Journey to the Summit: Mount Kilimanjaro

“Trekking Kilimanjaro, led by Oliver Browne and his team was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life. It’s a journey that touches you on every level – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Having hiked in many parts of the world, the energy of the Tanzanian porters and expert guides made this journey stand out above all others. The sense of accomplishment I felt standing on Africa’s tallest peak will stay with me forever.” – Mary Tilson, Digital Media Director, ROAR AFRICA

At ROAR AFRICA, we never stop pushing boundaries and reaching new heights. No matter how many times you visit my home continent, there are always so many more layers to uncover. Our greatest source of freedom is found in nature, in the wild, wide-open spaces. Thus, I am ecstatic to share a brand-new experience we have been building behind the scenes: A Journey to the Summit, the ROAR AFRICA Kilimanjaro climb of a lifetime will take place this coming December 1-9, 2024, in Tanzania. To summit this peak is the pinnacle of experiential travel in Africa. This trip will be unlike anything you ever done before…the feeling of awe and accomplishment will be indescribable.

Kilimanjaro is the largest freestanding mountain in the world. However, Tanzania’s iconic peak is also one of the more accessible mountain climbs in the world. As you know, at ROAR AFRICA we only work with the top experts in their field whom we know personally and trust. Oliver Browne, our expedition leader on this journey, is exactly that: a world-renowned expert mountaineer and adventurer who, alongside countless successful Kilimanjaro summits, is one of only a handful of people who have ever rowed across the Atlantic and been on Everest expeditions.

Together, we’ll trek the storied Machame Route, chosen for its spectacular beauty and diversity of landscape – from waterfalls and jungle terrain to ancient lava towers, heather moorland trees and stark desert – all in a 7-day trek. The duration of the trek is intentional, allowing guests to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure toward the ‘roof of Africa’ at their own pace, with one guide per person. There is no rushing. This is not a race but a meditation in motion. You’ll sleep comfortably and dine on excellent food cooked by a top-tier chef who caters to every diet. You’ll glide down the mountain post-summit in a Tropic Air helicopter to a soft, luxurious landing at the beautiful Legendary Lodge in Arusha, a working coffee plantation. Most importantly, you’ll feel safe and cared for – wrapped in love from the moment you land in Tanzania, with a highly-experienced doctor joining the trek for your comfort and peace of mind.

In our many conversations with Oliver, beyond the logistics of executing an adventure on this scale, the most luxurious trek one can do up Kilimanjaro, we discussed the frequent questions guests have. Namely, these questions center around fitness, altitude and ability. Oliver’s honed perspective on the fitness levels required and navigating altitude is thus:

• The ability to walk 10 miles on a flat surface, which is roughly five hours of walking, is a good indicator of the fitness you’ll need. He also stated that two months is ample time to build up a better level of fitness should you feel the need to.
• The acclimation to altitude is done gradually and gently, “in fact, it’s counter-productive to go fast” Oliver says. In his experience, incidences of altitude sickness on the Machame Route are incredibly rare, however for reassurance, a doctor is always present.

A Journey to the Summit is achievable for anyone with a sense of adventure, determination and intermediate level of fitness. Better yet, the positive impact of the process begins before you arrive. There’s a profound mindset shift that comes with deciding to push past your everyday norm. Choosing to embrace the unknown either solo or with family and friends (children aged 14+ are welcome to join the trek) to achieve a personal growth goal is an achievement that stays with you forever. Above all else, it’s the feeling of camaraderie that you share with your fellow trekkers as you ascend towards one of the most extraordinary views in all of Africa that makes this climb so transcendent. That feeling of a being a part of something, of community is so integral to the human experience.

I’ll finish with a sentiment that Oliver and I both believe with all our hearts -

“Kilimanjaro is one of the best things you can do in your lifetime, if not the best thing.”

I do hope you’ll join us.

Journey to the Summit takes place December 1-9, 2024, in Tanzania. This adventure costs $21,400 per person sharing or $22,900 for solo travelers. Children aged 14+ are welcome to join with those under that age bracket accepted on a case-by-case basis. To learn more or book your spot, click here or contact welcome@roarafrica.com.