Private Kilimanjaro Climb - Any Route - 8 to 15+ Days

Tusker Trail - Great Experience!

Had a great trip with Tusker on the Lemosho Route for Kilimanjaro. Great communication and planning ahead of time, wonderful hospitality pre-climb and a great experience on the trail. Special shoutout for the crew on the trail and our guides (Tobias and Nemes). Highly recommend them for a Kili trip - we have the best tents, best campsite spots, good food and we all made it to the peak!

Response from the operator: We’re thrilled your Kilimanjaro adventure exceeded expectations—from the preparation to the summit. It’s fantastic to hear that the crew made it so perfect for you.

via Tripadvisor

Top-notch experience with a top-notch operator

We set out on this Kilimanjaro climb after doing much research and selecting Tukker as our tour operator. Our research paid off as Tusker was exceptional in every detail. From the airport transfers to the crew who climbed the mountain with us, to the office staff, the food, the service, everything… All of it was first class. We felt incredibly safe and cared for on this incredibly hard journey upwards. Every employee in the entire village of people that it took to get us up the mountain was genuinely invested in our success and safety, and it showed every day. It was a very challenging climb, but never once did we feel like we weren’t in the most capable hands. If you were going to tackle an adventure, like this one, Tusker comes with the highest recommendation.

Response from the operator: Your words mean the world—thank you for recognizing the heart and grit of our team. It was an honor to guide you to the top. —Eddie Frank, Founding guide - Tusker Trail

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As carefree and 'easy' as hiking a 19,341' mountain can be

Wow, what a great trek and superb climbing guide service! I went solo up the Marangu Route (because I am too old to sleep on the ground), and it was smooth sailing the entire way. Tusker Trail took care of every need and request, including packing plenty of cookies, allowing me to find my own happy speed (polepole kidogo), and even carrying an extra sleeping pad for the beds in the huts (because I am too old to sleep on a hard mattress). I really can't think of a single way my trek could have been better. My guide, Pastory, was incredibly knowledgeable about both the mountain and the flora and fauna that live there. He carefully monitored my vital signs and ensured I was following the right protocols. I didn't have ANY digestive distress (which is unusual for me) because of the excellent hygiene he insisted upon. It gave me extra peace of mind to know that my lungs were clear and my oxygen saturation high. But if things had gone south, there was a tank of oxygen and a pressure tent that could be used to keep me safe, and it travelled six feet behind me on my lead porter's back the entire way up and down the mountain. Talk about security! On this route, the failure rate was high due to AMS. Each day there was at least one emergency evacuation by helicopter, jeep, or stretcher (frightening), and many hikers with other companies that turned around before the summit. I'm so glad I chose Tusker Trail, with their high altitude emergency responder guides. Pastory was clearly the most knowledgeable guide I came across, and it appeared that other companies' guides acknowledged and respected his training and expertise. My chef, Benson, cooked some truly remarkable fare. Lots of fun sauces to liven up the fresh meat and vegetables he cooked so nicely for me. He seemed to know a lot about nutrition, too, and made sure I had what I needed to succeed (just don't ask him to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich - I don't think that translates). Richard, my waiter, pampered me. He always made sure I had plenty to eat and drink, he brought hot tea to my cabin, and even prepared a big bucket of wash water twice a day. What a gentle person. The porters supplied the rest of the muscle and heart to make the trip smooth and enjoyable. They were a happy bunch of men who made me smile when they started calling me "Mama Simba" (mother lion, a nice compliment). Their strength and stamina was amazing. I can't say enough good things about my Kilimanjaro experience. If you ever get the chance to go, take it!!!

via Tripadvisor

TUSKER - Leader of the pack

Tusker Trail would have to be one of the best, if not the best, on the mountain!! The Lemosho route was chosen for the acclimatisation period it offered, having previously done Everest Base Camp and Patagonia and knowing the possible pitfalls. I can not speak highly enough of the team/crew who made my climb a reality. From first contact with Tusker, prior to my decision regarding which company to use, my emails were always answered promptly and succinctly by Katie and others. The Pre-departure Manual supplied (all 50 pages) sets out down to the finest detail what to (and what not to) pack, from clothes to snacks and personal items, travel documents required, recommended medications, along with much other excellent advice. This is an excellent way to prepare for the climb and only comes from the vast experience Tusker has on the mountain. I did a lot of research on companies to climb with, and Tusker always stood out as the premium company. This was so evident prior to leaving Australia with the way the details/paperwork were handled and reiterated from first contact with Tusker representatives in Moshi, and again on a daily basis during the climb. Tusker cares about their clients. I could not fault the attention I, or any of the five others in our group received during the climb Nothing is too much trouble for these guys, be it the guides, or the porters who are the backbone of the climb. The effort they put in to make things run like clockwork is phenomenal. Safety is paramount with Tusker at all times. This was evident in the way the guides and crew were always there when the going got tough, assisting over difficult terrain and giving encouragement and advice as the days wore on. Medical checks were conducted twice daily by crew who are trained yearly in high altitude medicine. This is big plus in conditions such as Kilimanjaro. At all times we had immediate access to oxygen and a portable hyperbaric chamber should it have been required. Dining facilities were also excellent with a walk in roomy tent. Meals presented to us on the climb by the chef and kitchen staff were plentiful, catered for various palates, nutritious and excellent in quality and variation. The excellent fare served up went a long way to combat our daily calorie burn. Tents and bedding were more than adequate for the climb. All tents were walk in and always completely setup daily on our arrival at each site - no mean feat when the whole camp is struck almost on a daily basis. Highest praise must go to Tusker guides and crew for such a magnificent way they operated during the climb. Tusker looks after 'their family', and in return excellent service from them is forthcoming. I have no hesitation in recommending Tusker for their professionalism, equipment, attention to detail and vast experience they have on the mountain. My first sentence says it all. KUDOS to the company!

Response from the operator: I’m beyond grateful and incredibly proud to receive such heartfelt praise! Thank you for recognizing the dedication and care that our team pours into every detail. We’re thrilled that you felt supported, safe, and part of the Tusker family throughout your journey. Your words reaffirm why we do what we do, and I’ll share this with our entire crew. Kudos back to you for an amazing climb!

via Tripadvisor

Amazing Trip with Tusker

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!

Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! It's fantastic to hear about your incredible journey with us. I'm glad you felt part of our Tusker family and enjoyed every aspect of the trip. The Lemosho route's daytime summit is truly special, and I'm thrilled you appreciated it. 🌄

via Tripadvisor