Kilimanjaro Brothers more fun and enjoyable climb!
Kilimanjaro Brothers Climbing Adventure
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $170 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Amanda & Amber | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari
My sister and I enjoyed a 6 day, 5 night safari with Kili Brothers and are happy to share our experience with everyone!
I'll start with some summary notes and then detail our days further at the end :). I apologize for the length of this review but I tried to include all the things we tried to find out before going ourselves!
The Good
- Animals! We saw the big five plus so much more!
- Cris, our wonderful guide was so good!
- Tented camps! A must experience!
- Service overall... The staff at all places were always pleasant and friendly
- The toilets! Better than many European countries that we've visited!
- Open top safari truck! The experience wouldn't have been the same in any other type of vehicle
- The overall experience! We loved this trip!!!
The Not So Good
- Airport greeting and drive to Arusha
- Rhino Lodge is a bit overrated
- Wait times at the park entrances
- The door to get in and out of our truck broke... This started a hilarious series of us climbing in and out of the front seat :-P
Driver
Our driver, Cris, was very young (25) but that wasn't a problem at all! He was fun to hang with, really cared about finding us the animals we most wanted to see and was great about getting that truck into the tightest places to get us a great view! He was a bit loose on following the exact itinerary which drove my sister crazy but I didn't mind. In the end I think we hit all the main parts of our itinerary with the exception of the Olduvai Gorge as Cris explained that there wasn't much to see there.
Booking
George (the owner) was very helpful. He answered all of our questions (and trust me, we had many) in a prompt manner and payment was easy - down payment online and the balance when we arrived in Tanzania.
Packing Tips
- You may experience three seasons in one day - pack a hat and gloves!
- Snuggies!!! We each brought one and debated it due to how bulky they are but we used them almost everyday!
- Bug spray was absolutely necessary at some of the camps (especially Acacia)
- Wet wipes came in handy everyday
- Most places had great supply of toilet paper so don't pack too much!
- Motion sickness meds (lucky we didn't need them but lots will!)
Food
The food surprised us... It was yummy everywhere we went and nothing too out of the ordinary. Everyday you will get a boxed lunch which are very similar, so get ready for a lot of chicken! Both breakfast and dinner at each place were buffet style.
Arrival
Upon arrival in Tanzania there was someone (Jenipher) waiting at the arrival area for us at the main exit of the airport who quickly showed us to the van that would take us to Arusha. Jenipher and the driver were very quiet on the drive, it would have been a better welcome had they been chatty and more engaging... But alas it was almost 10pm. Once we got to our hotel, The African Tulip, Jenipher helped us check in. We asked her some questions about what the plan was for the next day and then off to bed we went.
Day One
The next morning we got up and met our driver, Cris. We sat with Cris and Jenipher, paid our balance and quickly reviewed the itinerary. They had swapped out two of our planned accommodations which was unexpected. We had done a TON of research on the places we would be staying so this made us nervous but it did all work out in the end and we were happy with the changes once we saw them in person.
After that we hit the road and began our journey to our first park, Tarengire, the home of elephants! I will not delve into the details of all we saw, but trust me - this was a great place to start. Along the drive Cris was great about explaining things about the Maasi tribe that we passed a lot and other facts about the country. That night we stayed in the Bougainevilla Lodge which was nice.
Day Two
We hit the road to the Serengeti via the road across the top of the Ngorogoro crater. Be prepared for looooonnngggg waits at the entrance to both Ngorogoro and Serengeti parks. Along the way the view is stunning but if you are one prone for car sickness make sure you bring something for each day! This is not a trip of those with a weak car stomach!
Once we got to the Serengeti we saw some amazing stuff and that night stayed in our first tented camp, Serengeti Savannah Tented Camp. What a crazy experience that was with hyenas - true Africa!
Day Three
Animals, animals, animals!!!! That night we slept at an amazing camp, Serengeti Acacia Tented Camp. One word: Amazing! Ask to stay here, no matter which company you book with!
