Mount Kilimanjaro Adventure CME

Monday, January 26, 2026, 9:00 AM - Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 5:00 PM, Online and field training, Arusha, 00


AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (18.00 hours), ABS CC (18.00 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (18.00 hours)

This adventure education trip is an exciting opportunity to explore the field of wilderness medicine.

Participants will climb Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, on a guided ascent that follows one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. Climbing this majestic peak to see the world from 19,340 ft will be the adventure of a lifetime. 

Through didactics and experiential learning, participants will gain exposure to the practice of medicine in resource-limited environments. Pre-trip virtual lectures will also be given to help prepare for the experience. Course topics will include altitude illness, environmental emergencies, wilderness dermatology, improvised splinting and emergency transport, use of portable ultrasound devices, and emergency medical kits, amongst others.

Physicians and allied health care providers who have an interest in wilderness medicine will enjoy this unique CME event. Anyone interested in earning CME credits and traveling to Africa is welcome to attend: Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Health Professions Students, and outdoor enthusiasts are welcome. 

This 9-day course will run from January 26-February 3, 2026.

The 7-day trekking portion will be achieved with collaboration from the Tanzania-based guiding company Explore Trekking Adventures (ETA) along the Machame route. ETA is locally owned and operated by former porters who have risen to guides and company owners that ethically support the local economy.

Note: Participants who choose not to attempt the summit may remain at Barafu Camp (also known as "Base Camp"). Since the summit climb is an out-and-back route from Barafu, we will return through the camp on our way to Mweka Camp on Day 6. While Mount Kilimanjaro is generally considered a manageable trek, summit day is significantly more challenging than the rest of the journey. This arrangement allows participants to opt out of the summit while still experiencing the majority of the expedition.

Questions
For questions about the trip, please send an email to [email protected].

Successful Completion
To successfully complete this activity, the required evaluation must be completed no later than Friday, February 27, 2026. Thereafter, the evaluation will no longer be available and credits will not be issued. No refunds will be offered for failure to complete the required evaluation by the stated deadline.

1. Manage high-altitude illness and environmental injuries using clinical judgment and field-based tools.
2. Demonstrate appropriate triage, stabilization, and evacuation in wilderness settings.
3. Apply leadership and communication strategies during team-based medical scenarios.
4. Perform essential wilderness medicine procedures using improvised techniques.

Space is limited to 12

Early Bird Fee
Valid until October 31, 2025
$3,700 per person (double occupancy)

Regular Fee
$3,999 per person (double occupancy)

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot on the trip. Once your deposit is received, your registration is confirmed. A separate invoice for the remaining balance will be sent, which will reflect either the early bird rate or the regular rate, depending on your registration date. The balance must be paid no later than Monday, December 1, 2025.

Please click on the Venue tab for additional trip information.

In support of improving patient care, Thomas Jefferson University is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physicians: This educational activity is designated for a maximum of 18.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ^TM . Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Other Healthcare Professionals: This educational activity is designated for 18.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ^TM. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Agenda
Agenda subject to change without notice.

Cancellation Policy
Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing and received in the Office of CPD before December 1, 2025. There will be no refunds after this period.*  Cancellations notified before December 1, 2025 will incur a 25% administration fee (with a minimum of $20).  Registrants who fail to attend the conference are responsible for the entire fee.  All refunds will be processed after the conference.  The University reserves the right to cancel or postpone this course due to unforeseen circumstances.  In the event of cancellation or postponement, the University will refund registration fees, but is not responsible for related costs or expenses to participants, including cancellation fees assessed by hotels, airlines or travel agencies. 

Email [email protected] - please include the activity name in the subject line. 

*Registration fees will be refunded less a 15% administration fee to international conference registrants who are unable to secure a travel visa. Registrants must provide proof of visa denial. 

 Jefferson Release Policy
Jefferson may record/livestream/photograph this educational activity. These images/recordings, along with your name, may be used in Jefferson publications or on the Jefferson website. If you verbally submit any questions for Q&A sessions, you are agreeing to be recorded and to have that recording available in enduring materials. Once photographed, filmed, recorded, or videotaped, you waive the right of inspection or approval to which such images/recordings may be put and Jefferson has the right to use, publish, reproduce, modify, adapt, and distribute at any time in any manner or medium.

