Kilisa Tours & Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Tour Types:
- Mid-range & luxury tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $188 to $557 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Bret | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experiences we will treasure forever!
We had an amazing safari and Kilimanjaro summit all thanks to Kilisa! Their service was top notch and value was fantastic. The service provided by our guides and supporting staff were top notch!
We started with a 6 day safari that was absolutely epic. Our Safari Guide, Chris, was incredible! You should definitely request him. He was super nice and very accommodating. He found us every animal we could ever have wanted to see! Despite some challenging off-road driving conditions, he never got stuck and always got us to see the best animals around. We saw lions and elephants that were so close, we would nearly reach out and touch them from the landcruiser. He found us two leopards, two cheetahs, tons of lions, two rhinos and more zebras, giraffes, cape buffalos, and wildabeasts than we could count, just to name a few. My favorite was seeing a male lion out in a rain storm who was seperated from his pride. He was calling out to them and you could see the worry in his eye as he walked right by our landcruiser in search of them.
We then did a Kilimanjaro hike to the summit via the Lemosho 7 day route. Our guides, Rama and Bakari, were fantastic and the chef, Kurwa, amazed us with the food he was able to make on the mountain. Our waiter, Arold was gracious and attentive in delivering all the food to our dining tent. I highly recommend requesting them. The team of porters (Salim, Frenk, Mohamed, Josephat, Mwingi, Sigi, David, Siriri, Msafiri, Idd, Abdina and Moyo) amazed us with their kindness, helpfulness and always positive attitudes. They were always smiling even when carrying a heavy load at high altitudes in chilling conditions. Their attitudes were truly inspiring.
Naick is the owner and the lead coordinator. He was very helpful over the course of more than a month of coordination via email to set up and schedule the trip. He was always responsive and able to answer all of our questions and take care of all of our needs. It was challenging to execute this trip during COVID because of our flights getting cancelled but Naick helped us adjust as necessary. Going during COVID turned out to be a huge bonus because the national parks are all virtually empty so you get the animals and Kilimanjaro virtually to yourself.
You can't go wrong with Kilisa! Their prices were the best we found and the experience we enjoyed was incredible. Their safari vehicle was a new Toyota landcruiser Safari conversion that I absolutely loved. It got us through mud and water crossings in style and comfort and never broke down despite many miles on some pretty tough roads. Their trek equipment was all in good shape. Our tents were nice and the gear we rented was also in good shape.
I highly recommend Kilisa!
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Email Gunnar | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great.
They did an amazing job, took care of my every need, and got me up the mountain in style. Big shout out to my guide Rama, my chef Kuruwa, and my porters Muhammad Ali, Sariri, Rezwan (Numba D), Moyo, and Salim.
PL
Email Paola | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Experience
I NEVER in a million years thought I would be able to make it to the Peak. This was our FIRST hiking trip of any kind and we thought we'd "give it a try".... the Kilisa team were FANTASTIC ! Rama, Tammy and the team checked in with us the day before to run us past a day by day itinerary, ensure we had all the necessary equipment (we didn't), and obtained what was missing. Throughout our hike and especially making it up the Peak, he kept checking our physical conditions and mental motivation. On the ascent day, he made sure we kept busy and distracted to forget how incredibly hard it was climbing that last leg of the route... and it worked! We reached UHURU Peak and the feeling is incredible !! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN KILISA!
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Email Austin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Tanzania Experience
When a friend and I were looking for a company to partner with to summit Kilimanjaro and have a great safari experience, we were looking for a solid combination of knowledgeability, responsiveness to our questions, and a sense that the company would go above and beyond to make our experience one we wouldn’t forget.
The team at Kilisa was very responsive in getting us prepared for our trip, answering all of our questions around Kili routes (we chose the Lemosho 7 day trek), logistics, rental equipment, safari (we did a 3 day to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara), etc. When we got to Tanzania, the pre climb and pre safari info sessions were helpful in ironing out any final details that needed to be discussed.
It was super convenient to be picked up and dropped off wherever you needed to go, and we felt like we didn’t even need to think about logistics while we were there. Even when we had to run errands to grab things like a charger, or pick up cash, or even experience the local culture, Kilisa made sure we got what we needed.
