A client with Marketing Manager at Lake Manyara
Eco Africa Climbing
- Located In:
- Size:
- 50-100 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $900 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
AE
Email Jordan Meintjes | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience
I had the privilege of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro on the morning of January 17th, 2025, with the incredible team from Eco-Africa Climbing & Safari.
I chose the 8-day Lemosho route, from January 11th to January 18th, 2025.
From my very first communication with Mr. Fredrick Wilbert, Eco-Africa’s Travel Expert, the entire planning process was seamless and enjoyable. Any questions or concerns were addressed promptly, and the team showed great flexibility throughout.
Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Fredrick personally greeted me and drove me to Panama Guest House in Moshi, which serves as the pre- and post-trip accommodation. The guest house was clean, the staff was friendly and accommodating, and it provided a comfortable place for a brief stay.
The night before the trek, I met our Head Guide, Onesmo, who gave a thorough and informative briefing on the trip. He also conducted a detailed gear check to ensure everything was in order for the eight days ahead.
As I met the rest of the crew, it quickly became clear that Eco-Africa is not just another tour operator, but a well-coordinated team that treats its clients like family. The entire crew was friendly, helpful, and deeply committed to ensuring our comfort and success throughout the journey.
Hiking never felt like a burden, thanks to engaging and informative conversations with our guide. He shared insights about the different climate zones we passed through and offered tips on hiking techniques, pacing, and strategies to make the summit successful and as enjoyable as possible.
The campsites were always set up when we arrived, greeted with big smiles and high-fives, along with a refreshing juice to celebrate completing the day's hike.
The sleeping and dining tents were perfectly adequate, providing shelter and comfort amidst the varying weather conditions.
The meals were expertly prepared, offering a variety of options throughout the trip, ensuring that we were never hungry! The cooks truly worked magic with their meals.
Eco-Africa prides itself on being a "no-trace" company, and they absolutely lived up to this. Trash was managed responsibly, and team members were frequently seen walking through the camps, picking up any litter to ensure that we left no trace behind. Fantastic job on this front!
This trip was an overwhelming success, thanks to the exceptional efforts of the entire team.
A special thank you to Onesmo (Head Guide), Matthew and Faustine (the cooks), Jonathan (the attentive waiter), Ali (who prepared my sleeping arrangements and supported me during the summit push), and Thomas, Richard, Hussain, Victor, and Mjuni (the hardworking porters) who always kept things light with jokes and smiles.
I’m left with unforgettable memories and friendships for life!
Thank you, Eco-Africa—I look forward to our next adventure together!
Email Ash | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A special and unforgettable experience
If I could give Eco-Africa Climbing all the stars in the world, believe me I would! From the moment they met us at the airport to reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, they looked after us exceptionally. One of the first things our guide Onesmo said to us was “we are a family”, which you might not experience if you go with one of the bigger tour operators. The entire crew (guides, chef, waiter, porters) made us feel so welcome and we wouldn’t have made it to the top without their kindness, support and knowledge. The planning process was seamless thanks to Frederick’s quick communication, and the hike itself was smooth sailing. Luckily we did not have altitude sickness but Onesmo and Gewa consistently checked on us and encouraged us to go at a pace we were comfortable with. The dining, sleeping and toilet facilities were all very clean and comfortable and the food was AMAZING! We were both vegetarian but occasionally eat fish and they were able to accommodate to this. It was the most special, unforgettable and beautiful adventure we have ever been on, all thanks to Eco. Deepest gratitude forever.
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Email Justin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
EcoAfrica Review: An Unforgettable Tanzania Adventure
After returning from what can only be described as the adventure of a lifetime with EcoAfrica Tours, I feel compelled to share my experience with fellow travelers. Our 8-day Lemosho route climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro followed by a 5-day safari in the Serengeti and Ndutu exceeded all expectations and has set the bar impossibly high for future adventures.
Overall Experience
From the very beginning, EcoAfrica demonstrated exceptional professionalism and attention to detail. The booking process was seamless, with Fredrick (the big boss) providing clear and prompt communication via email, text, and phone calls. Every question we had was answered thoroughly, helping us prepare properly for this epic journey. Airport pickup was efficient and stress-free—exactly what you need after a long international flight.
Kilimanjaro Climb
The Kilimanjaro portion of our trip was nothing short of magical. As a locally owned and operated company (with no international middlemen), EcoAfrica delivered an authentic, culturally immersive experience that many other tour operators simply cannot match.
