Private Kilimanjaro
Climbs

Tusker is the best on the mountain! I did the Lemosho route and would highly recommend it. Your health and safety come first, with daily/twice daily health checks by their extraordinary guides. The guides also want you to summit and will help you achieve that, so be clear and honest with your needs/concerns along the way. The camps are superior to all others — they wake you in the morning with coffee in your tent (which is roomy - big enough to stand up in), the meals are delicious, camp is set up when you arrive from your daily hike, there’s a potty tent (!), and the friendliest, most supportive porters ever. I cannot rave enough about Tusker - this adventure (and my successful summit) was the trip of a lifetime.

Had an incredible experience with Tusker! They successfully got my mom, myself, and the other five members of our group to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro!! Absolutely EPIC journey!

I just completed the best trip of my life! I have traveled extensively but my two trips with Tusker to Mongolia were the best hands down. I went first in 2022 and had a fabulous experience riding horses on a 9 night pack trip into the far Western mountains of Mongolia. I just finished a repeat of the trip in 2024 which was even more fun for me than the first trip. The views, the horseback experience, and the camping were all great due to the professionalism, experience and organization of Tusker. The leader , Eddie Frank, has been leading adventure travel for decades and has put together a truly magical adventure. I plan to go again in 2025!

This is the easiest review I have ever written. If there was an option for a “six star” I would have clicked that. Tusker Trails, having lead Kilimanjaro expeditions for over 40 years, have perfected the recipe. They give clients detailed predeparture information, so we arrive truly prepared. They have a maximum focus on safety, they have perfected the itinerary to give us the highest likelihood of reaching the summit and trail life is set up to ensure we have fun. There were clear differences between Tusker and other companies on the mountain. Before we left Moshi we have benchmark health checks and the guides individually checked our gear to ensure we had what we needed to be safe and successful. On the mountain we had bigger tents we could stand up in, they sent runners early each morning to ensure Tusker had the best sites at every camp. They carried oxygen and a portable altitude chamber, something which other companies don’t. Yet we saw multiple climbers from other companies suffering debilitating and life threatening altitude sickness without any equipment to help them. The Tusker mountain team are engaged with the clients and truly invested in their success and happiness. “one team, one dream” is the mantra. It felt truly authentic. The guides were fun and professional, (Urio is a legend) the porter team were part of our team and six joined us on summit day to support us if necessary. The equipment was great. It felt new and suitable. The food was marvelous and to supply fajitas, fresh guacamole and tortillas at 15,200 feet was remarkable. The water, while treated (and sometimes carried by porters for over 4km) was tasty and unlimited. The Lemosho route (departure 25 June 2024) is well considered. The extra day that Tusker put into the route felt truly beneficial. It gave us extra acclimatization and also allowed to sleep at the remarkably beautiful and isolated Moir Camp. As a bunch of ordinary hikers, we felt, as we got higher up the mountain, that we were fitter and in better condition that other groups we passed. Tusker does not climb to the summit in darkness, as others do. We climbed at sunrise and arrived on the summit at noon. 100% team success and the only group there, so we laughed and celebrated, unrushed, as a team. Ego says I arrived on the summit as a result of my preparation and determination. However, I know I got there in partnership with Tusker and their processes, their thoughtfulness and their mountain team. This was the time of my life. I made amazing friends, tested my boundaries and made memories for a lifetime. I decided to do it with Tusker Trails and I am so grateful that I did.

I climbed Kilimanjaro with Tusker and the guides and support crew made the experience absolutely phenomenal. We were so well cared for from start to finish, including coffee brought to our tents every morning, deeply knowledgeable guides and excellent food. I will never do an excursion with any other group, as Tusker provided absolutely white glove service, even on the side of a mountain.

The best, great experience. Tusker provided outstanding guides and service soup to nuts. Kilimanjaro is no joke! Tusker is worth the investment and you get the support back ten fold.

Tusker trip was wonderful! To me, the best part was to be in the remote part of Mongolia with its people and beautiful scenery. Trip itself was very well organized with exceptional attention to details( French press coffee at the campsite everyday). Last minutes changes added extra excitement and element of spontaneity. Food was delicious and wonderfully prepared. For me the very cool moment (being Polish) was eating Polish Dill pickles"Krakus" in the middle of nowhere in Mongolia. ; ) I have enjoyed every moment and would not change anything.

