Kilimanjaro Expedition
February 6 - 18, 2016
After the death of a loved one, the entire landscape of life changes - routine becomes rigorous, familiar becomes foreign.
This, after all, was not the plan. This was not on your map.
But maybe, in those dark moments where you've felt small and powerless, you've also sensed that you are meant to do something big.
It's not like you're in your comfort zone anyway.
Share a truly fearless journey with TAPS survivors as we climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. Every step on this ascent will move us farther away from feelings of doubt, fear, and insignificance. As guests of the mountain, we will be led to consider what we really can control. We will learn to trust our guides, our team, and our gear. Our choices will matter.
Join us as we find new purpose, gain radical perspective, and remember what it feels like to live with determination.
FAQS
Who can attend?
TAPS Expeditions are open to all adult survivors over 18 including parents, widows, adult children, siblings, battle buddies, extended family, etc.
Who will the trip be like?
Every trip is different. However, you can read an account in the TAPS Magazine from surviving spouse Jennifer, who climbed Kilimanjaro with TAPS in 2015 to learn more. The participant roster in 2015 included those with no previous camping experience, an age range from 29-57, and both males and females.
How much does it cost?
Expeditionary costs are NOT covered by TAPS. The price will be $3940 for the trek and does not include your international airfare to/from Tanzania, visas or passport fees. Fees for the trip will be paid directly to our trekking guides at Alpine Ascents.
When do we leave?
The TAPS Expedition team will depart the US on February 2nd, and we return to the states on February 18th The trip is a seven day hike, however there is time built in for travel, and a day on either side of the hike in Arusha for prep and rest!
What is our route?
Our trip includes an exciting and breathtaking itinerary that travels the Mechame route through five distinct ecosystems in 7 days. This is the classic climb of Kilimanjaro and does not require mountaineering experience.
How do I apply?
Participants who want to make the TAPS Expedition journey will be asked to fill out an application, which you can do by clicking on the application button at the bottom of this page. Applications will be reviewed every two weeks, so we encourage you to apply early. If more applications are received than we have slots available, we will do a random drawing from qualified applicants.
I don't know anyone else on the team. What if I don't fit in?
There will be monthly team meetings via conference calls or video calls that are mandatory for participants in order to form a team bond and gain familiarity with each other. We fully expect for your team members to become your family and an ongoing support network long after the TAPS Expedition is complete. In addition, you will have access to our online Facebook group, which will include participants from this expedition, as well as those who participated in 2015 so you can ask questions and learn from their experience.
I have no climbing experience, can I still go?
The rigorous expedition requires no mountaineering experience, but does necessitate that you be physically fit and healthy. All climbers are asked to follow at minimum, a strict 4-week pre-expedition training regimen. This fitness program involves four workouts a week and prepares you for the physical demands and geographical, climate variations for the ascent. We'll also be having conference calls and online video meetings to go over training regimens, gear lists, and more!
I have more questions. Who can I talk to?
Contact Kyle Harper or Gabriel Rao via email at expeditions@taps.org or by phone at 800-959-8277.