OUTDOOR LIFE KILIMANJARO
Tanzania, Kilimanjaro and safari
Do you want to challenge yourself with mountains and outdoor activities, while preparing for an expedition to Kilimanjaro?
This is what you will learn:
Fall:
Expeditions with tent and sleeping bag
Establishing basecamp
Glacier course
Map and compass
First Aid
Master challenging weather conditions
Surfing
Climbing and steep slopes
Summit peaks
Spring:
Top tour course. Basic & advanced
Avalanche course. Basic & advanced
Using the transmitter/receiver
Avalanche hazard assessment
Trip planning
First Aid
Winter outdoor life
Skiing technique, in facilities and on top tours
Altitude acclimatization
Ice climbing
Overnight stay in a snow cave
Outdoor activities Kilimanjaro - nature experiences
At Friluftsliv Kilimanjaro you get a year of mountains, outdoor life and a big goal to work towards together with others. Throughout the autumn we build experience, fitness and confidence in the mountains before we travel to Tanzania and set course for Mount Kilimanjaro, 5895 m above sea level.
Many days in the mountains
We spend a lot of autumn outdoors. We go on mountain hikes in Jotunheimen, Breheimen and the mountains around Sogndal , from day trips to longer trips with tents and base camps. You learn to plan trips, use a map and compass, cook outdoors and make good choices when the weather and conditions change.
The many days in the mountains are also an important part of the preparation for Kilimanjaro. We practice walking over time, being out for several days together, and getting to know how our bodies and minds react when the hikes get longer and more demanding.
Throughout the fall you will also get to try glacier hiking, climbing, bouldering and surfing in Hoddevika . The variety means you develop different skills while building a good community in the group.
Winter on randonee skis
When winter comes, we take to the randonee skis and go on top-level hikes in the mountains around Sogndal . Here we have a short distance to many different hikes and terrain, and throughout the winter you get many days skiing in both the forest and the high mountains.
You will learn about avalanches, snow conditions, buddy rescue, trip planning and safe travel in the winter mountains . We train you to assess weather, snow and terrain and to make good choices along the way. The goal is that you will gradually become more confident on randonee skiing and gain the knowledge you need to plan and carry out top trips.
From Sogndal to Africa's highest mountain
After many days in the mountains at home, this year's big goal awaits: Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania . We will travel through several climate zones, from lush rainforest to open high mountains and the arctic landscape around Uhuru Peak at 5895 m.
The trip takes place over several days, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. Along the way, you will learn about acclimatization, safe travel, and how the body is affected by altitude . The days consist of many hours on your feet, meals and breaks together, and nights in tents before we continue further up.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is demanding, but you don't have to be an elite athlete. Throughout the fall, we have prepared with many days in the mountains, and on Kilimanjaro we climb together and help each other when the going gets tough.
The final leg to the summit begins while it is still dark. The destination is Uhuru Peak , but the trek is about more than just the altitude and reaching the summit. It is also about the journey there, the people you share it with and the feeling of having worked towards a great goal together.
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Mountain hikes and summit hikes on foot
We spend a lot of time in the mountains, with trips around Sogndal and in Jotunheimen, from shorter day trips to long days with many meters of altitude.Tent life and overnight trip
We pack a tent and sleeping bag and go on a trip over several days. You learn how to set up camp, cook outside and enjoy life on the go.Basecamp
We establish a base camp in the mountains and use the camp as a starting point for trips and activities.Map and compass
You will learn to orient yourself, plan routes and find your way in varied mountain terrain.Glacier
We go on a glacier and learn about safe travel, ropes and the use of crampons and ice axes.Climbing and bouldering
We climb both indoors and outdoors and work on belaying, technique and use of climbing equipment.Surfing in Hoddevika
We travel to Stad and try surfing in Hoddevika.First aid and trip planning
You will learn what to do if something happens on a trip, and how to plan according to weather, terrain and conditions.Preparing for Kilimanjaro
Throughout the year we build experience and endurance with many days in the mountains. We get used to walking over time and prepare for the big goal we will reach together.Randonee and ski tours
When winter comes, we use the mountains around Sogndal for top trips and get many days skiing in both the forest and high mountains.Avalanche knowledge and buddy rescue
You will learn about snow, avalanche terrain and safe travel and practice using a transmitter/receiver, search rod and shovel.Winter outdoor activities
You will learn how to plan trips according to weather, snow and terrain and how to stay warm and safe outside in winter.Mount Kilimanjaro, 5895 m.
