I have summited Mt. Kilimanjaro three times. The second climb, on the longer route, was with Kambona. I chose him again for my third climb, a trek with a dear friend who survived cancer and had to miss my second climb. The only guide I would select for such an important and emotional trip was Kambona. Trips with him are transforming. No one knows or respects the Roof of Africa more than Kam. No one has a better team, a more organized camp, a more thorough approach to conditioning, or more delicious meals. Every part of the trips were perfectly planned, and attention to the details ensured a comfortable and safe journey. Every climber on both trips made it to the top with plenty of energy, a great attitude and a wonderful sense of community with the fellow hikers. I have hiked several other significant mountains in South America, New Zealand and the U.S. with excellent guiding companies. None of these guides, however experienced, came close to matching Kambona's superb skills. He is respectful, quick to laugh and a delight to climb with. Within a few hours he knows what each climber will need in terms of support (physical and emotional) to make it to the top and back safely. I think he is part mystic, even though no one can be more down-to-earth. Kambona's safari work is equally expert. He speaks of the land with the knowledge and love of a native, which he is. I recommend him without reservation to anyone considering a safari, a climb or a cultural/natural tour of the incredibly beautiful Tanzania. Read more

I've climbed Kili twice with Kambona and his company, Africa VIP Travel, and been on a week-long safari as well. The first climb was with just three of us, and the second involved a group of nine. It was a great experience both ways--Kambona was very good at working with a large group as well as just a few of us. He is especially good at helping each individual succeed in reaching the Kili summit safely and successfully. On safari, he and his crew had an amazing ability to spot wildlife and take us to where they could be found. Our accommodations and food were outstanding, especially the private luxury tent camp in the Serengeti. And my fourth experience was the most impressive: when our large group wanted to make a donation to benefit a school in Kambona's village, he agreed to be the general contractor to see that all the money was spent prudently on building improvements, sending us updates and photos as the work progressed. Read more

I have a nickname for Kambona Ole Tirra Mollel (owner/operator/guide - Africa VIP Travel). I call him Kambo . . . as in Rambo . . . to acknowledge his uncanny strength and superior skills in conquering a foe such as Mt. Kilimanjaro trek after trek. With his myriad outdoor leadership and safety credentials, one feels secure trekking with Kambona and his superior team of porters/cooks/guides. It is no wonder that guides and operators from other Kilimanjaro hiking companies seek his advice time and time again along the trek and in camps at the end of the day. Many times along the arduous trail ("Pole, pole!"), our group saw Kambona cater to the needs of other hikers who had been neglected by their own trekking companies. With great care, consideration, and a keen eye for detail, Kambo rallies his trekkers and calms their nerves until, before they know it, they are gazing at the plains of majestic Africa at sunrise from Uhuru Summit. It is a life changing experience, and there is no better person to take you to the top of Kilimanjaro than Kambo, Mountain Warrior Read more