KILIHOLIDAYS TEAM LEADER
Tours by Locals (aka Kiliholidays)
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2004)
- Member Of:
- TATO, TTB, KINAPA, MNRT & TPO
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
DE
Email Franziska | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible tour to Mount Meru
I did the Mount Meru trekking with Kiliholidays Tours & Safaris in October, 2022 as four days trekking tour. I chose Kiliholidays because I wanted to travel with a local company and because they offered the best value. I decided in advance to choose the four-days trekking because I had read that it is really exhausting.
The organization process in advance was good. Mack responded to each of my mails - not immediately but within two days. One great point in advance was that he organized also the transfer from and to the airport and the accomodation at the arrival day and for the day when we returned from Mount Meru.
The organization was really good. A driver picked me up at the airport and took me to Arusha where I met up with Mack at the hotel. Because I wanted to see something from the landscape, he organized to go to see some waterfalls. So after a short refreshing, I met Gabriel who took me to the waterfalls and who was also the guide for the Mount Meru for the following days.
The next day, I was picked up at 9 am to go to the Arusha national park and to Momella Gate from where we started going up to the Meru. I was alone for my tour (the team was made of three persons (guide, porter and cook). At the Momella gate we met with two other groups (one with two and another with one clients). The first part of the trek leads through the national park and we have seen Zebras, buffalos, pumbas and giraffes from a really short distance. After this we went up to Miriakamba hut. The pace was quite moderate and like this, there was alot of time to talk to all in the extended group, to enjoy the fresh air, the scenery - and to to take pictures, of course. Up at Miriakamba, we got our rooms - because there were almost no people around, we even got single rooms - and had time to refresh ourselves. Then we got tea/coffee and salted popcorn and cookies and dinner afterwards. It was a great time to discuss different topics with the other tourists and the locals.
After a really comfortable night at Miriakamba, we had breakfast the next morning and started going up to the Saddle Hut at around 9 am. As before, the trail i really good prepared, not very steep and easy to walk on. Enjoying the scenery - and the stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro - I had time to take many pictures, to observe some monkeys and to talk to Gabriel about the fauna, Tanzania in general and many different other things. Up at the Saddle, we had lunch, relaxed a little bit and after this, Gabriel and I walked upt to the Little Meru for acclimatization. Because of clouds coming up, the view was not the best, but it was an amazing atmosphere. Up at 3820 metres, I was impressed by the vegetation. After being back at the Saddle, we had dinner and went to bed at aroun 7:30 pm because we wanted to start the hike to summit at 1 am the next morning.
The night at the Saddle was colder than the one at the miriakamba (of course because of the altitude) but I did'nt have problems with freezing.
At midnight, I got up and met up with gabriel and Eliah (he was hired as a porter and he joined us to go up to the summit). With headlamps, we went up to the summit and reached Rhino point after approximately 45-50 minutes. The trail up there was really easy to walk and the view was amazing because the moon was really bright. After this, we had a great time going up to the summit. The trail was a little steeper than before and it was a great experience walking on different ground without seeing properly what you are walking on. Up to the summit we had three breaks (alltogether about 45-60 minutes) and we reached the summit at 5:40 am when the sky started to turn red. The temperature were about -3°C and it was winds so it felt cold and I was glad that I had taken my gloves, a cap and a light down jacket. Because Gabriel, eliah and me were the only guys at the summit we had the chance to see the complete sunrise what was an incredible experience. In total, we spend approximately 45-50 minutes up there and saw the shadow of Mount Meru down in the valley when we started descending. On the way down to the Saddle Hut we had two breaks (one for taking off the warm clothes and for a longer photo session at the Rhino Point). It was really great to see the ground on the way down which you were not able to identify while ascending at night. After having had fun at descending through black sand, we arrived back at the Saddle Hut at 8:30. There we took some time to relax, had a brunch and started descending to miriakamba Hut were we stood for another night. It was really nice to have the time to enjoy all the scenery. It would have been possible without problems to descend directly to the Momella Gate on this day but it was really great to have another night at the mountain, to observe Black & White Collabus Monkeys and all the vegetation around.
