Passionate About Tanzania
At Thomson, Kilimanjaro isn’t just a destination—it’s part of who we are. Our history with Tanzania and Kilimanjaro spans decades, and many of our team members have made the trek themselves. Founders Rick and Judi, along with their two daughters, have all stood on Uhuru Peak.
We hold Tanzania in our hearts, with a deep, personal connection to its landscapes, people, and culture. This passion translates into thoughtful trip planning, ethical employment and giving back, and, ultimately, a more meaningful trekking experience.
Meet Our Founders
Judi Wineland
Judi Wineland
Co-Founder
Judi began traveling the world in 1969 as a singer and guitarist with the USO. Tours through Japan, Guam, the Philippines, and Vietnam sparked a travel passion. Judi turned that passion into a budding business, becoming the first female entrepreneur in the adventure travel industry and the leader of the East Coast’s only adventure travel company.
Judi met Rick Thomson while traveling through East Africa in 1979, when he was the guide on her safari. They worked for different companies at the time but decided less than two years later to co-found their own organization.
Their mission: build a safari company with people on the ground in Tanzania—a company dedicated to sustainable practices, cultural enrichment, and a peerless drive for quality adventuring. In early 1981, Thomson Safaris Ltd. was formed.
What was your favorite part of trekking Kili?
Listening to our porters and guides serenade us on the trail and then supply dried fruit, protein bars, and chocolates in the most beautiful spots on the trek.
What do you want future trekkers to know?
It is important to be in good shape…although Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa standing at 19,341’, it is basically one foot in front of the other and if you have stamina and you’ve climbed stairs to get ready, you can do it!
My insider training packing tip is:
If you have feet that get cold I recommend battery powered heated socks, and be sure to bring spare batteries. Keep your boots at the bottom of your sleeping bag so they are toasty in the mornings. And change your socks at least once in the middle of the day to ensure your feet stay dry and warm!
My insider training tip is:
Stairs…up the highest building in your town! Or do some rucking as you take your long hikes.
Rick Thomson
Rick Thomson
Co-Founder
Rick began guiding Tanzania safaris in 1979. Having completed a London to Nairobi overland expedition that same year, he stayed on in Kenya and guided trips around the Kenyan National Parks, meeting Judi Wineland along the way.
Many travelers chose Kenya at the time, but the stories of the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater lured him to Tanzania. Convinced the country was a missed opportunity for travelers, Rick eagerly partnered with Judi to create a company with Tanzania at its heart.
What was your favorite part of trekking Kili?
I think the comraderie with other trekkers in the group and the service from the trek crew made things really memorable. The crew did such a great job. The trip is an amazing journey with much to see and learn about, not only Kilimanjaro, but also about yourself.
What do you want future trekkers to know?
The trek is tough but doable and the trek crew do all they can to get you to the summit. It’s a special adventure that provides wonderful memories forever and a real feeling of accomplishment.
My insider packing/preparation tip is:
Be sure to trim your toe nails close; this will prevent bruising them on the descent due to your feet pushing into the end of your boots. Also, it will be chilly at altitude, so place your boots into a bag and sleep with them. In the morning, you’ll have nice warm boots to start your day!
My insider training tip is:
Be serious about preparing, don’t skip this. You want to be on the summit with a smile on your face!
Kili Trek Planners
Ina Steinhilber
Ina Steinhilber
President
What do you do?
I manage the company, which includes an always-interesting mix of responsibilities. Fostering a productive, engaged, fun, and collaborative work environment is key because without a great team who enjoy what they do and care about quality, we’re nothing! I set budgets and policies, and I keep a close eye on financials, on marketing, and on guest feedback. I make sure that we provide an excellent experience to our guests and do so with integrity.
What was your favorite part of trekking Kilimanjaro?
My favorite part of trekking Kilimanjaro was being able to share such an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience with my two sisters. Mom still shows people our summit photo! It would have been wonderful in any context, but to have family by my side on the roof of Africa made it so much more special.
My insider training tip is:
Practice the “rest step” before you go! By keeping an upright posture and straightening your downhill leg for just a moment with each step, you effectively shift your weight onto your skeleton rather than relying on your quads as you go uphill. This technique improves efficiency and helps prevent sore, burnt-out muscles.
Andrew Doherty
Andrew Doherty
Manager of Special Interest Travel
What do you do?