For the Kili climb: Our guides Goodluck and Dennis were knowledgeable about the mountain routes, wildlife and plant life and gave us a great education as we went along. They were also great conversation and entertained us along the way. And the rest of the team was supportive as well, while we were on the mountain we felt like everything was taken care of and we didn’t have to worry about anything but personally making it up to the summit. The whole team was just friendly and nice and I feel like we made bunch of new friends on the trip
For the safari: our guide Richard was capable and knowledgeable and had an answer to every Question we had about wildlife or plant life. He made sure that we saw everything that we came to see including Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, rhino, Buffalo, and more. And he was super friendly. We ended up eating dinner and breakfast with him several times on safari, while most other guides were hanging out together at a separate table apart from their own guests. It goes without saying that the wildlife and scenery was amazing! And the weather cooperated the entire time.
Overall our experience with Kilisa could not have been better and it was a vacation I’ll never forget.
FR
Email Francisco | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mountain Beauty. Perfect
Amazing experience with Kilisa tours
We were a group of 3 people from France, who made the 7-day ascent of the Lemosho route - descent Mweka Kilimanjaro Trek.
Climbing Kilimanjaro under the Kilisa circuits was fabulous because we really had a great experience and we got the best service. Naick, who is the owner of the company, contacted us all the time and the communication was easy as he made all the logistical arrangements and the price was absolutely reasonable in addition
This trip exceeded my expectations
Everything was well planned, from arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfers to the hotel and back and of course the duration of the trek
The route that we chose is very picturesque each day presented different sites. And this route helped us acclimatize to the high altitude and increased our chances of success before trying to Uhuru Peak.
The food was delicious and varied every day, served with fruits and vegetables, including coffee and tea. I couldn't believe how creative the chef was at producing hot food on the mountain.
In general, we could not have asked for a better guide and a better team than those in Kilisa
The hike was great, it was a great success to stand at the top and we could not have done it without the support of this team
we were strong and fit and for that we finished the hike a day earlier. And even after the hike, Naick was kind enough to invite us home and had dinner with his family
It made for a truly remarkable experience.
We had a great trip to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and even after.
I would highly recommend this company without any hesitation.
Reply from Kilisa Tours & Safaris
Posted on Mar 6, 2020Hello
Francisco, thank you for taking your time to leave us such a kind review
It is our intention to offer the great service so that our guests can still enjoy their Experiences and have great memories once they are back home.
Thanks for choosing us.
Kind Regards
Juliana
Email Luke | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Don't hesitate - just book!
I booked a trip with Kilisa and it turned out to be the best decision. Kilisa Tours looked after me from the outset all the way through to the summit and even a few days after as I finished the tour early. I did my research and chose Kilisa for the quality of the guides, the routes they offer and the flexibility of the dates. I was able to choose any day i wanted. We had incredible weather throughout the tour even some hail and snow to make Kilimanjaro look even more beautiful. The whole team were incredible, friendly and sooo helpful. Bakari the guide became a good friend and knew all the spots for phone signal on the trek. We successfully summited and i cant say a bad thing about the whole experience. Don't hesitate, just book with Kilisa direct and enjoy your trip!
Reply from Kilisa Tours & Safaris
Posted on Dec 30, 2019Hello Luke
we are so appreciative for you taking the time to leave us such a kind review. also thrilled that your Experience regarding Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb with Kilisa's team went well and that you were all satisfied with provided services.
More than anything, we want to bring family and friends together through the adventures. And we Thank you for choosing us. Our staff loved sharing quality time with you! I’m so glad everything from arrival to departure surpassed your expectations.
Thank You for the recommendation
Kind Regards
Juliana
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Email Landon | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Most Amazing Time! Kilisa Tours & Safaris
I just got back yesterday from my amazing adventure...the Trek was sooo beautiful I climbed Kilimanjaro with Kilisa tours..I had a great experience with the locals and the staff were wonderful..the porters , cooks made me feel like family..
So I came in November and i was not able to have my friends climb with me as I previously thought I would.. I was thinking I would feel alone.. But all of the staff made me feel right at home.. I am so greatful to have made friends with them, they created a great experience that I will remember for my entire life.
The route climbed was called Machame, it was a 7 days.. I wouldn't have made it with out the support of the staff and guides, they were so positive and had good vibes, always smiling I'm happy to have met these wonderful people.