Day Four
This day we got up before sunrise and did an early morning game drive. We saw the sunrise over a small lake with flamingos - stunning!!! We also saw quite a few animals sleeping on the road. It was definitely worth getting up that early! After we returned to our camp for breakfast we hit the road again for another game drive and then in the afternoon started the drive back to Ngorogoro to our accommodations at the Rhino Lodge. Rhino lodge was one we were very excited about but honestly we could take it or leave it... Great sunset view atop the crater though!
Day Five
We descended into the Ngorogoro crater and spent the whole morning on a game drive. We searched for the elusive Black rhino and finally found one of the six that exist in the park! After our game drive it was time to head back to Arusha :( Cris stopped at a few souvenir shops: one of the roadside ones so that I could practice the art of bartering and a more established store type that was a pleasant shopping experience. Upon arrival in Arusha we said a sad goodbye to Cris!!
Day Six
We had prearranged for a day excursion with another company to go experience the Kikuletwa hot springs. We were unaware that Kili Bros would want to see us on this last day, so once our day excursion company had dropped us at the airport, Jenipher met us there and took us to a small restaurant a few minutes away where we had a bottle of fizzy, got our certificates and a small present from them. Then it was off to our flights home.
Sigh... Wish it had never ended :-)
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Email Dan Crumb | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Kili climb (Rongai Route) and safari with local company Kilimanjaro Brothers!!
Choose Kilimanjaro Brothers!! My daughter and I just climbed Kili, 6 days Rongai route, with a team from Kili Brothers and then spent 5 days on safari getting up close with the amazing animals in the Tanzanian National Parks; we had the best experience. This is a local Tanzanian company that knows the country, knows the mountain, and knows how to take care of their customers. Our Kili guides, Arden and Ally, led the whole team setting our slow "pole pole" pace ensuring we reached Uhuru Peak. They have a serious approach to the trek as there are risks going to 19k feet, but most importantly they have fun and created an inclusive family atmosphere. We had 3 hot meals a day that our cook Yahaya prepared and James served, usually with a short lesson in Swahili, that were great and included fried chicken, pasta, rice, beef, vegetables, a nightly soup, fresh fruit, omelettes, porridge, salads and popcorn.
The safari was another great experience, just the 2 of us and our guide/driver Hussein traveling through Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, and Ngorongoro Crater. The animals need no description and we saw all but the very rare rhino. The lodges and tent camps were great with Serengeti Acacia Tented Camp http://www.serengetiacaciacamps.com/ a must, Ikoma Safari Camp http://http://www.ikomasafaricamp.com/home.html a close second, after all the wildebeest did run through camp! Two personalized highlights Hussein gave us were leaving the main road between Ngorongoro and Serengeti NP to avoid the washboard road so we ended up all alone with just twiga, tembo, punda milia, paa, and more all to ourselves. Lunch under an acacia tree with nothing but blue sky and wind in the grass. The second special touch was again leaving the other vehicles and more well travelled paths to go far out around the granite Kopjes looking for Simba and Duma . Hussein spotted a cheetah in the grass and after some long lens shots we drove thru the grass and end up 15 ft from her while she sat and posed for us. Off the main track experiences really made this trip a personal and special trip, thank you Hussein!
The both portions of the trip were reasonably priced, covered everything and there were no additional charges once we were there or along the way. A small deposit held our reservation for months and receipt of the final payment wire transfer was acknowledged the same day. Email communication was quick, clear and most helpful. When I go back I will only consider Kili Brothers!
The following has nothing to do with my climb or safari, so you can stop here, unless you want to understand the nature of the people that are this company.