I am lucky. Aside from taking care of our valued guests, I get to manage Thomson’s Affinity & Special Interest Travel division. That includes travel for colleges, universities, museums, zoos, conservation groups, naturalists, professional photo workshops, yoga groups—even celebrity chefs.
What do you want future trekkers to know?
You can do it! Whether Kilimanjaro fulfills a life-dream, an opportunity for personal growth and improved health, or an adventurous celebration with friends and family, Thomson will make sure you are fully prepared to tackle the mountain.
My insider packing tip is:
These boots are made for walking! You’re going to cover many miles of varied terrain on your Kili trek. Be sure to consult with a professional when selecting your hiking boots and give yourself plenty of time to break them in before departure.
Angela Woods
Angela Woods
Manager of Guest Services
What do you do?
I oversee the Guest Services division, which is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service to ensure every guest has a seamless and unforgettable adventure in Tanzania!
What was your favorite part of trekking Kilimanjaro?
One favorite part? Impossible. I fell in love with everything Kilimanjaro has to offer. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. The physical and mental challenges have made me stronger as a person. The bonds formed with my fellow trekkers and our trekking team are ones I’ll cherish for a lifetime.
My insider training tip is:
It sounds cliche, but it’s important to train physically and mentally. It’s not just one foot in front of the other–it’s one foot in front of the other at altitude, in a new environment. Familiarize yourself with the terrain, weather, and accommodations to set expectations for the trek.
Carolyn Hardy
Carolyn Hardy
Senior Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant
What do you do?
I am a Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant! I assist guests in the planning process of their safari and Kilimanjaro trips. From deciding between the different itineraries to walking through flight routes, I’m here to make planning a bucket list adventure fun, not stressful!
What was your favorite part of trekking Kilimanjaro?
The tiny details! The sound of the snow crunching beneath my yaktrax, the smell of the ginger tea at the end of a long day, the eerily delicate lichens hanging from the tree branches, the taste of a tomato and cheese crepe for lunch, and the way the air felt against my skin at the summit.
My insider training tip is:
Get outside! You’ll want to make sure you’re prepared outside the controlled training environment of the gym. Make sure your ankles, legs, and glutes are familiar with walking on uneven terrain. Practice using trekking poles on wooded trails. Know what it’s like not just with your daypack, but while wearing layers or being under the sun.
Sarah Jacobs
Sarah Jacobs
Guest Liaison & Office Administrator
What do you do?
A little bit of everything! I’m a one-person support department for the whole team. Every day is a new adventure.
What do you want future trekkers to know?
Kili has a surprising array of flora and fauna that are adapted to its extremes. Keep an eye out for White Necked Ravens, one of the few animals that can live at the high altitudes on Kili.
My insider packing tip is:
I like to have a “little guy” when I travel. Something small that reminds me of home, I can keep in my pocket to grab when I need extra support—or just to take selfies with! A Kookaburra named Cheese lived in my pocket on my last trip!
Halee Mahoney
Halee Mahoney
Senior Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant
What do you do?
I am a trip consultant! I bring together what guests want from their vacation with my knowledge of Tanzania to create the best safari or Kilimanjaro experience for each guest.
What was your favorite part of trekking Kilimanjaro?
I absolutely loved the night sky. Even though I was exhausted each evening, I would stay up to enjoy the stars. I also enjoyed taking photos at night!
My insider packing tip is:
Bring a camera! Even if you use your phone for pictures, make sure you keep it charged with a portable power bank, keep it on airplane mode, and keep it warm in your sleeping bag at night.
Lewis Crary
Lewis Crary
Senior Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant
What do you do?
I’m a vacation-maker! It’s my job to listen to and collaborate with guests to find their perfectly suited itinerary. I lived in Tanzania so I love providing a little direction as travelers work to crystalize their vision!
What do you want future trekkers to know?
Consider enlisting a personal porter for your trek! It’s a great opportunity for one of my Tanzanian colleagues, and their assistance and insights will leave a lasting impression. Plus, remember this is a vacation as well as an adventure and there’s downright joy in being completely unencumbered as you climb higher and higher!
My insider packing tip is:
If you’re heading on safari after the trek–and I hope you are–separate what you need for the trek from what you’ll need in the bush and leave the latter with Thomson’s Arusha office during your trek. After your descent, Thomson staff will reunite you with your safari bag and you’ll be ready for the Serengeti!
Bethany Post
Bethany Post
Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant
What do you do?
