Get to know Tusker's visionary founder - a sincere, passionate, and focused individual, with a pure love for experiencing the unknown.

At the moment Francois Langlois reached the summit of Everest, he made a promise to honor the gift of life.

Wine is a pleasure that has been enjoyed in various parts of the world for thousands of years. In Africa, the popularity of wine is increasing rapidly. Most wine lovers know that South Africa is a major world producer of wine, but many don’t know that other countries in

Not so long ago, conflicts between two people were often settled with a consensual fight known as a duel. Generally during a duel, the two people had matched deadly weapons, followed rules that were agreed upon in advance and were battling over a specific point of honor.

For centuries, the harems of the Middle and Far East have tantalized the western imagination. While there is some truth to the fact that harems were kept to entertain the sexual whims of powerful rulers, the intent and actual reality of harems goes far beyond that.

Can you imagine a world without merchants, where we are left to our own devices to acquire goods and services without middlemen? Sounds like a harsh place to be. Today, merchants are some of the most successful people in the world. Being a merchant is still a

Sand and dust storms are one of the most harrowing and dangerous phenomena known to the world. Each year, they leave people lost, disoriented and gasping for air. They can obscure the sun and reduce visibility to almost zero. They can obliterate roads in a matter of

The garbage situation in Africa is getting out of control.

Bathing as an ordinary, everyday activity? Think again. Whether in the saunas of Scandinavia or the steaming bathhouses of ancient Japan, bathing rituals vary from the profane to the sacred and all things in between.

Jet lag, or circadian dischronism, is one of the big drawbacks of modern day air travel and can result in a feeling that is way beyond tired.

In Gisèle Lalonde Mansfield’s wildest dreams, she had never imagined that she would climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, as a 55-year old grandmother. But on October 3rd, 2007 she boarded a plane bound for Tanzania.

The relationship humans have with sweets is one of history’s greatest love affairs. It is a food that is synonymous with pleasure, and nowadays it has even been touted for its numerous health benefits.

Lake Chad was once one of the greatest and most dynamic wetlands in the world; today it pales in comparison. Due to irrigation usage, global warming, reduced rainfall, damming of inlet rivers and other human activity, the lake is shrinking; and could all but disappear in as few as

Embarking on a journey with Tusker to Mongolia provides travelers with an extremely rare opportunity to experience rarely seen rock art, as old as 12,000 years, that is extremely hard to locate.

The world is filled with a plethora of smells and your travels will bring your olfactory nerve into direct contact with the best and worst of them. Inhale the aromas of flowers, foods and scents that bring you pleasure; brace yourself for sewage, body odors and smells that will bring you

The women of Asia who have risen to success throughout history are some of the most fearless and strong women in all of history. Their steely will, juxtaposed with their delicate feminine nature, gave rise to the descriptive term “Iron Butterflies”.

Bird’s nest soup is one of the most coveted delicacies in all of Asia, commonly referred to as the “caviar of the East”. Folklore suggests that the swift bird’s saliva is the key to eternal life. Due to its rarity, a single bowl of it can cost upwards of

In a time when people are regularly living to the age of 100 and beyond, phrases like “110 is the new 100” are gaining popularity.

Birth wherever it occurs, has a long list of complex traditions. From culture to culture, and species to species, these rituals are elaborate, meaningful and poles apart. Regardless if the outcome is always the same, live birth still has the power to enrapture, transform and spellbind.

It should be the basic right of every human being to breathe clean air, eat nutritious food, and live without exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins.

Vital Spirit They are said to inspire lust, excite the senses, enhance potency and replenish the vital spirit. They run the gamut from simple, everyday foods and herbs to inspired potions and elixirs. And for thousands of years, people have been using them to “get in the mood”. The reason for seeking

Many people can’t stand going to the dentist. However from ancient Egyptians to forensic scientists, humans have always been aware of the usefulness of teeth and the importance of tooth health.

Sometimes it seems as if we have the world at our fingertips and there aren’t many more original travel dreams left to be had. So what exactly does the future of travel hold for us? The answer is, a lot. Big plans are in the works.

From the Sentinelese of the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean, to the “Tree House Tribe” of Papua New Guinea, the world still offers a few unknown cultural gems that have been hidden from even the most seasoned adventure travelers.

In the animal kingdom man and dog have enjoyed a long and cherished love affair. But man and rat? Not so much. However, thanks to some clever work being done by the giant African pouched rat, the animals’ soiled reputation might soon be due for an overhaul.

A highly accomplished artist with a penchant for world travel, Josh Schachter has photographed, traveled and worked in some of the world’s most exotic destinations including Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, India, and Nepal. Josh is a highly skilled and talented artist, but more than that he is using his

Illegal to name a pig Napoleon? Illegal to blow your nose on Saturdays? Can these seriously be laws? Yes indeed.

With nothing to keep her company in the Himalayan cave except for a flickering candle, Alexandra David Neel noticed that another day had passed. Isolated from civilization, here she was, a French woman living as an ascetic in a cave.

The history of garlic, also known as the “stinking rose”, is a wild and adventurous one. Over the last 4,000 years of human history, the potent bulb has been both cherished and despised. It has been thought of as a miracle cure and repellant to ward off everything

Sixteen years after apartheid, South Africa remains a country with vast problems. But this summer, as the host country for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa’s progress was broadcast for the entire world to see.

Incarceration without a trial. Rampant corruption among staff. Uncontrolled spread of deadly disease. Overcrowding of cells. Extreme scarcity of food. Welcome to the prisons of Africa.

The desire to look and feel good, and keep the body healthy, is no new phenomenon. From Greek weightlifters to Indian Sadhu’s, the desire to exercise has waxed and waned throughout all of human history.

The Slow Food movement began on the Spanish Steps in Rome in 1986 when groups of angry Italians, brandishing bowls of penne, protested the opening of a McDonald’s franchise near the historical monument.

When it comes to body size, what seems clear is that most cultures have a strong opinion, but few agree on the “ideal.”

There is a great demand amongst the art collectors and dealers of the world, both legitimate and criminal, to acquire authentic African art for profit and pleasure.

In the midst of sprawling human civilization, the rest of the animal kingdom often appears to have disappeared. But whether it is a lone coyote on the streets of Anaheim, or a family of raccoons passing through a swimming pool patio, creatures from the wild still live amongst us.

Time is not as straightforward as it seems. In fact, there are countless ways of understanding time, and many of the things that are important culturally, are often determined by a community’s unique understanding of time.

In 1997, former president Bill Clinton granted a wish to a 16-year old boy to meet him, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Eight years later that same boy, with his lymphoma in remission, summitted Mt. Kilimanjaro, and called Clinton from the top. Inspired by his young friend, Clinton recently announced that

Chris Bredt, a lawyer from Toronto, Canada, just finished his second climb up Kilimanjaro. Not only did he climb all the way to the summit of that massive mountain (twice!), but he also led a team that raised over $180,000 for charity on the most recent climb.

Earning the daily bread means one thing to Westerners but means something quite different to indigenous cultures.

Once, the ocean was thought to be inexhaustible—a limitless source of edible sea creatures. Now, many marine populations are plummeting, and perhaps no fish is currently in greater danger than the Atlantic bluefin tuna.

On March 1, 1896, Italian forces attempted to gain control of Ethiopia in the Battle of Adowa. The results from this conflict would mark the beginning of the end of European colonialism in Africa.

Like most other people in the world, Africans need a practical and cost effective way to get from point A to point B, and it is bicycles that have kept Africans on the move.

Throughout history, sexuality has been at the very heart of every culture. But from one culture to the next, moralities towards it differ greatly.

Tennis icon Martina Navratilova defied age to win major doubles championships after 40. Despite her renowned tenacity and training regime, summiting Kilimanjaro is not yet part of her legacy.

In November of 2010, Miin Alikhan, a hospital director from Toronto, Ontario, developed high altitude pulmonary edema during a Kilimanjaro climb and was subsequently evacuated during the night after her team had summited. Here is Miin’s first hand account of her time on the mountain.

