Reviews
great experience
I climbed Kilimanjaro with a friend in October 2014, followed by a week safari in the Serengheti, Tarangheti and Ngoro Ngoro; the Big Expeditions organization exceeded my expectations. During the climb they were very attentive, helpful and friendly. The food was good and plentiful, the guides very professional and informative. - special mention for chef and for Richard which took such a good care of me when I was ill with altitude.
The safari was great as well: plenty of game and the accommodation and trasportation very good and well organized.
I definitely reccommend BIG EXPEDITIONS for your adventures in Tanzania! Lisa
MV
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mt Kilimanjaro 7days - a trip of a lifetime
I was recommended to use Big Expedition by a friend of a friend who raved about their trip up Kili.... and to that point, I too am totally and utterly recommending them to any fellow climbers.... Professionalism, friendliness, kindness, going the extra mile were just the norm to the team at Big Expeditions.
I went with a close girl friend of mine, our guide Safi, asst guide Arnold Ramsoo, chef Edward(yes our own chef), met us the day before to explain what we would/could expect, they also checked out bags to ensure we had all the necessary equipment needed for our climb. Whatever we had missed they rented to us which was an absolute saving grace as one cannot remember everything, especially as a novice adventurer ;)
Our climb starts,, we were picked up in the morning from the guest house where we met the whole team (porters, waiter) that were going with us, the big smiles, friendliness and helpfulness made us feel very safe and excited too...
The first day was a rather long gentle climb and as we were coming up to a lunch break, we were guided up to a tent which was set up for us with our chef and waiter service - this took us by total surprise and we were really touched,, btw this happens at each meal time so every meal was just amazing...
We had hired our own toilet - VERY much recommended, worth EVERY cent ;-)
Each camping ground we reached, our tents had been pitched for us, warm water to have a small wash and a rather yummy meal awaited us... I am vegetarian in which chef Edward (an amazing man) created many different vege meals for me... one surely does not get hungry climbing this beautiful mountain.
Safi (our guide) and Ramsoo (asst guide) were perfect gentlemen, kind, friendly and incrediably motivating at each step,,, pole pole!!!!!
Unfortunately my friend had really bad altitude sickness so couldn't make it to the top but Safi stayed and took good care of her while I stepped out with Ramsoo and one of the porters (can't remember his name right now, wish I could) to reach the rooftop of Africa,,,, This was the most exhilarating experience that I have ever had in my life,,,, Ramsoo was amazing, he knew when I needed to stop and catch my breath, ensured I was hydrated at all times and they both kept me going with beautiful Swahili songs and motivating me on every step,,, the roof top of Africa - words cannot describe, you just have to do it!!!
Our climb down was a rather arduous for me as my knees were incrediably painful in which Ramsoo was incredibly kind and most helpful even when I had tears of pain, exhaustion and frustration, he kept me going with songs, chitchat and plain motivation,,,
Each day was an experience that will stay in my memory forever but our last day always brings a smile as the chef created the most special meal for us,,,, I can't tell you as that would ruin the surprise ;-))
Huge thanks to Nicholas, Angel and his group of staff at Big Expeditions,, one amazing trip!!
Special thanks go to the guys who ensured that we had the best climb ever,,, a few names (can't remember all right now) Safi, Ramsoo, Chef Edward, Richard, my porter, our waiter, Rasta and the rest of the guys,,, thank you thank you,,,, God bless...
CR
Email Manuel Ant. Soto Cartin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredible climb & safari holiday with big expeditions
Dears Sirs,
During the unforgivable days I was climbing the Kilimanjaro Mountain and marveling at Ngoro Ngoro National Reserve and Serengeti National Park, I had the opportunity to enjoy the pleasant company from my Tanzanian friends. Also, I found out why these three places are considered natural modern world wonders and some of the greatest Tanzania’s proud.
For these reasons, I consider myself as a very blessed person; and, consequently, I thank the Lord for having permitted me to enjoy this unique natural wonder and all of you for welcoming me very warmly and facilitating me how a dream came true.
Additionally, I also would like to beg you people to always take care of the wonders of the beautiful Tanzania. You all people are the most fortunate ones in the world.
On the other hand, in my country, the tiny Costa Rica, people have a colloquial saying, pura vida, which is an expression difficult to be translated in to other languages because it represents a combination between welfare and joy of living. This expression can be used as a salutation but also as an manifestation of our most profound feelings and convictions about how valuable life is for all of us and, as a result, how important it becomes to love and respect life. However, no one in the entire world celebrates life as Tanzanian people do; therefore, you, my friends, you all are pura vida people, as well.
Finally, I just want to say that, as regards the uplifting Tanzanian National Anthem, truly God bless Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania , the Republic of Costa Rica , all of us,and our beloved families. I wish all of you prosperity, wisdom, freedom, peace, and unity. We invite you again to visit my country, Costa Rica. All of you will be welcome very warmly.
Thank you very much for your entire hospitality, kindness, and friendship.
Mungu ibariki Tanzania. Kwa herini. Asante sana.
Yours faithfully,
Manuel Ant. Soto Cartín
Tibás, Costa Rica