Guides & Staff
Our guides Onesmo, Gewah, and John were extraordinary. While other groups rushed past beautiful scenery, our guides took time to teach us Swahili, identify native plants, and point out wildlife including giraffes, various monkey species, springbok, and countless birds. Their flexibility allowed us to savor each moment and capture photos without feeling rushed, all while keeping our safety as their top priority.
The porters (or "Kilifighters" as they're known) transformed our trek into a familial experience. This incredible team included Alfonz, Magdalena, Jonas, Philipo, Ernest, Okinyi, Peter, Thomas, Richard, Faustine, Emanuel, Gewah, Vincent, David, Musah, Edward, Filamon, John (Walker), and Latifa. They went above and beyond to ensure our comfort, singing beautiful traditional songs that echoed through the mountain trails.
Special recognition must go to our chef Magician Mathew and his assistant Emmanuel, who created culinary miracles at high altitude. On summit day, we were especially grateful for the support of John Walker and Ernest, whose encouragement helped us reach the top.
What impressed me most was that there was never an "us vs. them" mentality—we truly became one unified group experiencing the mountain together. It's worth noting that EcoAfrica is a proud member of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project), demonstrating their commitment to ethical treatment of their staff.
Environmental Commitment
One of my most meaningful experiences on the mountain came at Shira II Camp, where our guides organized an impromptu trash cleanup initiative. Together with our team, we collected an astounding 18kg of garbage left behind by previous climbers. One of our dedicated porters then carried this waste off the mountain for proper disposal. This wasn't just a photo opportunity but a genuine commitment to preservation that truly showed EcoAfrica living up to their name. Their push for sustainability and respect for this natural wonder sets them apart from many other operators on the mountain.
Cuisine
The food deserves special mention—it was unquestionably the best mountain food I've ever experienced. Magician Mathew lived up to his name, conjuring up generous portions of traditional Tanzanian cuisine, prepared with care at high altitude. Despite bringing plenty of snacks, we rarely needed them as the meals were so plentiful and satisfying. In fact, we only managed to finish all the food served once during the entire trek!
Throughout our climb, we passed many other groups and camps, and I can honestly say I never once wished we were with another company. In fact, hikers from other groups frequently approached us to ask which company we were with, as our joy and camaraderie were evident to all.
Safari Experience
Our 5-day safari in the Serengeti, Ndutu and Ngorongoro was equally impressive. Our guide Josephat was encyclopedic in his knowledge of the ecosystem—from large mammals to birds, insects, and plants. We literally could not stump this man with our endless questions. His expertise took us to places other drivers wouldn't venture, resulting in extraordinary wildlife encounters.
The highlight was witnessing a cheetah kill just three minutes from our accommodation one morning! We successfully spotted the "Big 5" and countless other species - 89 different animals to be exact! The Land Cruiser provided was perfect for our group of five, with a pop-top design that allowed for excellent photography opportunities.
The accommodations arranged by EcoAfrica enhanced our connection to the landscape. The luxurious tents were spacious and comfortable while immersing us in the sounds of the Serengeti—from distant lion roars to zebras grazing just a few hundred feet away. The sunrises and sunsets viewed from our camp were absolutely breathtaking.
Conclusion
If you're considering a Kilimanjaro climb or Tanzanian safari, I cannot recommend EcoAfrica strongly enough. Their locally-owned operation, led by Fredrick, provides cultural authenticity, exceptional guides, ethical treatment of staff, and attention to detail that made this the experience of a lifetime. From the moment we booked until our reluctant departure, EcoAfrica transformed what could have been simply a vacation into a profound, life-changing journey.
Kwa shukrani nyingi (With much gratitude),
Justin
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Email Steven Anderson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and Passionate
We (5 friends and family) climbed Kilimanjaro and went on Serengeti safari with Eco-Africa. The service and experience exceeded expectations and has shifted my opinions of guides forever. Not all guides are created equal. Use a KPAP only guide to climb. KPAP ensures the porters are well paid and have enough food and accomodations on the mtn. Eco-Africa is head and shoulders above the other guides. We got 3 hot meals a day, AM coffee and hot water for washing and a hot towel when we come into camp. From the moment we landed at the airport to when they dropped us off at the airport at 0500 they were with us every step of the way. Top 5 musts: 1. Call Eco-Africa, 2. Donate all you climbing gear to the guides, 3. Tip big, 4. Learn some Swahili before you go, 5. Hakuna Matada.
