KILIMANJARO - SUMMER 2026

ACU ALUMNI EXPEDITION: KILIMANJARO 2026


About

Join Mark Barneche and Brad East for ACU Alumni Expedition 2026—a transformative adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and across the sweeping Serengeti Plain. This journey invites ACU alumni in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to reflect on the evolution of their faith—how it has stretched, shifted, or deepened across the early decades of adulthood. As we climb toward the summit, we’ll engage in candid conversations about vocation, disillusionment, hope, and spiritual renewal. Together, we’ll ask what it means to live faithfully in the second half of life—and how we might reimagine our calling, not in spite of the wear and tear of adulthood, but because of it. Over the course of a week, we’ll trek through stunning landscapes, engage in meaningful faith conversations, and celebrate the wonder of creation together on the Roof of Africa. If this sounds interesting to you, continue reading to explore the route, learn how to prepare, and discover how you can be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How to Apply:

This trip will take place June 29-July 10, 2026. It is competitive and limited to 12 participants. All participant applications will be received through ACU Study Abroad’s program portal, VIA TRM. To review the expedition details and eligibility criteria and access expedition application, click the link below. Please note the following key dates/deadlines:

  • July 1: Applications ppen

  • August 1: Informational Meeting

  • October 1: Priority applications due*

  • October 15: Admissions notification

  • November 1: Final deadline**

  • November 8: Final admissions notification

*If the program is filled by the October 1 priority deadline, we will close the program to all further applications.
**All admissions notifications will be delivered via email through VIA TRM.

The Route

OVERVIEW OF ROUTE:

  • Elevation: 16,000 to 17,000 feet
    Hiking Time: 7 Days
    Distance: 62 km | 37 miles
    Habitats: Rain Forest, Heath, Alpine Desert, Arctic

DAY 1 – Machame Gate to Machame Camp

  • Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
    Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
    Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
    Habitat: Rain Forest

DAY 2 – Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

  • Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
    Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
    Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
    Habitat: Heath

DAY 3 – Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  1. Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower:
    Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
    Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
    Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
    Habitat: Alpine Desert

  2. Lava Tower to Barranco Camp:
    Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
    Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
    Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
    Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
    Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
    Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
    Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 5 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
    Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
    Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
    Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 6 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

  1. Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak:
    Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
    Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
    Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
    Habitat: Arctic

  2. Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp:
    Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
    Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
    Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
    Habitat: Rain Forest

DAY 7 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
    Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
    Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
    Habitat: Rain Forest