Kilimanjaro WITH TOM AIKENS

A journey like no other

An Unforgettable Trek to the top of Africa WITH with Michelin star chef, Tom Aikens

Join Michelin Starred chef, Tom Aikens in collaboration with Walking With My Bear and Only A Pavement Away Charity on a bucket list adventure to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

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Challenging your body and mind for charity.

Tom Aikens is one of the UK’s most acclaimed and inspirational British chefs and has worked with some the worlds best talent in restaurants, including Pierre Koffmann at La Tante Claire, Joel Robuchon in Paris, Gérard Boyer in Reims and Piedà-Terre to name a few. It was in Pied-à-Terre that Tom became the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars, aged just 26, a record that no other British chef has yet accomplished. Tom currently holds a Michelin star at his flagship restaurant, Muse in London and also has restaurants in Jakarta and Tokyo.

Tom is a patron of the Only A Pavement Away charity and is inviting you to join him on an inspiring expedition to raise funds for a transformative cause. The initiative aims to support individuals who are facing or experiencing homelessness, as well as those leaving prison or transitioning from military service. The goal is to help these individuals secure long-term, stable employment within the hospitality industry, promoting inclusivity and empowerment.

Tom has taken part in many challenge events in the past including the the 25th Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, 3 London Marathons and multiple cycle races including the Marmotte, Luc Alphand and the Etape du Tour up Mount Ventoux.

Tom is thrilled to be joining this 8-day trek on Mount Kilimanjaro, a once in a lifetime bucket list experience, offering breathtaking views, physical challenges, and a deep sense of accomplishment. This immersive experience begins with a warm welcome at the Weru Weru River Lodge, where you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course meal prepared by Tom Aikens him self.

During the trek itinerary, Tom will continue to delight your senses with a hearty, nourishing meal cooked over a gas campfire, perfect for warming you up and offering a moment to relax after the day’s hike, all whilst taking in the breathtaking views.

Join Tom on the CHALLENGE

An Epic journey. Expertly Guided.

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9 DAY MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREK VIA LEMOSHO ROUTE

Prepare to witness breathtaking natural beauty and captivating sights, from the expansive plains of Little Meru seen from a distance, to the sparkling glaciers.

DAYS: 12 (9 day trek)

ALTITUDE: 5,895 m

DISTANCE: 96 km

CHALLENGE: Challenging

The first day of the trek will begin with a walk through a rainforest, where you’ll be surrounded by the vibrant sounds of nature, lush greenery and dense foliage. Your professional mountain trekking guide, Jonathan, along with his experienced team, will be there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your safety and comfort. As you traverse this stunning environment, they will share their knowledge on the trek they have completed many times before, making the experience both adventurous and educational.

As you ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, the terrain transitions from lush forests to expansive moorlands. Here, the landscape is dotted with alpine plants, hardy flowers, and scrubby bushes, adapted to the harsh environment. As you climb higher, the vegetation becomes sparse, and the air grows thinner. The terrain shifts into a barren, rocky landscape, where only the hardiest of life forms can survive.

The altitude begins to take its toll, but the anticipation builds as you approach the summit. Finally, after a challenging ascent, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the top, standing at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). The vastness of the African plains stretches below, offering a surreal sense of accomplishment amidst the rugged beauty of this iconic peak.

The view of clouds spread below you creates a sense of being above the world, with the possibility of gazing down upon the Earth’s curvature in clear conditions. On a clear day, you can see the vast, flat expanse of the African savannah stretching out toward the horizon, dotted with villages, forests, and the Great Rift Valley far off in the distance. Kilimanjaro is part of the East African Rift, so nearby volcanoes like Mount Meru (the second highest mountain in Tanzania) can often be seen looming in the distance. The summit also features a large crater, which adds to the otherworldly feel.

Join the Kilimanjaro CHALLENGE

Trek to the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world

When does your next adventure begin?

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Only a pavement away

Only A Pavement Away is the treks charity partner.

Only A Pavement Away is a charity founded by representatives from the hospitality industry who believe that everyone deserves the chance to find and forge a career.

The charity connects forward thinking hospitality employers with charity referral partners to enable & upskill individuals into work, supporting people at risk of homelessness & anyone facing barriers to employment outside of their control.

How does it work?

Only A Pavement Away offers bespoke job matching, financial grants, and learning programs to upskill individuals, along with ongoing support to ensure long-term stability and well-being in employment.

Since launching in 2018, Only A Pavement Away has:

  • Placed over 620 Members into careers in hospitality.
  • Coached and trained another 2800 people through the charity’s employment sessions and workshops.
  • Given over £56k in grants to support the candidates access and sustain employment.