I just returned home from Tuskar Trail's Mongolian Nomad Trek. This trek was billed as "An experience of a life time". Having experienced the meticulous organization, professionalism and total customer care with a smile during the Kilimanjaro hike with Tuskar, I was very much looking forward to this trek. The trek delivered on the promise of that tag line but left me feeling that even that sweeping tag line falls short of truly capturing the rich depth of experiences we had and friendship we made. Eddie Tuskar and his team are world class organizers, guides and just good people with whom you would want to tour again and again.

The absolute greatest experience ever. The trek was gorgeous and awe inspiring and experiencing the culture and people was just as cool. I am a sucker for nature and this hike was second to none! I have so many pictures to prove it. But almost what was a cooler part of the experience was meeting the locals and being able to connect with them and get to know them. They really are a special people that I am grateful to have met and gotten to know!

My wife and I made it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro only due to the great guides at Tusker Trail. They did an outstanding job of setting the proper pace and closely monitoring our status throughout the hike. We are very thankful that we chose Tusker Trail.

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!

This was the most amazing and difficult climb I have ever done and I could not have done it without Tusker Trail. From our two incredible Guides, Simon and Shabani, to the porters (all 27 of them!), to the equipment and food, and to the staff, Frank our driver, and accommodations in Moshi, everything was top notch and geared for our success. Even with all of that support, you will also need a lot of inner strength unless you routinely climb above 12,000 feet. From what I saw on the trail, Tusker had the best of every aspect and it was worth every penny to me.

Second time traveling with Tusker and at this point I wouldn't recommend or personally use anyone else. The value is tough to beat - accommodations are top tier and the service cannot be beat. I wish them much success, as they deserve it!

Absolutely extraordinary experience. Tusker Trail ensured our care and safety at all times, giving expert guidance and leadership. When I said to my Tusker guides "I could not have done this (summit Kilimanjaro) without you", their response was "We could not do this without you, but together we can!" That says it all. An epic adventure with Tusker Trail. I look forward to the next one!!

Top flight organization! Guides were exceptional, tents on mountain as well as food served way above expectation. Pre-travel information and logistics great. Highly recommend, and even though we are just off Kilimanjaro have already recommended Tusker to our friends! Highly recommend safari afterwards, first class!

I did the Mongolia Trek the 1st 2 weeks of July 2023 with 4 other friends and have to say this was an experience almost beyond words. I have had the fortunate of being on two other Tusker Treks previously, Kilimanjaro and Patagonia, that were equally amazing. It was on the Patagonia trip where I was able to connect with another Tusker Trekker who had been to Mongolia and said, "if you ever get the chance to do that trip, you absolutely must do it. There is no other trip like it!" And he was right! Tusker trips are always phenomenally well-run with absolutely terrific guides, great equipment, fantastic food, and itineraries that are challenging yet accessible and always focused on client safety. The people that serve as guides and support the trek are some of the most friendly, generous, and kind folks that I have ever met, and by the end of the trip they are your friends. An interesting aspect of this trip is the opportunity to almost cover the entire distance on horseback, and even if you are not coming into the trip with much horse-riding experience, by the end of the trip you will be amazed and how much you have learned in a short-period of time. The scenery is fantastic, likely the most unspoiled place that I have ever been, and you keep being awed knowing that you are in one of the most remote places you can travel to. If all of that isn't enough, oh by way, the owner of Tusker Trails Eddie Frank personally leads this trip! If you want adventure stories, he's got 'em. And he goes above and beyond to learn the unique interests of the group that he is leading and finds creative and meaningful ways to make the trip extra special. This is the longest trip review I have ever written, I could go on and on, though hopefully this is enough to demonstrate how meaningful and amazing the Tusker Trails Mongolia Nomad Trip really is!