Jefferson HIPAA Policy
As an attendee of this educational activity hosted by Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson University Physicians, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Inc. (collectively 'Jefferson'), you may gain access to certain proprietary information ('Confidential Information'), including Protected Health Information ('PHI').

By participating in this educational activity, you agree to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information, including all PHI, obtained from any source. You also agree to take all necessary steps to protect such Confidential Information and shall not directly or indirectly disclose or use it in any manner or for any reason, other than as necessary to complete the educational activity. Further, you agree not to take photographs, record in any manner or otherwise reproduce any such Confidential Information. You understand that any unauthorized use or disclosure of Confidential Information may result in possible legal action against you by Jefferson whose confidentiality is breached.

Photography and Recording
Unauthorized recording or photography at a Jefferson-sponsored event is strictly prohibited. Individuals found violating this policy will be asked to vacate the activity. No credits or refund will be issued.

Copyright
All rights reserved – Thomas Jefferson University. No part of this program may be used, reproduced, or shared in any manner whatsoever without express written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews.

Registration and Payment
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot on the trip. Once your deposit is received, your registration is confirmed. A separate invoice for the remaining balance will be sent, which will reflect either the early bird rate or the regular rate, depending on your registration date. The balance must be paid no later than Monday, December 1, 2025.

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Tulivu Hotel

Participants will stay in the Tulivu Hotel in Moshi the night before and after being on the mountain.

Tents

Participants will sleep in tents (double occupancy) throughout the trip.

Note
If you’d rather skip the summit, no problem — you can stay at Barafu Camp (also called "Base Camp"). The summit hike is an out-and-back from Barafu, so we’ll be passing back through on our way to Mweka Camp on Day 6. Overall, Kilimanjaro is very doable, but summit day is by far the toughest part. This setup gives you the option to sit out that climb while still enjoying the majority of trip.

Questions
For questions about the trip, please send an email to [email protected].

Physical Requirements
Each participant must: 

• Actively participate in program activities while contributing to a positive learning environment.

• If taking prescription medications, must be able to self-administer at the prescribed dose and frequency without assistance (except in an emergency). 

• Adapt to local or regional expectations and services when traveling within and outside of the United States. 

• Perform all aspects of personal hygiene including dressing, washing, and toileting. 

• Live and sleep outdoors for up to 14 days at a time in a group setting. This may include a range of wilderness environments ranging from alpine desert to high altitude (up to 19,345 ft/5496 m), temperatures from 0F/-18C to 90F/32C, low and high humidity environments, open sun, rain, snow, and high winds. 

• Be able to move over snowy and glaciated terrain with boots both uphill and downhill while carrying a full 30L pack.

• Be able to hike 4-6 hours per day at altitude (see ascend profile for details), except for summit day which will be at least 12 hours of hiking.

• Have the cognitive ability to perceive, learn, understand and retain risk management and emergency procedure instructions from instructional staff, contractors, emergency personnel, and other group members. 

Weather
Base of the mountain (Moshi): Average temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C)

Summit (above 5,000m): Temperatures can range from 0°C to -20°C (32°F to -4°F) and at night can drop
to -20°C to -10°C (-4°F to 14°F)

Machame route specifics: The Machame route is known for its diverse scenery, including rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert. Though January is the dry season, hikers may encounter rain (or snow at the higher altitudes).

