Join those with a thirst for adventure and a desire to give back as they ascend Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. Crowned by eternal snows, the mighty Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing volcano in the world and dominates its landscape unlike any other mountain.
GET INFORMEDFor New Year's Eve 2015, Thomas Ruggiero decided to do two things he had never done before--travel abroad alone and take an adventure trip. So... after hearing about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro more than twice in about two weeks, Tom signed up and was ready to climb (more or less). However, on the mountain, Tom discovered far more than the breathtaking views and mountain fresh air.
Climbing with about 60 porters and guides from local Tanzania, Tom learned of the circumstances there, felt tremendous gratitude for being able to live and work in the great New York City, and wanted to give back. it wasn't until a chance encounter at an entrepreneurship event in Connecticut about a year later that Tom would find the means to accomplish his goal.
At "Camp Maverick," Tom met Katie Hunt-Morr, co-founder of Jiamini, a U.S. 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to giving vulnerable children in Tanzania the support and safety necessary for them to get an education and escape their impoverished circumstances. What are the odds Tom would meet the co-founder of a Tanzanian charity helping the people Tom wanted to support? Tom took it as a sign, partnered with Katie and Jiamini, and founded Summits for Scholars, an organization dedicated to climbing mountains to raise awareness and funds for Jiamini and the vulnerable Tanzanian youth.
Yes, you can! Every year, over 30,000 people just like you come to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest free-standing mountain and Africa's highest peak.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a place of myth and folklore. Located 200 miles (325 km) from the equator, the mountain defies logic with its crown of ice.
Climbing Kilimanjaro does not require any technical skills or special equipment, just some physical fitness and determination. People from all walks of life, from a 7 year old child to an 85 year old man, have successfully summited. But the challenge should not be taken lightly. You need to understand what lies ahead. Rest assured, you will find the answers to all your questions
You are responsible for bringing personal gear and equipment while communal equipment (tents, food, cooking items, etc.) is provided. Below is a gear list of required, recommended and optional items to bring on your climb.
You should already have all of the required items from our complete gear list. Here is what we recommend you wear and carry during the summit bid.
Jiamini gives holistic support to talented children most likely to be left behind by poverty. The barriers facing Jiamini’s students are significant but not insurmountable. Jiamini enables students to graduate, provide for their families, enrich their communities and change their nation. Jiamini empowers youth, improving educational facilities and delivering future leaders. S4S is dedicated to supporting Jaimini’s mission through enjoyable and rewarding adventure trips.