This review is from KE Traveller Ben, from Colorado.

In 2024, I travelled to Nepal with KE to run the highest marathon in the world at the base of Mount Everest: the Everest Marathon (pictured below). That experience left a deep impression on me - not just the mountains, but the calm confidence and depth of knowledge of the guides. It was clear they weren’t just guiding trips; they were supporting dreams. So when it came time to take the next step in my mountaineering journey - to summit Kilimanjaro - there was no question in my mind who I’d go with.

My long-term goal is to summit Denali in Alaska in 2027. In preparation, I’ve been steadily building experience at extreme altitude: from the Pikes Peak Marathon (4,302m) to the Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon in 2024 (from 5,500m to 3,300m), to now having summited Mount Kilimanjaro (5,865m). I needed this experience to learn how to summit quickly at extreme elevation - a gruelling mental and physical challenge. But not only did I complete my next training goal, but I came away with a magical experience to propel me forward towards my next goal.

Seven days of trekking the Rongai Route brought us from the lush African rainforest at Simba Camp, where colobus monkeys leapt through the trees above us, to the wide-open expanse of the Shira Plateau, where the sky seemed impossibly vast and the clouds drifted beneath our feet. We crossed stark alpine deserts, camped beneath the jagged silhouette of Mawenzi Peak - Kilimanjaro’s beautiful sister - and observed the magic of the alpine desert as we climbed toward the Roof of Africa. On August 22nd at 6:04 in the morning, I summited Mount Kilimanjaro.

Each day offered something new: the shifting ecosystems, the changing temperatures, the surreal feeling of gaining elevation faster than your body thinks it should. But it wasn’t just the scenery that made the trek unforgettable. It was the people - the quiet kindness of the porters who cheered us into camp each afternoon; the playful banter and songs echoing along the trail; the care and professionalism of the guides who knew exactly when to push and when to let us rest.

What I didn’t expect was how close we would all become, not just as a trekking group, but with the entire Tanzanian team. There was warmth in every greeting, laughter shared over every meal and an overwhelming sense of shared purpose that tied us all together. Whether we were watching the sunset turn the sky pink over Kikelewa Camp, sipping soup after a long hike or catching our breath on the final push to the summit, we were never alone. We were part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Onex Mwitore – The Steady Hand at the Helm

From day one, Onex Mwitore, our lead guide, was calm, kind and in total command of the route. His leadership was the reason all seven of us reached the summit. He checked in constantly - on our pace, our spirits and our health - while also teaching us how to acclimatise, how to move, how to think at altitude. He carried the weight of responsibility with ease and never let us forget why we were there. His guidance was quiet but strong, a steady heartbeat beneath the trek. Thanks to Onex, all seven of us summited Kilimanjaro.

Josef – The Storyteller and Friend

Josef brought humor and heart to every day on the trail. Whether trekking alongside us or joining us for meals, he shared stories and laughter that helped us relax and settle into the rhythm of the mountain. He made the trek feel lighter, while still giving us the steady guidance needed to move through the physical challenges. Friendly, engaging and always quick with a joke - he made sure the beauty of the landscape was matched by joy in the journey.

Richard – The Soul of the Mountain

From day one, Richard’s smile was constant - and so was his presence. I connected with him most deeply. As we walked, we shared stories about our lives, our families, our goals. He had an incredible gift: making you feel truly seen and respected, while also gently encouraging you to push further, to believe in yourself. I had the privilege of summiting with Richard, pole pole, all the way to the top. As the first light of sunrise lit the snow and rock in a blaze of orange, he snapped our photo - and I found myself fighting back tears. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

Saleem – The Chef Who Fed Our Bodies and Spirits

Then there was Saleem, our chef and in many ways, the heartbeat of our trek. His food was nourishing, restorative and always exactly what we needed after a hard day at altitude. His soups, in particular, were like medicine - warming you from the inside and bringing fresh life to tired legs. Saleem always came by the meal tent with a smile, checking in to see if we enjoyed the food, laughing with us on the trail and somehow always having a hot meal ready when we arrived at camp.

And just when we thought the trek was over, he surprised us one last time. At the Marangu Gate, we assumed the porters and kitchen crew had all gone home. But when we arrived at a small roadside restaurant for our final meal, there was Saleem — behind the counter, grilling fresh chicken, cooking potatoes, preparing fruit. One last act of care from a man who had already given us so much.

This trip to Kilimanjaro was more than a trek. It was a lesson in humility, perseverance and the power of community in the wild. I came to train for a summit in Alaska - but I left with something more lasting: a deeper sense of what it means to climb and who you’re really climbing with. My next step is to stand 6,960m in Argentina atop the mighty Aconcagua. Kilimanjaro has brought this dream within my grasp and I could not be more excited for 2026.

Thank you, KE Adventure and the incredible team in Tanzania - especially Onex, Josef, Richard and Saleem. You gave me more than just a summit. You gave me a story of magic and wonder as I walk among giants.