Loading...
KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE
The Luminaire Foundation is proud to support U-Go in their work to fund higher education scholarships for talented young women in low-income countries.
14 - 22 DECEMBER 2025
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Tanzania and the incredible Mount Kilimanjaro. At 5895m, it’s the highest mountain in Africa, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, and one of the famed ‘Seven Summits.’
All profits from the trip will go to support the work of U-Go, a charity that provides scholarships for talented young women in developing countries around the world. Proceeds from the Kilimanjaro Challenge will specifically support university places for 27 of U-Go's Tanzania scholars.
Reaching Uhuru Peak can be a life-changing experience, the realisation of a long-held ambition, or the start of a lifelong love affair with adventure and mountaineering, but regardless of the outcome, one thing is for certain, Kilimanjaro as an experience is as unforgettable as it is challenging.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
AN EPIC CHALLENGE
Kilimanjaro is one of the best things you can do in your lifetime. Climbing the highest mountain in Africa and one of the Seven Summits is an epic challenge and an adventure you will never forget.
BEST ROUTE FOR SUCCESS
The Machame 7 Day route is widely considered the best route on Kilimanjaro in terms of scenery, geological features, biodiversity, lower chance of crowding, interesting topography and for the all-important acclimatisation.
CLIMB FOR A CAUSE
With all profits donated to renowned charity U-Go, this trip will fund 27 university places for U-Go's ambitious and promising young women scholars in Tanzania.
LIFE-LONG MEMORIES
Our commitment to the success of your ascent begins long before we meet you in Moshi. Receive personalised support on everything from the best gear to bring, to the right training to undertake in preparation.
THE LUMINAIRE FOUNDATION SUPPORTS
U-Go
Talent is universal but opportunity is not.
U-Go helps ambitious and promising young women in low-income countries to pursue higher education by providing financial scholarships funded by individuals and corporations.
All profits from the Kilimanjaro Challenge trip will go to support the work of U-Go.
THE JOURNEY
A 9-day itinerary in Tanzania
14 DECEMBER 2025
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Transfer to Moshi for a welcome dinner, and overnight at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel.
15 DECEMBER
Transfer to Machame Gate, 1,800m.
Complete park registrations and begin the trek. Hike through the rainforest seeing black and white colobus monkeys.
Overnight camping at Machame Camp, 3,000m.
Distance: 7 miles. Time: 5 hours (excluding breaks). Altitude gain: 1,200m.
16 DECEMBER
Hike to Baranco Camp, 3,976m.
Cross the Shira Plateau to the Lava Tower, 4,630m.
Enjoy an acclimatisation lunch at the Lava Tower. Descend to the Baranco Valley and see the impressive Western Breach Wall.
Distance: 6 miles. Time: 6 hours (excluding breaks). Altitude gain to Lava Tower: 674m.
17 DECEMBER
Hike to Shira Cave Camp, 3,840m.
See unique flora including giant groundsels and lobelias. Enjoy stunning views of the Kilimanjaro Summit and Shira Plateau. Explore the ancient Shira Cave.
Distance: 3 miles. Time: 5 hours (excluding breaks). Altitude gain: 840m.
18 DECEMBER
Hike to Karanga Camp, 3,995m.
Climb the famous Baranco Wall passing the “Kissing Rock”. Descend through the Karanga Valley. Enjoy views of Kilimanjaro’s southern icefield and Decken glacier.
Distance: 4 miles. Time: 5 hours (excluding breaks). Altitude gain: 19m.
19 DECEMBER
Hike to Barafu Camp. Traverse the high alpine desert. Enjoy stunning views of Mwenzi and Kibo Peak.
Prepare for the summit bid.
Distance: 4 miles. Time: 3.5 hours (excluding breaks). Altitude gain: 19m.
20 DECEMBER - THE SUMMIT
Summit Mount Kilimanjaro, 5,895m.
See the sunrise from Stella Point over Mwenzi Peak. See the Kilimanjaro glaciers and crater.
Climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Continental Africa.
Descend to Millenium Camp, 3,820m.
Distance: 5.2 miles. Time: 8 to 10 hours (excluding breaks). Altitude gain: 1,095m.
21 DECEMBER
Trek to Mweka Gate, 1,640m.
Enjoy a final breakfast on the mountain. Descend to the Mweka Gate through the rainforest. Return to Moshi for a celebration dinner.
Overnight at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, Moshi.
Distance: 7.5 miles. Time: 5 hours. Altitude gain: n/a.
22 DECEMBER
Departure day
The Luminaire team can make arrangements for a full safari over the festive holidays.
THE KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE
Price from £2,995 per person, for 8 nights.
INCLUSIONS
1 night pre- and post-climb at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, Moshi
Fully-guided ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro via the 7-day Machame Route
Tanzanian Head Guide and Assistant Guides
All transfers
Porter for luggage (20kg)
Satellite phone
Expedition Doctor and bottled oxygen
Portable private showers and loos
Welcome and celebration dinners
Pre-travel support and training plan
EXCLUSIONS
International flights
Travel, Rescue, or Medical Insurance
International Entrance Visas
Tip to High Mountain Crew ($350 pp)
Equipment rental
Lunch on arrival / departure day
Luxury camp upgrade
Alcoholic drinks & laundry at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Discretionary donation to U-Go
SECURE YOUR PLACE FOR £100* OR CONTACT US
*£100 payment to secure your place is redeemable against the value of your trip and non-refundable. Subject to our Terms & Conditions.
ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE
The Travel Design team at The Luminaire can build a fully-customised safari holiday to extend your stay in Tanzania after your Kilimanjaro Challenge is complete, or onward travel to some of the world's leading safari camps in neighbouring Kenya.
TRAVEL DESIGNER'S NOTES
Kilimanjaro is a powerful place. It is not uncommon to hear seasoned explorers name Kilimanjaro as their favourite of the Seven Summits. It is a unique mountain environment; beautiful, wild and possessing of a special energy that you will sense as you climb.
The high mountain crew are integral to this experience, with their warmth, kindness and generous spirit. Song is never far from their lips, as are words of greeting and encouragement.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a thrilling and awe-inspiring adventure, one of the best things you can do in your lifetime, and it is bound to make for an unforgettable experience.