The next day, we had a relaxed breakfast and after this we started descending to the Momella Gate. On the way down, we saw some buffalos, bushbocks, and monkeys. Because we had some time left, we extended our trip to the Momella Gate and visited a waterfall. After this, our way down was completed by seeing giraffes, buffalos, and pumbas.
At the I did the Mount Meru trekking with Kiliholidays Tours & Safaris in October, 2022 as four days trekking tour. I chose Kiliholidays because I wanted to travel with a local company and because they offered the best value. I decided in advance to choose the four-days trekking because I had read that it is really exhausting.
The organization process in advance was good. Mack responded to each of my mails - not immediately but within two days. One great point in advance was that he organized also the transfer from and to the airport and the accomodation at the arrival day and for the day when we returned from Mount Meru.
The organization was really good. A driver picked me up at the airport and took me to Arusha where I met up with Mack at the hotel. Because I wanted to see something from the landscape, he organized to go to see some waterfalls. So after a short refreshing, I met Gabriel who took me to the waterfalls and who was also the guide for the Mount Meru for the following days.
The next day, I was picked up at 9 am to go to the Arusha national park and to Momella Gate from where we started going up to the Meru. I was alone for my tour (the team was made of three persons (guide, porter and cook). At the Momella gate we met with two other groups (one with two and another with one clients). The first part of the trek leads through the national park and we have seen Zebras, buffalos, pumbas and giraffes from a really short distance. After this we went up to Miriakamba hut. The pace was quite moderate and like this, there was alot of time to talk to all in the extended group, to enjoy the fresh air, the scenery - and to to take pictures, of course. Up at Miriakamba, we got our rooms - because there were almost no people around, we even got single rooms - and had time to refresh ourselves. Then we got tea/coffee and salted popcorn and cookies and dinner afterwards. It was a great time to discuss different topics with the other tourists and the locals.
After a really comfortable night at Miriakamba, we had breakfast the next morning and started going up to the Saddle Hut at around 9 am. As before, the trail i really good prepared, not very steep and easy to walk on. Enjoying the scenery - and the stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro - I had time to take many pictures, to observe some monkeys and to talk to Gabriel about the fauna, Tanzania in general and many different other things. Up at the Saddle, we had lunch, relaxed a little bit and after this, Gabriel and I walked upt to the Little Meru for acclimatization. Because of clouds coming up, the view was not the best, but it was an amazing atmosphere. Up at 3820 metres, I was impressed by the vegetation. After being back at the Saddle, we had dinner and went to bed at aroun 7:30 pm because we wanted to start the hike to summit at 1 am the next morning.
The night at the Saddle was colder than the one at the miriakamba (of course because of the altitude) but I did'nt have problems with freezing.
At midnight, I got up and met up with gabriel and Eliah (he was hired as a porter and he joined us to go up to the summit). With headlamps, we went up to the summit and reached Rhino point after approximately 45-50 minutes. The trail up there was really easy to walk and the view was amazing because the moon was really bright. After this, we had a great time going up to the summit. The trail was a little steeper than before and it was a great experience walking on different ground without seeing properly what you are walking on. Up to the summit we had three breaks (alltogether about 45-60 minutes) and we reached the summit at 5:40 am when the sky started to turn red. The temperature were about -3°C and it was winds so it felt cold and I was glad that I had taken my gloves, a cap and a light down jacket. Because Gabriel, eliah and me were the only guys at the summit we had the chance to see the complete sunrise what was an incredible experience. In total, we spend approximately 45-50 minutes up there and saw the shadow of Mount Meru down in the valley when we started descending. On the way down to the Saddle Hut we had two breaks (one for taking off the warm clothes and for a longer photo session at the Rhino Point). It was really great to see the ground on the way down which you were not able to identify while ascending at night. After having had fun at descending through black sand, we arrived back at the Saddle Hut at 8:30. There we took some time to relax, had a brunch and started descending to Miriakamba Hut where we stood for another night. It was really nice to have the time to enjoy all the scenery. It would have been possible without problems to descend directly to the Momella Gate on this day but it was really great to have another night at the mountain, to observe Black & White Collabus Monkeys and all the vegetation around.
