Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Reviews and Ratings

This is easy and not so easy, it is basically a hike up a slope for 4-5 days depending on the route you take. The issue for our group of 7 was getting tired from camping, sleeping at altitude, (not very easy when you fall asleep and wake up gasping for air), the slooow pace set by our guides, (which turned out to be the right thing to do, but not easily tolerated by 7 type A's), and lack of oxygen in general. The morning we summitted, 5 out of 7 were sick, very tired and our oxygen count was dangerously low, if not for the fact that no male in the group would be willing to say forget it first, but as we discovered later, 5 of us would have said forget it second! Glad I can say I did it, good conversation pieces and all, but I doubht I would do it again. Not all that much to see at the top that is much different from what you see in a small airplane, just a more difficult way of seeing it!!

This is an amazing adventure. Mt. Kilimanjaro offers seven different climate zones on the way to the summit. It is breathtaking as you trek through each of the areas, which play host to plants and animals endemic to each zone. When you arrive at each camp for the evening, the porters (who travel ahead) have set up the small, 2-person tents, and the cooks are busy preparing dinner. Choose an ethical outfitter --some companies do not provide proper footwear or warm clothing to their employees, and these companies should be avoided. We used, and highly recommend, Thompson Safaris. Thompson employs Tanzanians, and they are warm, funny, wonderful people, who have been fully trained and certified. It is best to take your time -- we did a nine-day trip. This helps your body acclimate as the air gets thinner. We did the climb with our two daughters, ages 18 and 21 at that time, and after the climb we took a 21/2 week safari all over Tanzania. Truly a spectacular and worthwhile experience.