities!

Watch a short video about the daily medical check you’ll receive during the climb:

Fair Wages and an Ethical Treatment of Porters

We’re one of the 30 out of 120 Kilimanjaro companies paying fair wages, proud to support local communities and environments. Guides and porters play a crucial role, and we ensure they’re compensated well. We go the extra mile, like providing meals for our porters after the climb. Embark is a proud member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), advocating for fair treatment and wages. Our founder, Donovan Pacholl, was instrumental in launching KPAP during his two-year stay on the mountain. As a socially-conscious company, we collaborate with nonprofits to create positive impacts on the communities we engage with. Travel, we believe, has the power to change lives and the world for the better.

Watch a short video about our guides and porters–the backbone of any climb:

High Ratio of Porters and Guides per Person

As an on-the-ground operator in Moshi, we prioritize creating lasting memories with locals. Our guide-to-group member ratio is 1:2, ensuring personalized attention from seasoned experts. We also guarantee someone is with you if you’re moving at a slower pace. For every climber, we provide five porters, ensuring ample support. We never compromise on supplies or overload our porters. Rest assured, we bring enough staff to handle everything, from quality food to top-notch equipment.

Optimized Trek Itineraries

We’re all about safety and making your Kilimanjaro climb a memorable adventure! Unlike some companies, we opt for longer, eight- to 10-day itineraries to ensure proper acclimatization and boost your chances of summiting successfully. These extra days mean a safer and more enjoyable journey to higher altitudes. Plus, we take a unique route for an even more exciting experience, steering clear of the usual strenuous hill hike. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with us!

Guides

Your guide’s expertise is key to a successful, safe Kilimanjaro climb. Unlike low-budget operators, our lead guides exclusively work with us. They bring unmatched experience, with most having over 300 summits and 20+ years of climbing Kilimanjaro. Safety is their priority, as they’re trained to spot early signs of altitude sickness. They’re also supportive and skilled at maintaining a steady pace for your group. Our guides truly understand Kilimanjaro and its risks, and above all, they care about you enjoying your journey.

Still not convinced? Check out our Facebook page for glowing reviews of our friendly guides.

High Quality Equipment

High-quality equipment, both at camp and on the climb, plays a key role in keeping you warm and dry. We only purchase mountaineering equipment from top industry manufacturers. Our expedition-grade tents (Mountain Hardwear Trango 3) are designed for cold-weather climbing and are engineered to shelter participants through rough mountain conditions. Although these tents are large enough to fit three adults, we rarely sleep more than two in a tent.

We pride ourselves on delivering a complete climbing experience that takes all your needs into account. That means we also offer private, sanitary toilet facilities; provide hand sanitizer to keep you healthy; carry multiple oxygen canisters up the mountain; and provide portable hyperbaric bags, should the need arise.

Watch a short video about the tents we use for all Kilimanjaro climbs:

Personalized Service

Planning a climb to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro can feel almost as daunting as the trek itself. That’s why Embark helps with every step of the process – and has developed a checklist of the most important highlights, details, and factors when planning your expedition.

In addition to the comprehensive checklist, we’ll conduct an hour-long conference call with your group, prior to the climb, to discuss the following:

Training: We have developed a training document and will provide recommendations, tips, resources, and more to help physically prepare for the trek.

Personal, customized website: We will provide you access to a personal website, created just for your trek, with all the informational material you need to prepare for the adventure. We continue to update the site as you prepare for your journey.

Gear Review: We’ll keep you on track with printable gear lists to help figure out what to bring, how to break it in, and how to transport it. Note that you’ll be responsible for all personal gear and equipment, while all communal equipment (tents, food, cooking items, etc.) is provided.

Watch a short video on packing for Kilimanjaro:

Physical Training Recommendadions

Climbing Kilimanjaro, often dubbed “Everyman’s Everest,” is accessible to novices, but it requires thorough preparation. High altitudes with less oxygen demand physical, mental, and psychological readiness.

Our tailored trip lengths and routes minimize serious altitude sickness. We’ve crafted programs for effective acclimatization. Our four-month training program ensures you’re physically equipped for Kilimanjaro. It enhances aerobic ability, core strength, balance, flexibility, and overall body power.

With our training, you’ll boost your chances of summiting and enhance your overall experience. Remember, the more you prepare, the more you’ll enjoy the climb!

Food

You’ll enjoy three satisfying, high-quality meals daily, tailored with the right mix of carbs and proteins. We accommodate special diets like vegetarian and gluten-free upon request. Our meals are designed to provide climbers with essential nutrients and energy. Expect a mix of traditional mountain fare and enjoyable options like pizza and Mexican dishes. We even have a special celebratory meal at the end.

Staying well-hydrated is crucial, especially at higher altitudes. We ensure you have easy access to safe, clean drinking water throughout your trek, ensuring your health and happiness.

Watch a short video about eating and staying hydrated on the climb:

Great Value

Don’t get us wrong: There’s nothing cheap about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. But we offer competitive prices that deliver a great value, high-quality service, and the safest possible experience.

So why do we charge what we charge? Here’s a brief breakdown of the various fees and costs that come with climbing Kilimanjaro.

• Kilimanjaro National Park fees: Park authorities collect daily fees for upkeep, trail maintenance, and rangers.
• Camping fees: Visitors must pay a daily fee to camp or stay in huts on Kilimanjaro.
• Rescue fee: Think of this as insurance; you’ll pay a daily fee that promises safe rescue should the need arise.
• Value-added tax: The Tanzanian government charges a general tax, above and beyond all base fees.
• Wages: Fees for porters and guides are included in the cost of the climb.
• Food: All meals on the trek are included in the fees.

We get it: When shopping around for trusted Kilimanjaro climbing companies, it’s easy to look at price and go with the cheapest choice.

But up on Kilimanjaro, when the temperatures drop and the real climbing begins, you’ll be glad you chose Embark. You’ll appreciate our knowledgeable guides, always committed to your safety; you’ll enjoy our state-of-the-art equipment, keeping you warm and safe; and you’ll rest easy, knowing we’ve optimized your experience to create the highest possible chance of success.

From the time you book your climb until well after you summit, we think you’ll see what sets us apart. We’re your partner in making this a life-changing adventure, so that means we’re with you every step of the way.