
+6
This was my second experience with Pamoja Kilimanjaro and Safaris, and I can genuinely say I would recommend them to anyone without hesitation.
This most recent trip was a solo journey to Arusha, and from the moment I arrived, Richard and his team made me feel like I wasn’t alone for a second. I successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, and doing something that big on my own could’ve felt intimidating, but instead, it felt empowering because I was surrounded by people who cared about me and wanted me to succeed.
One of my favorite parts of the entire experience is how safe I felt the whole time. The team supported me from the airport pickup all the way through the end of the trip, and that kind of consistency really matters when you’re traveling solo in a different country.
The climb itself was unforgettable. There was so much joy on the mountain! We spent plenty of time laughing, playing games, singing and dancing in the middle of all the hard work. And when it got tough (because it definitely did), the team didn’t let me shrink back from it. They encouraged me, kept me grounded, and helped me keep going in a way that was genuine. The “pole pole” pace was perfect, and it reminded me that you don’t have to rush something for it to be powerful. Also, the food was great (I still think about the chipsi mayai), and I especially want to thank my guide David for his knowledge, his spirit, and the energy he brought every day. I was able to ask a lottt of questions and learn so much.. I spent so much time chatting with the whole team, that I didn’t have the chance to feel homesick in the slightest.
The Pamoja team also celebrated my birthday during the trip, and when I reached the summit they even surprised me with sparkling cider. It was such a thoughtful and personal touch, and honestly it meant a lot, especially being away from friends and family during the climb. I also loved that the team posts updates on their social media in real time. My loved ones back home were able to see my progress, send messages to the team, and feel connected to me while I was on the mountain and had moments with limited reception.
After the climb, I also visited the Auresta Coffee Roastery and the Materuni Coffee Plantation & Waterfall, and this was truly a beautiful experience for me. I’m a coffee roaster in the US, so being able to see the coffee process at the source, learn about how it’s grown and prepared, and make coffee the local way was so much fun!
I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Tanzania, and I’ll absolutely be booking with Richard and the Pamoja team again (hopefully for a safari next). If you’re thinking about choosing a tour company, choose them. You’ll be in really excellent hands❤️