Carnival, the annual rite of letting your alter ego out of the cage, has many faces, customs and costumes.

Every once in a long while, a person is born in this world that possess an unusual combination of altruism, ambition and guts.

If you live near a major city in the world, or these days even a smaller one, there is one thing you can’t avoid: traffic. Add road rage into the mix and you’ve got a highly combustible cocktail for a driving disaster.

In an age where independent films and global cinema are so readily available, it is well worth taking a look at the past and present of the African continent’s cinematic history.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, one in two people survive on less than $1 per day. However, there are also a number of African individuals with extreme wealth - even a few who have made Forbes World’s Billionaires list.

It’s nothing new; throughout human history, fermented beverages have been brewed for heady consumption.

As far as sacred mountains go, Borneo’s Mount Kinabalu ranks up there with Kilimanjaro, Everest and Denali. But unlike iconic peaks elsewhere that are reserved for fit hikers and mountaineers, Kinabalu is climbed by nearly everyone on Sabah, or at least they try. It’s as much a spiritual and mental

This year, Tusker's signature Mongolia Trek landed itself on Outside's esteemed hot list.

Board any commercial airliner these days and upon first inhale, you’ve filled up your lungs with the B.O. infused oxygen of several hundred passengers from the prior flight. In some instances, it gets to a point where a traveler is far too stinky to be around others and

Second only to drug trafficking, the smuggling of endangered animal species is a major, illegal international business.

These women call themselves the Asgarda and they are seeking nothing short of complete autonomy from men.

Most Americans have stopped traveling to Mata Ortiz, just 140 miles south of the border because of the drug war and it’s too bad. The once forgotten town has dusted off its prehistoric roots and has become synonymous with cutting edge 21st century pottery, creating a revolution in mud, not

In March, Gavin MacKenzie, a Canadian Lawyer and 9x Boston Marathoner, did a solo summit of Kilimanjaro with Kombe, his Tusker guide. During his climb, Gavin kept a detailed journal of his experience to share with family and friends. Gavin’s entry from his emotional summit day offers a rich description

Born out of extreme ethnic and economic tensions, Biafra was a creation that many countries refused to recognize. Though Biafra ceases to exist today, its story is a timely cautionary tale.

Tusker’s video “Kilimanjaro – A Lost World”, narrated by Will Lyman, recently exceeded the 100,000-view mark on YouTube.

Luanda, Tokyo and Geneva are very different places, but they have one thing in common. They are damn expensive.

An avid astrophotographer, one of Shawn Quinn’s main objectives was to photograph the southern skies with a DSLR on a tracking mount. Upon his return home, Quinn wrote a fascinating article about the expedition, which was published in Sky and Telescope magazine complete with his stunning photography.

Many European birds are known to use Africa as their winter home. But in recent years, numerous species have decided not to return to Europe after their stay, or return in far less numbers.

If the world is shrinking, consider what hasn’t changed in Chimayo, New Mexico.

The Aghori tribe in Northern India are self-proclaimed holy men – holy men who embrace some decidedly unholy things.

A few months ago, Lynn Anderson, stood on the summit of Kilimanjaro. To achieve the summit was a lifetime goal of hers, and at the age of 66, she was finally able to make her dream a reality. Upon her return home, Lynn wrote the following letter to Eddie Frank

Meet the first generation of African filmmakers who are not easily seduced by Hollywood. Their work is groundbreaking and their continued successes will help Africa emerge as a cinematic center.

Smoking dates back to the earliest known history of humankind, and the ritual and meaning of smoking is a most fascinating subject. Especially since old habits die hard; today we live in a world with 1.1 billion tobacco smokers.

In March 2011, Scott Stewart, President of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, climbed Kilimanjaro with three friends to raise money for their local hospital. Not only did the team summit successfully, they also blew their fundraising goal out of the water, raising over $100,000 which will be used to build a cancer

No matter where you live in the world, getting behind the wheel of a car and venturing out has its risks. But there are a few choice spots in the world where you can exponentially increase your chance of disaster and death on the road.

Dating can be hard enough as it is. When you’re stuck in a rut - frustrated by the options you have in your social circle, your town, or even your country - a foreign fling may be just the thing to jumpstart your romantic life.

Hayley Bushnell recently climbed Kilimanjaro for her 30th birthday. The climb was not only her first summit; it was also her first camping trip!

Leading glaciologists have declared that glaciers and ice fields are receding at an alarming rate, and for the most part, their findings are correct.

Poll any population on a prison yard and you’ll find nothing but innocent men. How can no one there be guilty of a crime? The answer lies … in a lie.

“I felt like I could handle anything in that moment. I was smiling so big my face hurt. I felt like laughing. I felt grace.” In May, Tusker coordinator Mariya Porten climbed Kilimanjaro with her father, Steve Porten. The climb affected Mariya in ways she never could have imagined, and

This is the second article in a 3-part series about Tusker Trail’s newest trip – Mongolia's Altai Mountains: Ancient Culture and Photography Workshop. The renowned Esther Jacobson-Tepfer is the cultural instructor for the upcoming workshop. Discover how Esther made her way from Boston to the petroglyph-studded steppes of Mongolia’s

Most cultures over the centuries have produced their own clown characters, performing almost identical functions as anarchic fools skilled in the art of pantomime, mimicry, and chaos. The need for a punch line, often at our own expense, is in our blood, and if the scientists are right, our blood

In much of the Western world, our notion of eating fruit consists of the conventional apples, oranges, and bananas. However, there is a whole world of exotic goodness out there, and many of our palettes have hardly scratched the surface.

This August, Maxine Adshead, a retiree from Cranbrook, British Colombia who is an avid hiker and black belt in karate, summited Kilimanjaro as a member of the annual Eddie & Amy Frank Climb. Read Maxine’s heartfelt letter to Tusker Coordinator, Mel Kaida, about the many special moments her team shared

The internal strife on the African continent has made it almost impossible to build a strong communication infrastructure. But things are starting to change. Multiple countries in Africa already have satellites in orbit, some used for disaster monitoring and tracking endangered species, such as gorillas.

This is the third article in a 3-part series about Tusker Trail’s newest trip – Mongolia's Altai Mountains: Ancient Culture and Photography Workshop. Gary Tepfer is the photo instructor for the upcoming workshop, and after three-decades in the field, Tepfer is eager to share his skills. Get ready for

Personal appearance is a big deal for many of us, and one of the defining factors of a person’s appearance is their hair. Having well-groomed hair is not a trend that is exclusive to modern civilization. For thousands of years, hair has played a highly important role in society.

Before Beth Behrle climbed Kilimanjaro in 2006, she promised her 12-year-old daughter Katie that they would climb it together some day. The climb would prove to be much more challenging than Beth had ever imagined. But 5 years later, Katie held her mom to the promise she had unwittingly made

Seen throughout history, maps ultimately tell stories about places, and the people who lived there. Always a representation of knowledge, and forever an instigator of adventure, maps trace the broad sweep of human history.

All is not well in the world of coral reefs in our oceans. The consensus among many scientists throughout the world seems to be that the future of coral reefs is an absolute nightmare.

Beauty has always been in the beholder’s eye, but it is also a window into a country’s psyche.

Forget everything you know about the bad boys of history. Guys like Robin Hood had nothing on Eustace the Black Monk.

The Hubble Space Telescope is a space-based observatory that has transformed astronomy, spirituality, and galvanized even the most casual stargazers among us.

While the government continues to plan the take-down of Rio’s dilapidated favelas, there are those who strive to bring dignity to the resilient residents through public art projects. After all, these neighborhoods have come to define the partial identity of the Brazilian nation over time.

This Kili trip began with Mark suggesting the base camp of Everest. Again I said no way. Mark came back with, "How about Kilimanjaro?"

