Summit Morning on Kilimanjaro: Rugged Luxury Style
Summit morning on Kilimanjaro delivered tough mountain conditions for our Rugged Luxury climbers, with wind and cold shaping the final push. The reward was worth it: 100% of the team reached the summit, arriving early enough to watch the sun rise over Africa with a champagne toast, well ahead of the crowds and unmistakably in Rugged Luxury style.
A huge congratulations to our summit team:
Dan A
Kimberly L
Chris N
Julie N
Caroline P
Mark W
CTSS Guide Dr. Brenton S.
Following the summit, the team descended to a lower camp before being flown back to Arusha by private helicopter (weather permitting). This exclusive departure offered a rare aerial view of Kilimanjaro's glaciers, ridgelines, and the route just completed, an unforgettable transition from harsh high alpine terrain to the comfort of the Tanzanian lowlands. The team is now settled into their five-star hotel in Arusha, enjoying well-earned rest, celebration, and preparing for their signature African safaris.
Images courtosey of Caroline Pemberton, Dr. Brenton Systermans, and Mark Watson
Reflections from the Mountain
"The best part of the day, other than the summit, was wishing the incredible Tanzanian crew thank you and goodbye - as the helicopter plucked us from Barafu Camp and 30minutes later dropped us in the tropics of Arusha and back to the Legendary Lodge!"
- Caroline Pemberton
"It was fantastic to be back guiding again this week. This morning at 0533, my team of six from Rugged Luxury Expeditions was the first to summit Mount Kilimanjaro for the day. We had the summit to ourselves as we basked in the sunrise on the roof of Africa. After being whisked away from High Camp in our own private helicopter, we are now recovering in luxury in Arusha before heading to the Serengeti tomorrow for safari.
We had an amazing week of fine dining with 3-course gourmet meals as well as luxurious camping, daily hot showers, and daily massages as we made our way up the mountain.
I'd especially like to thank our dedicated porter team, without whom this expedition would not have been possible. Your support, enthusiasm, and merriment were absolutely fantastic and were a highlight of this climb! Thanks also to the RLE head office and logistics team, as well as the chefs, waiters, massagers, and local guides.
It's these luxuries that make every meter of elevation gain a pleasure knowing what awaits at camp!"
- CTSS Guide Dr. Brenton Systermans
