Originals: Kilimanjaro Women's Centenary Climb - 11 Days
Trip Snapshot
Genders
- Female100%
- Male0%
Average age
Start / End
- Moshi
- Moshi
Physical rating
Group size
2 - 30Meals included
28Highlights
- Embark on a truly historic journey: a once-in-a-lifetime, women's-only ascent of Kilimanjaro, meticulously timed to reach the majestic Uhuru Peak on the morning of 30 September 2027, precisely 100 years after Sheila MacDonald became the first recorded woman to conquer Africa's rooftop.
- Experience the Kilimanjaro Centenary Climb alongside a powerful collective of like-minded women, fostering an incredibly supportive and empowering environment as you share every step of this epic adventure.
- Trek the renowned 8-day Lemosho Route, celebrated for its stunning panoramic views, excellent acclimatisation profile, and less crowded trails, guiding you through lush rainforests, expansive moorlands, and high alpine deserts.
- Be supported by an extraordinary team: this signature departure is crewed, as far as possible, by Kilimanjaro's own dedicated female guides and support staff, celebrating women on the mountain and within the vibrant local community.
- From the enchanting rainforests bustling with colobus monkeys to the breathtaking sunrise summit, every moment is a highlight. Celebrate your monumental achievement with cherished summit certificates, medals, and a joyous farewell dinner.
- Extend your African odyssey with an optional 5-day Big Five safari, immersing yourself in the unparalleled wildlife spectacles of the iconic Serengeti and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater.
Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.
What's inside the PDF
Day-by-day itinerary
Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.Packing & kit list
Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.What's included
Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Summary
A real once in a lifetime trek, never to be repeated!
In 1927, Sheila MacDonald became the first recorded woman to stand on the summit of Kilimanjaro. A century on, we're marking the moment with a once-in-a-lifetime, women's-only ascent — timed to reach the Roof of Africa on the very anniversary, the morning of 30 September 2027.
Following the scenic 8-day Lemosho Route for the best possible acclimatisation and summit success, this signature departure is crewed, as far as possible, by Kilimanjaro's own female guides and support team — a celebration of women both on the mountain and in the community that makes these climbs possible.
You'll share the journey with a group of like-minded women, from the rainforest's colobus monkeys to a sunrise summit and a well-earned farewell celebration.
If you'd like to, round off your adventure with an optional 5-day Big Five safari through the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater — one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome To Tanzania! (22nd September)
Welcome! What an exciting day as you arrive in Tanzania and the wonderful Moshi.
Upon arrival you'll be met by a driver who will have a sign of your name in the airport arrivals halls. From here you will be transfered to the hotel in Moshi where you can enjoy some down time.
Most guests arrive today or tonight ready for the briefing, equipment check and welcome dinner for tomorrow evening.
Accommodation: Salinero or Lamama Hotel, Moshi (or similar)
Included today: Airport transfer
Day 2
Trek Briefing, Equipment Check & Meeting The Group! (23rd September)
Today is a free day to explore. Later you'll meet the group and guides as well as the trek leader. We'll have our briefing, equipment check and during the evening enjoy our welcome dinner before we embark on the Centenary climb in the morning.
Accommodation: Salinero or Lamama Hotel, Moshi (or similar)
Meals included: Welcome dinner
Included today: ● Pre-trek briefing and full equipment check
Day 3
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (24 September)
After breakfast, drive around three hours from Moshi to Londorossi Gate to register, then begin trekking through lush rainforest alive with colobus monkeys and birdsong. A gentle ascent introduces you to Kilimanjaro’s remarkable biodiversity before you reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles) · Hiking time: 3–4 hours · Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (mountain tented camp)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (25 September)
Climb steeply out of the rainforest into the heather and moorland zone, with expansive views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. Cross an ancient volcanic caldera to reach Shira 1 Camp.
Distance: 8 km (5 miles) · Hiking time: 5–6 hours · Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (mountain tented camp)Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (26 September)
A relatively easy acclimatisation day across the Shira Plateau. Walking slowly to let your body adjust, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Western Breach and Kilimanjaro’s volcanic formations, arriving at Shira 2 Camp in the early afternoon with time to explore.
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles) · Hiking time: 3–4 hours · Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (mountain tented camp)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower (27 September)
A challenging but rewarding “climb high, sleep low” day. Ascend to Lava Tower, a dramatic 4,630 m volcanic rock formation, where you’ll pause for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp beneath the striking Barranco Wall. The high-then-low profile is key to good acclimatisation.
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) · Hiking time: 6–8 hours · Habitat: Semi-desert
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (mountain tented camp)Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Barranco to Karanga Camp (28 September)
The day begins with the famous Barranco Wall — a steep, exhilarating scramble that’s more manageable than it looks and rewards you with breathtaking views. Beyond it, the trail winds through ridges and valleys across increasingly barren terrain to Karanga Camp, with time to rest and acclimatise.
Distance: 5 km (3 miles) · Hiking time: 4–5 hours · Habitat: Alpine desert
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (mountain tented camp)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Karanga to Barafu Camp (29 September)
A steady ascent over rocky, barren terrain brings you to Barafu Camp, your summit base camp, perched on a ridge with sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo. After an early dinner, you’ll rest and prepare for the midnight start to the summit.
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) · Hiking time: 4–5 hours · Habitat: Alpine desert
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (mountain tented camp)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Summit Day: Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp (30 September — the centenary)
The summit attempt begins around midnight. By the light of your headlamp you’ll climb steep scree and ice to Stella Point, arriving at sunrise, then follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa — on the morning of 30 September 2027, exactly 100 years to the day since Sheila MacDonald’s historic first.After celebrating this extraordinary moment, you’ll descend to Barafu for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp for a very well-earned night’s sleep.
Ascent 5 km + descent 12 km · 7–8 hours to the summit, 4–6 hours down · Habitat: Arctic to rainforest
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (mountain tented camp)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Descent to Mweka Gate & Farewell Celebration (1 October)
A gentle final descent through the rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate, where you’ll complete park formalities and receive your summit certificates and medals. Transfer back to Moshi to rest and freshen up, then gather for a celebratory farewell dinner with your group and crew. Guests not joining the safari extension depart the following day, 2 October.
Distance: 10 km (6 miles) · Hiking time: 3–4 hours · Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation: Salinero or Lamama Hotel, Moshi (or similar)Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell dinner
Day 11
Departure Day Or Onwards To Safari! (2nd October)
Today we say goodbye to those who are departing. What a journey this has been, a real once in a lifetime, never to be repeated.
We hope you've enjoyed the time of your life.
We can transfer you back to the airport for your flight. However, if you're continuing on Safari, let's go! Today we'll move on to the second part of our journey and head out into the bush.
Included: Airport Transfer
What's Included
Accommodation
Salinero or Lamama Hotel, Moshi & Camping
Meals
Breakfasts: 10, Lunches: 9, Dinners: 9
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableTransport
Ground transport is by private vehicle for airport and park-gate transfers, and by 4x4 safari vehicle on the extension. On the mountain all travel is on foot. International and internal flights are not included and should be booked to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Local Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival OnlyAn airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Sep 2027
from £2,031
- Thursday 23 Sep 2027to Sunday 3 Oct 20276+ spaces of 30 left£2,031Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£200 today, pay the rest later
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Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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