veteran summits kilimanjaro

How One Trekker Kicked Off Retirement on Kili

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro was a lifelong goal for Marine veteran and Las Vegas police officer Andy Williams – and what better way to celebrate his retirement than by reaching that lofty peak? After 26 years in his career, Andy took the first step towards Uhuru Peak in February 2021. For him, it was an emotional,…

scot farber with make a wish flag on kilimanjaro

How Scot Farber Climbed Kili for Make-A-Wish and Shattered His Fundraising Goal

  Scot Farber had never climbed a mountain. He had never hiked. Living in the flatlands of North Texas, he didn’t have opportunities for either. But for nearly 20 years, he dreamed of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. He decided to make his dreams a reality recently, when he went to Tanzania for a week-long hike to…

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…

judi wineland rafting during covid pandemic

Traveling during a Pandemic

Thomson Co-founder Judi Wineland (right) on the Salmon River with another traveler As we plan for life after the pandemic, one thing is certain: travel is going to look differently than it used to. But the joy of getting outside will be just as good as ever. Take it from Thomson co-founder Judi Wineland: in…

how climbing kilimanjaro changed my life

From the Highest Freestanding Mountain to the World’s Toughest Race

Heather on Mount Kilimanjaro in 2016 A Plan and a Promise When her parents would bring her hiking and backpacking as a child, Heather loved the travel aspect of it all. But the active components? Not so much. Years later, you could say things have changed. Back in 2016, Heather’s father decided he wanted to…

Zucchini Tempura recipe

Kilimanjaro Food: Zucchini Tempura with Aioli Recipe

Once again summer has flown by and we find ourselves in the middle of September, wondering what happened. But as long as the warm air lingers, we’re going to continue to hold on to summer as best we can. And what better way to use some late summer produce than with a recipe straight from…

thomson tent on mount kilimanjaro

Things That Won’t Change About Your Kilimanjaro Trek

We can’t wait to welcome you back to Tanzania. Although some things have been adjusted (see our new Standard Operating Procedures), there are some things about trekking Kilimanjaro that won’t change…   How Impressed You are with the Porters Carrying 33 pounds is no easy task to begin with – never mind doing it at…

Ten Years After Triumph, Kili Trekkers Join for a Reunion

The group prepares to start the trek at the Umbwe Gate in June 2010   We talk a lot about what happens before and during your Kilimanjaro trek. But what happens after the trek? What happens when your goal is behind you, when you’ve finally showered and taken off your boots? What happens when you’re…

vloggers judith and stephanie on mount kilimanjaro

A Trekker’s Day-By-Day Vlog Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro’s Grand Traverse Route

Thomson guest Judith trekked Mount Kilimanjaro with her friend Stephanie in September, and they’re here to take you with them! No need to get your trekking poles out – in fact, you don’t have to leave the couch. Follow every day of Judith and Stephanie’s trek on the Grand Traverse as they share their thoughts,…

3 More Balance Exercises You Can Do to Prepare for Kili without Leaving Your House

Physical distancing has probably impacted your physical training, but it doesn’t have to. We teamed up with Marcus Shapiro, Head Trainer at Fit For Trips, to help you keep in shape. The exercises below are intended to strengthen the leg and core muscles you’ll use to stay stable on the trail when you’re trekking Mount…

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