Originals: Kilimanjaro Women's Centenary Climb - 11 Days

From £2,008

Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female100%
  • Male0%

Average age

35
19 Min99 Max

Start / End

  • Moshi
  • Moshi

Physical rating

4/5

Group size

2 - 30

Meals included

28

Highlights

  • Be part of history as you summit Uhuru Peak on 30 September 2027, precisely 100 years after Sheila MacDonald's pioneering ascent, reaching the 'Roof of Africa' on this momentous centenary.
  • Embark on an inspiring women's-only expedition, championed by Kilimanjaro's own female guides and support team, fostering a powerful sense of community and celebration.
  • Conquer Kilimanjaro via the breathtaking 8-day Lemosho Route, renowned for its superior acclimatisation profile, quieter trails, and spectacularly diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert.
  • Forge unforgettable bonds with like-minded women, sharing incredible moments from encountering colobus monkeys in the rainforest to a stunning sunrise summit.
  • Celebrate your extraordinary achievement with coveted summit certificates and medals, followed by a well-earned farewell dinner amongst your triumphant fellow climbers.
  • Extend your African adventure with an optional 3-day 'Big Five' safari, immersing yourself in the unparalleled wildlife spectacle of the Serengeti and the majestic Ngorongoro Crater.
Recommended before you book

Download the full trip brochure

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.
Free, instant PDF - no obligation

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 available

  • Transport

    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

    Guided

    This 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 Only

    An 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 £2,008
  • Thursday 23 Sep 2027to Sunday 3 Oct 2027
    6+ spaces of 30 left
    £2,008
    Pay MonthlyBest offer
    Book for£200 today, pay the rest later
    Private Room from +£235

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.

Frequently asked questions

  • Who is this departure for?

    This is a women's-only departure, open to reasonably fit and determined women who want to take on Kilimanjaro as part of a supportive group. No technical mountaineering experience is required, but a good level of fitness and some hill-walking preparation will help you enjoy it and give you the best chance of reaching the summit.
  • Do I need climbing experience?

    No technical climbing skills are needed — Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trek rather than a technical climb. That said, summit day is long and physically demanding, so we strongly recommend building up your hiking fitness and training in the months beforehand.
  • How difficult is it, and what about altitude?

    Altitude is the main challenge on Kilimanjaro. The 8-day Lemosho Route is chosen precisely because its gradual profile — including “climb high, sleep low” days — gives excellent acclimatisation and one of the higher summit success rates. Your guides carry oxygen, a pulse oximeter and a first-aid kit and monitor the group daily. We recommend discussing the trip with your doctor before you book.
  • Will the whole crew really be female?

    We aim to crew this departure with female guides and support staff as far as possible — that celebration of women on the mountain is the heart of the trip.
  • Why the 8-day Lemosho Route?

    Lemosho is one of the most scenic approaches to Kilimanjaro and, over eight days, offers superb acclimatisation, quieter early trails and dramatic, varied landscapes — all of which support both the experience and your chances of summiting.
  • Do I need travel insurance?

    Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is required and must be in place before you travel. Please make sure your policy specifically covers high-altitude trekking to 5,895 m and emergency evacuation. We do not sell insurance, so please arrange a suitable policy independently and have the details with you.
  • Do I need a visa or vaccinations?

    A Tanzania visa is not included and requirements depend on your nationality, so please check with the relevant Tanzanian high commission or embassy and apply in good time. For health and vaccination advice (including any yellow-fever considerations depending on your routing), please consult your doctor or a travel health clinic well before departure.
  • What is the accommodation like?

    You’ll stay in a comfortable hotel in Moshi before and after the climb, in supported tented camps on the mountain, and in a tented safari lodge if you add the extension. Confirmed accommodation names and grades are provided with your final trip details.
  • What about tipping?

    Tips for the mountain crew are customary and hugely appreciated but are not included in the price. We’ll provide clear guideline amounts before you travel so you can budget for them.
  • Can I add the safari, and can I arrive early?

    Yes — the 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari is an optional extension at additional cost; guests who don’t add it depart on 2 October. You’re also welcome to arrive a day early, on 22 September, to rest before the climb.
  • Anna's profile
  • Petra's profile
  • Charlotte's profile

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Get In Touch

Why book with us

  • Help Change The World

    We collaborate with local businesses and communities.

  • Best Price Guaranteed

    We won't be beaten on price. If you find this adventure at a lower price please get in touch!

  • You're In Good Hands

    We work with trusted tour operators around the world.

  • You're spoilt for choice

    We have the best choice of adventures on the market.

Similar adventures

  • Save1%
    Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps - 9 Days

    Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps - 9 Days

    97 Reviews
    from £2,425View Tour
  • Save16%
    Tanzania: Chimp Trekking & Serengeti Safari - 10 Days

    Tanzania: Chimp Trekking & Serengeti Safari - 10 Days

    from £5,385View Tour
  • Save26%
    Gorillas of Uganda Overland Safari & Participation Camping - 9 Days

    Gorillas of Uganda Overland Safari & Participation Camping - 9 Days

    from £2,019View Tour
  • Save26%
    Masai Mara & Gorilla Adventure - 12 Days

    Masai Mara & Gorilla Adventure - 12 Days

    104 Reviews
    from £4,157View Tour

Sign up for our deals

Stay up to date with our new latest deals & special offers!

Your email is secure and we won't send you any spam.
Feefo Rating 4.9/5

The Adventure People has been rated excellent by its customers