Almost everyone loves a mystery. Dating back in literature almost 200 years, the form can be traced from obscure early 18th century German authors, to Edgar Allen Poe, to Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, to the hardboiled Dashiel Hammett, all the way up to the fraying CSI franchise on TV.

For artists through the ages, death wasn’t something to wallow in, but the catalyst to create some of the planet’s most vibrant folk and fine art.

There is no pure water on our planet. Period. How does humanity secure access to the cleanest, most sustainably-sourced water?

One “lone wolf” bequeathed to us by history stands above the rest, at least in terms of sheer swagger and audacity. John Fairfax was the first human being to row solo across any ocean—the Atlantic, and he’s first to row across the Pacific, period.

Despite being the "golden" group member, Jim O'Brien regales over his Kilimanjaro climb, foggy summit and all.

They are some of the world’s cultural icons and richest ecosystems. Established in 1972 at a United Nations convention, today the list of World Heritage sites has ballooned to 936 in 153 countries. UNESCO has come under increasing pressure and criticism for its World Heritage campaign.

“Where do we come from? And where are we going?” The mystery of our being is a widely debated subject that never fails to fascinate. Perhaps reincarnation best describes the repetitive cycle of birth, death, and rebirth?

Sterling Rollins climbed Kilimanjaro with his family when he was 15 in 2010. Have a look at his eloquent account of the climb, written recently at age 17 for his English class.

Does foreign aid help or hurt Africa in the long run? Based on 50 years of foreign aid’s poor record, we think we know the answer.

Continuing to trailblaze in its approach to climbing Kilimanjaro, Tusker Trail has just entered into a groundbreaking (and mouth-watering) exclusive deal with the Culinary Institute of America.

While most nations with developed armed forces have Special Forces units, there are a few nations known for having units that could each arguably be called “the best of the best.” Take a look at some of the more elite forces around the globe.

Mount Kilimanjaro is both an iconic and clichéd part of Africa’s landscape. Artists have portrayed its massive snow-capped heights for a century and much of the work is not that artistic. Niles Nordquist and Aron Belka’s works emphasize the ephemeral beauty of the mountain.

The Ganges is the symbol of India, representing the country’s ancient civilization. Millions of people make pilgrimages to the river every year. However, the river, symbolizing the livelihood and religion of millions of Hindus, is threatened.

Democratizing and inescapable, altitude is the world’s Great Equalizer. It’s enough to make our Founding Fathers proud. The question is not who, but how much. And the higher you climb, the greater the effect.

I walked away feeling a great sense of accomplishment, not only because I reached the summit – but because I had fun doing it. I enjoyed every day and every moment on the mountain. I was inspired by its beauty, the strength of my teammates and the

At the height of Shanghai’s chaos in the early 1900s, one man entered the picture who would revolutionize self-defense and aid in turning the city around. His name was William Ewart Fairbairn, an English soldier.

Like an arrow in flight moving in only one direction, our bodies never get younger. “Time’s Arrow” has been shot, and is flying straight for a target it will never miss.

An elephant sculpted from barrels of an AK-47. A park bench designed from confiscated Glocks. Artists in gun-saturated parts of the world are transforming deadly weapons into works of art to make a statement and promote peace.

Located just over 1700 miles off the coast of South Africa, the island of Tristan da Cunha is the most remote inhabited island on Earth. For the bold adventurer, there are only a few locations left in the world as secluded and significant. Tusker Trail can take you there.

Inspired to hike Kilimanjaro in honor of fellow breast cancer survivors, Tusker trekker Donna Boehm reflects on what “Upkili for Breast Cancer” means to her.

The discovery of the Higgs boson, the holy grail of all quantum physics. The birth of a pure white albino bison, one of the rarest animals in the world. At first glance, these events may seem to have nothing in common. But with some perspective and a little imagination, they

Sex appeal is paramount in the lives of humans. Whether we realize it or not, we are all slaves to the biochemical odors, facial shapes and voice pitches of others.

The world’s biggest “landfill” isn’t even on land; it’s floating on a broad expanse of the northern Pacific Ocean. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch covers an area roughly the size of Africa and continues to grow.

From Sir H. Rider Haggard to Chinua Achebe, Africa-inspired literary lions have weaved a story as large as the continent.

In 1998, a bleaching event wiped out over 10 percent of the world’s coral reefs. Super reefs off Kenya’s coast have shown resistance to bleaching and may hold answers for reversing reef decline globally.

The bhut jolokia, or ghost pepper, is the hottest pepper in the world. One woman can rub its puree in her eyes without even a wince. Can you brave the heat?

From “The Odyssey” to “Robinson Crusoe”, stories of survival have seized the imagination for centuries. The idea of cheating death keeps us captivated and dares us to tread where our fears keep us from going.

They stand on Los Angeles street corners waiting for pickups to take them to construction jobs. They stand in the middle of Mexican intersections breathing fire hoping for a tip. They sit under the Nairobi sun selling toilets and fixing tires. They are workers in the world's biggest employment sector 

Just as in humans, mobility, energy, and psychology are all factors that affect animals that are missing limbs. The art and science of animal prosthetics has progressed to allow animals a range of motion and a degree of freedom that was never before possible.

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. – Jacques Cousteau The final frontier of adventure may be space travel, but we have at least one frontier right here on Earth where relatively few people have ever ventured: the sea.

African wine connoisseurs are no longer concentrated only in South Africa. The popularity and production of wine is increasing rapidly throughout the continent.

Three environmental heroes toil quietly in Namibia, Brazil and India to save wildlife, but their innovative and daring ideas as well as their life experiences have been spread globally through TED.

Modern science didn’t come as far as it has simply by mixing chemicals in test tubes and injecting them into monkeys. The controversial tradition of self-experimentation has led to many breakthrough discoveries, but not without its often fatal risks.

In Kenya, 85 percent of the population has no electricity. Riots recently erupted in Pakistan over ten hour power cuts. India and China turn to often environmentally disastrous dams to feed their underpowered grids. The grid will likely not reach the remote corners of Mongolia or the vast rural plains of

Legendary female Samurai warrior Tomoe Gozen paved the way for the highly successful women of modern-day Japan. As beautiful as she was deadly, Tomoe was a woman not to be messed with.

Approaching midnight, on November 19, 2012, when Tusker founder Eddie Frank’s father, Mike, passed away peacefully at Eddie’s home, with Eddie and his wife Amy by his side – as they tell it, with a grin on his face – the world lost a true genius.

In a true testament to the indomitable spirit of dogs, man’s best friend saves a remote town in Alaska under siege by a deadly epidemic.

In 2011, Tusker's signature Mongolia Trek landed itself on Outside's esteemed hot list of top adventure trips. What distinguished it from hundreds of other contenders? Perhaps the breathtaking and remote landscape, spectacular biodiversity and cultural treasures had something to do with it. You’ll never look at the world the

In an age where man’s relationship with technology is paramount, our relationship with plants is unfortunately overlooked. In this age of global warming, there’s a good chance herbs and medicinal plants will keep you alive a lot longer than your computer.

A lost, unconscious child on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. A distressed hiker with a broken leg. Tusker guides to the rescue. In a letter to their trekking coordinator, Haley Brunello, Duane Lyons expresses his gratitude to the Tusker family.

On June 3, 1950, Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal summited Annapurna I, the first of the world’s fourteen 8,000 meter peaks to be climbed. Herzog’s account of the epic climb may have been one-sided, but his feat of reaching the impossible continues to resonate. As Herzog writes, “There are

In their shesh head wraps and long flowing bubus they are striking. When you add electric guitars, their on-stage presence is riveting. The rebellious sounds of legendary African rock musicians outlived the regimes that threatened them. You'll now find them at the center of the world music scene.

Two times to Uhuru just wasn't enough - Tanzania is calling him back. Mark Smith plans a grand farewell to Kilimanjaro via Tusker's Kili 360 Route.

Situated in the northwest corner of Iran, Lake Oroumieh is anything but ordinary. Faced with major environmental problems, Iran is poised to lose this natural wonder that has sustained civilizations and provided habitat to wildlife for centuries.

