For months, the garden industry has been following the Greenfingers Charity Kilimanjaro team as they trained, fundraised and prepared for the challenge of a lifetime. Together, the 23 trekkers have already raised more than £200,000 in support of Greenfingers Charity, inspiring colleagues, friends and family every step of the way.
But as departure day finally approaches, one question remains – what exactly have they signed up for?
From dense rainforest and volcanic plateaus to scrambling up rock walls and trekking through the night towards Africa's highest point, the journey ahead is far more than simply climbing a mountain. Over ten days, the team will cross five distinct ecological zones, sleep under canvas at altitudes of up to 4,600 metres, battle freezing overnight temperatures, and ultimately attempt to reach Uhuru Peak – the 5,895-metre summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and the roof of Africa.
Departing on Wednesday 10th June, the team will spend the following ten days tackling the renowned Lemosho Route – one of Kilimanjaro's most scenic and challenging approaches to the summit.
What lies ahead for the Greenfingers Kilimanjaro team?
Wednesday 10th June – Departure day
The adventure begins as the team departs London for Tanzania. After months of preparation, fundraising and training, excitement and nerves are sure to be running high as the trekkers embark on the first leg of their journey.
Thursday 11th June – Arrival in Tanzania
Following arrival, the team will transfer to their hotel for a final briefing, kit check and team dinner. It is one last opportunity to rest and prepare before the challenge begins in earnest.
Friday 12th June – Into the rainforest
The trek starts at Lemosho Gate, almost 2,000 metres above sea level. After registration at Kilimanjaro National Park, the team will enter the mountain's dense rainforest via the little-used Chamber's Route. Whilst the day's distance is relatively short at around 6km, steep ascents and descents provide an immediate reminder of the challenge ahead before the first night under canvas at Big Tree Camp.
Saturday 13th June – First glimpse of the summit
Leaving the rainforest behind, trekkers will climb more than 600 metres into Kilimanjaro's moorland zone. The route crosses the vast Shira Caldera plateau and, weather permitting, will offer the first distant views of Uhuru Peak – the summit they are ultimately striving to reach.
Sunday 14th June – Across the Shira Plateau
The team continues its ascent across the dramatic Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. An optional scramble to the top of Shira Cathedral at 3,880 metres rewards those with spectacular views before the day's climb concludes at Shira Two Camp.
Monday 15th June – The first taste of real altitude
One of the longest days of the expedition sees the team climb to the imposing Lava Tower at 4,500 metres. This crucial acclimatisation stage allows their bodies to adjust to the thinning air before descending to Barranco Camp. Along the route, trekkers will pass giant Dendrosenecio plants that tower over the landscape and are unique to East Africa's high mountains.
Tuesday 16th June – Conquering the Barranco Wall
Often regarded as one of the most memorable sections of the entire route, the day begins with the ascent of the famous Barranco Wall – a 300-metre rock face requiring scrambling and careful footing. Once at the top, the team will continue through the Karanga Valley before a final climb into camp.
Wednesday 17th June – Final preparations
Altitude now becomes the team's greatest opponent as they make their way to Barafu Camp at 4,600 metres. The afternoon will be spent resting, acclimatising and preparing mentally for the toughest day of the challenge. After an early dinner and final briefing, the team will attempt to grab a few hours' sleep before a midnight wake-up call.
Thursday 18th June – Summit day
The most demanding day of the expedition begins shortly after midnight. Trekking through darkness and freezing temperatures, the team will spend hours slowly climbing towards Stella Point before making the final push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres – the highest point in Africa.
Reaching the summit at sunrise will be an unforgettable moment, but the challenge is only half complete. After celebrating on the roof of Africa, the team must descend thousands of metres back down the mountain, eventually reaching Millennium Camp after up to 15 hours on their feet.
Friday 19th June – The final descent
With the summit behind them, the trekkers will undertake one final 12km descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Tired legs and sore knees will be put to the test one last time before the finish line comes into view and celebrations can finally begin. That evening, medals and certificates will be awarded at a special celebration dinner.
Saturday 20th June and Sunday 21st June – Homeward bound
After reflecting on an extraordinary achievement and the friendships forged along the way, the team will begin their journey home, returning to the UK on Sunday 21st June.
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Greenfingers Charity, said: "I'm tired just looking at that itinerary! What lies ahead for our trekkers is an extraordinary challenge that will test them physically, mentally and emotionally. There will undoubtedly be moments when the tiredness kicks in, when feet hurt, when sleep feels impossible and when the summit still feels a very long way away. That's why every message of encouragement, every share and every donation matters. Knowing that the garden retail community and wider Greenfingers family are behind them will help carry them through those difficult moments.
"The team has already achieved something incredible by raising more than £200,000, but now the real adventure begins. We couldn't be prouder of every single person taking part and wish them every success as they take on the roof of Africa."
Show your support for the Greenfingers Kilimanjaro team
To support the trekkers and help them reach even greater fundraising heights, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/greenfingers-kilimanjaro2026