The next day, we had a relaxed breakfast and after this we started descending to the Momella Gate. On the way down, we saw some buffalos, bushbocks, and monkeys. Because we had some time left, we extended our trip to the Momella Gate and visited a waterfall. After this, our way down was completed by seeing giraffes, buffalos, and pumbas.
At the momella Gate we had time to rest, for lunch, to talk - and of course for tipping. By car, we went to Arusha again, where I met Mack again in the hotel. After having spent some time to walk through Arusha, Mack took me to have a local dinner, again.
All together, it was a really great tour and I can warmly recommend the tourwith Kilholidays because everything was really good organized, everyone was really warm and welcoming, I felt safe all the time, and everyone did the very best possible to also adapt spontaneaously - as the extra tour to the waterfall on the way descending to the momella Gate.
Gate we had time to rest, for lunch, to talk - and of course for tipping. By car, we went to Arusha again, where I met Mack again in the hotel. After having spent some time to walk through Arusha, Mack took me to have a local dinner, again.
Alltogether, it was a really great tour and I can warmly recommend the tour with Kilholidays because everything was really good organized, everyone was really warm and welcoming, I felt safe all the time, and everyone did the very best possible to also adapt spontaneously - as the extra tour to the waterfall on the way descending to the Momella Gate.
Email Jessica Hanlon | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari
Really pleased with the service provided by Kiliholidays.
We originally booked the trip for 2021 but had to rearrange because of Covid and Mack was responsive and made the process easy.
The safari was incredible and exceeded my expectations. Edward, the guide, was very friendly with a great sense of humour and made the 4 days a pleasure. He was very knowledgeable about the area and the animals and always willing to answer our questions. He also had an excellent eye for spotting animals no matter how far away or hidden they were which was really impressive. You're in good hands if you have Edward as your guide!
Two of the campsites were basic but had everything you needed and the other one was a bit more luxurious with a real bed in the tent. Daniel was a brilliant cook who provided delicious and plentiful meals every day. Highly recommended!
Overall, I would definitely recommend Edward and Daniel for the perfect camping safari trip.
MX
Email Sarah G | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Guide!
I did a 4-day camping safari with Kiliholidays and it was great! As you evaluate providers, I would suggest you focus on reviews that specifically mention the guide, because a good guide is key to a positive experience. Other details - car, food, lodging - tend to be similar across providers. The guide drives, follows the schedule, chats with others to find animal sightings, knows the facts and anecdotes about the places and things you'll see, and brings a certain cohesion to a group of strangers who are traveling with you. Edward did all of that expertly and it made a difference. I also appreciated Mack's great customer service before my arrival - I felt taken care of throughout. Stay at the Venice Hotel pre-departure - it's a good value. I highly recommend this entire experience!
Email Jolanta | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent choice - if you want bespoke safari, even with limited money
Mack crafted bespoke safari as we wanted and what is important within our budget. We got a car just for 2 of us and the best lodges which were possible for the money we had ( worth to know that there is no limit for luxary).
In addition to all Mack and our guide Andrew were very helpful with organising extra medical help we needed.
FR
Email Briand Cloe | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect experience
We were lucky to be accompanied by two great guides (Thomas and Julius).
The accommodations were all of very good quality. The guide is attentive to your desires. We recommend !
(automatic translation from French)
ES
Email Juan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
We did 5 days tour & 4 nights. It was ok everything. Hotel in Arusha nice and the car was OK. Guide patient and friendly. We'll recommend you.