The Lyons family expresses their gratitude to Tusker Trail. Tusker Guides left a mighty impression by saving a lost, unconscious child, then rescuing an immobile climber.

The latest on the Tusker planet. 1. Tusker's latest Kilimanjaro route. The "Legacy" route. 2. View the upcoming solar eclipse from Kilimanjaro.

At precisely the same time as the Iranian Hostage Crisis, 3,000 miles away, Eddie Frank’s fledgling Tusker Trail was undergoing a little crisis of its own.

Conservation efforts are increasingly seen as a way to heal war torn nations. If wildlife can survive and rebound in war weary countries there is hope.

On the one year anniversary of her Kilimanjaro summit, Stacey Bieren reflects on the similarities between climbing a mountain and competing in the Special Olympics.

Located off the coast of Tanzania, Kilwa Kisiwani was once the most important urban center in the Indian Ocean. With its lofty ambitions, long run of success and an unparalleled allure, Kilwa Kisiwani was truly a city of power.

Niki Harry reflects on the trip of a lifetime. Delicious surprises and amazing people to top off a successful summit – not a bad way to celebrate a birthday!

Eating out of toilets; dining with the dead; waiters serving a life sentence. Restaurateurs find success in pushing the limits and testing your gag reflex.

The quest for vitality is as long running as humankind. From tobacco to khat, people around the world are chewing themselves awake.

The notorious Albanian Blood Feuds left many families without a male head of the household. Following strict moral codes, the eldest daughter chopped off her hair, swore virginity and took on the role.

When Mike Ramsden called wanting to do a fundraising climb for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, I signed up on the spot - as the guide. The CLIMB FOR THE CURE was a huge success; win-win is an understatement.

Inspired by her friend Sheila Robertson's Kilimanjaro climb, Johan reminds us, “Life is really worth living to the fullest.”

The question of what constitutes art is an everlasting debate. Whether it be a Tinga Tinga style painting or a Mongolian horse bridle, true art infects you with feelings.

After 1,600 kilometers of potholes, several near accidents and numerous Mexican army drug checkpoints, we were close to the U.S. border. And then things got interesting. (This is Part II of a three part series on international borders.)

Kilimanjaro, Hakuna Matata. Sharon Kaufman on the adventure of a lifetime.

Life in border towns is often driven by contrasts between countries straddling the line. To survive, you have to be street smart, fearless and perceptive.

Shah Jahan ruled the Mongol empire with a ruthless brand of justice and flagrant self-celebration. But his greatest monument would come to be inspired by something other than his delusions of grandeur; it would be inspired by love.

Grappling with the discovery of impossibly large skeletons and vastly oversized tools, researchers find themselves debating if giants existed beyond the realm of mythology.

That immortal line quoted in the title above found its way into Eddie's brain, out of his mouth, and into the annals of adventure as one of the - until now - least known epic comebacks ever.

It started with a record-breaking 1 mile run through the Detroit Airport. It ended as the best trip ever.

Welcome to Spoke City where bike shops replace gas stations and without a set of human-powered wheels, you just can’t function.

For centuries, Socotra has left visitors bewildered and convinced that there is more to this ecological gem than meets the eye.

Frances gives a shout out to the 23 member Tusker Team for helping her family to top.

In Tinku, there are no belts to be earned and you can’t buy a ticket to a fight. This form of ritual conflict has remained the same for centuries and may be the last uncommercialized martial art.

Back in the late 70s, long before Eddie Frank would become a world-renowned expert in high altitude climbing, he made his first attempted climb of Kilimanjaro and almost never made it off the mountain alive.

For three hours we were transported to Jamaica and Ethiopia on Bob Marley’s reggae riffs, exhorted by guys in dreadlocks to “stand up for your rights”. From what geyser did this cry for freedom spring?

The Moken people have no written language, running water, or electricity. These masters of the ocean have managed to eschew modern civilization, making them among the least touched people in the world.

Anyone who says that youth is wasted on the young must have missed that page in the manual describing how to go out and grab life by the boleros when the call to adventure comes.

Okay, it’s not a Himalayan giant. In fact, it barely qualifies as a scramble. But when you are 72, your knees are shot, and your VO₂max is edging toward zilch, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340-ft/5,895-m) can be a personal Everest.

Tusker’s Badass of the Month is a new series debuting this issue. It chronicles some of the baddest, toughest, smartest men/women who fought good fights, made lots of enemies and were controversial, never conventional.

It’s the summer of ‘78. Eddie was so far down the river (literally) that had the Earth ceased to spin, he may have been one of the last people to hear.

I was about 30 minutes away from reaching Moir Camp when I had officially run out of steam – for the third or fourth time.

Since the death of mass circulation magazines Life and Look, a new cadre of fearless photographers has captured both the dark and bright side of the human condition.

Whether you have a thing for toilets or Pez dispensers, there’s a good chance there’s a museum out there, or one in the works, where you can go and geek out.

In seventh grade, the dream took shape. A geography teacher painted Africa’s tallest mountain in such tantalizing hues that young Nick Follger was entranced.

Pilgrimages come in all shapes and sizes. Some walk to restore the environment while others end up destroying it.

A conversation with Eddie Frank on lessons learned along the way to 50 Kilimanjaro summits.

This is the second profile in our Badasses series of women and men who were so tough, nothing except father time could kill them. These stories might offend you, so be it. Get over it, learn from them. Our badasses lived fully with no regrets.

Africa has become fertile ground for Hollywood’s bleeding hearts. But for those trying to survive the plunder of corrupt governments, the arrival of these celebrity saviors might seem a bit ridiculous.

In 1963, the year Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison, another, albeit less notorious, act of subversion against white minority rule in South Africa had just been completed; a film starring Eddie’s mother, Evelyn Frank.

With several shark species edging towards extinction, the ocean’s most loathed predator is finally getting some love.

We’re down. And we’re dirty. But it’s a clean kind of dirty. It’s the kind of dirt that reaches deep down into your soul, and cleanses your spirit.

Performing death-defying flips off buildings and leaps over 100-foot drop gaps with a single bound, masters of parkour are challenging the physical and mental constraints of man.

The third profile in our Badasses series takes a look at Thor Heyerdahl's epic life-long pissing match with the academic realm.

I tried to brush it off as just another climb, but no one would have it. Our group of 8 climbers and 56 Tusker crew reminded me in no uncertain terms that this was something more than just another climb.

Laird Hamilton changed the perception of what is possible by riding the biggest, fastest and deadliest waves this planet has to offer.

Festivals offer us a chance to escape our self-imposed straightjackets and truly live in the moment. You could find a new direction, get wasted, become enlightened. You could father a child, or a charity. In any case you will be moved.

Tusker Trail’s founder tries to connect the dots between achieving altitude and his personal experience with Parkinson’s disease.

Forget the easy pleasures of money, power and fame. Instead, imagine if you could levitate.

Any hope of relief presented by the rainbow was dampened by the fears created by the massive Barranco Wall. It was hard to ignore this looming obstacle as it cast a dark shadow over camp.

This is the fourth story in our series of badass women and men who traveled and lived beyond the pale. Popularity and style points were not their MO; instead they pushed boundaries and everybody’s buttons. Learn from their heroics and mistakes.

Mountains have always symbolized eternal life. However, there is a darker side of the mountain. A place where people go to commit suicide.

Mount Kilimanjaro is loaded with facts. Here's 8 things you might not know about this majestic mountain.

An hour or so into the climb, I noticed I was breathing hard and I was falling further behind. The climb became silent and serious.

With the inherent flaw of man, ending corruption is an idealistic goal. Play the game or pay for it.

No laws or social stigmas will force them to abandon the old ways of moonshining and the sense of freedom it provides.

This is the fifth story in our series of badass women and men. It’s a tale of bloodlust, rape and revenge. Read and learn from our badass heroine’s resilience.