I’m a trip consultant, I help travelers find their perfect trip! You come with a dream and I know the logistics, together we’ll work out the details to bring that dream to life.
What do you want future trekkers to know?
Slow and steady is the key to success! Trekking Kilimanjaro can be as much of a mental challenge as it is a physical one, take your time and listen to your body. Pushing too hard at the beginning will not get you ahead, instead you’ll burn out.
My inside packing tip is:
I always bring an extra reusable bag that folds up easily. At the end of the trip, I pack all my dirty laundry and boots in my checked duffle and use my small bag as a carry-on.
Fiona Sullivan Haberman
Fiona Sullivan Haberman
Senior Trip Manager
What do you do?
I am the Senior Trip Manager here at Thomson Safaris. I help guests throughout the entire trip preparation process, from booking flights to answering packing questions.
What do you want future trekkers to know?
Heading into the trek, most guests imagine the summit will be the most profound part of this adventure. Instead, our guests always return home telling us how it was the human connections—their guides, porters, and fellow trekkers—that had the most incredible impact and made their trek a truly life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
My insider packing tip is:
Don’t forget your sunscreen! As you trek into higher altitudes, there is increased UV exposure. This, coupled with the sun reflecting off any snow and ice you may encounter, can lead to some nasty sunburns if you aren’t careful to apply sunscreen throughout the trek. We recommend packing products that are 45+ SPF.
Cat Yoder
Cat Yoder
Trip Manager
What do you do?
As a member of the Prep Team at Thomson Safaris, it’s my job to make sure our guests have everything they need for a terrific trip. I send regular tips and reminders and am available to answer any questions our guests have so they are prepared and excited for the journey of a lifetime.
What do you want future trekkers to know?
Be prepared for all weather! Even though there are some timeframes that are more likely to be dry and others that are more likely to be wet—anything can happen. Don’t let that dampen your spirits, just make sure you have the right gear to stay dry.
My insider training tip is:
If you have no idea where to start with training, that’s okay! Reach out to our partner Fit For Trips. They’ve been great at helping guests figure out a training plan in a way that’s digestible and informative. For a feat like this, some extra guidance goes a long way.
Joshua Skalski
Joshua Skalski
Trip Manager
What do you do?
I help our guests prepare for their safari and Kilimanjaro trekking adventures. That includes everything from answering questions, providing pre-departure materials, arranging services and accommodations to simply talking on the phone and offering peace of mind to our travelers.
What do you want future trekkers to know?
You are in good hands! We have trekkers of all ages (no, seriously, I mean it!) successfully summit Kilimanjaro all the time, and it’s all due to our amazing trekking team of guides, porters, and camp staff—oh, and our wonderful staff here in Boston of course!
My insider packing tip is:
Wear your important gear (for example: boots) during your international flights and pack a change of clothes, in addition to your travel essentials, in your carry-on bag. This can be an absolutely lifesaver in the event your checked luggage gets delayed!
Bren Rand
Bren Rand
Trip Manager
What do you do?
As a Trip Manager, I help guests on their way to the most amazing safari or trekking adventure possible. Setting my guests up for success is key; by sending all pre-departure materials, arranging services and booking accommodations, and by answering all questions, I want my guests to know they’re in good hands.
What do you want future trekkers to know?
Even if you are a solo traveler, you’re never truly “alone” when you’re trekking with Thomson. In addition to being supported by our awesome trekking team, many of our trekkers make new, life-long friendships with the rest of their group on the mountain!
My insider packing tip is:
Make sure to leave room in your luggage for your favorite snacks! Trekking Kilimanjaro is rewarding, but difficult too. Having something familiar to munch on is a great way to stay motivated!
Holly Neslusan
Holly Neslusan
Trip Manager
What do you do?
As a Trip Manager, I help our guests prepare for their journey every step of the way. From packing the correct gear, to getting important documents in order, planning a trip can be overwhelming! My role is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible so our trekkers can focus on their Tanzania adventure and experiencing “The Roof of Africa!”
What do you want future trekkers to know?
During your trek, you will be experiencing five different climate zones – you will want to be sure you are prepared for them all! Bring our packing list with you to a brick-and-mortar store where you can buy and try any gear that may be new or unfamiliar to you in order to get the best fit.
My inside packing tip is:
Wearing layers and your heaviest items during your flight will easily spare you a few extra pounds in your checked luggage! I like to bring an empty, reusable water bottle in my carry-on and fill it up before any flight, along with my favorite snacks.