Category: Tips

thomson trekkers at kilimanjaro summit

10 Things to Get Right Before Climbing Kilimanjaro

  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…

lion cubs seen on safari

7 Reasons to Go On a Tanzanian Safari After Your Kili Trek

  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…

trekking poles on kilimanjaro

Do You Need Trekking Poles to Climb Kilimanjaro?

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…

kilimanjaro trekking myths busted

7 Kilimanjaro Trekking Myths, Busted

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…

smiling porter on kilimanjaro

Should You Hire a Personal Porter on Kilimanjaro?

  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…

feet on hiking trail

Kilimanjaro Hiking Techniques: The Rest Step

“Pole, pole” is something you’ll hear often on Mt. Kilimanjaro. It’s Swahili for “slowly, slowly,” and it’s a reminder to slow down, trek carefully and rely on smaller steps as you ascend to Uhuru Peak, all the way up at 19,341’. One way to deliberately trek “pole, pole” is to use the rest step, also…

6 Reasons Kilimanjaro is the Escape You Need

With the year drawing to a close, we’re looking ahead and know you probably are, too. The potential for much needed adventure, fun memories and new goals awaits! You can even combine the adventure, memories, and goals…with a Kilimanjaro Trek! Here’s why Kilimanjaro is the adventurous escape you need.   Leave behind those same four…

packing tips for kilimanjaro

Staff Picks: The Most Useful Items on Your Packing List

When packing for Kilimanjaro, you may find yourself thinking, “where do I even start?” Well, don’t worry! We’ve got your back (actually, we’ve got your ‘back-pack’ covered). Fresh off of Mount Kilimanjaro themselves, Thomson staffers Carolyn and Heather have some pro-packing tips to share with you. Because this is an experience like no other, it…

3 Months of Training, 2 Treks and a Safari

Heather and Carolyn are getting ready for their 19,341-foot trek up Mount Kilimanjaro   Meet Carolyn and Heather, the Thomson staffers hiking Mount Kilimanjaro in October. With a “just do it” mindset from one and a “I’ll prove you wrong” attitude from the other, the pair may be motivated in different ways, but have come…

14 Tips from a Staffer and Recent Kilimanjaro Trekker

My name is John King. I’m one of Thomson Safaris’ staffers, and I recently summited Kilimanjaro on the Western Approach route. I’m a novice mountaineer, and I wrote about my Kilimanjaro preparation just before my adventure. Now, I’d like to share a few things I learned on the mountain. 1. Prepare for Dry Air and…

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