Reaching the top of one of the seven summits is a major achievement…but how long will it take you to do it? It’s a more complicated question than most travelers think. Travelers hoping to simply get a taste of Kilimanjaro can arrange for short 1-3 day climbs that stop well below summit elevation. But…
“Can I climb Kili?” is a question many of our guests ask themselves throughout the planning stages of their trek. A mountain that stretches 19,341 feet high, Kilimanjaro is a serious feat that requires physical strength, mental endurance, and a lot of determination. You too might be wondering if you’re up to the challenge. The…
It’s hard to believe that there’s snow so close to the equator in Tanzania, but when you consider that Mount Kilimanjaro stretches 19,341 feet in the air, it becomes more comprehensible. Not only is there snow, there are fields of ice and infamous glaciers that attract tourists from every part of the world. Unfortunately, the…
We want to make sure our trekkers are lined up for summit success, and a big part of that means climbing in optimal weather conditions. So, when should you climb Kili? Though there’s not one “best month” to climb Kili, there are general guidelines we encourage our guests to follow: June – October: Cooler and…
Some couples might get married in a venue overlooking a mountain; other couples get married on top of one. Thomson trekkers Nanda and Susheel fall into that second category. The pair climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and exchanged vows on Uhuru Peak in an intimate ceremony officiated by their head guide, James. “Susheel and I have been…
Thomson Safaris staffers at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. You asked, and we delivered! The first round of staffers’ unconventional tips for climbing Kili received so much praise that we decided to give you more – and fortunately, our Kili consultants have a seemingly endless supply of helpful trekking advice. Here’s what our staff…
What’s the food like on Kili? It’s a common question we’re used to answering – and for good reason. When climbing at a high altitude, it’s possible to experience a loss of appetite. It’s important to have food that’s as nutritious as it is tasty, and Thomson’s Kili kitchen staff has mastered that quite well.…
Thomson Safaris staffers at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ve always wanted to climb Kili, but you’re not sure if you’ll be able to summit. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, and as such, trekkers need to prepare accordingly. Fortunately, many Thomson staffers have climbed…
Watch Vanessa O’Brien’s compilation video of the Explorers Grand Slam, where she climbs the Seven Summits and the North and South Poles. Extreme mountaineer and Thomson Advisory Board member Vanessa O’Brien has a seemingly endless list of accomplishments. She’s summited the Seven Summits (which includes Kilimanjaro and Everest), and she’s the first woman to set a speed…
How does a non-climber prepare for the mountain trek of a lifetime? Erin, the next Thomson staffer scheduled to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, is a bit of a trekking novice. “I haven’t hiked or camped since I was in girl scouts!” she laughed. After being motivated by the many Thomson guests who have summited the…