Find out more at: www.onlyapavementaway.co.uk

Join the Kilimanjaro CHALLENGE

LEADERSHIP.

Jonathan Kattenberg, renowned British adventurer and explorer brings you once-in-a-lifetime, exclusive and fully guided trekking adventures.

Walking With My Bear owner, Jonathan Kattenberg is an active mountain leader and aspiring adventurer having spent time in the Sahara, Yukon, Alaska, Napal, Indian Himalayas, Tanzania and many other areas of the world, including training for the South Pole world record.

“I created Walking With My Bear so individuals from mixed backgrounds could have a safe place to test their mind and body under challenging conditions. I lead a unique team of mountain leaders who provide quality, bespoke mountain leader services. We pride ourselves on our high level of expertise with experience to provide you with unforgettable outdoor adventures teamed with effective mindset therapy to both individuals and corporate clients with memorable guided walks and challenges throughout the UK and overseas.”

The team boasts highly skilled mountain leaders, each with real-life experience and proven track records in navigating challenging terrains, leadership and personal development having featured in various articles within The Professional Mountaineer magazine over previous years.

WWMB’s commitment to comprehensive support, extends beyond the event itself. From tailored training plans to mental well-being considerations, they prioritise your holistic experience. They offer expert guidance on kit selection, insurance guidance, vaccination requirements for overseas expeditions, event and group management whilst promoting best practice and adhering to BS8848 standards for both UK and overseas events.

More about jonathan

Your Journey. Your Challenge.

itinerary

The Kilimanjaro trek takes you through lush rainforest to alpine desert and icy glaciers, this life-changing expedition will push your limits, test your endurance, and ends with breathtaking views from the 5,895m summit of Uhuru Peak.

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DAY 1

Arrival in Tanzania JRO
You will be collected from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to the hotel. You will be introduced to your guide who will answer any questions you may have during a briefing and equipment check session. Due to the high altitude of your trek, once you have settled in at the hotel, medical checks will be carried out. Your medical checks will continue throughout your 12 days, both morning and evening in line with our best practice policy.
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM
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DAY 2

Day at leisure
Welcome meal, prepared and cooked by chef Tom Aikens
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM
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DAY 3

Lemosho Glades (2100m / 690ft) to Big Tree Camp (2650m / 9187ft)
You will be collected from the hotel and transferred to the Lemosho entrance gate located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek will begin after the completion of the registration process while the rest of the team including porters and a chefs who will have departed early for timely preparations. Hike begins through the lush rainforest of the Lemosho glades (with lunch provided by the hotel to be taken on the way). Head towards the Big Tree Camp for dinner and overnight camp.
Distance: 7km / 4.4m. Duration: Approximately 4 hours
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM
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DAY 4

Big Tree Camp (2650m / 9187ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m / 11483ft)
A warm drink and wash bowl will be provided to freshen yourself before breakfast. As we have already gained an advantageous hiking experience of the trek from the first day, you will therefore be able to tackle the small challenges as we walk across a grassy vegetation cover plateau of the heather and moorland zones scattered with unique volcanic rock formations. As we walk towards our campfire to Shira 1 camp, we will be able to catch a glimpse of the amazing views of the Kibo Peak floating beneath the clouds. On this trail, we will gain a reasonable amount of altitude whereby parts of this route at certain stages are fairly steep and cautiously demanding. As you proceed towards the Shira 1 camp, you will be able to view the Northern ice fields from the western side of the mountain with unique panoramic views of the magnificent Kibo Peak. A warm hearty meal will be served for dinner cooked by chef Tom Aikens over a gas campfire
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Distance: 7 km / 4.4m. Duration: 4 – 5 hours
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM
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DAY 5

Shira 1 Camp (3500m / 11483ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m / 12796ft)
From Shira 1 camp to Shira 2 camp, you will be walking across the flat plateau as we head towards the Shira Cathedral (located at 3,872m) with views of the Kibo peak, the Shira plateau, and if it is clear, you are able to see the Machame route trails. Our determined climb across the Shira plateau and Moorland Plateau will assist in acclimatisation with panoramic views of the Kilimanjaro summit. The days final destination will be at the Shira 2 Camp. In the mid-afternoon there may be an option where you will take a further acclimatisation walk before heading back to Shira 2 camp for dinner and overnight stay
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Distance:10km/6.3m. Duration: 5 – 6 hours
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM
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DAY 6

Shira 2 Camp (3900m/12796ft) to Barranco Camp (3940m/12927ft)
Start the day with an ascent wonder with untouched panoramic views of the Kilimanjaro Mountain, towards the climatic zone of the upland desert and across the lava ridge beneath the well-known glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), at the high point for the day, providing a great place to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our final camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3940 m), encircled by towering cliffs like a rampant wall around it with extensive views of the plains below.
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Distance:10km/6.3m. Duration: 6 – 7 hours
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM
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DAY 7