The Trek was a big Challenge because i had never been up in such a high altitude..but very Amazing...word of advice "RESPECT THE MOUNTAIN" once again I'm glad I had to help from (Ramadhan) and the Kilisa Tour group Team, they allowed me to fully experience the mountain life. The whole Team took very good care of me.
The Porters always had camp set up and ready for rest.
The Cook prepared a top notch meal.. Just what I needed to refresh my body.I was given my meals with kindness from the server... It was soo good..I ate better on the Climb than I did when I was in town.I have Absolutely NO COMPLAINTS.
I am very greatful for the experience that I was given with the Kalisa Team and all tge memories and friends I will keep from my trip..a wonderful trek from the bottom of Kilimanjaro to the Uhuru peak.
I never would have made with out you guys!
Much Thanks!!
I had a Amazing experience with great food,experienced guides who were very kind,I Highly recommend booking Kilisa Tours for anyone who wants to have the experience that I have been given.
Kilisa is Highly recommended, I will definitely go back................. 5 stars
Thank you again Kilisa Tours!!!!
Reply from Kilisa Tours & Safaris
Posted on Dec 30, 2019Hello Landon
We are so glad to hear that you had a great experience with us. We train hard to make sure our team operates efficiently—glad to know it’s working with the positive feedback.
Thank you for your kind review
Regards
Juliana
Kilisa Tours... Trip of a lifetime
What a great experience!
I was a solo traveler looking to join a group of other solo travelers and I booked with Kilisa tours. Turns out our group was pretty small, it was just me and 1 other person but this turned out to be perfect
Reply from Kilisa Tours & Safaris
Posted on Dec 30, 2019Hello Orla
Many thanks for leaving us such a great review ..
we're so delighted
Besides you should have seen Kulwa's [Chef] reaction when i read him his compliment as his smile was wide as the ocean, lol!
But anyways! Thank you so much for being appreciative with the service you had at Kilisa Tours as we always strive to do better and we're thrilled that that we managed to hit the mark
Needless say: It was really nice and pleasure serving you most of all we thank you for choosing us at a first place :)
COME BACK WHEN THE CHANCES ARISE, YOU'RE ALREADY MISSED [YOU LEFT THE MARK]
Rgds
Juliana [Kilisa Tours &Safaris]
TH
Email Suchera | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I had a wonderful time in Tanzania with Kilisa Tours & Safaris especially the days at Kilimanjaro Mt
The safari was wonderful. We all had an amazing time. It was all fantastic - 10/10 for all aspects.
- Too much food, nice food. ;P
Thank you very much. We are looking forward to recommending your services to our friends and family as soon as they need it. Thank you once again!
Reply from Kilisa Tours & Safaris
Posted on Dec 30, 2019Hello
Suchera, I can’t thank you enough for your kind review and recommendation
Many thanks
Juliana
Email Oleg | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We all made it to the top of Kili!
Kilisa Tours organized a 6 days hike to the top of Kilimanjaro for us. It was a private hike for a group of 4 friends. Below are a few reasons why I would recommend this company.
1) All 4 of us made it to the top of the mountain.
2) It was very easy to communicate with the owner - Naick. I sent probably over 40 emails with requests, questions and clarifications. He was always supportive and answered within a day or two.
3) The original tour packages can be customized to your preference. It was my second attempt to get to the top. Based on my first unsuccessful experience 3 years ago I had a lot of customizations to the official program. All my requests were taking into account and Naick created an adjusted just for us hiking package.
4) We had very experienced guides. They had much advice to make sure we all get to the top. The food from the chef was also good.
5) Everyone in the group had a different level of physical preparation. One of the guys spent just 4 hours in total walking around London when he was "preparing" for the hike. And he made it to the top. To be honest, I'm not sure what kind of stronger arguments could be to show the level of Kilisa Tours even if a guy with 4 hours training made it to the top with them.
Reply from Kilisa Tours & Safaris
Posted on Dec 30, 2019Hello
Oleg, Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback ..
But seriously those are some of the nicest things anyone has ever said about us.
Thanks a bunch!!
Next Time The chances arises and you happen to be here! Please, come see Us
Rgds
Juliana