Summit For Impact: Mt. Kilimanjaro

Fundraising contributions beyond the direct cost of the climb will go directly to YCI’s HerStart Catalyst Fund to accelerate women-led social enterprises.

Women in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda that participate in the HerStart social entrepreneurship program are eligible for seed funding, coaching and business mentorship through the HerStart Catalyst Fund. The Fund helps to kickstart businesses as they scale up driving a more equal, climate-resilient and inclusive economy.

YCI will provide you with a user friendly platform and helpful toolkit to complete fundraising. We encourage you to be creative with your crowdfunding ideas and we are here to support you along the way.

All donations over $20 are eligible for a Canadian tax receipt.

Register here by October 1 to join the Kilimanjaro Challenge from March 1-8, 2026.

You will need to provide your basic information along with a deposit of $500 CAD to complete registration.

Once you have registered, you will receive an email with a detailed welcome package and forms to submit.

YCI will provide you with resources and information leading up to departure to help you fundraise and prepare for the travel and climb itself!

No, the deposits or any funds raised are not refundable. We are working with an excellent company in Tanzania to design and develop the best trip possible for our group and early deposits are required for this process.

All additional funds that are raised are not refundable, as these are charitable donations that are tax receipted and go towards supporting YCI’s HerStart Catalyst Fund.

A good level of fitness is required due to long days of walking, high altitude and rough terrain. People of all ages and backgrounds have completed Kilimanjaro with us. Anyone who leads an active and moderately healthy lifestyle has a good chance of summiting; we walk very slow to adjust to the altitude. The more you exercise before the climb, the better, as it will give you that extra boost!

YCI will provide a detailed packing list based on years of experience on what (and what not) to pack for the climb. This will be part of your welcome package.

We are also happy to answer any specific questions about packing as you prepare!

Yes! All essential equipment is available for rental and will be ready for you upon arrival in Tanzania. This includes popular items like walking poles, sleeping bags and overnight bags for your belongings (sized for the weight limit carried by porters).

You will be camping on the mountain and tents will be carried and set up by the local team each night. There will typically be 2 people per tent. If you wish to have a single tent, this will be available for an additional cost.

At each of the camps, our group will have private tent toilets set up. There are some very basic squat toilets that also exist along the trail.

Full kitchen and meal tents will be set up by the local crew for our group at a new camp each night (its amazing to see the crew move location to location!). There will be a hot breakfast (e.g. porridge, eggs, toast and tea or coffee) to start each day. Lunch will be packed or hot. There will also be a hot meal in the evening (e.g. soup followed by pasta with chicken and fruit for dessert.)

There will be ample safe drinking water.

The team will accommodate allergies and food restrictions to the best of their ability. Reach out to YCI if you have concerns.

Yes, a visa is required for entry into Tanzania. More details will be sent on this process after registration.

Yes, YCI provides emergency medical and evacuation insurance to cover each participant during the climb. You are welcome to purchase any additional medical/trip cancellation insurance you require. More detailed information will be provided after registration.

During your climb, safety is our number one priority. The guides are highly experienced at monitoring your symptoms and can help you assess and respond to any issues. The head guides have Wilderness First Responder Medical Training, which is the highest available training specializing in emergency situations within remote settings.

Tanzania is in general a safe, hassle-free country. That said, you do need to take the usual precautions while travelling abroad.

We have carefully selected an outstanding company to lead the climb that follows ethical and sustainable travel standards.

It is important to leave no rubbish behind on the mountain. We follow the local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection issued by the National Park leaving wilderness camps clean.

On Kilimanjaro Climbs tipping is expected for all the hard work porters and guides put into each climb (you will be amazed!). YCI will arrange an appropriate tipping amount from the group that each individual will contribute towards. A celebratory tipping ceremony is held at the end of the climb.

YCI is always looking to grow and expand our network of talented and passionate individuals around the world. You can check out any existing volunteer or job opportunities with YCI here, or contact us directly if you are interested in exploring how to support in a different way.

A huge way to support YCI is through fundraising and donations. So signing up for a this event, donating or starting your own fundraising Circle of Impact (even without doing a climb) is a great way to contribute to youth innovation around the world!