More than a hike: Climb Africa’s tallest mountain while creating real impact.
Purpose: Supports SEGA’s Continuing Education Program, helping graduates pursue A-Levels, vocational training, diplomas, and university degrees.
Impact: Every step you take helps a young woman become a confident, skilled, and self-sufficient leader.
Fundraising: 100% of funds raised go to scholarships, removing financial barriers and breaking cycles of poverty.
Takeaway: Join the climb to empower young women, support education, and create lasting change—because when one girl rises, we all rise.
Adventure: Climb Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) via the Machame Route (“Whiskey Route”).
Scenery & Route: Trek through five distinct climatic zones, from rainforest to alpine desert, passing landmarks like Lava Tower, Shira Plateau, and the Great Barranco Wall.
Experience: Offers excellent acclimatization, challenging terrain, and unforgettable views.
Guides & Safety: Partnering with Tusker Trail, experts with 49+ years of experience, providing safety, ethical practices, and first-aid-trained guides. Porters are treated fairly, and climbers receive world-class support and equipment.
Cost & Booking:
Total trek cost: $4,510
Deposit to secure spot: $1,000
Contact Tusker Trail: eddie@tusker.com | 1.800.231.1919 | Tusker.com
🏔️ To book the Kilimanjaro Trek, please follow this link (click here) and submit your $1,000 deposit to secure your spot on the mountain. The total cost of your Kilimanjaro Trek with Tusker Trail is $4,510.
The SEGA Girls’ School is a transformative all-girls boarding school in Tanzania that provides quality secondary education to 280 girls who may come from vulnerable or at-risk backgrounds each year. Selected from 25 communities across the country, the majority of students receive full scholarships, enabling them to overcome barriers like poverty, early marriage, and limited access to education. Ranked in the top 7% of schools nationally, SEGA follows the Tanzanian curriculum while offering a holistic program that includes leadership development, life skills training, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on practical, hands-on learning, SEGA empowers its students to become confident leaders and changemakers in their communities.
Location: On SEGA Girls’ School campus, at the base of the Uluguru Mountains, 7 miles from Morogoro and 90 minutes by train from Dar es Salaam.
Accommodations: Comfortable double and triple rooms with solar power, private bathrooms, mosquito nets, Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping.
Dining: Meals prepared by a private cook, featuring local flavors.
Purpose & Impact: Your stay supports the financial sustainability of SEGA, funding scholarships and resources for students.
Experience: Engage in cultural exchange, explore campus life, and enjoy stunning mountain views.
Booking Notes: Rooms assigned first-come, first-served, with priority for couples, families, and friends traveling together.
Guests must provide their own travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation. We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover emergency medical expenses and unexpected trip cancellations. Nurturing Minds is not a licensed insurance agency or advisor. We strongly recommend that all travelers get Cancel For Any Reason Insurance (CFAR), which will cover reasons that may be associated with COVID-19.
We recommend that all travelers visit Yonder Travel Insurance for help choosing a personal health and travel insurance plan. They partner with great, recognizable partners, and for every plan purchased, they provide a week of meals to a refugee child in Southeast Asia through Venture a U.S.-based 501(c)(3). Please obtain travel insurance at least 2 weeks before your trip.
To enter Tanzania, travelers need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. A visa is also required and can be obtained online via the official e-Visa portal or, in some cases, upon arrival. Travelers are strongly encouraged to apply for an e-Visa in advance to avoid potential disruptions. The cost of a multi-entry visa is $100.
For more details or to apply, visit the Tanzanian Immigration website.
As part of our commitment to carbon reduction, we have designed a plan to offset carbon emissions that cannot be minimized. In pursuit of this goal, Nurturing Minds has formed a partnership with Carbon Tanzania, a renowned organization specializing in carbon offsetting and climate change solutions in Tanzania. One of the areas we will begin by focusing on is offsetting the carbon emissions generated by international flights to visit the SEGA Girls’ School.