I thought about my dad. I imagined what our conversation would have been like had he still been alive. The stories I would share with him of Kilimanjaro – of how 25 of us came together in an attempt to make a difference in the lives of all Canadians.

Tusker Geografica’s World War II series pays homage to the men whose sacrifices are obscured by time and the failed wars that followed. In part I we revisit the role my father played.

The world has become a frighteningly dangerous place for poachers of rhino, elephant and other wildlife on the brink of extinction.

The people most often called heroes today are soldiers. Brave soldiers, wounded soldiers and those who have fallen. The Kilimanjaro Climb for Valor is the perfect chance to walk all that hero talk.

Many think money makes the world go around, but the world would probably be better without it.

There are few among us who have not entertained the idea of permanently dumping modern civilization and seeking out a remote paradise in a far off corner of the world.

In 2001 on Tusker’s first charity climb, eight acquaintances became life-long friends and hatched a plan involving a really good, and really big bottle of Cognac. ‘The Kilimanjaro Tontine’ came out this year and 7 glasses were poured.

Tusker Geografica’s series on World War II pays homage to the men whose sacrifice is often obscured by time and the failed wars that came afterwards. In the second part we revisit the roles two POWs played.

They possess a death defying sense of adventure and piloting skills that would make your average commercial pilot squirm.

Hans Meyer Bags the Summit - Germany Loses Tanganyika. This is the first of a series on the early climbs of Mount Kilimanjaro. Strap on your pith helmet and crampons. Come along for the historic ascent.

The meaning and significance of trees range from the fascinating to the obscure.

Tusker Geografica’s World War II series pays homage to the men whose sacrifice is obscured by time. In part three we revisit the unusual role that Mike Frank played. The war shaped Mike into a father that would raise two fearless adventures, Tusker founder Eddie Frank and his brother

This is part 2 of a series of articles on the history and characters that made Kilimanjaro the iconic destination it is today. They were among the first to see the mountain’s majestic complexity, inspiring our quest to walk it and be shaped by it.

Carl Akeley's African expeditions were bloody and brazen, but ironically, aimed at conservation.

The grub is so good, I don’t know what to look forward to most: a day on the mountain or a night at the table.

Re-use. Re-cycle. Re-purpose. Mix this in with a power-dose of ingenuity, passion, and concern for the environment, and you have the African answer to big-factory corporate goods.

In Part 3 of our series on Kilimanjaro history, we take a look at the role Tusker Trail played in making Kilimanjaro the adventure travel destination it is today.

Do you ever trek or climb at altitude and get one of those coughs that takes months to go away? We may have found the cure.

At the end of a dotted line on the Kilimanjaro map - at the top of the mountain - is a sign. The newest sign (there have been 3) takes us back to the good old wooden days.

We've honed our bucket list down to an exciting handful of destinations. Now we need your help. Vote for the next Tusker Trail destination and you could win a free trek to Kilimanjaro, Mongolia, Bhutan, or Nepal.

A lot has changed since my early days of climbing Kilimanjaro in jeans and steel-toed boots. 38 years later, here's what you'll find in my duffel.

My dad lives in a box on the third shelf of my library. I suspect that now, after two years on the shelf he’s a bit tired of the banter on my bookshelves.

I hear a lot from folks who are concerned about Ebola and traveling overseas. Here are the facts.

Kilimanjaro is a world tourism anomaly in that locals and not international conglomerates benefit the most from tourism.

Your body is affected by the decrease in air pressure at high altitudes. When your body isn't adjusting properly to the thinning air, you develop AMS. Stay safe by learning how to recognize and treat it.

Aloise Price climbed Kilimanjaro with her son in September 2014. Here's her insider tips that helped them reach the top.

Mountains represent hope, and for millions down through the centuries, the dangerous height is their ticket to another - and sometimes better life.

It came as no surprise when we encountered the climber in distress, even though he was not their client, our Tusker guides rushed to his aid without hesitation, like the true professionals they are.

Find out why Tusker's newest and most unique charity climb is not to be missed.

The best way to ensure you can handle the physical demands of hiking Kilimanjaro is by replicating the activity you’ll be doing on the mountain – that is, hike!

This past October I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with Tusker Trail. From start to finish the guidance, care, attention, logistical support, and warmth afforded me was exceptional and did not disappoint one bit.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is always thrilling, but some months enhance the experience more than others. Here's a look at the best times to climb this mountain.

Gentry Magazine talks about Tusker’s very special mission - the Kilimanjaro Climb for Valor.

With the important and strenuous role porters take on each day, you would think they would be treated with the utmost respect, be provided with fair wages, proper shelter, and adequate food. You would be wrong.

Stay up to date on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa with these 3 recent articles.

Planning to climb Kilimanjaro? First you need to get there! Find out your different flight options and the easiest routes to take.

Tusker head guide, Kombe, shreds it on Kilimanjaro.

Find out the pros and cons of each Kilimanjaro route to help you plan an unforgettable experience that is the perfect fit for you.

Amazing sights await you in Africa. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Tanzanian sunsets and gorgeous wildlife on a Kilimanjaro Climb and African Safari.

How does one get the insatiable desire to seek out adventure? Eddie Frank recently stumbled upon a piece of his late father's writing that attempts to answer this question.

Find out how to mitigate the risks of adventure travel so that you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.

The challenge of Mount Kilimanjaro is referred to as both a hike and climb. Which describes it best?

Every 10 or so trips Eddie Frank leads, his faith in the human spirit gets restored. Read how the Climb for Valor did it this time.

Who says Africa was ruled by African male despots and white European invaders? This badass woman used everything at her disposal to stave off the Portuguese and plant the seed for Angola’s independent future.

Kilimanjaro’s rarely seen northern circuit is our favorite way to enjoy the solitude and majesty of this great mountain.

Learn more about the epic journey to the foot of Mount Everest.

On the way to the summit, Margie's group encountered a woman suffering from altitude sickness. Tusker guide Eliakim to the rescue.

On April 29th, 2015, Tusker successfully evacuated all 16 of our Everest Base Camp trekkers out of Nepal.

Providing immediate financial help to the Tusker crew in Nepal as they rebuild damaged homes and support their families.

Nearly a month after Nepal was rocked by a 7.8 earthquake, its people are very much in need.

The following figures should help put Kilimanjaro into perspective

The best way to explore Western Mongolia? On the back of the hearty Mongolian horse - completely natural and native.

Cargo cults worship the Gods of War. Sometimes when people encounter advanced technology they can’t comprehend; it becomes part of their religion.

Find out why Tusker Trail's Lemosho Route is one of the best ways to ensure a safe and successful climb.

Get to know Tusker’s next destination with some unique facts about this amazing country.

Three months after the devastating earthquake, the people of Nepal are making progress on the long road to normalcy.

In April 2015, cinematographer Troy Paff joined Tusker to capture the mountain, the climb and the people. Here's his story.

The success and safety of your climb depends largely on the expertise and ability of your guides. Make sure you choose guides that excel in these five skills.

Ahmed decided that what this diagnosis really meant was an opportunity to reinvent himself as the adventurer of his boyhood dreams. He asked Tusker to help.

Who Says the Era of Folk Art is Dead?

Guest post from Tusker Alumni Whynde Kuehn, Kilimanjaro charity climber for non-profit Goods For Good.

The biggest mistake adventure travelers make is inadequately preparing for the physical and mental rigors ahead.

The first of seven short videos that capture the essence of what it's like to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Climb Kilimanjaro with your mate and follow these simple suggestions to reignite the flame.

Photographer Troy Paff joined Tusker Trail in Mongolia to capture the beauty of the Altai Mountains and show how the Tusker crew and local nomads help make this wild trek such an incredible experience.

Great gift ideas for the adventure travelers in your life.

The second of seven short videos that capture the essence of what it's like to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

In 40 years of travel across Africa, how has Eddie never failed to cross a border? Put on your game face and dig for your kwachas.

Peru's culinary highlights are as diverse as the terrain. Here are some of the tastiest and most unique items to seek out on your Peruvian adventure.

