Jon Jeck
5 / 5
Three of us (plus one additional hiker) completed the 7-day Machame route. Climb Kili, our guides Amani and Dismus along with their incredible crew made this a trip of a lifetime! I will come again with more family members and will insist on the same crew if they are available. You are in incredibly capable, caring hands with Amani and the crew he brings. When we started looking at companies to go with, the task seemed daunting especially when none of our friends had gone before us. I cannot recommend Climb Kili enough....it will be the best choice you can make on this adventure. Climb Kili was phenomenal about communicating, providing timelines, and their preparation book answered any questions you may have. If you still can't find the answer, email and Tiffany will get you an answer quickly. If you find yourself overpacking and the bag is getting a bit heavy, turn to the recommended list of what to bring. We reduced down to that (except a couple extra pairs of socks/underwear) and were dry and warm (well, as warm as could be expected on this hike). Quality vs. quantity is the name of the game. One of our members had issues twice with altitude (we were taking Diamox) the patience, caring, and nurturing nature of Amani and the entire crew was on full display. They adjusted daily plans, took extra breaks, offered expert advice, and were our biggest cheerleaders! Our incredible cook made a special meal for the one member to help get her back on her feet. It was apparent that Amani was invested in our success, cared for us as if we were a part of his family, and smiled like a proud father when we all made the summit! It wasn't a job to Amani, it's a calling, a passion to hike, but more to help those who seek it out to achieve their goal. I personally came to celebrate a birthday and attempt to summit a "bucket list" item. I achieved that but the memories of Amani, Dismus, our incredible crew, and all the people we met in Tanzania will remain with me for all of my days. That impression is a gift that surpasses an 'achievement.' Each and every day along the trail everyone was genuinely happy. Porters from other groups singing while they labored/sweat with their packs/loads from camp to camp. Each member of our crew smiled with ease, whether they were walking around camp or while expertly managing what appeared to me a 'daunting load.' Every day, 'jambo' passed easily between those on the trail and was infectious. The best compliment I could relay is that the 15 year old girl who had issues with the altitude has said multiple times since our return, "I miss the crew on Kili." Amani, please know your kindness and that of your entire crew is now a core memory for someone in a 7-second instagram generation. When making the choice of company, look no further than Climb Kili. The groups are smaller, the food they prepare is excellent (fresh fruit and veggies each meal, along with well prepared items to fuel your journey), their choice to pay the extra and utilize the Kosovo camp was crucial on summit day by not having to rock scramble at midnight over some tougher rocky terrain. Lastly, the people! I haven't utilized another tour group and there is no reason for me to ever look beyond Climb Kili (get Amani and his team). They are the salt of the earth that will make it a journey of a lifetime.