My daughter wanted to find a volunteer opportunity in Tanzania for the month between college graduation and our trek up Kili. I suggested she ask George Mtaki with whom we had just made our trip arrangements if he could recommend any local organizations. She did, giving some very vague requirements, and all of this has nothing to do with the business of Kilimanjaro Brothers. George replied with not only suggestions, but a whole plan of multiple schools, places to stay, and transportation between locations. She selected one of his options, Good Hope Moshi, to stay for the whole 4 weeks. Shortly before her departure from the US, George wrote and asked if she needed him to pick her up at the airport, or if Good Hope was meeting her. With the reply that she had a ride, he let her know that he would stop by the school and make sure they were ready for her arrival. There was never any expression of additional cost or hesitation in taking time to answer questions or provide information for this assistance; as Jen who was waiting for us after our climb said "there must have been 100 emails between Katherine and George, I have your email address!"
Finally, on our very last night which was spent in Arusha and where we were supposed to be picked up for our evening for our flight home, George met us and offered to come back in the morning and take us back to Moshi, 2 hrs one way, so my daughter could go and say goodbye to the friends and now-family at Good Hope. While she was visiting there, George took me to his home, introduced me to some family, more of the "Brothers" and shared some ugali and fish stew with me. I'm sure there are many companies that will get you to the top of Kibo and show you all the animals you want to see. Some may be cheaper, some may be bigger or smaller. I cannot imagine that any company will treat you better, be more responsive, or make this more personable and memorable as Kilimanjaro Brothers. (Note: I don't write reviews, and usually read them with caution. This company and people moved me enough to post this and in Trip Advisor.)
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Email Anna DeMonte | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience with Kili Brothers
I just returned from a two week trip in Tanzania with Kili Brothers and it was absolutely amazing. I would 100% recommend this company and can't wait to come back.
I began my trip with a 7-day Machame climb with three other climbers from the USA. From the beginning, Kili Brothers was accommodating and helpful. Our guides, Ibby and Said were encouraging, Fun, and very knowledgeable/professional. All four of us made it to the summit! It was a great time, and it was one of the best feelings of my life. Our group also had the Kili Brothers photographer/videographer who captured each day of our climb and after we returned to moshi, they put together a video recapping our experience and the drive of all the photos-- definitely utilize this option. We were the only group on the mountain with a photographer!
After the climb, my mother flew in from the USA and met me for a 7-day safari with Kili brothers. Our guide was Hussein, and again, he was amazing. Totally knowledgeable and fun. We saw the big five, cheetahs, wildabeast migration, everything! We were so sad to leave.
George was very very responsive to all of my emails throughout the process. He answered every single one of my pestering questions and it made me feel very confident leading up to my trip.
If anyone has any questions about my experience, feel free to reach out. Thank you George, and everyone else at Kili Brothers. I had an amazing time and can't wait to return.
DE
Email Jörn | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experience Kilimanjaro in a fantastic way!
We wanted to climb Kili on the Machame route and checked out lots of different companies that offered this trip.
Since we are from Germany it seemed easiest to just pick a german one but when we found Kilimanjarobrothers and started emailing with George we decided to go with the local company.
And it was a great choice!!!
We flew to Nairobi because tickets to Arusha were not affordable during the time we planned our trip. George helped organizing transportation and always replied kindly to all questions we had.
The trip itself was awesome. Thanks to our great guides Ibrahim and Joseph we made it up to Uhuru Peak even though there were very hard episodes during the climb they encouraged us to push our limits. Also they were looking out for our health condition. On the other hand they told us lots about the mountain, plants, animals, history of different tribes living there and we shared lots of laughs, had long conversations about culture, politics and personal stuff. Plus the whole crew of porters, cook and waiter were just great people that were always looking for our needs and did a fantastic job!
All in all a great tour that I can highly recommend! Ask for those two guides to lead you, they are awesome! Support this local company cause the competition is very hard and they deserve it!
https://www.tripadvisor.de/ShowUserReviews-g317084-d4985709-r351509631-Kilimanjaro_Brothers_Climbing_Adventure_Day_Tours-Moshi_Kilimanjaro_Region.html#
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Email Greg Hansen | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Tour Operator and Guides = Amazing Climb!!!