I stood on the top of Africa’s highest peak, overwhelmed with awe of what I had just accomplished and the amazing people I got to accomplish it with.

Experience Tusker's 40 year legacy through a new interactive timeline, moving from Eddie's first Sahara crossing to Tusker's latest adventures.

A growing number of climbers are less about ego and more about helping others.

From Genghis Khan to eagle hunters and spectacular wildlife, Mongolia is full of interesting factoids.

The third of seven short videos that capture the essence of what it’s like to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Post this list in your packing place to avoid forgetting something in the rush before departure.

In the face of retirement and the sense of loss accompanied with it, Natalie sought out a new adventure - Kilimanjaro.

A young Eddie Frank, with wanderlust in his heart and a fire in his belly, found himself in Munich buying surplus German Army trucks with the outrageous plan to transport them all the way to West Africa.

Watch the fourth of seven videos that capture the essence of what it's like to climb Kilimanjaro with Tusker.

Climbing Kilimanjaro can be daunting so keep things into manageable perspective with these tips.

Tusker’s expansion out of Africa has been an organic, exploratory process that began in 2008 as part of Eddie Frank's restless search for adventure.

This 38 mile trek isn't about ego-driven peak bagging. It's a cultural and spiritual journey with some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery thrown in.

My family has gone on several adventure trips with different companies, and I have never been more impressed with a travel company than Tusker.

The disastrous earthquake in Nepal left many asking if trekking and climbing in the Everest region would return? The simple answer is yes.

Take a deeper look at the fifth of seven short videos that capture the essence of climbing Kilimanjaro.

Over 100 companies are competing on the mountain and the price range is as varied as Kilimanjaro’s terrain.

30,000 photographs and countless hours of video later, Eddie's early dreams of adventure photography have morphed into Tusker TV.

Take a deeper look at the sixth of Tusker's latest videos that capture the essence of what it's like to climb Kilimanjaro.

Tusker's Adventure Cuisine is far from the boring fare most of us associate with back-country grub. Take a look at what's on the menu.

The final video of Tusker TV's Kilimanjaro series reflects on the empowering nature of climbing this great mountain.

If you're an avid adventurer, these six destinations should be on your bucket list. Here's why

The Tusker team was exceptional in keeping safety as the priority yet still making Kilimanjaro a really fun experience.

Staying dry, warm and comfortable on your climb doesn’t require the kitchen sink. Use these tips from Kilimanjaro veteran Eddie Frank to take the stress out of packing.

Just because there's a lot of info about Kilimanjaro on the Internet, doesn’t mean it’s all accurate. Here are 10 of the worst pieces of Kili advice we’ve ever heard.

In a virtual reality age, we are letting laziness and fear ground us into the kind of person we promised ourselves we would never become.

Perhaps the hardest part of making it to Everest Base Camp is getting out of Kathmandu and the Khumbu Valley with your stomach unscathed.

Kilimanjaro is one of the few iconic mountains where most people who are fit and healthy can reach the summit and reignite that sense of achievement.

In a country where nomads still roam the bone-chilling steppes, the way to stay nourished in -40 degree winters is with heaping portions of meat and assorted animal fat.

Find out how to stay warm and dry using three layering essentials – base, insulating middle, and outer.

From its awe-inspiring landscapes, unique nomadic culture, and historical significance, the remote Western steppes of Mongolia are like no other place on earth.

Trail etiquette is about curbing your ego and being sensitive to your fellow human and the environment. Learn how to keep the peace and stay safe.

For families who enjoy the outdoors together, Kilimanjaro can be a special place to further seal the family bond.

Kilimanjaro may be a dormant volcano, but it is far from a static place. Recent changes on the mountain revolve around fluctuating weather, the global economy and the adventure travel industry.

The 38 mile trail to Everest Base Camp is in better shape today than it was before the devastating earthquake in April 2015, a testament to Nepal’s communal spirit and resilience.

Tusker Trail founder Eddie Frank has been shooting adventure for over four decades, taking more than 30,000 photos and countless hours of video. Find out how to get the perfect shot with his insider tips.

Katie reflects on how Tusker helped make her adventurous honeymoon in Tanzania a huge success.

Prepare for the mental and physical challenges of climbing Kilimanjaro with these world class adventure books. Read up, shape up and climb up.

Surviving the physical and mental hardships of winter in Mongolia is one of the world’s greatest outdoor challenges.

In order to find true adventure in a world dominated by big corporations, you need to snub the large travel companies and embrace the small.

Kilimanjaro's views, biological diversity and eminent standalone silhouette make it a favorite of the Seven Summits.

When adventuring in a world where over 90 percent of water is unsafe to drink, it's a challenge to stay both hydrated and healthy.

We knew that the choice of guiding company would be one of the most crucial decisions, and after much research we picked Tusker Trail. I couldn't be happier with that choice.

The trek to Everest Base Camp requires a wardrobe that is quickly interchangeable to suit the diverse topography and climate over your 38 mile journey.

Hunting with eagles started before Genghis Khan’s time, and Mongolia remains strongly tied to its primordial past.

All you need to show is the spirit of adventure, and Eddie will green light your membership into The Tusker VIP Adventure Group.

Kilimanjaro Climb for Valor brings together wounded vets, Gold Star family members and eight civilians on a Kilimanjaro climb. It’s a chance for the civilian and military worlds to

Travelers have the option of hiking or riding a horse (or both), and many Tusker tribe members opt to ride like Mongol nomads.

Avoid the second guessers by bagging the summit. Kilimanjaro is not about the journey, it’s about making the summit and the euphoria you share with your fellow summiteers.

Tusker’s alliance with the local Lions Club extends its own warm clothing drive with donations of money and/or clothes from caring clients

Climbing Kilimanjaro is not your ordinary trip and what works for you, sailing in the Caribbean or hiking in the Rockies, will likely not transcend to Tanzania

In July 2018 Mongolia will be the spectacular backdrop for a new charity expedition benefiting the Canadian Cancer Society

One of the highlights of this Kilimanjaro climb was camping in the Crater. As we were descending into the Crater after summiting, a very cool storm came up

You can have a great gym body, but not do so well on your attempt to bag Kilimanjaro or the Cordillera Blanca. How can that be?

The attention to our health was much appreciated. Tusker's medical care was one of the deciding factors in my selection of a trekking company.

Most of us like to do our travel homework by reading guidebooks; watching videos and trolling the Internet for trekking trip intel. That’s well and good, but

Nobody climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro alone. Not for a long time. And the most important people on your team should be your guides

Many adventure travelers consider themselves so resilient that they can get out of any backcountry jam. This bulletproof mentality leads many to scoff at evacuation insurance until

Slow down and drink You’ve trained for months and you’re 100 percent healthy exploding with energy after getting your first glimpse of Kilimanjaro. Once on the trail you’re like a lion chasing a gazelle---all adrenalin consumed by the chase. You by pass your fellow trekkers and despite your guides urging in

To me, Tusker Trail’s Everest Base Camp Trek is about the “why”? Why do I travel and why do I travel with Tusker Trail?

Medications and inoculations need to be taken as seriously as finding the right hiking boots for your Kilimanjaro climb. Do your homework both online and in your community

Tusker’s trek to Everest Base Camp (17,585 feet) features a 10,000 foot elevation gain that will take you through Asia’s most iconic landscapes and villages

Imagine you are watching an old, silent movie with Charlie Chaplin starring. He walks down a street, wiggles his mustache, opens up his bag, and pulls out an iPad. “Wait!