We request that all SEGA visitors join us in our efforts to make visits to the SEGA Girls’ School environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly. You can contribute to our sustainability goals by purchasing carbon credits through Carbon Tanzania. Attached here, you will find detailed instructions and explanations to guide you through purchasing carbon offsets for your international flight to Dar es Salaam.
Just 1 tonne of CO2 equals 2,500 miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle!
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
In the event of a cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, refunds will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Nurturing Minds strives to protect staff time taken to organize trip logistics, while simultaneously maintaining positive relationships with SEGA supporters.
Activities and accommodations in the trip itinerary may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Nurturing Minds or its partners. While every effort will be made to ensure that the trips operate as planned, in the event of substituted, not utilized, or canceled activities or accommodations, no refunds or reimbursements will be issued by Nurturing Minds or its partners.
If cancellation is requested, the visitor/volunteer's initial deposit and/or full trip cost may be converted into a charitable donation to Nurturing Minds, allowing the visitor/volunteer to receive a tax benefit for their contribution if it is not covered by travel insurance. It is the responsibility of the traveler to first check with their travel insurance to see what is covered due to cancellation and then communicate with Nurturing Minds if the trip payment is requested to be classified as a charitable donation, allowing the traveler to receive the associated tax benefit. Nurturing Minds will issue a letter to visitors/volunteers acknowledging the receipt of the donation.
If the cancellation is within a 30-day notice of departure refunds in regards to accommodation, meals, sightseeing tours, transportation, or any other services included in the trip itinerary and trip cost may not be able to be refunded due to Nurturing Minds/SEGA partners cancellation and refund policies.
In some cases, Nurturing Minds may be able to issue full or partial refunds if cancellation takes place more than 30 days before departure.
We do not send tax receipts for trip expenses because Nurturing Minds does not consider these payments to be donations since visitors receive a benefit (all of the land activities). Additionally, the payments do not flow through Nurturing Minds' books. Nurturing Minds is merely a pass-through organization for the funds to allow U.S. visitors to easily pay SEGA, since they do not have the ability to accept credit cards and checks.
The IRS may allow you to write off some volunteer trip expenses as long as the trip is only for volunteering purposes, however, we suggest speaking with your tax consultant for guidance and recommendations.
Please contact us at info@nurturingmindsinafrica.org if you require a tax receipt after further research and discussions with your tax consultant.
Experience SEGA Girls’ School near Morogoro, Tanzania. Relax in the Visitor House, enjoy local culture, and support education for Tanzanian girls.
Experience urban living at its most cosmopolitan at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, located at the heart of the city centre business district, just moments from sandy Indian Ocean beaches.
Rest assured we will work with Mudi from Fresh Mood Treks to book your domestic flight from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro!
Experience Tanzanian culture firsthand by visiting a SEGA student’s family, gaining insights into local traditions and daily life.
Visit SEGA’s largest program, the Modern Girl Community Outreach initiative, which empowers girls aged 10-21 through life skills training and mentorship.
Visit SEGA graduates at Morogoro universities for a school tour, learning about their university life and experiences.
Enjoy various activities on campus with SEGA Student Ambassadors to learn more about the SEGA Girls' School through the students eyes!
While you are with us we will take care of all of your meals, snacks, and beverages!
Relax and be assured while SEGA organizes trusted and verified guides and drivers and train transportation for you during your stay.
All tips to tour guides and transportation drivers.
Follow this link to book your Kilimanjaro Trek -> https://adventures.tusker.com/booking-1/FBB8E237-3DF5-EF11-A824-000D3A6CF58C
Airfare to and from Tanzania.
Travel Insurance with medical, and medical evacuation coverage. We recommend working with Yonder Travel.
Health preparations & expenses are the individual’s responsibility.
Cost $100 (as of 8/2022).
Safari add-ons, local trips, drinks, laundry, shopping, and staff tips
Experience urban living at its most cosmopolitan at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, located at the heart of the city centre business district, just moments from sandy Indian Ocean beaches, a bustling fish market and eclectic crafts markets, boutiques and restaurants. A garden oasis of tranquillity and charm, our five-star Dar es Salaam hotel promises the warmest of welcomes, vibrant experiences and vivid memories of your stay.