We spend several days heading towards Uhuru Peak and move through different climate zones, from rainforest to high mountains.Acclimatization and travel at altitude
You will learn how the body is affected by altitude and why we take time to get used to it along the way.Tent life on Kilimanjaro
We live in tents on the mountain and share many days, meals and experiences together on the way to the summit.Safari and overnight stay on the savannah
After Kilimanjaro, we experience more of Tanzania on safari and spend the night out on the savannah.
Study trips
Study trip fall : Jotunheimen and Galhøpiggen
In the fall, preparations for Kilimanjaro begin with a proper mountain hike in Jotunheimen. We walk from fjord to mountain through Jotunheimen, with Galdhøpiggen as our goal. Along the way, we get to experience long days, altitude and carrying a backpack.
Study trip spring: Kilimanjaro - Africa
Join us on an exciting study trip to Tanzania, where you will climb Kilimanjaro and experience the magnificent wildlife of the Serengeti.
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On this study trip we are heading to Tanzania and Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 5895 m. The goal is Uhuru Peak, and the way there offers a real challenge and great nature experiences. This is something we do together, and we have worked all autumn to become a good and safe class.
We walk the Machame Route , which takes us through several landscapes and climate zones. The hike starts in lush rainforest before moving through heathland, open plains and alpine desert landscape.
We spend several days on the way up so that our bodies have time to get used to the altitude . Along the way we spend the night in tents, and a local team of guides, cooks and porters accompany us throughout the trip. On the way to the summit we pass, among other things, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and Barranco Wall .
Around midnight we start the summit push. We walk through the night, and the goal is to stand on Uhuru Peak, 5895 m above sea level. In 2026, all our students made it to the top!
This is a physical and mental challenge with long days, altitude, cold and changing weather. At the same time, it is an experience we share as a group, where we help and cheer each other on all the way.
After Kilimanjaro we go on safari in Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro , where we get to experience Tanzania's nature and wildlife up close. We spend the night out on the savannah , surrounded by a landscape and wildlife that is completely different from what we know from home. Here we get to experience more of Tanzania, both the nature, the culture and life in the country.
Equipment list
For an active year with outdoor life in challenging West Norway nature, you need some equipment.
The overview below covers what you should have in terms of personal equipment. Remember that old, good equipment is often just as useful as the latest model, so look in the attic or borrow from your family or friends!
Included in the price, all students at Sogndal Folk High School receive a training card at the Sports Center with access to all facilities.
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Shell jacket (windproof and waterproof – must withstand rough use)
Shell pants (windproof and waterproof – must withstand rough use)
Hiking pants
Hat (preferably wool)
Buff (preferably in wool)
Wool mittens
2 sets of wool underwear
Gloves, preferably slightly insulated (you can buy inexpensive ones at Biltema, Felleskjøpet or similar)
A warm mid-layer, such as a wool sweater, down jacket or Primaloft jacket
Workout clothes and sneakers for both indoor and outdoor use (an old t-shirt and clothes that are comfortable to move in will suffice)
Mountain boots or shoes with high ankle
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Hiking and outdoor activities
Daypack approx. 40L
Backpack approx. 70L
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liner
Plate, cup and cutlery for hiking
Thermos
Headlamp (simple type is enough)
Map folder & compass (360°)
Knife
Travel & practical
Travel insurance
European Health Insurance Card
Passport
Simple bicycle for use in the local area
Bicycle helmet
Winter equipment (most needed after Christmas)
Shell mittens
Warm down jacket or wool sweater
Ski boots
Randoneeskis or splitboard
Climbing skins
Telescopic poles
Ski helmet
Good sunglasses & ski goggles
Avalanche detector (transmitter/receiver – remember calibration)
Snow shovel
Snow probe
Ski crampons
Teacher Outdoor Activities Kilimanjaro
Martin Buch Larsen
Martin is a skilled carpenter with a bachelor's degree in nature, culture, and outdoor guidance from the University College of Southeast Norway. He has also completed a one-year program in social sciences. In addition, he has specialized in snow avalanche forecasting at Prescott College, and alpine skiing at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. Martin is also an NMGI-certified bike instructor at level 1, and he runs an organic smallholding, where he combines his passion for nature and sustainable agriculture.
Martin is very committed and good at seeing solutions, often with his guitar in one hand. Cycling and skiing were the reason he ended up in Sogndal, but the reasons for staying are completely different. If you need tips for the local winter route, ask Martin.
martin@sogndal.fhs.no 97657451
