Adventures in Tanzania

by Mara Sandoval

All images © Mara Sandoval

When I found out YokmoK was organizing a trip to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro– I signed up immediately. Having traveled with YokmoK in the past, I knew I was signing up for a well-organized adventure with quality people, laughter and unforgettable moments. I was not to be disappointed.

YokmoK is all about the experience and facilitating access to incredible places. The guides are professional, friendly and down to earth. They partake in the excitement and wonder that their clients experience and this makes the trip personable and pleasant.

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro was difficult, challenging and beautiful. The diversity of the environment as you climb up is stimulating. Every day looks different. We took the Lemosho route which is the longest way up. It allowed for everyone to acclimate to the elevation. It also allowed for stunning views and time to absorb and take in Mt. Kilimanjaro as well as time to bond with everyone in the group. The local guides and porters did an incredible job of making sure our experience was comfortable and safe. The food was delicious with fresh fruit and vegetables in every meal. We walked our way to the summit slowly but surely and the views up there were stunning. Our hard work was rewarded with beautiful weather which made the sights even more spectacular.

After the trek, YokmoK organized a safari which took us to several national parks in Tanzania. There we were able to experience animals in the wild, which was truley unforgettable. We saw lions, panthers, cheetahs, hyenas, warthogs, zebras, ostrich, elephants, flamingos, monkeys, baboons, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, gazelle… and even 2 rhinos, far off in the distance. The parks are protected and the drivers adher to strict rules, which ensures that the animals feel safe and unbothered by the tourists and their dusty cars. We were so close to the animals– that at one point I could have reached out and touched a passing lion.

This trip was surely an adventure and a life-changing one as well. You do not have to be super fit to climb Mt. Kilimajaro, but you do have to be strong and especially strong minded. When you are walking for hours at more than 4,000 meters, you need more than just your muscles to keep you going. If you fit this profile, and you love nature, then this trip is for you.