The one common denominator with these indigenous solutions is they try improving blood circulation that allows the brain to tolerate low oxygen levels

Tusker’s South America guide Andrew Springsteel had to make that hard, but right call this spring in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. After two-a-day medical checks, Sharon, one of the trekkers had developed early signs of high altitude pulmonary edema

From the ancients in Asia who thought a dragon had eaten the sun to today’s high tech chasers, total solar eclipses have made people curious, anxious, exuberant and crazy

On Tusker treks around the world where porters, yaks or mules carry most of your stuff, there is a tendency to under-think your daypack, but that’s a potentially big mistake

Peak Season Under Everest There are many reasons trekkers return to the Khumbu Valley once Nepal’s summer monsoons are over.  By October the rains have stopped, but they have provided the best trekking conditions during the year for the ascent to Everest Base Camp at 17,598 feet. After the dust and mud Mountainsides

Kombe is among Tusker’s top guides with a specialty in high altitude medical response. Kombe’s Tusker career arc reaches nearly as high as Kilimanjaro’s and Mt Everest's Summits

When you travel with Tusker make sure your sleeping bag is up to date and can deal with various weather elements on each trip. A summer weight bag will not be warm enough on Kilimanjaro or at Everest Base Camp or in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca

Nobody thinks twice about climbing Kilimanjaro then going on safari. It’s a well-established adventure travel double header, but few trek to Everest Base Camp then go on a Nepalese safari

As you climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro you enter through the rainforest and ascend to an arctic icecap. To pass through these divergent worlds you need to be as adaptable as the plants and trees

To climb Mt. Kilimanjaro you have six route choices. Not surprisingly the least taken is arguably the best

Any classic trek has the big pay-off. It’s getting into the heart of Altai Tavn Bogd where there are more eagles, wolves, and martens than people. This is the province of the iconic snow leopard and its prey

The question is a natural considering the top of Mt. Everest is over 29,000 feet, arguably the most challenging climb in the world. The good news is that Everest Base Camp or "EBC," as it is commonly called, is 12,000 feet lower

The Machame Route has been popular ever since Kilimanjaro opened to global tourism in the 1950s. At 37 miles gate-to-gate Machame is the shortest, but one of the steepest

In January 2018, Eddie will take a scouting trip up Kilimanjaro seeking the seventh route. He is keeping his route details close to his down vest because

The trekking window opens in spring and fall when warm/dry conditions provide your chance to follow in the footsteps of mountain climbing legends by trekking to Everest Base Camp

Few of us will ever attempt to climb Everest because we lack the maniacal drive of the men and women depicted in the best books and movies about Everest. Read and watch these accounts and they may inspire you at the very least to trek to Everest Base Camp

Kilimanjaro allows only the chosen few to summit. Follow these 10 Commandments to lead you to the light at the top of Africa.

As a boy growing up at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Simon Minja cut grass for his father’s cows, but knew he had a higher calling. He peered skyward to the Kibo summit hoping to join his dad atop the mountain one day

-- THANK YOU FOR VISITING TUSKER TRAIL -- -- CLICK HERE TO EXPORE OUR NEW WEBSITE & NEW TREKS --   The only way to reach the Mt. Kilimanjaro summit is with your own two feet. Even though shoes may not necessarily be the first thing on your packing list, starting with the right

You finally did it — you booked your Kilimanjaro climb. While you’re probably feeling excited to climb one of the Seven Summits, it’s also totally normal to feel a little nervous about making sure you’re ready. So, when should you start training and what should you tackle first? If there’s one thing we’ve

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Packing for the adventure that is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro may seem overwhelming at first — especially if you lack hiking experience or are prone to overpacking to begin with. When you don’t know which type of gear to bring versus rent and you step into an outdoor retail space like a

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Tusker Trail runs climbs on both routes, but founding guide, Eddie Frank strongly recommends Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Route and here is his rationale

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

We’re human, we make mistakes. But if your Kilimanjaro climb is going to succeed at the summit, you’ve got to minimize the errors.

How much does a Kilimanjaro climb cost? Unlike a ticket to Disney World, you can’t quickly Google a set price and budget it into your trip planner. There are over 200 guiding companies and thousands of agencies, and the price of a Mount Kilimanjaro hike varies wildly between each of them. Perform

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

The world’s crossroads intersect in many far flung places, but none more spectacular than roadless Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. Sometimes only a hiking trail brings the world together

Wondering how high you'll be if you summit Mount Kilimanjaro?  The Roof of Africa is approximately 19,341 feet above sea level. That's indeed a big trek - and not one everyone completes, for a mixture of reasons. But by far the biggest reason people blame for Kilimanjaro’s paltry 40% summit success rate

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

When you climb Kilimanjaro you need to protect yourself from the sun. That’s as obvious as the nose on your face, but are you truly protecting your nose

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?One of the lesser known Mount Kilimanjaro facts is that you can hike the world’s tallest freestanding mountain almost any time of the year. So, how do you decide when to schedule your climb?Most people use three key factors to help them book a

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

If you want 21st century tech on Kilimanjaro you need to do your homework, spend some extra money and don’t be surprised if your devices are not 100 percent connecting effectively. Don’t get frustrated by difficult connections. Tech angst only drains energy and focus

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Wondering what kind of training you need for Kilimanjaro? Standing at 19,341 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro requires serious mental, physical, and emotional endurance from start to finish. The strenuous climb - combined with the high altitudes - causes nearly 60% of climbers to leave the trails without ever taking a selfie at

Many mountain myths have surfaced surrounding this “wonder drug” and we hope to clarify its performance with the following myths and facts.

Did you know you can’t climb Kili without a licensed and registered guide? The government of Tanzania and the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park made it a rule that all treks up the mountain need a registered, licensed guide at the helm. That’s for a few reasons.  Most importantly, a Mount Kilimanjaro

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc cursus pharetra porttitor. Maecenas eget augue ipsum. Etiam maximus condimentum neque, sit amet auctor leo convallis id. Nunc ac varius nulla. Ut nec facilisis leo. Fusce ac ultrices ligula. Suspendisse tristique erat dui, vitae sagittis tellus eleifend sed. Aenean ornare, sapien

Summiting Everest is so stressful climbers need a place to exhale. Chaotic Kathmandu is where they relax. For you on your Everest Base Camp trek, it’s the best place to hear their stories and gain insight into what it’s like to be on Mt. Everest

What are the most interesting Mount Kilimanjaro facts you know? From random trivia tidbits to impress your friends with to record-setting climbs and famous celebrities who’ve tried to conquer the mountain, today we’ll be sharing 15 fun facts about this once-in-a-lifetime journey sure to inspire your next adventure -- or

As adventure travelers we are naturally curious, compassionate and willing to take risks. These are great qualities enriching our lives, but also can make us vulnerable to scams. Nepal is a magnificent adventure travel destination, but there is a caveat

How do you budget for your Kilimanjaro climb so you don’t drain your bank account or max out your credit cards? The average Kilimanjaro climb cost (from a reputable company) starts around $4,000 (not including airfare) and packages usually cover park fees, food, wages, gear, ground transport and medical equipment for you,

For decades high altitude medical expertise was not a priority for companies leading treks to Everest Base Camp. Many relied on the two local health clinics en route or the seasonal medical tent, Everest ER, during the

What’s the best jacket to pack for climbing Kilimanjaro? This is a question we get often - and one we are happy to help you find the answer to. In short, you’ll need several jackets to comfortably (and safely) climb Kilimanjaro. That’s because, when you climb from the base of Mount

Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro’s summit temps are below freezing. Patagonia and Mongolia are warmer, but not that much on windy and wet days

Kilimanjaro is a mythical mountain that spews new and old myths from its volcanic core.

Did you ever stop to think that there could be a better way up Kilimanjaro? Eddie Frank did. And here’s what he discovered.

