Originals: Kilimanjaro Women's Centenary Climb - 9 Days
Trip Snapshot
Genders
- Female100%
- Male0%
Average age
Start / End
- Moshi
- Moshi
Physical rating
Group size
2 - 30Meals included
25Highlights
- Summit Uhuru Peak on the morning of 30 September 2027 — 100 years to the day since Sheila MacDonald became the first recorded woman atop Kilimanjaro
- A women's-only departure, crewed as far as possible by Kilimanjaro's own female guides and support team
- The scenic 8-day Lemosho Route — the best blend of acclimatisation, quieter trails and dramatic, ever-changing scenery
- Celebrate with summit certificates, medals and a farewell dinner among a group of like-minded women
- Optional 3-day Big Five safari through the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater
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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
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.
Round off your adventure with an optional 3-day Big Five safari through the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater — one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival & Welcome (23 September
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your driver will be waiting with a name sign to transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, your mountain coordinators and lead guide host a pre-trek briefing and equipment check, followed by a celebratory welcome dinner — a chance to meet your fellow climbers and your female-led crew. Prefer a gentler start? You can arrive a day early, on 22 September, to rest and settle in before the adventure begins.
Accommodation: Salinero or Lamama Hotel, Moshi (or similar)
Meals included: Welcome dinner
Included today: ● Airport transfer ● Pre-trek briefing and full equipment check ● Welcome dinner
Day 2
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 3
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 4
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 5
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 6
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 7
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 8
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 9
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
What's Included
Accommodation
Salinero or Lamama Hotel, Moshi & Camping
Meals
Breakfasts: 8, Lunches: 8, 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 £2,304
- Thursday 23 Sep 2027to Friday 1 Oct 20276+ spaces of 30 left£2,304Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£200 today, pay the rest later
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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