I have been on 3 treks/climbs with Tusker Trail. I keep going back because they are the best at what they do. They care not only about a successful trip and the clients comfort etc., but they care most about safety. They ensure we are healthy at all times and carry more first aid items than most guides. On all trips, and they were all at some altitude, they checked our vitals twice daily for oxygen and pulse and a general going over how we felt. They have healthy food that is delicious. They use some awesome chefs. They make sure it is safe by using water that has been boiled sufficiently. They provide clean drinking water on the hikes. The guides are experts in each area and share their knowledge willingly. We have a full day when we go trekking, but it isn't hurried. You will have more fun if you're in good physical shape. They want to make sure we have the best chance for success. On Kilimanjaro, they have the best campsites, food and porters of all the vendors I saw. On all treks, we carried a backpack with only the essentials we may need on the trail, like water and rain gear. Porters, yaks or donkeys carried the other stuff we may needed like tents, clean clothes etc. If we needed help, they had people ready, willing and able to help. For example, one client really didn't come prepared with proper footwear, and his footwear fell apart. They had equipment and supplies so they could fix his footwear such that he could have a successful trip. I had a lot of fun on all my treks with Tusker Trails and they were all successful. I recommend Tusker trails for adventure in awesome areas of the world. I met some awesome people I am still friends with on the treks.

What an incredible experience to have summited Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route with Tusker Trail. Of the 18 of us who climbed 14 of us successfully summited while the remaining four climbers made it as high as 16,700 feet. The reality is the altitude impacts everyone differently, no matter what your fitness level so you have to be prepared for the guides to not let you continue if they don't feel it is safe for you to continue. Tusker took extremely good care of us pre-climb, during the climb and post-climb, attending to our every need and ensuring our health and safety along the way. You lack a lot of creature comforts camping on the side of a mountain for 7 nights, but Tusker provided exceptional meals, warm accommodations and most importantly clean toilets. I enjoyed everyone I met, and formed a lot of new bonds and friendships with the guides. If you plan to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro don't consider anyone other than Tusker, as they treat their guides and porters better than anyone and compensate them very well. I was happy to find out that our 18 climbers employed 71 guides and porters on the mountain and dozens more back in Moshi at our hotel. The economic impact of our climb will provide better opportunities for future generations.

The Everest Base Camp trek was my second outing with Tusker, I had climbed Kilimanjaro with them several years ago. Tusker remains my preferred guide service for complex treks - the trips are well planned and executed, they provision all food and provide safe water to eliminate dysentery risks that can otherwise doom remote travel. Their guides have intimate terrain and first hand cultural experience in Nepal, and the medical guides are well trained and provide excellent service for trekkers that fall ill from altitude sickness or hypoxia. The tea house reservations for overnight stays are crucial on the EBC excursion and the arrangements were all first rate. The support porters are amazing, and move equipment and provisions effectively and efficiently every day after meal preparation. The index of safety in trekking remotely is critical to success and to enjoyment of the adventure, and Tusker does not disappoint.

Tusker was fabulous! They took such good care of our climbing group from the instant we sought information about climbing Kilimanjaro. We had a recommended training program, a list of equipment we needed, a list of equipment we could rent- help with airfare coordination, a list of medications that could be helpful, an itinerary…. Everything you could need or want to make our trek successful! This trip was a dream come true for me- Tusker made sure it was safe, fun and worry free. Tusker took care of ALL the details! I’m so appreciative for their support and expertise! ❤️

I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro last year with a group of friends. Tusker was amazing. They made sure we were prepared for the trek (both before and during), fed us amazing food that also supported the high effort we expended each day, and genuinely were invested in our success in making it to the summit. They knew when to offer (or insist) on giving us help and the crew was beyond words. Every single person that supported our once in a lifetime experience contributed to making this an absolutely amazing adventure! 10/10 would recommend over and over!

