City: Kilimanjaro Region
Top Things to do in Kilimanjaro Region
What to do and see in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania: The Best Places and Tips
Kilimanjaro Region is one of Tanzania's 31 administrative regions. The regional capital is the municipality of Moshi. According to the 2012 national census, the region had a population of 1,640,087, which was lower than the pre-census projection of 1,702,207. For 2002-2012, the region's 1.8 percent average annual population growth rate was the 24th highest in the country. It was also the eighth most densely populated region with 124 people per square kilometer.
Restaurants in Kilimanjaro Region
1. Mount Kilimanjaro
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By CentralScrutiniza - Los Angeles, CA
On the mountain, the first time Kilimanjaro peaks out from the clouds, you're overwhelmed with emotion. The massive beauty of Africa’s tallest mountain surpasses even the loftiest expectations!
Majestic Kilimanjaro & Safari and their dedicated team delivered the trip of a lifetime. In 35 years of travel, my wife and I had the best experience – by far! – that we’ve had with a tour operator.
Pole, pole (slowly, slowly), we summited using the Rongai route on a 8-day/7-night trek.
RESEARCHING & DECIDING on a TREKKING COMPANY
I spent a significant amount of time doing due diligence. I was especially dedicated in researching trekking companies because we had been contemplating this trip for over a dozen years.
With many questions before the trek, Tumaini Sandi and Steve Giles, the owners at Majestic Kilimanjaro, responded carefully and quickly to my many, many emails.
Choosing a climbing company is difficult: most who make it to the summit understandably give their trekking company a 5-star review. Along the way, however, as you chat with clients from other companies and observe their experience, you see that Majestic Kilimanjaro offered the highest quality experience each and every day on the mountain.
Ultimately, we chose Majestic Kilimanjaro not only because they were 5-star, but because previous clients wrote review after review passionately describing unsurpassed expertise, dedication, warmth and attention to detail (great food, excellent equipment, private toilet tents, favorable client:staff ratios, excellent guides, personal service, fine hotels, etc).
PRIVATE or GROUP CLIMB?
My wife and I are life-long independent travelers. However, due to cost, we originally planned on a group climb. After comparing the 5-star operators, we learned that Majestic’s fee for a private climb was comparable to other group climbs. We were thrilled by the Prospect of doing a private climb of Kilimanjaro.
Private climbs with Majestic Kilimanjaro provide flexibility, which is important given the challenge of high altitude climbing. I experienced altitude sickness symptoms at the end of Day 3. To combat the altitude, we were able to descend to a lower camp and recover even when this was not part of the original itinerary. Without this flexibility – which would not be possible on a group climb – we may not have summited.
Private climbs allow you to experience the beautiful solitude of Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro can be a busy place, especially at the camps. Quiet can be difficult to find on a group climb. For instance, one large group, trekking with a 5-star operator, blasted music each day as their group traveled along the trail. I love all types of music, but preferred to experience the peaceful sounds of Kilimanjaro.
Majestic Kilimanjaro offers truly personal service. Tumaini picked us up at the airport, was very responsive to our requests and even returned to the Arusha airport to collect and deliver my climbing gear when it was delayed at our connection in Amsterdam.
COST
Majestic Kilimanjaro’s offers superb value and spares no expense. They are not a low-cost operator, nor do they have the highest fees. When comparing rates, Majestic fees were less than other 5-star companies.
STAFF
The Majestic Kilimanjaro staff was excellent. Our experienced guides, Kefas (a true leader, and alpine expert who has even speed-climbed Kilimanjaro!) and assistant guide, Frank, (who often is a lead guide on Kilimanjaro … hey Frankie L!!!) were our constant companions. Our group also included a chef and 11 Porters. By the end of the trek, we knew each staff member by name. We felt absolutely supported and a real communion in camp. The commitment to getting us to the top was admirable!
Kefas and Frank knew the mountain intimately. They were lovely to spend time with and offered insight into climate zones, birds and plants. They constantly monitored our physical health to ensure each day went well.