Enjoy overnight accommodation, dinner, and breakfast!
The day begins with breakfast at the Serena Hotel Serengeti Restaurant, which opens at 6:30 AM. After breakfast, your group will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the Dar SGR Train Station to board the SGR DAR Express train to Morogoro in Royal Class. Upon arrival at the SGR Moro Train Station, you will be transferred to the SEGA Visitor House, where you will receive room allocations, unpack, and participate in a welcome and orientation session covering security, health, an overview of SEGA School, and child protection.
Lunch will be hosted by SEGA Director, Laina, offering a warm welcome to the guests.
After some time to unpack and rest, the group will embark on a school tour, visit Headmistress Elly to sign the Visitors Book, and explore various school clubs, including the English Club, Tembo Club, Moral Club, STEM Club, Coding Club, Sauti ya Dada Club, Business Club, Health and Nutrition Club, Drama Club, and Art Club.
Later, you will join Mr. Abdallah in a Remedial English Fluency Class with Form 1 students and learn more about the English Fluency Program for Pre-Form 1 students.
The day will conclude with a dinner alongside SEGA Headmistress, Elly Sarakikya, providing an opportunity to gain deeper insights into the SEGA Girls’ School.
Enjoy 3-night accommodations, breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
The day begins with an optional morning jog alongside SEGA students, followed by freshly prepared coffee available at 6:30 AM. You will then join the SEGA students for the Morning Assembly and a welcoming song before having breakfast at the SEGA Visitor House.
The morning continues with an insightful session on SEGA’s Entrepreneurship and Education for Life programming, followed by tea with SEGA Student Ambassadors. Later, you will depart SEGA for a home visit and lunch with a recent SEGA Girls’ School graduate. In the afternoon, you will visit SEGA graduate-run businesses in Morogoro Town, including a bakery, tailoring shop, henna artists, and businesses owned by graduates such as Yustina and Catherine Mwamba.
After returning to SEGA Girls’ School, the day will conclude with dinner alongside SEGA graduate Jessca, providing an opportunity to learn more about life after graduating from SEGA!
The day begins with an optional morning jog alongside SEGA students, followed by freshly prepared coffee available at 6:30 AM.
After breakfast at the SEGA Visitor House, you will visit the SUA Mazimbu Campus, where you will meet university scholars Loiness Vincent, Twaibu Mubaraka, and Glory Ngalandwa. Lunch will take place in town with MK Mentors, providing an opportunity to learn more about the MK Program.
The afternoon includes time in Morogoro Town for shopping and picking up souvenirs before heading to Jordan University Campus to meet SEGA graduates Gladness Adam and Eva Raphael for a school tour and a discussion about university life.
After returning to SEGA Girls’ School, the day will conclude with dinner alongside SEGA Board Members.
The day begins with departure from SEGA to the SGR train station in Morogoro for the journey to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival at the DSM train station, located 9.2 kilometers from the airport, your group will transfer with Fresh Mood Treks to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). From there, you will board a flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will fly to meet with Tusker Trail for your adventure to the summit of Kilimanjaro!
Safari Njema! (Travel Safely!)
3,000-ft/914-m • Meet Your Guides
The flight to Kilimanjaro sets your heart racing with anticipation. After your morning arrival, your driver whisks you away to the Explorers Hotel in Moshi. Here, when you meet your Tusker mountain guides for a climb orientation and final equipment check, a sense of anticipation grips you. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for — the start of an epic journey. As you settle into your comfortable room, the prospect of the climb fills you with excitement.
Bed & Breakfast - Lodging at Parks View Hotel.
Morning gear check & orientation. Hotel in Moshi.
10,600-ft/2,972-m • 7.2 miles/11 km • 6-7 hours
The moment has finally arrived as we drive to the Machame gate, sign into the national park, and set out on our climb. The trail narrows, leading us uphill through the dense, mossy rain forest, where Colobus monkeys screech at us from high up in the tree canopy. With your expert guides leading the way, we discover the secrets of the plant and animal life, hiking higher into the forest. As we reach Machame camp, the Tusker Crew has already set up our camp, providing us with a warm cup of tea and a chance to bask in the incredible beauty of Kilimanjaro. – with dinner on the way.
