What are the best boots for climbing Kilimanjaro? At minimum, 30 miles will stand between you and the top of the tallest freestanding mountain on the planet. Not any old boot will get you there. The right boot will make a world of difference in terms of your comfort, blister mitigation and overall success. For…
We hear it all the time: “when is the absolute best time to climb Kilimanjaro?” Not to be fence-sitters but: whenever? There absolutely is a worst time to attempt your trek; in fact, there are two of them: April/May and mid-November through mid-December. During those times the entire country receives serious rainfall (especially during April, when the heavy rains come)
Jambo! Trekking Kilimanjaro is a multi-disciplinary adventure. You need strong legs, formidable resolve and…an elementary proficiency in the local language? While knowing the language is far from mandatory, even a sprinkling of Swahili will go a long way in your quest to Kili’s peak. Your conversations on the mountain will be richer and more…
When you’re trail-weary after hours of trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro, there’s no better sight than the scattered orange tents of a Thomson camp in the distance. Every day of hiking ends here, at your home away from home. Combining top-notch service with the highest standards of mountainside comfort, it’s your reward for a job well…
Climbing Kilimanjaro may be the toughest thing you ever do. Extreme altitude, tough weather and taxing physical demands create a trifecta of challenges that can pose serious health risks to the unprepared. But with smart planning and adequate safety precautions, you can minimize those risks and join the thousands of trekkers who experience the…
Muscle and willpower will take you far on a Mt. Kilimanjaro trek. But a good plan? That’ll get you the rest of the way! In fact, the most critical decisions you make in your quest to Uhuru Peak occur long before you take your first step. Here are 10 things you need to get…
Congrats, you’ve climbed Kilimanjaro! You’ve sweated, strained and sacrificed on your quest to the Roof of Africa. You’ve accomplished something incredible. But what’s next? Your flight home? Before you go, make more of your time in Tanzania with a post-trek safari. Track lions across the Serengeti, count giraffes from a hot-air balloon and share…
What’s better than climbing Kili with one pair of legs? Climbing with two! That’s the power of trekking poles: more balance, more strength and sweet relief for your joints. Poles are optional items on our Kilimanjaro packing list. Not everyone brings them, but those that do often find them invaluable. “I’d never used poles on…
Myths and misconceptions abound on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Some are harmless, while others can have a serious impact on your ability to reach the Roof of Africa. Let’s look at seven common Kili myths and see why they’re misleading. Myth: The Climb is Technically Challenging Because Kili is one of the world’s Seven Summits, a…
Thomson trekkers have access to an incredible ally on their trek: the personal porter. Strong, friendly, encouraging and kind, personal porters can lighten your load as you trek to Uhuru Peak. But, how do you know if you really need that assistance? Should you hire a personal porter on Kilimanjaro? Whether you’re a trekking…