Customer testimonials
During the first 2 weeks of October 2011 I successfully climbed Kilimanjaro via the Western Breach with a great team put together by Serengeti Pride Safaris. Personally I felt the Western Breach route, if treated with respect, allowed better acclimatisation and reduced the rigours of what could be a challenging summit day if tackled via other routes. I had no problems with high altitude sickness and took no medication but did find the descent extremely difficult - walking poles are a must, even for those like me, who thought they knew better. However returning to Serengeti Pride Safaris, on chatting with the guides and porters I was left with a strong impression that in comparison with the many other guide companies around on the market they were rated very highly as a professional outfit and good employer; however I am unequivocal in saying if I were to climb Kilimanjaro again it would be with Serengeti Pride Safaris. Without doubt, from the head guide leading his hundredth plus ascent of the mountain down to the young porter doing the climb for the first time, every individual took pride in the role they were playing in delivering a successful expedition; climbing Kilimanjaro is not to be underestimated and Serengeti Pride Safaris also provides that all important professional competence and support framework necessary to ensure safe practices, therefore guaranteeing the non negotiable well being of the whole team. In addition to being an excellent Kilimanjaro guide company, Serengeti Pride Safaris has a social conscience, pays their people good rates and is engaged in local community projects. Colin H.
It was excellent. The porters were delightful & helpful, the route we took was perfect. We stayed at both the Kia and Mount Meru Lodges and both were excellent. Additionally, the camp locations we stayed at on the climb were very good - we liked that they were not highly used by other companies. The crew were one of the most memorable parts of the climb. Jeff C. (October 2011)
I am and was extremely pleased with this outfit. In a country and expedition that was difficult mentally, somewhat physcally, this team and crew was not only very professional, but i felt we had known each other far longer than 8 days. I will and would do another outing with this company and i will highly reccomend it to all i can...The genuine care and support from beggining to end from communications with Erika down to the mountain climb i always felt I was in SOLID hands. I was traveling alone...not once on that mountain did I worry for my safety. I really felt all involved including other climbers we were all looking out for one another and the porters at times were personal guides and rufikis! The inner retaltionships show a strong loyalty, I know there are probably things I don't know about, but on Kili there was a common GOAL and never once did i see anything else spoken but positive and encouraging words. I loved this group! Andy R (August 2011)
Extremely satisfied...Everything perfect. Gemma M (August 2011 Budget camping safari)
I am glad we went with SPS. They are the best. They treated the crew in the best way that I have ever seen.The treatment of clients was just exceptional...The whole crew was friendly and not once did I feel ignored.The lead guide knew exactly how every body was doing health wise (during) the climb. The crew was always happy to help, and they made sure that every body was safe. Dr. M and family (July 2011)
We had a fabulous trip and SPS could not have been better. I felt that the guides, the porters and the climbers all worked as one team and that certainly contributed to the 100% success rate. Mary Ruth H (July 2011)
Overall, my trip with SPS was even better than what I had expected. After planning (and saving $) for a couple of years, I was extremely pleased with SPS. It was the trip of a lifetime! I was very happy to see that SPS practiced responsible business practices. They not only pay their crew fair wages, but they truely care about them, which is not the case with some companies. Our crew helped a porter get down the mountain safely after his company left him on the side of the trail. To see the difference between how companies treated their employees was really an eye-opener for me. I am so thankful that I picked a Company that ensures their clients, and crew, are safe on the mountain! The ENTIRE crew (both the climb and safari) were wonderful!! Each of the crew members, and guides, were friendly, knowledgeable, and created the best possible atmosphere. On the mountain, the entire crew was amazing. Every single crew member was friendly and cared for the clients. Without the crew, the group would not have reached the summit-they make it possible. The guides were also wonderful. Lema, Victor, Agger, and Michael all kept us safe, happy, and ensured that we went "pole, pole". Having guides that are so experienced is a great feeling. Equally important is having guides that care for their crew memebers, which the SPS guides proved everyday. Dan T (July 2011)
Thanks for the great arrangement for our Safari. We had a great time and Sam is a great guide:) Weili C, via the SPS Facebook page (February 2011 Safari group)
Both Prasanna and I just wanted to thank you for making our trip so memorable. You (Erika) and Lema were awesome and I can't say enough about the support staff from the guides (Michael, Agga, Hermann and of course Victor) to the mess staff (Deo, Ronado, Stanley) to the porters (Ezekiel and Peter). I can't remember all their names unfortunately but we couldn't have made it up without them. All the arrangements and logistics for such a big group were done flawlessly and I can't say enough good things about everyone there. I would be more than happy to provide references to any potential clients so feel free to contact me. Sanath D., January 2011 (Safari and Kilimanjaro-Lemosho Western Breach 8 day/7 night climb)
I want to thank you for a wonderful Africa trip. I spoke with some other hikers on the trail and realized that I definitely went with the right team! You guys are awesome, Victor and Lema were stellar guides....overall I am so thankful I went with Serengeti Pride! Robin D, January 2011 (Safari and Kilimanjaro-Lemosho Western Breach 8 day/7 night climb)
The support that you have provided to all of us to achieve our goals and dreams of summiting Kili has been outstanding. Your team's attention to every detail was recognized and greatly appreciated. Al K., September 2010 (Safari and climb)
