One of our Grand Traverse trekkers with I Artist Adventure wrote to us recently. Their message was titled “Best Selling Points for the  Grand Traverse.” “Having a cot off the ground is HUGE!” “Not having to wake up and hike to summit in the middle of the night!” “Choice of whether or not to sleep at Crater Camp… it’s a GREAT selling point for the Grand Traverse.” Their list went on, and our excited summiteer summed it all up with a request: You should talk about these things more! Say no more! We dug into reviews, spoke to past trekkers, and put together a list — here’s what people love about our Grand Traverse trek with I Artist Adventure.

1. Enjoy More Privacy on Top of Kilimanjaro

The summit is the heart of the experience — your time at Uhuru Peak, the “Roof of Africa,” the highest point on the mountain, and where the iconic summit sign stands. Thanks to the Grand Traverse’s unique route and summit timing, our trekkers are among the few who experience the summit in peaceful solitude. Enjoy a rare, serene moment at the top of the world.

2. The Most Acclimatization Time for Success

Getting to the summit is no small feat. Luckily, the Grand Traverse trek has the highest summit success rate of all routes; 98% of trekkers reach Uhuru Peak. That success largely comes from the extra acclimatization time. With 7 days on the trail, you can ease into high altitude conditions before your final summit push.

3. Summit Bid Begins in the Afternoon

When it’s time for your summit bid — often the toughest part — you’ll have the luxury of a full night’s rest beforehand. This is rare on Kilimanjaro, where most hikers start between midnight and 4 a.m. The Grand Traverse is different. Instead of launching from Barafu camp, you start from Outward Bound, a quieter, more exclusive camp on the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. You also finish summit day at a different camp.

4. Camp Inside Kilimanjaro’s Summit Crater

Kilimanjaro consists of three volcanoes, and weather permitting, you get to camp inside the crater of the largest volcano on summit day — an unforgettable story to share! Beyond the bragging rights, Crater Camp is a game-changer. Descending Kilimanjaro is often harder than ascending, but on the Grand Traverse, you only need to hike about 500 feet down into the crater to reach camp, giving you time to relax and recover.

5. A Beautiful, Secluded Route on Kilimanjaro’s Northern Side

Crater Camp isn’t the only secluded spot. While most treks follow southern routes, the Grand Traverse takes you along the rarely traveled northern side. Enjoy breathtaking views of Kenya’s badlands, dramatic volcanic formations, rocky spires, and the eerie calm of Mawenzi Tarn lake — sights few trekkers ever witness.

6. Sleep Comfortably Off the Ground

Any mountaineer knows sleeping off the ground is a gamechanger. While most Kilimanjaro trekkers rely on sleeping bags and pads on the ground, our Grand Traverse guests each get a cozy cot. This added comfort makes a huge difference on this challenging adventure.

7. Exclusive Campsites, Bigger Tents, and Smaller Groups

In addition to cots, each trekker enjoys a larger tent — spacious enough to stand in comfortably. But bigger isn’t always better, which is why we keep group sizes small for a more intimate, personalized experience. Plus, our exclusive campsites mean you avoid crowded areas like Barafu and Karanga, enjoying rare moments of peace and solitude on Kilimanjaro’s northern side. If you’re dreaming of Kilimanjaro’s summit combined with luxury, privacy, and unforgettable views, the Grand Traverse with I Artist Adventure is your perfect trek. Ready to start your journey? Contact us today!