Rugged Luxury Launches on Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro has been alive with movement as our inaugural Rugged Luxury Expeditions team begins their climb via the Machame Route. This ascent marks an important milestone for Rugged Luxury Expeditions, as this is our first climb to the Roof of Africa that brings the Rugged Luxury standards to the forefront. We're taking cozy cots, hot showers, chef-prepared meals with plenty of time for trekking and soaking up the beauty of Kilimanjaro.
After a rainy push to Shira Camp, the team stepped out of the weather and into the Big House, where a gourmet lunch awaited: roasted tomato soup and chicken teriyaki stir-fry. The contrast was palpable, storm clouds outside, warmth and nourishment within.
As the afternoon settles in, the focus shifts to recovery and restoration. Hot showers, full-body massages, and a relaxed evening ahead featuring steak with red wine jus give the team the chance to rest before tomorrow’s climb. This is Rugged Luxury in practice: every step upward balanced by intention, care, and comfort back at camp
When climbers know what’s waiting for them at the end of the day, even the elevation gain feels different.
Behind the scenes, this experience is powered by the mountaineering pedigree, logistics, and operational systems of our sister company, Climbing the Seven Summits, whose decades of high-altitude expertise ensure that comfort never comes at the expense of safety, structure, or execution.
A special thank-you to Caroline Pemberton for sharing these moments from the mountain. She is joining this Kilimanjaro climb to help mark the official launch of Rugged Luxury Expeditions.
