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
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect crew for an amazing honeymoon
We can't recommend Kilimanjaro Brothers enough. We had planned to have our honeymoon in Tanzania with a safari, climbing Kilimanjaro and ending in Zanzibar. Organizing our trip with George was efficient and simple. More than that, when we arrived at the airport, George was happily waiting for us with our safari guide and even a camera person to document our arrival. Everything was exactly as described. After the safari, we started the trek to Kilimanjaro. Our guides Peter and Priscus were so professional and unbelievably supportive and helpful. They were truly top-notch. I had hiked in Nepal before and was anticipating a similar trekking experience - but hands down, Kilimanjaro Brothers had such a professional and caring air to them - truly exceptional. After the trek, which was fantastic (food, tents, staff and all) - when we were dropped at the hotel, we didn't realize that George and his crew had set up a little party for us. Even giving us embroidered sheets with our names on them - wanting our experience to be special because it was our honeymoon. It truly felt like a small African wedding.
We really appreciated the Kilimanjaro Brothers because it is a small, local company - and you can feel how much they care about making your experience worthwhile and special. We are happy to call George, Peter, Priscus and our whole crew friends. Thanks for an incredible time.
20-35 years of age
7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb
My friend and I had been talking about climbing Kilimanjaro for a couple of years and decided to do so this summer. We did a large amount of research about the climb and found Kilimanjaro Brothers to have excellent reviews. Therefore, we contacted them and, having just returned from successfully reaching Uhuru Peak with Kilimanjaro Brothers, we are more than pleased that we did so.
From the outset, the communications with George were clear, friendly and informative. Enquiries were answered quickly. We felt that we knew exactly what were getting. We felt that were getting the personal touch from the beginning and that lasted right the way through the trip.
We booked the 7-Day Machame Climb and we were well looked after. We were picked up at Kilimanjaro Airport by George in the early hours of the morning and taken to our hotel in Moshi (paid for as part of the package). The hotel was lovely - comfortable and clean. We had a briefing the day before the climb which prepared us for everything to come.
The climb was excellent. Our guides - Priscus and Saidi - were excellent, as was the group of porters that helped us make it up the mountain. The food was excellent and James made sure that we were well stocked with food and water every day. We could not have done it without them, but they made it an enjoyable experience and one that we will never forget.
After the climb, we were returned to the hotel where we were given a special presentation of our certificates and we were treated to non-alcoholic champagne and a series of gifts which was very kind of George and his team.
I believe that this personal touch that Kilimanjaro Brothers has is what sets it apart from other companies that we contacted. I hope that this company goes from strength to strength but does not lose this personal touch which made the entire experience one that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Thank you, George, Priscus, Saidi and the whole Kilimanjaro Brothers team!
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Email Kim | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing 10 Day Migration Safari- Beyond expectations!
My husband and I did the 10 day safari with Kilimanjaro Brothers in July 2015 and could not have been more pleased with the level of organization and attention to details that went into our trip. George was very helpful in the planning process and answered all of my emails and questions regarding the trip. He gave us detailed information on each hotel, camp or lodge that we were staying in and I really felt comfortable with booking with a local company.
I cannot speak highly enough about our driver, Emmanuel. He was personal, organized, experienced and went above and beyond to help us get a true adventurous experience. This trip would not have been the same without him. On the safari, we visited Tarangire Park, Central and northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. The trip was well planned and gave us an opportunity to really see Tanzania and experience the culture and amazing wildlife. It is a lot of driving and the roads are a bit dusty and bumpy but this is just part of the experience. We were really lucky to be able to have witnessed the Migration of the wildebeest and get to see them cross the Mara River and the encounter they had with numerous crocodiles (it did not end well for some). This was a difficult drive to the north, given the road conditions, but well worth the drive since we got to see the great migration.
Overall, I highly recommend booking a safari with Kilimanjaro Brothers. The accommodations were great, the staff at each place was so helpful, the Land Cruiser with pop up roof was comfortable and our trip went exactly as planned. Thanks again to the staff or Kilimanjaro Brother’s and to Emmanuel for making this a trip of a lifetime!
CA
Email Alain | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kilimanjaro Brothers - Top notch service!
I started researching for a supplier for my trip to Kilimanjaro a year ago.
When you do this kind of search you naturally turn to known grounds, someone close to you. So did I.
I went to a local provided who offered a good package, but I couldn't help thinking that there was a lot of the money I would spend that would end up in Montreal office with little left to the Tanzanian company that would ultimately provide the service, since Tanzanian government enforces regulation to hire local companies to go up the mountain.
So I started looking the Internet for a Tanzanian company. When I found Kilimanjaro Brothers, I realized that the reviews where very good, so I asked them to provide me with a proposal for going up the mountain.
