Tom and the whole Kiliwarrior Team, greetings to everyone. A year ago (back on Aug 21, 2022), I arrived on the evening KLM flight from Amsterdam to start an amazing expedition to Africa. I could not get anyone to go with me, but still made the long journey regardless. Every expectation was met, actually exceeded, starting with my 24-hour baggage delay (missing the connecting flight from Los Angeles). The hotel accommodations in Arusha were awesome, the expedition coordination (Tom you were always available if I had any question) was spot on, and before we even started, the drive to the trailhead included Zebra, Giraffe, and Gazelle, amazing. The hike / climb and the entire camp environment could not have been better. The guides and staff watched over everyone to make sure we were all doing well and took care of our every need. When you arrived at the next camp each day, there was a porter waiting to show you to your tent and help take your day-pack off. That personal touch approach, will always stay with me. And the food was AMAZING, there is no other way to put it. The fried chicken and French fries dinner following our summit was a great finish and way to celebrate our success.
Why Kiliwarrior Expeditions? The hiking / climbing schedule each day and period of acclimatization provided the best chance of summit success. I routinely go back and look over the many pictures and remember the great dedication every member of the Kiliwarrior team provided every day. I cannot remember how many times I provided “trip to Kilimanjaro’ slide shows to family, friends, work, and church groups. I think of Hosea, Shedrack, Efatha, and yes Kanini often, and I would be remiss if not heaping praise upon the many porters who did the hard work every day. I can say their work was an integral part in my success. The people of Tanzania impressed me as much as Mount Kilimanjaro.
I guess this is simply me reflecting on a great experience in my life and letting you know “great job” to the whole team and I still think of your staff and the other 10 expedition members that made the whole trip so memorable. I wish you all the best.