Hi! My name’s Matt, and I’m a travel consultant at Thomson Safaris. At Thomson, we believe staffers should know our itineraries inside and out; that’s why we regularly deploy consultants like me to Tanzania. It’s the job perk of a lifetime, and I’m counting down the days for my October Kilimanjaro summit via Thomson’s Western…
Wondering where to start when you’re gearing up for Kilimanjaro? Our trekking experts have built a list of our top gear recommendations for you. From boots to bags, sunglasses and gaiters, consider this a starting point as you prepare for your Kili adventure! HEADWEAR Sunglasses Any polarized wrap-around sunglasses with 100% UV protection…
We’re pleased to announce that all Thomson guides renewed their Wilderness First Responders (WFR) certification during their recent WFR training course! This course is offered by the internationally recognized Sentinel Outdoor Institute. It’s the highest level of safety training available on Kilimanjaro–and for Thomson head and assistant guides, it’s standard policy. Thomson is one…
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…
Her muscles ached. The frigid air stung. Huffing and red-faced, Thomson staffer Brittany trekked toward the summit anyway, battling Kilimanjaro’s whistling winds and stirring dust. The oxygen thinned but Brittany remained strong, stronger than she could’ve imagined a few years ago, when she believed she would never be capable of high-altitude climbing. For so…
Water is heavy. It sloshes around. How you store it during your Kili trek can make for a noticeably different experience. Kili trekkers usually opt for one of two setups when it comes to hydration transportation: 1) 4 Nalgene water bottles, or 2) 1 hydration bladder and 3 Nalgene bottles. Which setup is best for…