The immidiate thing that struck me was George (the director) quick and attentionate response.
The prices provided where in line with the other local comapnies I asked so we quickly came up to an agreement. One of my comments was that I was travelling alone and wanted to be paired with other tourists, since I felt it would be more fun to share the experience with other folks who were sharing the same feeling of discovery.
This was last January. Since that time I had numerous exchanges with George, upgraded my trip with a Safari and all the questions I asked always received quick and detailed responses.
This made me feel confident from the start, since I had neve been to Africa, I didn't know what to expect and needed that kind of confidence level.
A week before I left for my trip, I got a note from George explaining that the group I was paired with (3 people) had an accident and where no longer coming. I felt my trip was starting on the wrong foot, however George kept looking for alternatives, proposing to do the hike as a solo traveler at the same cost (going along required many people and typically costs more) but I still was hoping to go with other tourists. Ultimately George offered me to join a group of 10 people starting a couple of days later which worked fine for me.
We started our ascent on the Sunday, full of hope and exited. One of the main thing I have to say about Kili Bros is the details are all taken care of. The food was excellent all of the 7 days, varying meals, some of the local cuisine, our chef delighted our mouths :) The guides where fanstastic, led by Emmanuel who provided good advice all the time, but all of the other 4 guides where excellent.
We were monitoring our vital signs every night, paying attention if some of us could need to take altitude desease medication.
Accomodations where just great, although this is camping, this is luxury camping. We had a diner tent where we would sit the 11 of us together for our meals. Our tent where very good quality and we slept well every single night (except the one before summit because no one sleeps that night, we are all too exited :)
We all made it to the summit, thanks to the team and I give special thanks to Julius who helped me personnaly as I finally got hit by the altitude sickness.
When all was finished, we came back to the Parkview Inn Lodge (very nice hotel) and George had a ceremony all setup to deliver our ceritificates for climbing Kilimanjaro, we also received a Masai toga and bed linings with our names on, very nice touch.
After the climb we had 2 days already scheduled of Safari which was another great experience, with excellent driver guide. George also booked us at the Bougain Villa lodge ( the websit does not provide a good idea of how nice this place is) which was amazing for me and my companions.
I liked everything so much that after this amazing 9 days I still had some time to spend and asked George to help me plan 2 more days of Safari instead of taking my business elsewhere.
George, you and your team did a great job, thanks for these memorable moments.
Amazing Experience
Kilimanjaro Brothers Climbing & Adventure is a first class operation. Although I did not summit (due to unrelated medical issues-my friend did summit), the experience was amazing. George Mtaki, the owner was extremely responsive to all of my questions leading up to the trip and coordination of travel. Our guides Priskuss and Ibrahim were awesome and provided great knowledge and assistance throughout the trip. The cook, waiter, and porters all do an amazing job. It truly is a group effort. The food was better than many restaurants I have eaten in and the equipment was in great condition. Even the hotel pre and post trip was very nice. I intend to climb Kilimanjaro again in the future and you can bet the first and last call I make will be to George and his team.
Email Des | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Service - Highly Recommend
I had an excellent experience climbing Machame route for 7 days in January 2015 with George and Kili Brothers. I contacted George and found him very helpful with everything and also very flexible as I was unsure of my climbing dates. He told me about his company and I was glad to read his excellent Tripadvisor reviews.
His price was very competitive; I found other companies more expensive who did not offer any additional services.
He helped me with renting gear for my climb, such as a Down Jacket, warm summit trousers and poles. I considered buying these before my trip but it is expensive gear. In the end I am glad I rented it as the quality was very good.
I liked the little things that Kili Brothers offered; they picked me up from the bus station in Moshi and brought me straight to my hotel (which was very comfortable). The bus stop in Moshi is a little crazy so you will be glad of this!
Also on the trip you are provided with a portable toilet so you don't have to use the toilet at the campsite. This is a luxury you will only realise when you are 4000m up on the mountain, trust me!
My guide was Andrew who I got on very well with. His English was perfect and, as I was the only climber in the group, we got on very well. He helped me in every way he could and made the trip very enjoyable.
All meals were excellent quality. The porters could not have been more helpful.
Only one thing to be aware of is the cost of tipping, especially if you are a solo climber like me. George gave me recommendations and I tried to match them as best I could, but tips are very expensive so make sure you include these in your budget.
I had trouble getting down from the mountain due to altitude sickness, where I had trouble walking down from the summit. Andrew my guide did a great job in assisting me to lower altitude and gave me oxygen to ensure I was ok. He did a brilliant job.
Overall my experience with George and Kili Brothers was 10 out of 10. You will be glad you booked with them.
Feel free to get in touch if you need any more details about Kili Brothers or about the climb.
Thank you George.
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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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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
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
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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!