Importantly, we heard raves about how Majestic Kilimanjaro ownership supports its staff. Employees are well paid, well fed and dedicated Porters are sent to school to become guides. Majestic Kilimanjaro gives back by paying for staff advancement and providing charitable funding to schools in need.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Owner Tumaini Sandi’s many years as a Kilimanjaro guide have allowed him to understand the subtlety necessary to support the best climbing experience. There are so many specifics that make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful climb. Three details particularly impressed me about Majestic Kilimanjaro:
(1) Superior Summit Day Staff Ratios
On summit day, we had a 3:2 ratio. That is, 3 staff members (a guide, assistant guide and an apprentice guide) for my wife and me. (Note: the Porters do not summit, but trek to the next site to set up camp.) Having an equal or greater number of guides per climber ensures that each person can get the specific attention they need. Majestic also insisted that they carry our daypacks on the final summit day! By contrast, a 5-star rated group behind us had a 1:4 ratio of 2 guides and 8 climbers, which does not provide the same flexibility given the range of climbing speeds within a group or if there are any individual health/altitude problems.
(2) The Ability to Adjust Itineraries while on the Mountain
Our itinerary was adjusted, mid-route, to give us a greater chance in reaching the summit. When I had altitude sickness at the end of Day 3, our wonderful guide, Kefas, adjusted our itinerary. Instead of staying at high altitude on Day 4, we descended to Third Cave from Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Using a little-used route (we saw no climbers all day!), we were able to descend, better adjust to the altitude and not lose any time! This change in itinerary was only possible because of the experience of our guide (the little-used route is not on the map) and because he was empowered to make the change. Of course, my wife and I were consulted by Kefas before the itinerary change. We knew to trust our guide’s experience.
(3) Truly Personal Service
Hotels vary significantly in Tanzania. We loved Planet Lodge in Arusha, which became our home away from home. We were originally booked in two different hotels during our time in Arusha and Tumaini graciously switched us back to Planet Lodge upon our request. Majestic Kilimanjaro provided the kind of wonderful, personal service that made our trip special.
FINAL THOUGHT
As another Majestic Kilimanjaro client and Trip Advisor reviewer wrote: “I have never tipped so much in my life.” This was true for us, too. We tipped as generously as we could possibly afford. Simply, every person supporting our climb deserved to be rewarded for their excellence and dedication. Thank you, Steve, Tumaini, Kefas, Frank and all of the Majestic staff, we will never forget the loving care you showed us!
2. Kikuletwa Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By GG-CHS - Charleston, South Carolina
It is a beautiful location to see. That is about all there is. This is a barely warm spring where the actual swimming area is. The water felt cool upon entering, and you will immediately be greeted by hungry fish. Considering the distant location & long, slow, dry, dusty ride, I will not return or recommend visiting this area.
3. Joining Safaris
Overall Ratings
5 based on 102 reviews
Our Safaris and tours are out-of-the-ordinary with special attention to unique destinations such as sightseeing Safaris to view Tanzania wildlife, mountain trekking, arrangements for clients to live with families in villages participating in social-economical activities, cycling, beach Safaris and island tours.
Reviewed By Andrew T
Having a group of 6, completing medical electives in Zanzibar and Arusha, Erick was seamless in both organising a competitive price for us and organising a great itinerary of both Kilimanjaro (Rongai 7 day) and 4 day safari (tarangire, serengeti 2 day and Ngorongoro crater), to top this off between our successful trek and safari Erick kindly invited us and the mountain team for a feast at his house.
The trek was great, with real highlights being the team that helped us get there, great food, great morale builders like local songs sung with us before most days we climbed (and during our summit climb). the team's energy and welcoming nature truly made the climb the great experience it was. Our guides were Andronus and Amedeus, with our chief guide being Frumence. Watch out for Frumence, knowledgable and attentive guide he is, he won't hesitate to cheat in card games in the dining tent!