Packing List
Climbing Kilimanjaro requires the right gear to stay safe, comfortable, and prepared for changing conditions. This list covers the essentials you’ll need on the mountain, from clothing and equipment to personal items. Packing List

What’s Included

• 2 nights of hotel accommodations in Moshi (1 night before and 1 night after the hike)

• Transfers from Kilimanjaro airport (to/from Hotel in Moshi)

• Transfer from hotel in Moshi to/from trailhead

• Hot tea, coffee and milk served along the hike

• Wake-up call with hot ginger tea or coffee served

• Daily boiled mountain water in camp for washing in basin (note that there are no showers along the trail)

• Private toilet tent for group

• Sleeping tent (double occupancy, single occupancy available at additional cost)

• Porter services: porters will carry your duffel bag (max weight of 15kg / 32 lbs per person) from one camp to the next camp

• Guiding services (there will be a 1:1 guide per participant on the summit day)

• Private cook: Fresh nutritious three hot meals per day cooked and served in LED lit dinner tent with table and chairs

• Salaries for mountain guides, cook and porters

• All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and permits

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What's Excluded

• Additional hotel nights (if you wish to stay more than 1 day before and 1 day after the hike)

• Airfare

• Tanzania entry visa (cost approximately $100)

• Meals and drinks while not on the mountain (at hotel)

• Tips for guides, chef & porters* (approx. $500 contribution/participant)

• Health requirements (Yellow Fever – compulsory if you have traveled before in a yellow fever infected country)

• Sleeping bag (though this can be rented)

• Snacks, personal medicine

• Airport transfers for independent arrival or departures

• Travel and medical insurance (required)

• Rescue costs and extra expenses caused by abandoning the expedition

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Emergency Protocols
Helicopter evacuation is available at every camping site throughout the Machame route through designated areas. Each campsite has a stretcher with wheel available. Mountain guides coordinate evacuation through Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue (the national park's preferred service). 

If there is a medical emergency:

• Climbers will be required to have travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation and medical expenses up to 6,000 meter.

• Guides carry a smaller tactical first aid kit for immediate use on the trail. The Trip leader will also carry a variety of altitude and illness medication. Oxygen is available in case of emergency. Should any participant require oxygen at any time, they are no longer permitted to ascend. 

• If the climber is able to walk, they may be assisted in walking down to a lower altitude. A guide will be assigned with them (trips are planned so that there will be a 1:1 guide ratio per participant). Should they reattempt to re-ascend, guides will communicate and coordinate a meeting place at the next camp. The Machame route is well established.

• If the climber requires stretcher evacuation, a distress call is made to Kilimanjaro SAR or a similar service.

• A helicopter, often from a base in Moshi, is dispatched to the nearest designated landing zone (e.g., Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, or Barafu Camp). 

• The patient is assessed, stabilized, and transported to a medical facility in Moshi or Arusha. Typically this would be done by Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue team (though with physician Team Leader, stabilization would begin prior to their arrival). 

• Helicopter availability is subject to weather conditions, and a stretcher evacuation may be required as a backup.

• If helicopter evacuation is not possible, a stretcher will be used to carry the injured climber down the mountain. 

• Trained porters are responsible for carrying the stretcher and ensuring the patient's safety.

• Guides and support teams use mobile phones, satellite phones, and VHS radios for communication.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Thomas Jefferson University adheres to the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education and the policies that supplement the Standards.

All planners, faculty, and others in control of educational content are required to disclose any relevant financial relationships with ACCME defined ineligible companies within the past 24 months. Any conflicts of interests have been mitigated prior to this educational activity. Such disclosures will be available prior to the start of the activity. Jefferson conflict of interest mitigation process may result in changes to the program agenda.

Off-Label/Investigational Use
All faculty/presenters/authors at Thomas Jefferson University sponsored events are required to disclose whether or not their content contains information of commercial products/devices that are unlabeled for use or investigational uses of products not yet approved. Product(s) is/are not included in the labeling approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of disease(s).

Content Disclaimer
The views expressed in this activity are those of the faculty. It should not be inferred or assumed that they are expressing the views of any manufacturer of pharmaceuticals or devices or Thomas Jefferson University.

It should be noted that the recommendations made herein with regard to the use of therapeutic agents, varying disease states, and assessments of risk, are based upon a combination of clinical trials, current guidelines, and the clinical practice experience of the participating presenters. The drug selection and dosage information presented in this activity are believed to be accurate. However, participants are urged to consult all available data on products and procedures before using them in clinical practice.