Muslim Hikers Complete First-Ever Kilimanjaro Expedition

Tanzania, 2026 — Muslim Hikers has successfully completed its first-ever Mount Kilimanjaro expedition, bringing together 36 participants to take on Africa’s highest mountain via the Machame Route.

The climb marks a major milestone for the organisation, representing its first journey to the Roof of Africa and another step in its growing international expedition programme.

A Global Community on the Mountain

While the majority of participants travelled from the UK, the expedition welcomed hikers from across the globe, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, France and Germany.

This diverse representation reflects the widening reach of Muslim Hikers as a global community platform for Muslims in the outdoors, and those who align with its mission of inclusive adventure.

A Journey Through Five Climate Zones

Over seven days on the mountain, the team ascended through Kilimanjaro’s extraordinary ecological zones, from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and glacial summit slopes.

Summit night brought especially demanding conditions, with temperatures dropping to approximately -15°C and strong winds intensifying the climb. Participants began their ascent just before midnight, moving steadily under headtorches before witnessing sunrise across the African plains.

While the summit represents the symbolic high point of the expedition, Kilimanjaro tested participants long before that, physically, mentally and emotionally.

The group completed the expedition safely and returned together to Moshi after the descent.

110-Strong Support Crew

Supporting the expedition was a dedicated team of 110 local crew members, including:

• 84 porters

• 15 guides

• 3 chefs

• 5 waiters

• 3 toilet porters

Their professionalism, strength and care were central to the safety and wellbeing of the hikers. The expedition highlighted not only the resilience of the participants, but also the scale of teamwork required to operate an ethical and responsible Kilimanjaro climb.

£60,000 Raised for Charity Right

In addition to the physical challenge, participants who opted for the Charity Ticket collectively raised over £60,000 for Muslim Hikers’ charity partner, Charity Right.

The funds will support school meal programmes for vulnerable children, including communities in Palestine and across the world.

This added dimension of purpose reinforces the ethos behind Muslim Hikers’ expeditions: adventure with impact.

Founder Reflection

Muslim Hikers founder Haroon Mota described the expedition as a defining chapter:

“Taking 36 people to Kilimanjaro for the first time as Muslim Hikers was incredibly meaningful. What stood out most wasn’t just the mountain, it was the resilience, patience and support people showed one another through the hardest moments.

This expedition demonstrated what preparation, partnership and community can achieve together.”

From the Summit to the Shore

Following the expedition, nearly half of the group continued to Zanzibar, in partnership with Explore Zanzi, for a four-day retreat focused on rest, reflection and celebration.

The extension provided a powerful contrast to summit night, from sub-zero winds on Kilimanjaro to warm Indian Ocean waters, allowing participants to decompress and reflect on the journey they had just completed.

Looking Ahead: Kilimanjaro 2027 Now Open

With the success of the 2026 expedition, registrations for Kilimanjaro 2027 are now live on the website.

Muslim Hikers continues to expand its programme of UK hikes, residential retreats and international expeditions, creating structured, inclusive pathways for ambitious outdoor challenges.

A Defining Milestone

The completion of the first Kilimanjaro expedition represents more than a summit. It marks the continued growth of a community stepping confidently into spaces that once felt distant.

From rainforest to glacier, and beyond, Kilimanjaro 2026 will stand as a defining milestone in the Muslim Hikers story.