Although we had booked for 7 day (allowing 2 attempts for summit day) we had actually completed the trek in 6, smoothly Erick and Frumence organised us an extra night of accomodation at our hotel, and thankfully gave us a rest and organisation day before we commenced our safari. This was communicated in full by Frumence, and gave us the option to stay on the mountain another day - but i think we were all ready for a hotel shower!
Our Safari was great with guide Emmaneul, very adaptable to what we wanted to see that day and answered all of our questions, we all had a great time on safari and really have no qualms or complaints here.
Lastly - having lost my credit card earlier in my travels - Erick was extremely helpful in picking it up from the post office in moshi whilst i was off on safari and meeting me with my travel companions bag at our hotel in Arusha from where we set off to continue our adventure.
Overall a great experience had by all of us, couldn't recommend joining safari more!
4. Lake Chala
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By piedresybarro - Oviedo, Spain
We camp there for one night. The camping site is amazing, and the facilities are fully equiped and clean. The staff is very friendly and the food is ok. Dinner in the restaurant, in the night with the lake down there, is really nice.
5. Ascend Tanzania
Overall Ratings
5 based on 52 reviews
A Once in a Lifetime African Experience, Customized to You! Locally Owned and Operated, Licensed & Registered Tour Company. We'll handle all aspects of your Tanzanian Holiday, including: Mt. Kilimanjaro & Mt. Meru Treks Safari Personalized to Your Interests & Needs Hiking Biking Gear Rental Airport Transfer Accommodation Arrangements & More Join us for your dream Tanzanian Holiday!
Reviewed By Hannah M
I just returned home from completing the 6-day Machame route to Mt. Kilimanjaro. The trip was great- very difficult, but completely worth it. Booking was made easy with the quick responses and clear information. Our guides, Tino and Fanuel, were fabulous; they were communicative, supportive and helpful. The chef prepared good food, the Porters kept our gear safe and dry, the route was beautiful and we went at a great pace the entire trek... and we summited! I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro.
6. Rock-explorer Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By manus s
As an experienced traveler i have rarely met someone as hospitable and welcoming as George from Rock explorer.
A friend of mine got me in touch with rock explorer to organise a safari for a fair price. George is well organised, answered my mails quickly and met with me in person to discuss the trip.
Not only does he organise your trip very professionally and makes sure everything is tailored to your needs, he goes above and beyond to give you an incredible authentic experience!
He welcomed me (+ 2 of my friends) into his house for a home stay of 2 days! We went to the market with his friends and all cooked local food together. He also helped me on my way for my further travels, got me a busticket whilst i was on safari and dropped me off at the busstation. The last night he invited me to go a concert of one his favourite artists together in moshi and we partied as friends!
I sincerely recommend rock explorer to organise you safari / kilimanjaro / etc… You get much more then just a well organised trip! Thanks again george! see you again in Amsterdam or Moshi!
[email protected]
7. Olpopongi - Maasai Cultural Village & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Welcome to "Olpopongi" Maasai Cultural Village & Museum - the first authentic Maasai Boma with Maasai-Museum & overnight facilities in Tanzania. "Olpopongi" provides a unique Maasai & Wildlife experience in the West-Kilimanjaro Maasailand; Just 74 km from Moshi and 85 km from Arusha. Our aim is YOU to share the authentic Maasai life & culture in a 100% traditional built village (Boma) with a unique museum, rather than taking tourists to private Maasai-Villages and destroy the Maasai native homes, behaviors and environment. Our Eco-Tourism Tours do provide the maximum respect to the Maasai tribe and a maximum education & excitement to our valuable clients.
Reviewed By Jess2828 - Singapore, Singapore
My parents and I had the pleasure of staying overnight at Olpopongi on Christmas Eve. We had the Village to ourselves. The Maasai took great care in making sure we were comfortable and enjoyed our time there. The huts are definitely a different experience but still sanitary and clean. Make sure you bring a mini flashlight though as it can be quite dark inside once the sun goes down. The shower/bathroom facilities were clean and worked great. Additionally, the food was fantastic and they were able to cater to allergies and restrictions. It's no luxury accommodation but the experience is memorable and something you should try at least once. We had a great time.
