University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jimmy Chin weighs in on his trek with Thomson
“I would recommend Thomson in a heartbeat.”
— Jimmy Chin
When you think of elite climbers and expedition storytellers, Jimmy Chin is in a class of his own. Oscar‑winning director of Free Solo, world‑class climber, and longtime National Geographic photographer, Jimmy has taken part in expeditions on all seven continents — including Mount Everest — and has operated in some of the most demanding environments on Earth, where logistics, safety, and teamwork are critical.
On the “Summit on the Summit” celebrity trek up Mount Kilimanjaro — filmed for an MTV documentary to raise awareness about the global clean water crisis — he was impressed by how smoothly the expedition ran, the strength of the team, and how effectively challenges were managed behind the scenes.
“I was really impressed with how Thomson managed all of the logistics in a highly professional manner. Everything was always working, everything was on time, and the food was great. I would recommend Thomson in a heartbeat.”
– Jimmy Chin
Professional mountain athlete, National Geographic photographer, Academy Award-winning film director, and New York Times best-selling author.
Key takeaways from the podcast with Jimmy Chin
In this conversation, Jimmy reflects on the MTV trek, the experience of being on the mountain, and what it takes to make an expedition come together seamlessly.
•The biggest challenge most climbers underestimate including altitude, pace, and terrain.
•Teamwork and logistics matter – the expedition ran smoothly because every detail was handled with precision.
• Preparation shapes your experience – knowing the challenges ahead allows you to focus on the adventure itself.
•The right support changes everything – guides, porters, and staff are the backbone of a successful climb.
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Ready to Climb Kilimanjaro?
The right operator changes everything. Thomson’s expert guidance, focus on safety, and supportive team let you focus on the adventure, not the details.