Trip of a lifetime
We completed our Kilimanjaro trek with Kili Team Adventures and were extremely pleased with all elements of the communication, planning, and quality of the tour. It wasn't the cheapest tour, as I had asked for quotes from several other local companies, however Kili Yeam assured me that their porters, guides, and cooks were treated and paid fairly and not exploited. That was really important to me.
Musa gave great advice prior to booking about which route would be most suitable given that we went during the rainy season. He was great at answering the pre-trip queries and provided prompt, comprehensive advice on what to expect and pack. He was also extremely patient, as we couldn't commit immediately due to the uncertainty around flight plans caused by the conflict in Iran.
We were met on arrival at JRO airport and taken to our hotel, a mid-range place that was both comfortable and clean.
We began our trek the following day and met with the Kili Team crew, which included 8 porters/cooks and 2 guides.
The crew were brilliant. They were lovely guys and they worked so hard to ensure that our trip ran smoothly. It was my 50th birthday whilst on the trek, so really was the trip of a lifetime. Amari and Thadeus, our guides, and the crew surprised me with a bottle of alcohol free sparkling wine and a birthday dance, which was such a thoughtful touch.
The food throughout the trip was fantastic, especially given that I was a vegetarian and my friend a meat-eater, so had to vary the meal plan to provide enough protein for the both of us. Amani provided us with hot water in the morning to wash and hot water in the evening to soak our feet. The tent was robust, with an attached dining area, and the roll mat and sleeping bag were super cosy.
The guides made sure we walked at a sensible speed to pace and prep us for the final ascent.
We didn't ever feel rushed or uncomfortable on the ascent, and the camping locations were carefully selected to improve acclimatisation. Our guides conducted daily health obs to check our O² sats and pulse.
Musa's advice regarding the route was spot on. We only had one morning of light rain, as we walked the northern circuit, in the rain shadow. We ascended through very defined climatic zones, with the most spectacular scenery. The guides were knowledgeable about the geography and ecology, and they ensured that we didn't leave a trace of litter.
We didn't see any other tourists until the summit day. We felt so privileged to have the mountain to ourselves. It was magical. It was an unbelievable experience and I still can't quite believe how spectacular our trek was.
Our porters carried our main bags, which were under 10kgs because of the great advice given by Musa as to what we'd need. We just carried our day packs with waterproofs, sunscreen, water, and phones.
However, our guides carried our day packs on summit day, so we just had to walk with our poles. Other groups had to carry their own day bags and we heard several of them complaining that they were going too fast and were struggling to breathe/keep up.
The other groups were herded up and down in a rushed way, whereas we took it very slowly, didn't feel particularly out of breath (just a bit heavy legged from fatigue) and got to enjoy the most spectacular sunrise, just my friend and I and our 2 lovely guides. As I made it to the summit, I was completely overcome with emotion, and I cried. It was so special.
The descent was pretty brutal, and (in my opinion), harder than the ascent, but we were able to go at our own pace.
At the end of the trek, we stopped for lunch and the crew brought out a birthday cake. I was so touched at their thoughtfulness and kindness, that I felt quite choked up. We returned to the hotel for a night to rest and recover.
Most of the kit that I took with me, such as my technical tee-shirts, insulated trousers, hiking boots, waterproof trousers, fleeces, and hat were all donated to the crew at the end of the trek, along with a cash tip.
I am so honoured and grateful to have completed my climb with the Kili Team crew. I honestly cannot praise them enough and I am so appreciative of all of their hard work to make my Kili trek one of the best experiences of my life. I have already recommended Kili Team Adventures to friends who are planning to make the trip.