My experience of Tusker was one of safety, efficiency, good communication and thoroughness of planning before, during and after the expedition. Once you get on the mountain it is very clear that there is a hierarchy of professionalism and experience among the teams and guides. Tusker is clearly at the top of that hierarchy. The whole team was very kind, welcoming, and professional. It was obvious right away that the team had good leadership, coordination, camaraderie, and took pride in their jobs. My guide was excellent and enjoyed getting to know him over the course of my trek. The extensive experience that Tusker has with climbing Kilimanjaro translated to some very practical things such as a phenomenal packing list that was spot on for what I needed on the mountain, good suggestions for physical preparedness for the trek, very adequate prep for traveling to Tanzania and making sure visa etc. was set up ahead of time, in addition to a great group of porters that worked very efficiently and made everything run very smoothly.I appreciated having a great base camp hotel (Bristol Cottages) coming and going from the mountain. Not only was this a nice and comfortable place to stay and have meals before and after the climb, but I also felt very secure, leaving extra clothing and valuables at the hotel. The hotel had a very good system for making sure valuables were secure. I appreciated knowing that all Tusker guides are not only certified guides (which technically is required of all guides on the mountain) but are also trained as high altitude first responders and have wilderness first aid training as well. I was very impressed by the process of having a support assistant guide hike behind me at all times who carried oxygen and a portable hyperbaric chamber if needed. Coming prepared with medication including acetazolamide and dexamethasone and having a plan in place for us to carry medications in our day pack at all times in case anything happened made a lot of sense and I quickly learned this was not standard practice for all trekkers. Tusker also emphasized the importance of drinking lots of water and very wisely advised me to bring 2 3L hydration pouches to use while hiking. I really think this was an important key to doing well and feeling as good as I did on the trek – especially on summit day. This also meant that the team was set up to support this which I quickly realized was not trivial. The Tusker team clearly has a reputation for its capability and advanced training amongst the other guides and porters. On our summit day, another team sought out my guide to help with somebody who was struggling with altitude sickness. The guide and assistant guide were able to help this individual and this did not compromise my safety or experience in any way. I can’t over emphasize the professionalism of the team. It really stood out on the mountain. There were so many groups of people climbing and it was obvious that there was a great deal of variability among the groups and the level of support they were providing for their climbers. Tusker also provided large, comfortable tents and high quality dry bags for porters for transport. All in all this was an incredible experience. I am so glad I chose to climb with Tusker and would highly recommend this company because of its emphasis on safety, professionalism, training, support and good communication which comes from years of experience on this unique mountain. Thank you so much for making this the trip of a lifetime.

I have done a couple of trips with Tusker Trail and their service is impeccable. Recommend traveking with TuskerTrail 100%.

The trip of a lifetime, trekking across ancient Greenland at the height of wildflower season, whales spouting amid the glaciers and cheeky sock-stealing Arctic foxes! Our guide Katie went the extra mile, even loaning me a pair of hiking boots when my trail runners didn't hold up to the terrain. (Kids, take the Tusker packing list seriously!) Tusker takes its clients' safety seriously, and the group size was perfect for everyone to put in their shift for nightly polar bear watch.

I have travelled with Tusker trail on 5 trips and always got the best logistics and service. The guides on Kilimandjaro were splendid. Next should be Greenland

Could not have asked for a better experience! The entire Tusker team was great from start to finish. I paid attention to other Kilimanjaro guide services during my trek and can say Tusker provided the best gear, meals, and staff. I witnessed several hikers get evacuated by helicopter during my week on the mountain. As a healthcare professional, I was very impressed with the medical care and knowledge provided by the Tusker guides. They certainly are the best trained and equipped and earned my complete trust. Don’t skimp on this important part of a successful Kilimanjaro trek.

Absolutely the best! Top notch experience from start to finish! The preparation information was off the charts. From the airport pickup to the educational trip in Khatmandu to all the educational visits to the temples with our incredible lead guide! And the food! Plus our safety was the topic priority - medical checks twice a day. I cannot recommend any more highly. Once in a lifetime trip, go with the best !

I recommend Tusker Trail to anyone considering climbing mt. Kilimanjaro. Our climb is not until Feb but so far they have exceeded my expectations. Their coordination, communication, over all logistics is extremely impressive. Katie is amazing. She responds to all my emails. And I ask a lot of questions:-) But she responds quickly and shares her personal experience as well.

I had the most amazing experience with Tusker Trail when I summited in January 2023. I was a solo female traveler and we had a group of 4 total - all solo travelers' themselves!! It was perfect!! Tusker did a phenomenal job - the booking process was easy, the pre-climb materials very detailed and clear making sure we were all very prepared! And during the hike - The entire team of Guides, Porters were all super friendly and very motivating. Paramount was our safety and it showed - daily health checks were detailed! The tents/cots were super comfortable and the food was Terrific!! I did a lot of research before my hike and am thrilled I picked Tusker - I absolutely want to travel with them again on some of their other treks!! Highly highly recommend!!