Email Anthony | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thank you to Kiliholidays Tours & Safaris for a wonderful experience.
Thank you to Kiliholidays Tours & Safaris for a wonderful experience. The manager, Mack, communicated with us well. He felt present and available so that despite being in a foreign country and moving from location to location I felt secure and at ease. Our tour guide Edward was personal, patient and experienced. He took time to speak to me and my family taking a genuine interest us. His experience as a tour guide stood out as he was able to answer our various questions about the wildlife, geography and culture of the people. We had our two lively boys with us and Edward was patient and understanding.
AE
Email Michala | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service and experience for our family.
We travelled as a family of 4 with two young children and completed the ‘ 5 day memorable safari’. The program ran smoothly from start to end. The safari consultant Mack ensured that all our needs were accommodated and we were well looked after. We cannot thank him enough for that. Communication was clear from the onset and remained throughout the whole process. Our safari guide Edward was so welcoming, polite and patient. He was so knowledgeable about the animals and birds we encountered and was great at spotting them. We can certainly say it was a memorable experience for all the family and was value for money too! Thank you Kiliholidays.
CH
Email Serge Poracin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very professional, serious and helpful
I climbed Mt-Meru with my son and daughter. The guide and all the people who accompanied us (from Kiliholidays) were really very attentive, pleasant and professional. I highly recommend Kiliholidays
Serge, Philippe & Sophie
US
Email Michael Flaherty and Ellen Lenihan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour operator is locally run and is top quality, very professional, and highly recommended
We're a family of six, two adults, four children ranging in age from 9-16. We signed up for the tour, seeking the Safari experience but also keeping costs down, hence the camping (non-lodge) route that we took. Our friends who live in Dar found this operator, so surely Kili has a good reputation among local folks within the city, which obviously is a good indication..
Mack who runs it was very communicative with us and was there to greet us at Arusha. He then introduced us to Thomas who would be our guide, our driver - the heart and soul of the operation. He was amazing. Just so incredibly nice and authentic and experienced. He was clear to us on our agenda, timing. On the one morning when timing was flexible, we took our time getting out. On the others when we needed to get out early a jump on things, he was clear about that too. As a guide, he was fantastic - his ability to spot animals was admirable. He encouraged us to try and spot things before he would point animals out to us, also making sure we didn’t miss anything. It must be said, Thomas is also a fantastic driver - . And he drives a Land Rover, which seems to be the most reliable vehicle, more so than the Land Cruisers that we saw broken down on the way in and out of the Serengetti.
Daniel was our cook and set up man - and he too was excellent. We have a vegetarian and a picky eater (or two) and our kids ate really well . It helps to be clear on what you want - example, we didn't love Papaya and so if you just say that, he'll send out bananas or oranges instead. If you don't say anything, he doesn't have much to go on.
We camped at Migombani Campground after Tanginere, Nyambi for our Serengetti days, and Simba Camp A when we toured through Ngorongoro Crater. The Migombani campground is gorgeous with Nymabi being the least impressive and Simba A in the middle.
The first two campsites there were crews who helped Thomas and Daniel set up and breakdown camp. At the last campsite, there wasn’t a crew on hand to help so we set up one of the tents. And we were happy to do it - there were times when we offered to help and Thomas said, nope, we’re good. And on this occasion, we asked and said, yep, go for it.
Overall, we had a great experience with this KilliAdventuresoutfit and recommend them highly for adventurous families, experienced campers, outdoorsy people, or a combination of all three. One final anecdote. We had friends in Arusha who we wanted to visit before our flight to Dar from Kilimanjaro Airport. We thought we had a ride from Arusha to Killi airport from Arusha but it fell through. So Thomas and Daniel waited two hours in Arusha while we met and socialized with our friends, and eventually took us to the airport. “We started this trip together, we end together,” Thomas said.