It was truly special to be at the top of the world before ringing in 2018! Our Tusker guides Eliakimu, Pastori, and Urio were incredible! We were all amazed by the depth of their training and customer service skills

Trekking to Everest Base is easier than climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, but that doesn’t mean you take EBC for granted

The Make-A-Wish Israel team climbs Kilimanjaro for children with life-threatening illnesses By Avi Bar Aharon At the end of January this year, together with 13 members of our Make-a-Wish Israel delegation, I reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. We were there on a once-in-a lifetime journey to accompany Noga Barkan, a

Determining if a climb of Kilimanjaro is harder than a trek to Everest Base Camp shouldn’t be that difficult. Kilimanjaro stands at 19,341 feet in arctic-like conditions while Everest Base Camp sits at 17,650 feet and often out of the snow. Kilimanjaro’s overall summit success rates have been around 40

On Dec. 29 Tusker is leading a Kilimanjaro charity climb to benefit Endure to Cure, the non-profit that has worked with Nick and his parents. The climb is open to anyone and all

Buried under the snow, the Tavn Bogd Mountains divide Russia, China and Mongolia. The highest peaks are known as the Five Saints and in the perpetual snow

When Edmund Hillary was a member of the fabled 1953 British climbing team that did the impossible, EBC was just a glacial moraine on top of dry ice at the bottom of the foreboding Khumbu Icefall. It had been quiet for centuries except

Find out the essential items you need to make your climb safe and enjoyable.

How much does a Kilimanjaro climb cost? With prices ranging from $1,500–$7,000+, you can book a Kilimanjaro trek within your budget, but they’re not all created equal. In today’s guide, we’ll discuss the real cost to climb Mount Kilimanjaro from low-budget outfitters to luxury trekking companies. So let’s start by breaking down

Learn how to train your body for the physical demands of Kilimanjaro so you can enjoy the climb without injuries.

There is a good chance during a trek in Tusker country it will rain or snow. Most adventure travelers gear up to stay warm paying less attention to staying dry. Big mistake because getting wet especially in cold conditions can compromise your

On Kilimanjaro the one thing that separates the average guide from the well-trained professionals is their willingness to take clients camping in Kilimanjaro’s crater at 18,700 feet

What does it mean to be a trailblazer? This word often describes someone who sets out to create a new, better way of accomplishing a difficult task or challenge. And in the adventure world, sometimes it literally means blazing a new trail - or in this case a new Kilimanjaro route. Eddie Frank,

On Tusker’s Everest Base Camp trek a day off can be as active and as interesting as you want it to be. You can veg out in the lodge or venture out taking photos of the multicultural characters who ply the unpaved alleys in a global crossroads village

What documents must you carry when you’re climbing Kilimanjaro? Aside from your travel itinerary and passport, you’ll also need to have a few other critical papers handy in your daypack and written down on your Mount Kilimanjaro packing list so you don’t forget them. Check out today’s list of documents to

The Zen way to Everest Base Camp is less about the destination and more about how you’re trekking. Of course getting to the destination is important, but so can be the entire experience en route

What does it actually feel like to go on a Mount Kilimanjaro hike? Since your body has to deal with varying weather patterns, changing elevations and high altitude summiting, climbing Kilimanjaro can either mess with your system or have very little effect on it. The tricky thing is, you never know which

Hire wisely because not all guides have the requisite chops to help you deal with altitude sickness atop Kilimanjaro or Delhi Belly at Everest Base Camp or a river crossing on the Mongolian steppe. Generally, the quality of guides, while improving, is still all over the map

When you think of climbing Kilimanjaro, the food you eat on your journey may be the last thing on your mind… unless you have a special diet. Whether you’re vegan or vegetarian, avoiding carbs and sugar, or have allergy restrictions, what you eat is usually one of your first considerations before

We all need a shot of adrenalin at some point in our lives and we suggest that shot is time spent in primal nature on an adventure travel journey. Many folks are instinctively drawn to such an adventure, but

If you have never traveled outside your country, here’s a suggestion. Nepal was Hillary’s catalyst for a life of exploration and it could be yours as well

Most people’s first trip abroad is to Mexico or London or maybe even Thailand. All reasonable and worthwhile, but making your first trip abroad to Mongolia pushes the boundaries of your travel tolerance, curiosity and

You can climb Kilimanjaro in any of the four seasons, but there are many good reasons trekkers come in the equatorial summer months of December-January-February

Eddie and Amy Frank, Tusker’s owner/guides and biologist Thomas Rüegg,a Swiss botanist and mountaineer have created the first comprehensive guide to the Flora of Kilimanjaro

As much as it is a physical challenge, climbing Kilimanjaro is a sensory journey. To better heighten and understand that part of the climb, Tusker’s owners Eddie and Amy Frank with Thomas Rüegg have just published,“The Flora of Kilimanjaro---A Field Guide

We all need a shot of dopamine at some point in our lives and we suggest that shot is time spent in primal nature on an adventure travel trip. Many instinctively are drawn to such an adventure, but fear holds us back

The benefits of a private expedition are many. You go where you want, you travel with your trusted friends, you save money and you get the benefits of Eddie’s 43 years of global contacts and leading trips in unchartered territories

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Tusker is heading to Greenland in 2020. As one of the world’s least visited, most spectacular places it is the perfect destination for Tusker’s ever curious..

Lady Dixie Florence was the first to go agog when she saw Paine’s massive towers calling its three throne granite setting, “Cleopatra’s Needles.” This was written in her 1880 travelogue “Across Patagonia,” but we haven’t read her take, and will take her word for it

If you think that everything from intricate brain operations to delicate nose jobs and other surgeries of all kinds are inventions of modern medicine… think again. The art and science of surgery on humans was developed and widely practiced thousands of years ago.

Partial knee replacements have given Eddie a new lease on trekking life and he encourages those contemplating either a partial or total knee replacement to go for it. A successful surgery can

The first question we ask ourselves, ‘are we going to have to climb that looming wall today?’ Hopefully we get to camp beneath it and tackle it in the morning’s freshness. Thankfully the Barranco Wall is for tomorrow

At 19, 341 feet Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and that alone should send a message to anyone considering climbing it. At that elevation the air is so thin that unless you’ve got Nepali Sherpa lungs and blood you will be affected

The glaciers are melting, but that’s not the only compelling story unravelling in Greenland today. Adventure travelers recognize the urgency to see this sprawling, barrenly beautiful wilderness of iceberg laden fjords and glacier chiseled peaks

Over a year ago, I got 2 partial knee replacements and decided to road test them on a Kilimanjaro climb - my 54th. The climb was interesting. What ensued was more than

Keeping clients healthy has been a Tusker trademark for over two decades. Tusker Trail's founder, Eddie Frank has pioneered ways to treat altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro and found a solution to conquer “Delhi Belly,” the water born intestinal issue that impacts Nepal Base Camp trekkers. Mitigating back-country medical issues is a

Read Part 1 to this story to gain more insights!  Adventure travel requires an appetite for risk - balanced by trip planning and peak physical conditioning. We’ve been grounded temporarily by the Covid-19 global pandemic, but we are already making plans to start climbing to Kilimanjaro's Summit  or exploring Greenland’s amazing

If climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is on your bucket list, regardless of your age, you’ll need to invest in some serious preparation before your trip. And if you’re older and not in the best shape of your life, you’ll have to train even harder. How to Tackle it This isn’t something you can

There may be a silver lining in that gray hair atop your balding head. People in their 50’s and older may be able to handle high altitude better than people half their age

Take a deeper look at the first of Tusker's newest videos that capture the wild beauty of Western Mongolia.

Take a deeper look at the second of Tusker's latest videos that capture the essence of trekking in the Altai Mountains of Western Mongolia.

Take a deeper look at the third of Tusker's newest videos that capture the essence of trekking in Western Mongolia.

Iceland was forged by the hammer of Thor and many still believe in his global might. This third article in our Iceland series takes you inside the Asatru movement.

When you figure out the best time to trek Everest Base Camp, or EBC as it's sometimes called, everything else about this once-in-a-lifetime trip will soon fall into place. But it does require a bit of soul-searching and a decent amount of planning to get right.  After all, you’ll need to

How many people do you know who’ve completed a Greenland Dogsled Expedition? For most readers, that answer is a big goose egg. Because we limit the group size on this trek to just five explorers per trip, completing this once-in-a-lifetime expedition is a rare gem in anyone’s bucket list collection. If you hear