Published on Jul, 2024
Tusker Trail is an exceptional organization. We just climbed Kilimanjaro with their team and from the beginning to the end of the trip, we received stellar service, care, and support.
- Tusker trips are planned to allow for acclimatization and more enjoyable hiking as well as a better chance of summiting than other companies that shorten the trek. Our trip followed the Lemosho route, which is scheduled for 9 days of hiking and includes a daytime summit. Not only did we enjoy each day's sights and experiences, but we also got to see the summit in the daytime. Most of the groups we interacted with didn't get much sleep and started climbing to the summit with headlamps between 11 pm and midnight after a full day of hiking. With Tusker, we started at 5:30 am after a good night's sleep and enjoyed a sunrise view on the way up the mountain.
- Tusker is a family and makes you feel a part of it. We got to know the whole team that supported us. You can tell that they share your goal of making it to the top and work with you to get there. Not only that, the entire expedition sang and laughed together. The motto was always "One Team, One Dream." We truly felt supported, and everyone shared in the victory of the daily hikes and the summit.
- For Tusker, safety is the #1 priority. They encourage everyone to report out any issues as soon as they appear. Their goal is to address issues early so that you can succeed, but they will never put your well-being at risk for the sake of summiting. There are medical checks twice a day and the team carries both oxygen and the portable altitude chamber for every part of the hike as a precaution.
- The equipment, food, and campsites were great. Not only did Tusker send a person ahead to get the best spots in the camps each day, but they also had an incredible chef who made sure we were all well-fed. A highlight was definitely burritos for lunch at Lava Tower (15,000 feet). The tents were very large and always set up for us when we got to camp. They use nice waterproof bags to transport all the equipment, which we assume also makes it easier for the porters to carry.
- Katie and Julian, who handled the pre-trip planning and logistics, were fantastic. They were very patient and responsive to all of our questions and concerns leading up to the trip.
- Most importantly, Tusker focuses on the journey rather than the summit. The guides, Simon, Urio, and Kombe, were not only patient and fun throughout the trip but also kept us focused on the current day and the sights we saw each day, making the entire trip a memorable experience. The hot shower at 13,000 feet wasn't bad either.
Every day we all said how happy we were that we picked Tusker. They are the best and made us feel like we were the best expedition on the entire mountain!
