Kilimanjaro climb, Rongai Route (7-day)

My friend and I did the 7-day Rongai Route to summit Kili last week. We have nothing but amazing things to say about every aspect of our trip (run by Altezza). From very efficient and helpful email communication before the trip with our trip advisor, Maria, to a smooth pick up at the airport and an easy briefing and equipment check at the hotel, to the trip itself, with our expert guides, everything went smoothly! On the mountain, we felt SO taken care of and supported with our amazing team of guides. Our main guide, Elia, was incredibly knowledgable, encouraging, and we we felt so safe with him at the lead. Our assistant guides, Paschal and Tumaini, were also excellent and helped make every day fun while teaching us fun facts about the mountain, the nature surrounding us, and the region. We summited successfully and had a truly wonderful experience. We even did a one day tour with Altezza our last day back in Moshi, led be our driver Michael, who was also incredibly professional, knowledgable, and helpful. Cannot recommend Altezza and this kili experience more!!

My roommate from college and I just got home from the 7 day Rongai route up Kilimanjaro. We had the most amazing trip up the mountain, successfully summiting at Uhuru Peak, and I cannot say enough good things about Altezza and the incredible crew that led us there. To set the stage - we are both 30, female, and have never done anything like this before - we're not really campers, and never spent multiple days climbing a mountain. The whole Altezza team, led expertly by our main guide Elia (who is basically a superhero - He's climbed over 300 times and is knowledgeable, fun, runs a really smooth operation, and keeps you feeling safe and motivated the whole way up) were an absolute joy to spend 7 days with. While we could highlight so many amazing people in our group, a special shoutout go to the junior guides Pascal and Tuma, who kept us energized and entertained all the way up, to Jan - who specifically helped the two of us with our extra heavy bags and personal attention on summit night and will make an excellent guide someday, and to Ismael and chef John, who kept us fed with healthy, filling and fresh food all the way up. On a funny note - if you are on the fence about renting a portable toilet (we hemmed and hawed about it, feeling silly having one on a camping trip), I have never been happier about a decision. All in all, I am so proud to have this monumental achievement, and am so grateful to the whole Altezza team for helping me along the way!!!

We just completed the seven day Rongai route to the top of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak.  To say the physical experience to the top was a challenge is a complete understatement. Having previously only been up to 14,000 ft, 19,340 ft was intense! That said, I would do it all over again just to spend 7 more days with the AMAZING team at Altezza. Jackson and his 21 man team were unbelievable.  From day  one, they welcomed us to their family. They made us feel safe, encouraged us, supported us. The extent that they went to make us feel comfortable was above and beyond all of our expectations. Jackson's knowledge of everything from medical checkups to the flora and fauna on the mountain was impressive. Jackson was AMAZING! Joseph was Jackson's right-hand man and his daily encouragement was what we needed to get us to the top. The support he provided our 12 year daughter on summit night was invaluable. We can't thank him enough for his support! We were served amazing food the entire trip. Three meals a day plus tea and snacks on the trail. Chef Evance and his team went above and beyond for us. Ivan greeted us every morning with a positive attitude and smile. His hospitality was over the top and we miss him already! I can't forget to mention our camp crew led by William. His team with Simon and Leonard gave us our home away from home. Lastly, summit night, we owe everything to Leonard, Kenja, Moises, Joseph and Jackson. We would not have made it without these guys. We owe so much to them! Altezza has thought of everything. They hire the best guides. Provide the best food. Give you a home away from home. I recommend them to anyone looking to experience Kilimanjaro with an amazing team. You are family when you go with Altezza. If you go with Altezza, I hope you are lucky enough to get the team led by Jackson and Joseph. They are the kindest, most genuine people. It was extremely difficult making it to the top but even harder saying goodbye.