Thanks SPS, for a wonderful experience. It was the trek of a lifetime. I would recommend you to anyone planning the climb. Ed H. via the SPS Facebook page (August 2010 Appalachian Mountain Club group, 8 day Lemosho/Western Breach/Crater Camp route)
Wahoo!!!!!! SPS Rules. Thanks Erika and Lema. What an adventure we had. Jennifer W. via the SPS Facebook page (August 2010 Appalachian Mountain Club group, 8 day Lemosho/Western Breach/Crater Camp route)
Thanks to all the gang of SPS for an incredible hike. I have been telling all my friends about you! Christine C. via the SPS Facebook page (August 2010 8 day Lemosho/Western Breach/Crater Camp route)
Thank you, SPS, for the trip of a lifetime. I would recommend you guys to anyone - and already have! The Kili climb was extraordinary. Steve D via the SPS Facebook page (August 2010 Appalachian Mountain Club group, 8 day Lemosho/Western Breach/Crater Camp route)
Woo-hoo! SPS guides safely and expertly led me to summit success! The highest I had been before Kili: Mount Crested Butte, CO 10k feet. Yvonne P. via the SPS Facebook page (August 2010 Appalachian Mountain Club group, 8 day Lemosho/Western Breach/Crater Camp route)
I can't comment enough on the quality service that we received from your company. From the guides to food to the ever important porters, they really made the trip. You really do get a sense of family by the end of the trip! I am planning on returning and will most certainly be booking with Serengeti Pride Safaris. Thank you, thank you, thank you!Love the Mt. Meru (Game) Lodge! It was clean, food was fantastic and the environment was great. I will be back and will HIGHLY recommend your guides to anyone wanting to climb or safari. Hands down, a cut above the rest. Maure S (July 2010, 9 day Lemosho/Western Breach/Crater Camp route)
Our climb was fabulous. We couldn't have asked for a better support group. I felt sorry for all the other groups of climbers because we had the BEST. Patti J (July 2010, 9 day Lemosho/Western Breach/Crater Camp route)
...Everything was beyond our expectations. The crew was wonderful! I miss them already. I couldn't have asked for more. The guides/porters/drivers/cooks were beyond expectations. It was magical. I don't know how else to describe it. Wendy R (July 2010, 9 day Lemosho/Western Breach/Crater Camp route)
The trip was excellent. I would do everything again in a heartbeat. Some of the especially great things about Serengeti Pride were 1. the information provided and individual attention we received prior to the trip, 2. the professionalism, courtesy and caring of the porters on the hike and 3. the advanced knowledge and experience of the guides on the hike and the safari. The camps on the hike were great. Our guides and porters made sure we stayed in a nice area in each of the camps. In fact, our guide made sure some of the porters arrived at the next camp early to ensure our sleeping and mess tents were set up in nice areas. We took a route that was not as popular as some others so most of the camps we stayed in were not crowded which was nice. The lodges we stayed in during the safari as well as the Mount Meru Game Lodge were much nicer than we expected. The accommodations were very comfortable and the food was wonderful. Dina P (Feb 2010, 8 day Lemosho/Western Breach/Crater Camp route)
Bildad was a great guide! He answered every question we had. He made sure we got to see everything we hoped to. We always felt comfortable & safe traveling with our guide, especially 2 women traveling alone. All our lodges & camps were excellent! Our rooms were always clean, the beds were very comfortable & the staff were all very nice & helpful! Bonnie Y. (Feb 2010 Migration Safari)
Victor was awesome, so patient with us! All of the others, porters etc. were wonderful and made the difference for us. Glad we did the route we did! Just wish the weather had been better. Mary Jane M. (Feb 2010, 8 day Lemosho/Western Breach/Crater Camp route)
This trip was very great! All was perfect and more than we ll expect , the climbing with Victor was wonderful and with a perfect logistic, the safari also very interessing, I THANK you very much for your organisation. Yves. L from France (Feb 2010)
The trip was very well organized...Our guide Victor was extremely competent - it didn't take us long to start feeling that we trust him with our lives - and also a very nice person to deal with. I had the best experience! Thank you very much!
Riina T (Jan 2010)
The food was out of this world. I still don't know how they manage to cook all those delicious meals on two propane tanks [on Kilimanjaro]. Asa H (Jan 2010)
I am very happy I chose Serengeti Pride Safaris and feel that we got a personalized service few other outfitters would provide. (Regarding lodges) loved each one and loved that they were all different with their own character. Exceeded my expectations. (Regarding Kilimanjaro) great crew, roomy tents, and best of all our own toilet tent! Visiting the school and Cradle of Love (orphanage) was one of the highlights of the trip! Monika J. (July 2009)
Our trip would not have been what it was without SPS. Every last detail was meticulously planned and executed by the SPS team leaving us nothing to do but relax and enjoy the magnificent African surroundings. They were able to accommodate everything we wanted to see and do! I can’t say enough– we are eternally grateful” (June 2009)
If anyone I know wants to go on this trip (Kilimanjaro climb and safari), I will tell them not to go with anyone but you guys. When we describe our experience... we tell people that we would not have changed anything. The itinerary that you put together was perfect... all of our accomodations were great... you guys are the best!! Donna D. (Jan 2009)
Thank you both very much for a wonderful and unforgettable, rich journey. I continue to be touched by your generosity and care throughout each day of the experience, and in all of the preparations leading up to it. - Iris C. (2008)
Invariably everyone stated that the trip was the highlight of their life. A result of your care was that there was not one serious mishap to the twenty of us - amazing! I am so pleased. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart. - Bill B. (who brought three generations of his family to Kilimanjaro - ages 11-81 - 2008)
Thank you Erika and Lema! We had an awesome time and miss you both. We can't imagine doing this trip without you and your terrific guides, cooks and porters! - Tom F. (2008)
Serengeti Pride Safaris & Kilimanjaro Climbs
Serengeti Pride Company, Ltd.
PO Box 764
Usa River, Arusha, Tanzania
255 (0) 785 353 534 (Tanzania)
508-241-1001 (USA, Eastern time zone)