We researched 4 different tour operators, but Kilimanjaro Brothers (KB) won the day (and our business) with quick email responses, George Mtaki's personal phone calls, competitive pricing, and excellent service and guides. Kilimanjaro Brothers is a local Moshi, Tanzania tour operator and thus 100% our fees stayed in Moshi and the local area.
George and his sister met us at the airport to facilitate our arrival to the hotel late on our first night in the area. Upon KB's recommendation for the rainy season, we signed up for the 6-day trip (on the mountain with 1-day acclimatization) utilizing the Marangu Route and its huts--perfect for the 3 afternoons of wet weather. We were treated like family with great hospitality. The daily service and food was superb--our server and porters were kind and respectful. The guide and assistant guide were extremely knowledgeable and exceptionally helpful. In fact our head guide, Priscus, volunteered to carry my day pack from the Kibo Huts to the summit which helped a 67-year-old dad reach the summit with his two sons.
Not only was it a great climbing but enjoyable cultural experience as well as 2 nationalities intertwined for 7 days and enjoyed a wonderful associations that will last a lifetime.
The outstanding hospitality continued as George met us at 5:00 am to see that we got off properly for our safari day to the Ngorongoro Crater. On our last day in the area we had no plans, so George volunteered with one of his associates and took us around Arusha. They made sure that we enjoyed the local sites and arrived timely at the airport that evening for our return flight.
I and my 2 sons highly recommend Kilimanjaro Brothers for your next climbing and safari adventure. George Mtaki, and his associates, will exceed your expectations for the adventure and experience of a lifetime.
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Email Dale | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari and Kilimanjaro Climb!
After searching around for a local guide company, I contacted George Mtaki for a proposal on my trip to Tanzania in January 2016. He was very responsive and provided me with proposals for my trip. I opted for a 2-day Safari and Kili climb on the Machame route.
At the last minute, a big storm in Virginia forced me to change my plans and head to Tanzania a day early. I contacted George and he modified the plans and suggested that I do the 4-day Safari now that I had an extra day. I agreed, and off I went to Tanzania.
When I arrived, George was waiting for me at the airport. He had a bottle of cold water waiting for me as it was a very hot day. He drove me to the hotel, gave me some time to get settled, then we sat in a reception area and discussed the itineraries in detail.
My Safari Guide, Moses, arrived a little later and filled me in on what the Safari would be like and what time he would pick me up in the morning. After a good night's sleep Moses arrived the next morning and off we went. The drive toward Tarangire was great as it was my first chance to see Moshi and Arusha city life. We stopped at a local spot for a light breakfast, which was great as well - a chance to eat some local fare. I had white-coffee (coffee with cream) and some kind of beef empanada that Moses recommended, which was very tasty.
Tarangire was amazing, first time I saw a real life lion in the wild. Saw elephants, giraffes, and many other animals as well, and I was completely floored at how close we were to them all. We ate a boxed lunch in a picnic area. The lunch was baked quarter chicken, a vegetarian sandwich, fruit juice, water, fruit, and cookies all individually wrapped. A monkey came by and stole a sandwich right out of another tourist’s hand, then an attendant came over to shoo the monkeys away. It was all very amusing. We then drove to nearby hotel, which was much better than I was expecting. And the last spot for wifi on the safari.
Ngorongoro crater was the next day - Breathtaking views from the top of the crater rim. Cape Buffalo, Rhino, Lions, and many other beautiful animals. Then we headed toward our hotel for the night. The drive was an adventure in and of itself. A rain storm passed through and the road flooded, but the land cruiser. At one point we were driving through a lake because of how much rain had fallen so suddenly. We got to the camp and it was much more rustic. To my surprise there was running hot water in the tent, but not drinkable (although the Massai drink it). There was plenty of bottled water in the room for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Off to the Serengeti the next morning. On the way we saw thousands of Zebras and Wildebeests migrating. Unbelievable!! We stopped in at the Serengeti checkpoint. The views were amazing, and the green plains seemed to go on for infinity. Serengeti itself was boundless. So many Elephants, Giraffes, Lions, cheetahs, jaguars, all very close. An amazing experience!! Stayed overnight at a camp in the Serengeti, simply extraordinary. In the morning on the way out of the park, we pass right under a tree with five lions sleeping, right above us!! Thrilling!! Moses then took me to visit a Massai village and I was able to see how they live and participate in their dancing and jumping contest. I visited their kindergarten and made a donation. Beautiful people!!
