Although this review comes 3 months after my 3 friends and I successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro – not a day has gone by that I have not thought about our incredible journey with Habari adventure. So this is a little bit review, a little bit personal testimonial and a big bit heartfelt thank you letter all at once.
From our arrival at the airport to our stay before/after the climb at Panama Garden Resort in Moshi, to our life changing experience on that mountain – Habari adventure was incredible.
The amazing Habari staff along with our fellow climbers (who I am proud to have made this journey with) made a once in a lifetime experience one I will never forget. I cannot say enough about the hard working, knowledgeable, accommodating, kind, funny crew that kept us trudging up that mountain one “pole-pole” step at a time.
Camp life with Habari was an excellent experience – Every single day. Our hard working porters would forge ahead to the next camp and have everything set up by the time we arrived - a little bit tired, a little bit hungry and ready for a relaxing evening in the dining tent. The dining tent was always set up and ready for us with hot water - for coffee, hot milk, chocolate & tea. The fresh water supply was always replenished and waiting for us outside the tent – cold water to re-fill our water bottles and nice warm!
Every evening there is “happy hour” in the tent before dinner is served. Our Chef Priva would prepare snacks – served by Leon our always smiling waiter. Popcorn, cookies, warm roasted peanuts – the snacks and warm drinks were a wonderful way to end the day. Shortly after our dinner would be served – starting with a warm and delicious soup.
The food was excellent – hot, tasty and no one left the table hungry.
The tents supplied by Habari are top quality – they are a good size for 2 people and there are no leaks! We were warm and cozy in the tent every night. The sleeping pads are excellent! Very comfortable to sleep. I slept like a baby on the mountain.
Each morning we receive a gentle wakeup call with a cup of coffee from Leon and it is back to the dining tent for breakfast – porridge, jam, eggs, bacon, sausage, fried potatoes, crepes, toasty bread – breakfast of champions! Chef Priva prepared 5 star mountain cuisine all the way!
Lunch on the mountain was by far one of my favorite meals – it was a welcome rest from the trekking and as always the meals were excellent. The dining tent is set up every day in a picturesque location on the mountain. It is amazing to think that Chef Priva and the crew trekked on ahead of our group (often leaving camp AFTER we did) to set this up for us and prepare a hot meal for the group to enjoy.
The other really lovely thing about the lunch break is that the private toilet tent is set up every day. This was a true luxury to have on the mountain. You have no idea how appreciative you will be to use a plastic seat over a 5 gallon pail for your days on the climb. Aman who attended to our private toilet was quiet and unassuming - never making anyone feel awkward about using it – he kept it clean and well stocked – thank you Aman for doing this for us.
As you journey up the mountain you keep thinking that you have seen the prettiest view, the most interesting landscape, the hardest uphill section or the steepest downhill bit– but nothing could really prepare you for summit day. This was truly the hardest thing – mentally and physically – that I have ever done. It is not easy. It is exhausting and exhilarating all at once. It is worth it. It is worth every single step and every single struggle to catch your breath because just when you thought you might not make it – you reach the Roof of Africa – and it is incredible. If you are lucky – like we were – you may have one of your guides – sing to you to on your way from Stella Point to the summit – he will literally sing you to the top of that mountain and for that you will be truly thankful. Stan I will never forget your beautiful voice. You knew just when to inspire us with your songs...it made all the difference...thank you.
This experience is like no other and our head guide Stan and his right hand on our trip. Stan is a quiet, humble and confident leader. He was chatty and fun and an equally confident leader. All of guides were focused on a successful summit for all of us. Their concern for our health and well-being was paramount and from day one I felt confident that they would get us to the top and finally our entire group of 4 were successful!
I will be forever grateful to Habari adventure staff for making our journey to 19,341 feet one I will never forget. It sparked in me a true desire to keep having amazing adventures with incredible people in breathtaking places and I will look no further than Habari adventure to get me there!!
Thank you all the Team. I will recommend Habari adventure to anyone looking for best experience in Africa.