Barranco Camp (3,972m/13,031ft) to Karanga Camp (3,995m / 13,002ft)
Head towards the huge ravine called “The Great Barranco Wall” which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. Hiking below the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head across the Karanga valley to the Karanga Camp (set at 3963m) for a hot lunch and relaxation. For those who are able can take a late-afternoon acclimatisation hike, an option to hike up to approximately 4200m then descending back to a lower elevation of 3963m at the Karanga Camp.
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM
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DAY 8

Karanga Camp (3963m / 13,002ft) to Barafu Camp (4,640m / 15,224ft)
Set off on hike to the Base Camp, The Barafu camp located at 4,640m / 15,224ft above sea level. We will hike passing through the scree slopes of the desolate plains with no vegetation cover. Heading to the highest elevation to the base camp will require a little more effort to overcome the challenging altitude. On arriving at the Barafu Camp you will have a well prepared hot lunch, spend the afternoon relaxing and take an early dinner before you take a short nights sleep. Our Guide will wake you up at 11pm to start the final ascent to the “UHURU PEAK” sited at 5,895m / 19,341ft above sea level.
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Distance: 4km / 2.5m. Duration: 3 – 4 hours
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM
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DAY 9

Barafu Camp (4640m / 15,224ft) to UHURU PEAK (5895m / 19,341ft) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m/12,434ft)
We will begin with a hike along a steeply upward trail across the summit zone where you can catch a glimpse of the spectacular views of the Kilimanjaro glaciers. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5,739m) before the first rays of the sun rise. Our hike will last for approximately 7-8 hours to reach to the Stella Point, gaining an incredible height over a short distance. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Amazing ice cliffs amidst the crater surround us and the spectacular views of the Mawenzi peak. Reaching to the Uhuru Peak 5,895m, you can take a few pictures with the famous signboard to keep the memory of your heroic achievement, then descend the same trail back to Stella point and down to the Barafu Camp for a hot meal and a little relaxation. After a short rest we will proceed in our descent down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
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Distance: 13.5km / 8.4m. Duration: 12 – 15 hours
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM
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DAY 10

Millennium Camp (3790m/12,435ft) to Mweka Gate (1600m / 5,250ft)
The last day of our trek adventure will start with a gentle descent down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive official certificates to enshrine your great achievement. Our driver will be waiting at the gate for a transfer back to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower and a cup of coffee before enjoying a well-prepared celebration.
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Distance: 13.5km / 8.4m. Duration: 5 – 7 hours
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM
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DAY 11

Day at rest
Rest and reflect at your hotel with breakfast and evening meal included
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM
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DAY 12

Travel home
Transfer to Airport - You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your return journey home.
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM
Join the CHALLENGE

Joining us on this charity challenge.

Kilimanjaro TREK

Join Michelin Starred chef, Tom Aikens in collaboration with Walking With My Bear and Only A Pavement Away Charity on a bucket list adventure to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

1st – 13th October 2025

  • 1st Oct: Flight from London Heathrow to Kilimanjaro airport JRO (arriving 2nd Oct)
  • 2nd Oct: Arrive – Day at leisure
  • 3rd Oct: Group welcome meal
  • 4th – 11th Oct: Trek
  • 12th Oct: Day at leisure (option to fly home a day early)
  • 13th Oct: Flight to London Heathrow

COSTS

Cost: £4100: (excluding flights and suggested donation)

These costs can be paid for directly, or if you are planning on raising funds for Only A Pavement Away, part of funds raised can go towards sponsoring the cost of your trip.

We kindly suggest that if you are planning on raising funds for Only a Pavement Away, a minimum of £1,500 be donated to them.

COSTS INCLUDE:

  • £800 non-refundable deposit paid upon approved application
  • Trek fees Park and camp fees
  • 2 nights hotel stay prior to the trek (shared twin room)
  • 2 nights hotel stay post trek (shared twin room)
  • Full board meals at the hotel pre and post trek
  • Includes welcome dinner cooked by Tom Aikens Full board meals during your trek
  • Includes camp side meal cooked by Tom Aikens
  • Spacious 2-person shared tents & sleeping mats during the trek

Payment structure:

  • £800 paid on approved application (non-refundable deposit)
  • £1650 due no later than 1st March 2025
  • £1650 due no later than 1st July 2025
  • Raised funds to be donated to Only A Pavement Away no later than 14th October 2025 (post trek)
  • Excludes cost of flights

It is advised that flights are to be booked upon securing your place to avoid fluctuating airline costs and lack of availability. Please enquire to book via our dedicated travel agent.

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