Back to Moshi, to sleep in the hotel and then off to Kilimanjaro the next morning. I tipped my guide $20 per day. The next morning I was greeted by Abraham Lauwo and Ally Msasu. They came to my room and looked at the gear I had. They made suggestions on items I didn’t need, and things I should get. We went to the rental store and got a very warm sleeping bag, a warm winter coat, and a few other minor items. George combined me with a Canadian couple, with whom I got along well with. The first day on the mountain was easy. We took the Machame 7-day route. We saw a black mongoose, and several blue monkeys (which are actually black and white). We got to the camp site and the tents were already set up. Ally had the team sing the Kilimanjaro song to welcome us into the first camp. It was great to go in the tent take my boots off and relax before dinner. Dinner was great, considering it was on the mountain. It was usually a combination of a starch, protein, and soup. Water, tea, and coffee were also on the menu.
Each night Abraham would check our vital signs, blood oxygen saturation, and pulse. He taught us a method to increase oxygen saturation by breathing deeply, but not exhaling completely. I would end up using this quite a bit on the final ascent. Day 3 to the Lava Tower at 4642M was just 900M shy of the summit. Going this high was intended to have our bodies start to produce more red blood cells and test our altitude sensitivity. I started getting a slight headache once we reached the Lava tower. That night I decided to take the altitude medication, Diamox, just to be safe. The altitude medication has a side effect where I ended up going to urinate about every hour or so. At night was the worst because it was difficult getting a good night sleep. I had a large pee bottle that I ended up using so I didn’t have to get up in the cold to go to the bathroom. This made life a bit easier.
Day 4 heading up the Baranco wall was quite a fun section. Much more of a rock scramble than the rest of the Machame trail. To see the porters carrying large bags up this section is quite a sight. The porters earn every cent of their pay and tip!! They were amazing. By this time my headache was completely gone. Not sure if it was the Diamox, or the acclimatizing hike to Lava Tower, but either way I was happy to be rid of any symptoms of altitude sickness. Day 5 from Karanga to Barafu was very relaxed, which was good because that night at midnight we would head to the summit.
Day 6 – I bundled up with several layers in preparation for the below freezing temps. Turns out that the first couple kilometers I was too warm, and ended up removing my winter hat and buff. It was a LONG hike up to the peak. I got colder and put back on the items I took off. I brought some hot hands with me, but I never used them because the effort to take them out and set them up seemed like I would get colder trying to do that than just continuing on. The air got thinner and thinner and I was breathing deeply for each step. After a quick stop at Stella point to see the beautiful sunrise, we proceeded toward Uhuru peak. I became reenergized as we got closer to the peak. We reached the peak!! Success!! I was so pumped with adrenaline that I no longer felt the cold. Ally took several pictures for me and we started back down. I ended up running down the mountain back to Barafu camp, which was a lot of fun!! I got down before the Canadian couple, the porters congratulated me and gave me some juice. I took the opportunity to get a couple hours of sleep while waiting. The hike to Mweka camp seemed like forever but it didn’t matter because mission accomplished!
Day 7 – The Canadian couple and I pooled our tip money and I gave a speech and thanked the crew and told them what we were tipping, and that it certainly was not enough considering the work that they did for us. The crew hardly makes any money (less than $10 per day) so part of hiring a local company is knowing that you are helping the economy by hiring locals and giving them a more direct share of the revenue booking. I implore everyone reading my review to understand that you are supporting a community that is mostly impoverished! I had a 3PM flight out of JRO, so Abraham arranged for Ally and one of the porters to get up early with me and run down to the exit so that I could get to the hotel early enough to take a shower and catch my flight. The porter was amazing!! I was running down the mountain with poles and still occasionally slipping on some wet rocks. He was sure footed the entire way, with probably 50lbs of stuff on his back and head, and no arms free for poles. One of George’s assistant’s picked me up and took me back to the hotel. Lovely warm shower, packed for the airport then met back up with the larger team for the certificates and ceremony!
