February 7, 2013
Thomson’s Kilimanjaro staff made our trek easier than anticipated!
The Kilimanjaro trek was the most awesome experience of my life – never to be forgotten and will be talked about for some time to come.
A little over 2 years ago, Kili wasn’t even on the agenda. Being in my mid-60s, I never thought it was doable but once the decision was made, I trained especially hard. For me, the daily treks were not difficult, however summit day was a real challenge. But we made it and the experience was absolutely amazing, it was a great feeling of accomplishment!
The guides, porters, cooks and waiters were first rate; they encouraged us along the way and helped when necessary, it made the climb easier than anticipated.
Janet & John D.
Kilimanjaro Grand Traverse Route, August 2012
January 13, 2013
Official Tour Operator for WaterCan’s Kilimanjaro Charity Climb
Thomson Safaris was the official tour operator for WaterCan’s inaugural Kilimanjaro climb, which saw 22 adventurous Canadians summit Mt. Kilimanjaro to bring vital attention to the global water and sanitation crisis. We were greatly impressed by the quality of the experience that Thomson Safaris offered our climbing team – the guides were well-informed, personable and professional; the meals and accommodations exceptional; and, day-to-day logistics expertly executed. We thank the Thomson Safaris team, in both the US and Tanzania, for helping to make our fundraising climb a first-class and memorable adventure for all.
George Yap, WaterCan Executive Director & Kilimanjaro climb team member
Photos taken by Nick Spector, 2012
December 20, 2012
The experience was all about the Thomson staff. Kilimanjaro Grand Traverse & Safari Review: Sophia M.
Where to start? The trip was absolutely AMAZING! With the real highlight being the Kilimanjaro trek. I can’t say enough about the experience…and the experience was all about the staff.
Our guides, waiters, cooks, porters, camp manager, really everyone that we were in contact with were just perfect. Super smiling, friendly, singing, dancing, joyful-essentially these guys made the trip. I think Sunday must be the best guide on the mountain! Calvin and James, his assistant guides, are wonderful people. In addition to Sunday, Godfrey – who was our waiter – became a true and heartfelt friend.
I can’t say enough about the safari portion of the trip as well. Our guide, Kileo, was AMAZING! He found us the big 5!!!! I could just move completely into Gibbs Farm, none of us wanted to leave!!! I hope I’m lucky enough to spend some more time at Gibbs Farm in my lifetime. At the Serengeti Nyumbas we were fed well and treated even better by Sufi and his colleagues.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend Thomson Safaris to anybody. The experience was more than I could have imagined from both the cultural and spiritual perspectives. Thanks for making this a trip of a lifetime, I am forever changed. To be honest, just thinking of the trip brings tears of joy to my eyes.
Sophia M.
Kilimanjaro Grand Traverse Route & Safari, September 2012
December 11, 2012
Thomsons’ Kilimanjaro guides provided me with extraordinary care and compassion.
The most important reason that I chose Thomson Safaris for my Kilimanjaro trek was that everyone I spoke with, and everything I read about Thomson, indicated that Thomson Safaris was a first-class organization. Based upon my experience, I also agree with that assessment. Everyone, on both the Kili climb and safari, was so friendly; the food was incredible; the attention to detail was amazing; and the hospitality was humbling. Without exception, everyone, all of the guides, porters, cooks, waiters, campsite managers, were awesome.
However, I’d still like to single out three gentlemen for special commendation. First, Kileo, our guide for the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti was amazing. His knowledge of the animals and the area, coupled with his inexhaustible patience in answering all of our questions, made for a wonderful trip. We were as giddy as school kids on a field trip, and Kileo was professional, yet personable, funny, tolerant, and just a really sweet guy. Because of Kileo, the safari was truly a memorable experience.
Secondly, and on a more somber note, I cannot say enough complimentary things about Onestphory and Liberate, the Head Guide and Assistant Guide on my Kili climb. As you are aware, I had to turn around on the mountain due to altitude sickness (or, maybe a Diamox overdose???). Regardless as to the reason, Onest and Liberate provided me with such extraordinary care and compassion, patience and persistence, both on the second day of the climb (during which I was very sick) and on the third day during which I hiked out. Liberate accompanied me on that third day and he literally pulled me through sections when the terrain was too steep or rocky. I really cannot say enough about how wonderfully these two gentlemen cared for and treated me, and their concern for my safety. I felt extremely grateful and blessed that I was in their care. It was indeed an honor and a privilege to be in their company.
Despite getting sick, my trek was still a terrific and amazing experience. So, for all the reasons mentioned above, I wouldn’t think of choosing any other company to trek with as I plan for another climb on Kilimanjaro. Thank you, to everyone, for being such a wonderful company.
Terry S.
Kilimanjaro Western Approach Route & Safari, September 2012
October 31, 2012
Umbwe Route was peaceful and private. Kilimanjaro Review: Michael B.
Umbwe was a beautiful route, it was peacefully private; I didn’t see any other groups climbing this route. It was a great choice for me, it gave me a chance to get away and reconnect with myself. Though there were a few steep parts, the technical aspects were never a concern.
I always felt as though I was being taken care of better than any other group on the mountain. The Thomson guides were amazing and the equipment was superb. It made me proud to trek with a team and a crew wearing warm uniforms provided for them by Thomson.
Michael B.
Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route & Safari, July 2012
September 16, 2012
My Mt. Kilimanjaro trek was epic! Thomson Safaris Review: Brian H.
I just want to say that my trip to Africa and hike to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro was the most amazing epic that I ever experienced. The head guide, support guides, cook, waiter and all of the other men who made this trip possible were very professional, kind, friendly and truly amazing people…they all have my highest respect!!
Thomson Safaris did a truly amazing job from beginning to end and I have NO complaints…I have recommended you to many people and will continue to do so.
Brian H.
Kilimanjaro Western Approach Route, July 2012
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