Below the arctic peak of Kilimanjaro, a misty jungle covers the mountain slopes. Moss-covered trees, seas of ferns and elusive monkeys abound in one of the Seven Summits’ only rainforests. This is where every Kilimanjaro trek begins. Lemosho, Umbwe, Machame, Marangu, Rongai – your first step is always into a sprawling jungle filled with…
You’re never more than an inch from success and failure on Kilimanjaro; we’re talking about footwear of course. That inch of rubber and leather between your feet and the mountain is critical for the trek. Luckily, your trip doesn’t have to fall to pieces if your hiking boots do. Two of our most popular stories…
Karanga camp, elevation 13,249′ – Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Photo: David Kotz Kilimanjaro’s majesty is almost impossible to describe, but they always say a picture is worth a thousand words; photos of Africa’s highest peak convey the wonder and strange beauty of Kili immediately. Thomson Kilimanjaro trekkers regularly capture breathtaking images during their time on the mountain. The…
Thomson sets “the premier standard for ethical treatment of Kilimanjaro porters,” according to the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). What does that mean? Let’s talk about the specifics: pay, equipment and accountability. Some of the Highest Wages for Guides and Porters on Kili Paying guides and porters well is incredibly important to…
Silhouette at sundown – Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Photo: Roger Pelissier Kilimanjaro’s majesty is almost impossible to describe, but they always say a picture is worth a thousand words; photos of Africa’s highest peak convey the wonder and strange beauty of Kili immediately. Thomson Kilimanjaro trekkers regularly capture breathtaking images during their time on the mountain. The photographs…
You can see Africa unfurl for hundreds of miles below a sea of clouds from Kilimanjaro’s peak. Robert (Vince) Greece wanted a unique backdrop for his proposal, and this was it. His plan was to reach the summit, pop the question and officially begin his life together with his longtime girlfriend Brittany Thomas. Of course,…
John with his son and grandsons at the start of the trek John Thelen is an 82-year-old Southern California native who likes golfing and relaxing with his family. It just so happens he can also summit Africa’s tallest mountain with no problem. “I didn’t seem to have trouble going up!” John told us when…
Imagine standing at the foot of Kilimanjaro preparing to hike 45 miles over seven days – 19,341 feet up and then back down again. You wear an old pair of sneakers, and most of your clothing and equipment isn’t mountaineering quality. You carry a 60-pound pack, balancing it on your head. Over the week, you’ll…
Thomson staffer Annifreed Sinjour made it to the summit of Kilimanjaro! She shared videos on her way up the Western Approach Route – here are some of her favorite moments! Join Annifreed On Uhuru Peak Annifreed says hello from 19,341 feet. Annifreed and Her Guide Show off Kili’s Glaciers Get a glimpse of Kilimanjaro’s…
You’re about to hike 45 miles up and down a 19,341-foot peak over about 7 days and 7 nights. How important would you consider the tents where you’ll spend your nights? The short answer – they’re critically important. Comfortable, dry, secure shelters are essential because any lapse in quality is just another obstacle between…
