The Climb of a Lifetime!
My partner Greg and I climbed Kilimanjaro with Kushiland Tours in October 2018. The planning began a year in advance with frequent back-and-forth emails to refine our itinerary so that it would coincide with other plans that we had made for after the climb and to ensure that we had all the information we needed beforehand to get prepared. We were able to wire money ahead of time to cover tips for the guides and porters so that we wouldn't have to carry large quantities of cash. Chrispin met us at the airport and got us settled in our hotel, where we met with our guides and went over all the gear we had brought to make sure we weren't missing anything important. We were given an extremely detailed itinerary beforehand so we would know exactly what to expect on each day of the climb. Our two guides were beyond exceptional. They knew everything about the flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro as well as political, cultural and historical information about the area. I was interested in learning Swahili, and they were glad to practice with me and teach me new words and phrases. Every evening they reviewed the next day's hike and checked our blood oxygen levels to ensure that we were in good enough shape to keep climbing. By the time we reached camp each afternoon, our tent would be set up, and one of the porters would being us hot water to wash off with. Food was delicious and plentiful. The last push to the summit at midnight was particularly arduous, seven hours with freezing temperatures in a sleet storm. Our guides, one in front and one in back, urged us on, made sure we drank enough water and didn't push ourselves too hard, and helped us make it to the top. On the way back down, which was arduous in a different way, they were right there to make sure we didn't slip as we descended in loose scree. When we got back to the hotel, Chrispin showed up with dollars we had sent converted into Tanzanian currency and gave the porters their tips. The next day, he personally drove us to Arusha to meet up with our next group. I cannot recommend Kushiland Tours enough. The attention to detail and professionalism is exemplary. If i return to Tanzania, I will definitely use them to plan my next tour.
18 October 2021
Unprompted review