Splendid Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
12,480-ft/3,804-m • 3.1 miles/5 km • 7-8 hours
After a hearty breakfast, we set out on our climb, leaving camp behind. We begin our ascent up the ridge towards the Shira Plateau, a caldera formed by a collapsed volcano and one of Kilimanjaro’s original three peaks.
As we pass through fields of heath and moorland, the mountainside gradually opens up. The effects of the altitude start to set in, but we take our time, slowly hiking to our campsite, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
Sublime Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
12,950-ft/3,950-m • 6.2 miles/10 km • 7-8 hours
As we hike through the heath and moorland, the anticipation of what’s to come builds within us. The trail leads us uphill to Lava Tower, where we take a break to rest, have a hot lunch, and acclimatize. Then we embark on a steep trek downhill into the Barranco Valley, past beautiful Lobelia plants and towering Giant Senecios.
To our left, we catch sight of the south-facing glaciers of Kibo Peak, and the view of the towering walls is nothing short of spectacular. After a full day’s hike, we arrive at camp at the foot of the Barranco Wall, exhilarated and ready for tomorrow.
Majestic Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
13,230-ft/4,033-m • 3.6 miles/5.8 km • 4-5 hours
The day explodes with energy as we confront our first major challenge: the formidable Barranco Wall. It certainly puts our endurance and agility to the test. Throughout the day, we’re captivated by the awe-inspiring majesty of Kibo Peak, looming over our left shoulder like a giant sentinel. Descending sharply into the Karanga Valley, we catch our breath before launching into the final ascent to Karanga Camp, nestled at the foot of Kibo. As we settle in for the night, we relish the euphoric feeling of triumph over yet another thrilling leg of this epic odyssey.
Magnificent Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
15,790-ft/4,813-m • 2.6 miles/4.18 km • 5 hours
We press on towards Barafu camp, tackling the steep terrain with determination. Breathing is a bit tougher as the air thins, but our spirits are soaring, because we know that the rewards awaiting us at the top are incredible. Barafu camp, with its Swahili name meaning “ice,” lives up to its reputation with bone-chilling temperatures at this elevation. Yet, the thrill of the climb fuels an electric energy pulsating throughout the camp, as we prepare ourselves for the ultimate challenge – reaching the summit tomorrow.
As the clouds dance around us, we catch mesmerizing glimpses of the awe-inspiring Mawenzi peak behind us, illuminated in vibrant colors by the African sun.
Impeccable Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
Summit: 19,341-ft/5,895-m • 2.55 miles/4.1 km • 6-7 hours
Millennium: 12,590-ft/3,837-m • 6.3 miles/10.1 km • 5-6 hours
With adrenaline coursing through your veins, you begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak before dawn breaks. The steep climb may be challenging, but your determination propels you to the Crater rim by midday. As Mawenzi Peak towers behind you, and the ice-walled crater looms ahead, your excitement ignites.
You are driven towards your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, only an hour away. At the summit, you revel in the jaw-dropping views, etching this moment into your memory forever. The exhilarating descent to Millennium camp is a rush of euphoria, with unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.
Sumptuous Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
Mweka Gate: 5,500-ft/1,676-m • 7.5 miles/12 km • 6 hours ~ Drive Moshi • 30 mins
With a sense of accomplishment, you embark on the final leg of your climb. The downhill hike from Millennium Camp to the National Park Gate marks the end of your incredible journey. As you sign out, you revel in the memories of the challenging climb, the stunning views, and the camaraderie with your climbing team. A short ride back to the Bristol Cottages Hotel in Moshi awaits, where a well-deserved hot shower and a cold drink will refresh you. In the evening, you gather for a celebratory group dinner, reflecting on your extraordinary feat with pride and satisfaction.
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast - Lodging at Explorers Hotel.
Join an exciting SAFARI and explore ZANZIBAR - or fly home.
