Testimonials
I have only positive remarks to say about Blue Rhino Expeditions. They went above & beyond, exceeding all of my expectations.
I climbed Kili in September 2011 with Ernest and his Blue Rhino crew. Everyone was so pleasant and helpful. The food they provided was not only fantastic but the variety was very impressive considering our circumstances. We would often have fellow trekkers approach us wanting to know what group we were with. This would usually happen during meals when we were sheltered from the sun and wind, eating a hot meal while they sat on rocks eating a boxed lunch.
No detail seemed to be missed by Bill & Ernest. The personal help and comfort they provided for less than the price of other expeditions was awesome! I am so thankful I chose to climb with Blue Rhino!
--Susan Schroeder
I was nervous planning a week-long climb to nearly 20,000 feet from half a world away, especially after reading so many nightmarish stories of what could go wrong in such an expedition.
I am so thankful I trekked with Blue Rhino Expeditions! Their knowledge, preparation, professionalism, and exceptional equipment set them apart from every other expedition company on the mountain. While other groups ate cold box lunches seated on frigid rocks, we were always fed warm meals whilst being protected from the elements. We had our own portable toilet that was cleaned at every stop and was the envy of everyone on the trail and were the only group on the mountain saved from a week of overused and under cleaned outhouses that made everyone gag from 25 yards.Â
I had a lot of trouble with the altitude on the final push and doubted I would make it to the summit, but my guide paced me perfectly and helped me reach the top successfully. From the campsites that were already setup when I reached camp to being woken each morning to a hot mug of coffee, the people at Blue Rhino took care of all the details so I could truly relax and enjoy every moment of my Kilimanjaro experience.
I had the trip of a lifetime and can't thank Blue Rhino enough!
--Jon Werner
My trip to Kilimanjaro with Blue Rhino Expeditions was beyond awesome, exceeding all expectations.
The journey to the roof of Africa was a trip of a lifetime that one does not want to take without experienced guides and high quality leadership. The flights to Amsterdam then to Kilimanjaro are long. Losing a fellow travelers’ gear was not fun. Arriving late to the lodge attempting to contact family to know I'm safe was nerve wrecking. Tarangire Safari and all the wildlife; awe-inspiring. Hiking, camping, rain, sleet, snow, summiting and the journey down; exhausting, exciting and very rewarding. All worth it and all possible because of Blue Rhino Expeditions.
These guys are first class all the way. Small groups with personal attention make all the difference in the world. I would highly recommend Blue Rhino to anyone considering a trip to Kilimanjaro. Ernest was the head guide staying with the group from day of arrival to make sure we were always safe, comfortable and having the time of our lives. The attention to all the small details is what sets Blue Rhino apart. Porters hiking ahead each day to guarantee our group has a good camp spot, tents and port-a-potty setup and meals ready upon our arrival from a long day of hiking, waking up from first night camping to all the porters singing and cheering us on. On one evening a porter took the time to make a rock path walkway to our porta potty. Small, personal touches like this from the guides show how much they care and want our experience on the mountain to be as rewarding and memorable as possible.
The food was fantastic as well. Each day we had a big food tent setup with several drink options and main courses that were outstanding on the mountain to keep our energy up. Summit day is an adventure in itself and very much anticipated. Ernest and the crew have the knowledge and experience to motivate and encourage through the dark, steep, cold hike up to the summit and also the seemingly never ending slow and steep downhill path back down. Words cannot express the kindness and generosity we received from Ernest and the entire team during the journey. I will forever cherish the time in Africa, never forget the friendships that were made and will have fond memories that will remain forever thanks to Ernest and Blue Rhino. I do anticipate a return trip in the next 10 years. Blue Rhino will be my first call!
-- Jason Harper
Your experience begins with our US-based team who will send you a Blue Rhino Information Pack and talk through your plans, including your group, your needs, your budget for your Tanzania adventure.