I highly recommend George Mtaki and his crew at Kilimanjaro Brothers Climbing and Adventure for your trip and tours in Tanzania!! Special thanks to Moses, Abraham and Ally for making my trip one to remember!
IR
Email hassan bagheri | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
New experience with George
I am a manager of a touristic company in Iran. I am so sensitive about displaying programs. We arrived at Tanzania on 10February 2016 with a team of 9 mountaineer in order to ascend Kilimanjaro. Mr. George did everything I have expected very well. Kilimanjaro Brothers Climbing Adventures has such a skilled and guarantor personnel. I highly recommend a trip to Tanzania with George. If want more enjoyment try it
ES
Email Delfina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kilimanjaro Marangu Tarangine Ngorongoro Manyara
just arrived from Tanzania. We are very happy especially with choosing Kilimanjaro Brothers. We made the ascent of Kilimanjaro by the Marangu route, which was hard but very rewarding, we chose Kilimanjaro Brothers despite having read about other top agencies but was mostly a success, they treated us wonderfully, George looks like a very good person and he helped us all time before and during the travel. Our Kilimanjaro guide did not speak Spanish very well but the Safari´s, Yona spoke it very well and knew a lot of animals. Accommodations "farm of dreams" and "Planet Lodge" luxury .. Thanks George
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Email Laura | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
safari through Serengeti, Tarangire, and Nogorogo Crater
I am so fortunate a friend told me about the Kilimanjaro Brothers. George couldnt be more helpful, as we set up our adventures from the US. Before we got there, our flight was delayed but George assured us he would be waiting for us when we did arrive, and he was! Our driver Hussein, was great! He was patient, fun and went out of his way to make sure we were safe and enjoyed all the great sights. We saw so many animals and he never minded to wait as we asked to stop one more time to take a picture. I cant stress enough BOOK WITH the KILIMANJARO brothers- you won't be disappointed!!! Karabu!!! Our safari was 5 wonderful days, one of the best vacations of my life. Tanzania is beautiful! cant wait to come back
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Email Pam | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
OUTRAGEOUS TANZANIA ADVENTURE WITH KILIMANJARO BROTHERS CLIMBING!!
Kilimanjaro Brothers Climbing & Adventure is #1 in my book. My husband and I wanted to experience an African Safari for our 25 wedding anniversary and after much research and emails to various African Safari companies we choose Kili Brothers. From the first email right down to getting on the plane for home George was fantastic. George Mtaki, the owner, answered all my questions (and there were many) quickly and professionally and worked with us every step of the way when coordinating our itinerary and tented camp choices. Our guide was Alfa and he was quite knowledgeable and fun. He made sure our adventure was exactly what we wanted & his goal was to make sure we saw the BIG 5 and lots of Simba & we did. I had a special requirement during our safari and Alfa went the extra mile making sure I had everything I needed. He was very patient when it came to us stopping for pictures and he made sure we got the best possible shots. My husband and I had an outrageously wonderful experience and it was due to Alfa and all the wonderful individuals at the tented camps and Kibo Hotel. We not only saw an abundance of animals but we were able to experience time with the Maasai and hunted with the Hadzabe tribe. All these experiences were fantastic! WE WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND Kilimanjaro Brothers Climbing & Adventure if you are looking for a great African company to provide an outrageous safari experience. My husband enjoyed the experience so much he wants to visit Africa again and insists on using Kilimanjaro Brothers and requesting Alfa again for our guide.
Kilimanjaro Brothers Climbing & Adventures, George & Alfa ASANTE SANA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!